It is his boast that he never yet broke the skin on the hand of his drill-turner.

So I shall have to let you take it for granted that the Little Woman's presence and help was more unnerving than a wildcat on Casey's back.

For, while the first, second and third blows fell true on the drill, the fourth went wild.

Casey owns that he was in a cold sweat for fear he might hit her.

So he did.