The boy lifted the heavy wood from the stranger's knee and drew yet nearer him.

In the dog-like manner of his drawing near there was something superbly ridiculous, unless one chanced to view it in another light.

Presently the stranger said, whiffing, "Do something for me." The boy started up.
"No; stay where you are.

I don't want you to go anyowhere; I want you to talk to me.

Tell me what you have been doing all your life." The boy slunk down again.