Next to the loose-box was a stall, empty except for one occupant; for there, sitting on a box with her back to the manger and one arm flung along it to support her weight, was the figure of a girl.

Her head, wrapped in an old shawl, leaned back against her arm, and a very white and weary face, absolutely motionless, looked at him.

She had great eyes, with shadows beneath, and her lips were half opened.

By her side lay a regular tramp's bundle.
Frank looked at her steadily a moment, then he looked back at the man, who still had not moved or spoken.

The draught from the door behind blew in and shook the flame of his lantern, and the horse sighed long and loud in the shadows behind.