"Say, we shan't lose her!" he asked Mr. Trupp in staccato voice.
Mr. Trupp knew Ernie, knew his weakness, knew human nature.
"Can't say," he muttered. "Might not."
Ern went to the window and looked out on the square tower of the old church on the Kneb above him. His eyes were bright and his uncollared neck seemed strangely long and thin.
"She's got to live," he muttered defiantly.
The doctor nodded grimly.
The Brute had pounced on Ernie sleeping and was shaking him as a dog shakes a rat. Mr. Trupp, who had no intention of losing Susie, was by no means sorry.
"If it's got to be, it's got to be," said Ruth, busy with poultices. "Only it won't be if I can help it."
She was calm and strong as Ernie was fiercely resentful. That angered Ernie, who was seeking someone to punish in his pain.
When Mr. Trupp had left he turned on Ruth.