The next day he called again, and found the boy feverish and complaining that his back was sensitive and painful.
"I am afraid he will have a fever," said Dr. Dutton to Mr. Farrington, when he called later in the day to learn of the boy's condition.
"I hope not, doctor," returned the latter; "but give him your best treatment. I have a great deal of sympathy for him now I know the sad story of his life."
"I shall certainly give him careful attention," answered the doctor, "but he has little strength to build on. Has his work been hard?"
"Not since Fred Worthington has been in the mill with him. Fred, I am informed, did much of the boy's work to help him along."
"I have heard a good deal of praise bestowed upon Fred for defending the little fellow from abuse," remarked the doctor.
"And it is justly due him, too. He is a brave and manly fellow—is Fred."
"I am glad to hear you speak well of him; but I thought he was a ruined boy, and guilty of several damaging charges."
"They are all groundless, I believe," replied Mr. Farrington earnestly; "and I am surprised to find that you fall in with the general opinion without inquiring as to his guilt or innocence."
"There isn't a chance for much doubt about that drunken affair, as he came to my house thoroughly intoxicated, and I took care of him for a time and then carried him home. Did you know of that?"