They came to a small outside building which was used for offices. They had to mount some wide steps which led to a porch. Talouel was standing on the porch, walking up and down with his hands in his pockets, his hat on his head. He seemed to be taking a general survey, like a captain on the bridge.
"What's the matter now?" he cried, angrily, when he saw the two girls.
Rosalie showed him her bleeding hand.
"Wrap your paw up in your handkerchief then," he said, roughly.
"WHAT'S THE MATTER NOW?" HE CRIED ANGRILY.
With Perrine's aid she got her handkerchief out of her pocket. Talouel strode up and down the porch. After the handkerchief had been twisted around the wounded hand he came over to poor Rosalie and stood towering above her.
"Empty your pockets," he ordered. She looked at him, not understanding.
"I say, take everything out of your pockets," he said again.
She did what she was told, and drew from her pockets an assortment of things—a whistle made from a nut, some bones, a thimble, a stick of liquorice, three cents, and a little mirror.