She bandaged the tiny neck with soft linen spread with salve. She took off his cap, too, with its tight-cutting band.
When water was brought, Jocko drank with pitiful eagerness. Many hours had passed since he had had a drink, and his throat and lips were parched. He ate the food they offered him like a wild creature, for he was very hungry.
Every once in a while he would glance at the organ-grinder as though he feared punishment.
When the hour was up, the organ-grinder would stay no longer. As his master led him away, Jocko lifted his hat, just as if he wanted to thank Aunt Kate and the girls for their kindness.
“I never knew before,” said Marion, “how cruel it is to expect little monkeys to live such unnatural lives. I do hope the man will be more kind to Jocko after this.”
—Mary Craige Yarrow—Adapted.
QUESTIONS
Why didn’t the girls and their aunt like to see the little monkey dance?
What did they enjoy seeing it do?