On
both times he had stopped the brutal treatment. On the second, he
had told Ruloff he would not only discharge him, but assist his
departure from the Place with a taste of boot-toe medicine, if
ever the Slav should lay a hand on the child again during his
period of employment there. The Place's English superintendent
had promised like treatment to the man, should he catch him ill
treating Sonya.
Wherefore, Ruloff had perforce curbed his parental urgings toward
violence;--at least during the hours when he and the child were
on the Place.
Sonya was an engaging little thing; and the Mistress had made a
pet of her. So had the Master. But the youngster's warmest friend
was old Sunnybank Lad.
From the first day of Sonya's advent in his life, Lad had
constituted himself her adorer and constant companion.
Always his big heart had gone out to children; as to everything
weak and defenseless. Not always had his treatment at the hands
of children encouraged this feeling of loving chivalry and
devotion. But Sonya was an exception. Whenever she could steal a
minute of time, away from her father's glum eyes and nagging
voice and ready fist, she would seek out Lad.
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