The heavy, black door swung open. I stepped into
the bare room, lighted dimly by one small window. In the
farthest corner crouched something that stirred and
glanced up at our entrance. It peered at us with an ugly
look of terror and defiance, and I stared back at it, in
the dim light. During one dreadful, breathless second I
remained staring, while my heart stood still. Then--
"Bennie!" I cried. And stumbled toward him. "Bennie--
boy!"
The little unkempt figure, in its soiled
knickerbocker suit, the sunny hair all uncared for, the
gay plaid tie draggled and limp, rushed into my arms with
a crazy, inarticulate cry.
Down on my knees on the bare floor I held him close--
close! and his arms were about my neck as though they
never should unclasp.
"Take me away! Take me away!" His wet cheek was
pressed against my own streaming one. "I want my mother!
I want Daddy Arnett! Take me away!"
I wiped his cheeks with my notebook or something,
picked him up in my arms, and started for the door. I
had quite forgotten the fat matron.
"What are you doing?" she asked, blocking the doorway
with her huge bulk.
"I'm going to take him back with me. Please let me!
I'll take care of him until the year is up.
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