"I feel very weak, and my head swims," was the reply.

"How and when did this attack come on?" asked the doctor, turning to Mr.
Mudge.

"He was taken while hoeing in the field," was the reply.

"Have you kept him at work much there lately?"

"Well, yes, I've been drove by work, and he has worked there all day
latterly."

"At what time has he gone to work in the morning?"

"He has got up to milk the cows about five o'clock. I used to do it, but
since he has learned, I have indulged myself a little."

"It would have been well for him if he had enjoyed the same privilege.
It is my duty to speak plainly. The sickness of this boy lies at your
door. He has never been accustomed to hard labor, and yet you have
obliged him to rise earlier and work later than most men. No wonder he
feels weak. Has he a good appetite?"

"Well, rather middlin'," said Mrs. Mudge, "but it's mainly because he's
too dainty to eat what's set before him. Why, only the first day he was
here he turned up his nose at the bread and soup we had for dinner."

"Is this a specimen of the soup?" asked Dr. Townsend, taking from the
table the bowl which had been proffered to Paul and declined by him.