She had gone but a few steps when two men came in sight, advancing toward her.

They were of the class to be seen at all times in that region--debased to the lowest degree, drunken, ragged, bloated, evil-eyed, capable of any wicked thing.

They were singing when they came in sight, but checked their drunken mirth as soon as they saw Edith, whose heart sunk again.

She stopped, trembling.
"They're only drunk," said the child.

"I don't believe they'll hurt you." Edith rallied herself and walked on, the men coming closer and closer.
She saw them look at each other with leering eyes, and then at her in a way that made her shiver.