In desperation his little brother rose.

Mad with pain he threw himself upon his tormentor and bit him on the hand.

The curate gave a cry and dropped the rattan--the sacristan caught up a heavy cane and struck the boy a blow on the head so that he fell stunned--the curate, seeing him down, trampled him with his feet.

But the child no longer defended himself nor did he cry out; he rolled along the floor, a lifeless mass that left a damp track.

[60] Sisa's voice brought him back to reality.