He had noticed that one small branch on the outer part of the bush was snapped off, though green, and only hung by the bark.

The wood cattle, had they browsed upon it, would have nibbled the tenderest leaves at the end of the bough; nor did they usually touch willow, for the shoots are bitter and astringent.

Nor would the deer touch it in the spring, when they had so wide a choice of food.
Nothing could have broken the branch in that manner unless it was the hand of a man, or a blow with a heavy stick wielded by a human hand.

On coming to the bush he saw that the fracture was very recent, for the bough was perfectly green; it had not turned brown, and the bark was still soft with sap.

It had not been cut with a knife or any sharp instrument; it had been broken by rude violence, and not divided.