The Infant squealed, as if in dire pain.

Ronnie winced, obviously restraining himself with an effort from snatching his precious 'cello out of Aubrey's hands.
It did not strike him as peculiar that a man who played the violin with ease, should not be able to draw a clear tone from the open strings of a 'cello.
"I don't seem to make much of it," said Aubrey.

"The 'cello is a difficult instrument to play, and requires long practice." And again he rasped the bow across the strings.
The Infant's wail of anguish gained in volume.
Ronnie sprang up, holding out eager hands.

"Let _me_ try," he said.

"It must be able to make a better sound than that!" As he placed the 'cello between his knees, a look of rapt content came into his face.