There was a very good cure indeed for it.
And that cure was being applied at the moment he denied its existence.
Sonya had disappeared from view over the crest of the lawn: Down into the orchard she went, Lad at her side; to where Ruloff was waiting for her to lug another full basket back to the house.
"Move!" he ordered, as she drew near.

"Don't crawl! Move, or I'll make you move." This threat he voiced very bravely indeed.

He was well out of sight of the house.

The superintendent and the two other men were working on the far side of the hill.

It seemed an eminently safe time to exercise his parental authority.