the child was crooning happily in the morning sunlight, dabbing on the mats at the play of light and shadow. suddenly there was a noise in the porch and a loud cry from the child. the mother ran out from the kitchen to the spot, only just in time to see the boar disappearing through the gate with her child in its clutch. she flung out her hands with a loud cry of despair and rushed into the inner room where her husband was still sleeping soundly.