`` something is bothering you , '' the boy said and sank down on the porch step beside me . let 's talk , '' i said , more eager than ever to have everything out in the open . the area that we are in is very remote , and it is possible that there are wild animals around . this is the main house and it does not look as though anyone is there . all the strength went out of the boy . my tiny , dying daughter who i would miss for the rest of my life . 