Felix Thorne was hauling manure. The dung that had composted all winter was the best fertilizer, and it had to be carried to the fields one shoulder-pole load at a time. Phoebe Huxley was also hauling manure. She was strong and did the work of a man, so she could earn full work points.
"Daddy, someone bullied me! My hand hurts..."
Tang Xiaonan had been working herself up, and the moment she saw Felix Thorne, she burst into tears, pitifully holding up her hand.
"Who did this? Jim, are you useless?!"
Felix Thorne's face darkened instantly when he saw the dark purple bruise circling his daughter's tender white wrist. He whirled on Jim Thorne, cursing.
'Useless boy. Can't even protect his sister at school. All he knows how to do is eat.'
"Teacher Golding did it. She pinched me and broke my hand. Mr. Xavier set it for me."
