Doodle is born physically challenged. At first the family, except for Aunt Nicey, is certain he will die. They are so certain that they have a coffin built. Amazingly, he survives and becomes the constant companion of his older brother. He doesn't learn how to walk until he is five years old and even that is difficult and takes a great deal of strain. Doodle's brother, who acts as the narrator of the story, teaches him to walk and wants the boy to progress into running, swimming and boxing. The brother devises a training regiment for Doodle, who will soon be starting school, so that he will be the equal of other boys. The brother admits he drives Doodle out of pride and doesn't want to be embarrassed by a crippled brother.
The ibis, which is a symbol for Doodle, dies from exertion after traveling a great distance in turbulent weather. Doodle also dies after attempting to keep up with his brother in a driving rainstorm. The brother is twice the age of Doodle and bolts away from him after realizing Doodle's physical training has not yielded the results he expected. In a fit of prideful anger the brother distances himself from Doodle. When his anger fades he goes back to discover Doodle dead under a red night shade bush. Doodle has been bleeding from the mouth which means an internal injury. Obviously the strain of chasing his brother caused a fatal event in the already weak and fragile body of the boy.
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