And life was certainly a little easier for Dick in the next few days.
His bandaged hands made house-work impossible, and so he was allowed to go to school in peace.
And the knowledge that Susy owed her life to him, made even the ill-tempered father a shade less surly.
He could not write or do sums, but the teacher saw that his time was well filled. Dick was a favourite of his because his work was so faithfully done, in spite of drawbacks.
Home lessons had small chance in Mrs. Fowley's presence, and the frequent excuses for keeping him at home had sadly interfered with his getting on, but in school no boy was happier than he.
In the playground there might be taunts about his shabby clothes, and rough usage from the Fowley boys, that were hard to bear patiently.
And he did not always succeed in keeping his temper down.
But when, once or twice, he had struck a blow for freedom, garbled tales were carried home and he had to suffer tenfold afterwards for his daring.
But the thought of Lionheart and his long waiting made him brave to suffer and endure. And more and more the thought of Jesus, as the Friend and Leader of those who follow Him, filled the darkest hours with joy.
The annual examination was drawing near, and Dick was very anxious to be able to use his hands by then, and "pass the standard" successfully.