Meanwhile, he worked doubly hard, and went far ahead of the other boys in lessons that had to be learned by heart.
And the teacher lent him books to read that helped him wonderfully, though he could only read them by snatches.
He saw how boys as poor and friendless as himself had had to bear hardship and unkindness, and how they had fought their way onward, through all difficulties, to success and freedom, and his own resolve grew stronger every day.
Now and then Mrs. Fowley would order him to be off out of her way, and when this happened in the evening he gladly went to Paddy's lodgings.
It was so quiet there, after the scolding and quarrelling at home, and Paddy always had a welcome for him, while bright-eyed Pat quickly learned to know his owner.
He grew very fast, and was so full of fun and frolic, that there were no dull times when he was awake.
And Paddy, who seemed to know all about dogs and their doings, suggested that he should be taught tricks "because of his knowingness."
And teaching him to beg and sing and shake hands, filled many a merry half-hour that autumn, and the Fowley's would scarcely have known Dick, if they had seen him there.
When the examination day came he managed to get through successfully, though his paperwork had to have allowances made for its deficiencies.
But at home all the effects of Susy's rescue had passed away, and Dick was more scolded and starved than ever before.