But if God will give me
health and work I shan't come to the workhouse yet awhile! That's
where the Fowley's are shaping for. Both drinking, and the children
left anyhow, and everything going to rack and ruin."
"I should like to see the baby again and little Susy," said Dick, "but
I could never go back."
"I should think not! Why, you've nearly doubled since you've had
decent living and no nagging."
Next day, with Mr. Dainton's kind help, Paddy got work. Trade was
specially good in Ironboro', and his honest face carried its own
recommendation. That summer Teddy persuaded Dick to join the boys'
cricket club in connection with the Sunday School the Daintons
attended. On Sundays he and Paddy always sat together in the game
church.
The Sunday's rest and the games in the marshes were a great means of
health, after the heat of the Works and the close study of other
evenings.
Out in the fresh air with other boys listening to Teddy's fun or
Paddy's latest joke his face lost the pinched and anxious look it had
worn at Venley.
He grew tall and strong, and as he threw his heart into play as keenly
as into work, he soon became an important member of the club's junior
eleven.
But though he enjoyed the play as much as anyone he never lost sight of
his aim to become a clever engineer, and many a half-hour was stolen
from sleep for his books and drawing and models.
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