made him give little trouble.

He got through, and the doctor affirmed it was in a great measure
owing to me, and praised me for my care. I was vain of his
commendations, and softened towards the being by whose means I
earned them, and thus Hindley lost his last ally: still I couldn't
dote on Heathcliff, and I wondered often what my master saw to
admire so much in the sullen boy; who never, to my recollection,
repaid his indulgence by any sign of gratitude. He was not
insolent to his benefactor, he was simply insensible; though
knowing perfectly the hold he had on his heart, and conscious he
had only to speak and all the house would be obliged to bend to his
wishes. As an instance, I remember Mr. Earnshaw once bought a
couple of colts at the parish fair, and gave the lads each one.
Heathcliff took the handsomest, but it soon fell lame, and when he
discovered it, he said to Hindley -

'You must exchange horses with me: I don't like mine; and if you
won't I shall tell your father of the three thrashings you've given
me this week, and show him my arm, which is black to the shoulder.'
Hindley put out his tongue, and cuffed him over the ears. 'You'd
better do it at once,' he persisted, escaping to the porch (they
were in the stable): 'you will have to: and if I speak of these
blows, you'll get them again with interest.' 'Off, dog!' cried
Hindley, threatening him with an iron weight used for weighing
potatoes and hay. 'Throw it,' he replied, standing still, 'and
then I'll tell how you boasted that you would turn me out of doors
as soon as he died, and see whether he will not turn you out
directly.' Hindley threw it, hitting him on the breast, and down
he fell, but staggered up immediately, breathless and white; and,