and manners of the people there were even more interesting to him
than books.

At the end of two months after Ned's first visit Bill was able
to walk about with a stick, and Ned now discontinued his regular
visits; but whenever he had a Saturday on which there was no
particular engagement he would go for a chat with Bill, for a strong
friendship had now sprung up between the lads.

On Ned's side the feeling consisted partly of regret for the pain
and injury he had inflicted upon his companion, partly in real liking
for the honesty and fearlessness which marked the boy's character.
On Bill's side the feeling was one of intense gratitude for the
kindness and attention which Ned had paid him, for his giving up
his play hours to his amusement, and the pains which he had taken
to lighten the dreary time of his confinement. Added to this there
was a deep admiration for the superior knowledge of his friend.

"There was nothing," he often said to himself, "as oi wouldn't do
for that young un."



CHAPTER III: A CROPPER VILLAGE


Bad as were times in Varley, the two public houses, one of which
stood at either end of the village, were for the most part well
filled of an evening; but this, as the landlords knew to their
cost, was the result rather of habit than of thirst. The orders