The rest of the day he did better, and, although he had not so
much to take home as the day before, yet on the whole the result
was satisfactory. And what a story he had to tell his father
and mother about his adventures, and how he had done, and what was
the result! They asked him such a multitude of questions! some
of which he could answer, and some of which he could not answer;
and his father seemed ever so much better from finding that his boy
was already not only useful to his family but useful to other people,
and quite taking his place as a man who judged what was wise,
and did work worth doing.

For a fortnight Diamond went on driving his cab, and keeping his family.
He had begun to be known about some parts of London, and people would
prefer taking his cab because they liked what they heard of him.
One gentleman who lived near the mews engaged him to carry him
to the City every morning at a certain hour; and Diamond was
punctual as clockwork--though to effect that required a good deal
of care, for his father's watch was not much to be depended on,
and had to be watched itself by the clock of St. George's church.
Between the two, however, he did make a success of it.

After that fortnight, his father was able to go out again.
Then Diamond went to make inquiries about Nanny, and this led
to something else.



CHAPTER XXVII

THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL