The other Truffey came to school the next day as usual, and told the boys that his brother was in bed.

In that bed he lay for many weeks, and many were the visits the master paid him.

This did much with the townsfolk to wipe away his reproach.
They spoke of the affair as an unfortunate accident, and pitied the schoolmaster even more than the sufferer.
When at length the poor boy was able to leave his bed, it became apparent that, either through unskilful treatment, or as the unavoidable result of the injury, he would be a cripple for life.
The master's general behaviour was certainly modified by this consequence of his fury; but it was some time before the full reaction arrived..