The story begins with an old Humphrey Bold remembering his school days when he was bullied and teased mercilessly by two older boys, Cyrus Vetch, and Dick Cludde. On one particular occasion, he attempts to run away from them and dashes into the cooper's shop where a young man he knows works. This event becomes a turning point in his life.

Tis said that as a man declines towards old age his mind dwells ever more and more on the events of his childhood.

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'Tis said that as a man declines towards old age his mind dwells ever more and more on the events of his childhood. Whether that be true of all men or not, certain it is that my memory of things that happened fifty years ago is very clear and bright, and the little incidents of my boyhood are more to me, because they touch me more nearly, than such great matters as the late rebellion against His Majesty King George, whom God preserve.

Humphrey and big sister, Lottie, have bedtimes rituals.

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