At the Back of the North Wind · Chapter
Another Early Bird explained
Diamond successfully drives the cab for a full day, earning money to help his family while his father is ill.
What happens
Diamond successfully drives the cab for a full day, earning money to help his family while his father is ill. He faces challenges from other cabmen and a policeman but proves his competence. He solves a riddle with the help of a kind gentleman and returns home to his relieved mother, singing to baby.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Growth Through Adversity
Diamond faces challenges from other cabmen and a policeman but remains honest and kind, growing through his experiences.
Compassion and Service
Diamond works selflessly to support his ill father, and shows compassion to his horse and family.
Characters to notice
- Diamond
Drives the cab all day, earns money, solves a riddle, and returns home to his mother.
- Mother
Anxious for Diamond's safety, she waits for him and cries with relief when he returns.
- Father
Ill in bed, but his health improves upon hearing of Diamond's success.
- Jack
Helps Diamond by putting away the horse and offers friendly congratulations.
- Mr. Raymond
Referenced as the author of the riddle and the song Diamond sings.
Key passages
“When he drew up at the stable-door, Jack came out, and after a good many friendly questions and congratulations, said: “You go in to your mother, Diamond. I’ll put up the old ’oss. I’ll take care on him. He do deserve some small attention, he do.””
Jack offered to stable the horse so Diamond could go straight to his mother.
Jack's kindness shows the supportive community around Diamond.
““Please, sir, can you tell me the meaning of a riddle?” “You must tell me the riddle first,” answered the gentleman, amused. Diamond repeated the riddle. “Oh! that’s easy enough,” he returned. “It’s a tree.””
Diamond asks a gentleman to explain a riddle, and the gentleman correctly answers that it is a tree.
Diamond's curiosity and trust in strangers leads to learning.