At the Back of the North Wind

The next morning, Diamond wakes up as soon as he hears the other men in the mews. He goes down to the yard and, using a chair for height, harnesses Old Diamond and hooks him up to the cab. The other men check his work to make sure that it is done properly, and when they have done so, Diamond leaves the yard. His mother sees him go but can’t open her window in time to call to him. The other men comfort her, assuring her that nothing will happen.

Diamond goes to the cab’s usual spot by King’s Cross Station, where the other cab drivers and a police officer question him. He takes several customers, one of whom is an older gentleman who helps him solve Mr. Raymond’s riddle, the answer to which is a tree. The man pays him well, and Diamond pulls aside to feed Old Diamond. Some boys and another cab driver harass him, but the drunken cab driver from next door comes to his defense.

That night, the other drivers take care of Old Diamond as Diamond goes up to the apartment, where he gives his mother his earnings for the day.