Chapter 3 An Earth of Brass Summary

Unwilling to settle for performing only unskilled work Johnny searches for some trade possible for his damaged hand. Often he has nothing to eat but whatever Cilla slips into his pocket. Master after master turns him away, not just because of his hand, but also because of the chip on his shoulder. At home Mrs. Lapham is negotiating with a Mr. Percival Tweedie to be taken on as a partner in the shop (and to marry one of her daughters, of course). When Johnny tells her his insulting opinion of Tweedie, Mrs. Lapham boxes his ear and throws him out. On an impulse Johnny steps into the printing office of the Boston Observer. Rab Sillsbee, the printer's assistant shares his lunch with Johnny who feels he has found a friend if not a job.

On...