Mr. Handelman

Mr. Handelman is Buddy Norman's one-armed neighbor and the owner of a local comic-book shop. Buddy has thought of him as frightening without really knowing him. Their paths cross after Jay Smouse steals a Captain Spiff issue through the store's unstable back entrance and gives it to Buddy. When Buddy returns the comic, he discovers Jay in the storage room with more stolen issues hidden under his shirt. Mr. Handelman has every reason to punish the theft, but Buddy refuses to abandon his friend. Impressed by that loyalty, Handelman offers Jay mercy on one condition: he must join Trail Life again and let Buddy help him learn to walk worthy. His response combines accountability with an opportunity to change.