When he dared, he spat at the name of Christianity.

Whenever Grim whipped him, which he had to do now and again, for theft or for filthy language, he used to curse Grim's religion, although Grim's religion was a well-kept secret, known to none but himself.

But the kid was loyal to Grim with a courage and persistence past belief, and Grim knew how to worm the truth out of him and make him keep his word, which is more than some of the professional reformers know how to do with their proteges.

I believe that Suliman would rather have earned Grim's curt praise than all the fabulous delights of even a Moslem paradise.
But the kid was in torment.

His idea of manliness precluded any exhibition of fear in front of me, if he could possibly restrain himself.