What two skills did Widge learn in the orphanage?

Widge learns how to lie and how to wrestle at the orphanage.

In chapter 7, Widge is assigned to transcribe Shakespeare's Hamlet before the playwright can print his play for the public. Our protagonist must answer to Falconer, the man who has been tasked by Simon Bass (Widge's employer) to make sure Widge does what he is told.

However, Widge experiences several challenges during his transcription project. First, the actors speak too fast. Second, Widge...

Widge learns how to lie and how to wrestle at the orphanage.

In chapter 7, Widge is assigned to transcribe Shakespeare's Hamlet before the playwright can print his play for the public. Our protagonist must answer to Falconer, the man who has been tasked by Simon Bass (Widge's employer) to make sure Widge does what he is told.

However, Widge experiences several challenges during his transcription project. First, the actors speak too fast. Second, Widge has trouble identifying each speaker on the pages of his writing. He tries to use numbers, but it proves too confusing. Last, but not least, Widge becomes so engrossed in the play that he loses his place on the pages of his notebook.

Knowing that he will not have the full play on paper to hand to Falconer, Widge decides to lie to the man. He remembers that he acquired the skill of lying at the orphanage and perfected the skill during his apprenticeship with Dr. Bright. So, when he meets Falconer, Widge tells the man that it was too noisy in the theater to hear everything. He casually mentions that only about fifty lines are missing. In actuality, Widge knows he missed more than that. 

Although a little irritated, Falconer believes Widge's lies. He tells Widge he will have another opportunity to watch a performance of the play and complete his transcription project.

A second skill that Widge learns at the orphanage is self-defense. In chapter 19, Widge tells us that every child in the orphanage learned the skill of catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The phrase "catch-as-catch-can" refers to pinning down one's opponent in any way one can. The winner is the one who manages to hold down an opponent for a period of time.

In catch-as-catch-can wrestling, contestants can grab on to any part of their opponents' bodies. So, when Nick attacks the defenseless Julian, Widge sets upon Nick; he clings on tightly to Nick's legs and does not let go. The skirmish does not last long, however. It is interrupted by Mr. Armin, the boys' teacher.

So, Widge learns two skills at the orphanage: how to lie and how to wrestle.