he scribbled down his measurements on a scrap of paper , left , and returned two days later with a wooden stump that was held in place by means of straps and a concave upper end that fitted over the stump of the leg , at first , it was ungainly and he found difficulty in balancing , but eventually the prisoner learned to walk again , albeit slowly , and aided by a crutch , a leather pad was fashioned to fit over the stump and prevent the wooden leg from rubbing on the bare flesh , and two months after that dreadful accident , the prisoner rose from his bed , laid aside the crutch , and walked across the little room .