It's obvious from the passage that Ernest ………

By the end of his time in the prison hospital, Ernest knew that he wanted to become a tailor. He talked with the prison officer, who told him there was no reason why he should not be able to do so by the time he came out of prison, providing that he learnt the trade during the remainder of his term. The doctor said he was strong enough, and it was about the only thing he was fit for. Consequently, Ernest left the hospital sooner than he had thought and began his training, extremely pleased at the idea of making his own living again and confident of rising in the profession.