LITTLE MEN: LIFE AT PLUMFIELD WITH JO'S BOYS

By Louisa May Alcott

 TO FREDDY AND JOHNNY, THE LITTLE MEN TO WHOM SHE OWES SOME OF THE BEST AND HAPPIEST HOURS OF HER LIFE, THIS BOOK IS GRATEFULLY DEDICATED BY THEIR LOVING "AUNT WEEDY"

Contents

 CHAPTER I. NAT CHAPTER II. THE BOYS CHAPTER III. SUNDAY CHAPTER IV. STEPPING-STONES CHAPTER V. PATTY PANS CHAPTER VI. A FIRE BRAND CHAPTER VII. NAUGHTY NAN CHAPTER VIII. PRANKS AND PLAYS CHAPTER IX. DAISY'S BALL CHAPTER X. HOME AGAIN CHAPTER XI. UNCLE TEDDY CHAPTER XII. HUCKLEBERRIES CHAPTER XIII. GOLDILOCKS CHAPTER XIV. DAMON AND PYTHIAS CHAPTER XV. IN THE WILLOW CHAPTER XVI. TAMING THE COLT CHAPTER XVII. COMPOSITION DAY CHAPTER XVIII. CROPS CHAPTER XIX. JOHN BROOKE CHAPTER XX. ROUND THE FIRE CHAPTER XXI. THANKSGIVING

LITTLE MEN

LIFE AT PLUMFIELD WITH JO'S BOYS

CHAPTER I. NAT

"Please, sir, is this Plumfield?" asked a ragged boy of the man whoopened the great gate at which the omnibus left him. 

"Yes. Who sent you?"

"Mr. Laurence. I have got a letter for the lady. "

"All right; go up to the house, and give it to her; she'll see to you, little chap. "

The man spoke pleasantly, and the boy went on, feeling much cheered bythe words. Through the soft spring rain that fell on sprouting grassand budding trees, Nat saw a large square house before him ahospitable-looking house, with an old-fashioned porch, wide steps, andlights shining in many windows. Neither curtains nor shutters hid thecheerful glimmer; and, pausing a moment before he rang, Nat saw manylittle shadows dancing on the walls, heard the pleasant hum of youngvoices, and felt that it was hardly possible that the light and warmthand comfort within could be for a homeless "little chap" like him. 

"I hope the lady will see to me, " he thought, and gave a timid rap withthe great bronze knocker, which was a jovial griffin's head. 

A rosy-faced servant-maid opened the door, and smiled as she took theletter which he silently offered. She seemed used to receiving strangeboys, for she pointed to a seat in the hall, and said, with a nod:

"Sit there and drip on the mat a bit, while I take this in to missis. "

Nat found plenty to amuse him while he waited, and stared about himcuriously, enjoying the view, yet glad to do so unobserved in the duskyrecess by the door. 

The house seemed swarming with boys, who were beguiling the rainytwilight with all sorts of amusements. There were boys everywhere, "up-stairs and down-stairs and in the lady's chamber, " apparently, forvarious open doors showed pleasant groups of big boys, little boys, and middle-sized boys in all stages of evening relaxation, not to sayeffervescence. Two large rooms on the right were evidently schoolrooms, for desks, maps, blackboards, and books were scattered about. An openfire burned on the hearth, and several indolent lads lay on their backsbefore it, discussing a new cricket-ground, with such animation thattheir boots waved in the air. A tall youth was practising on the flutein one corner, quite undisturbed by the racket all about him. Two orthree others were jumping over the desks, pausing, now and then, to gettheir breath and laugh at the droll sketches of a little wag who wascaricaturing the whole household on a blackboard. 

In the room on the left a long supper-table was seen, set forth withgreat pitchers of new milk, piles of brown and white bread, and perfectstacks of the shiny gingerbread so dear to boyish souls. A flavor oftoast was in the air, also suggestions of baked apples, very tantalizingto one hungry little nose and stomach. 

The hall, however, presented the most inviting prospect of all, fora brisk game of tag was going on in the upper entry. One landingwas devoted to marbles, the other to checkers, while the stairs wereoccupied by a boy reading, a girl singing a lullaby to her doll, twopuppies, a kitten, and a constant succession of small boys sliding downthe banisters, to the great detriment of their clothes and danger totheir limbs. 

So absorbed did Nat become in this exciting race, that he venturedfarther and farther out of his corner; and when one very lively boycame down so swiftly that he could not stop himself, but fell off thebanisters, with a crash that would have broken any head but one renderednearly as hard as a cannon-ball by eleven years of constant bumping, Natforgot himself, and ran up to the fallen rider, expecting to find himhalf-dead. The boy, however, only winked rapidly for a second, then laycalmly looking up at the new face with a surprised, "Hullo!"

"Hullo!" returned Nat, not knowing what else to say, and thinking thatform of reply both brief and easy. 

"Are you a new boy?" asked the recumbent youth, without stirring. 

"Don't know yet. "

"What's your name?"

"Nat Blake. "

"Mine's Tommy Bangs. Come up and have a go, will you?" and Tommy gotupon his legs like one suddenly remembering the duties of hospitality. 

"Guess I won't, till I see whether I'm going to stay or not, " returnedNat, feeling the desire to stay increase every moment. 

"I say, Demi, here's a new one. Come and see to him;" and the livelyThomas returned to his sport with unabated relish. 

At his call, the boy reading on the stairs looked up with a pair of bigbrown eyes, and after an instant's pause, as if a little shy, he put thebook under his arm, and came soberly down to greet the new-comer, whofound something very attractive in the pleasant face of this slender, mild-eyed boy. 

"Have you seen Aunt Jo?" he asked, as if that was some sort of importantceremony. 

"I haven't seen anybody yet but you boys; I'm waiting, " answered Nat. 

"Did Uncle Laurie send you?" proceeded Demi, politely, but gravely. 

"Mr. Laurence did. "

"He is Uncle Laurie; and he always sends nice boys. "

Nat looked gratified at the remark, and smiled, in a way that made histhin face very pleasant. He did not know what to say next, so the twostood staring at one another in friendly silence, till the little girlcame up with her doll in her arms. She was very like Demi, only not sotall, and had a rounder, rosier face, and blue eyes. 

"This is my sister, Daisy, " announced Demi, as if presenting a rare andprecious creature. 

The children nodded to one another; and the little girl's face dimpledwith pleasure, as she said affably:

"I hope you'll stay. We have such good times here; don't we, Demi?"

"Of course, we do: that's what Aunt Jo has Plumfield for. "

"It seems a very nice place indeed, " observed Nat, feeling that he mustrespond to these amiable young persons. 

"It's the nicest place in the world, isn't it, Demi?" said Daisy, whoevidently regarded her brother as authority on all subjects. 

"No, I think Greenland, where the icebergs and seals are, is moreinteresting. But I'm fond of Plumfield, and it is a very nice placeto be in, " returned Demi, who was interested just now in a book onGreenland. He was about to offer to show Nat the pictures andexplain them, when the servant returned, saying with a nod toward theparlor-door:

"All right; you are to stop. "

"I'm glad; now come to Aunt Jo. " And Daisy took him by the hand with apretty protecting air, which made Nat feel at home at once. 

Demi returned to his beloved book, while his sister led the new-comerinto a back room, where a stout gentleman was frolicking with two littleboys on the sofa, and a thin lady was just finishing the letter whichshe seemed to have been re-reading. 

"Here he is, aunty!" cried Daisy. 

"So this is my new boy? I am glad to see you, my dear, and hope you'llbe happy here, " said the lady, drawing him to her, and stroking back thehair from his forehead with a kind hand and a motherly look, which madeNat's lonely little heart yearn toward her. 

She was not at all handsome, but she had a merry sort of face that neverseemed to have forgotten certain childish ways and looks, any more thanher voice and manner had; and these things, hard to describe but veryplain to see and feel, made her a genial, comfortable kind of person, easy to get on with, and generally "jolly, " as boys would say. She sawthe little tremble of Nat's lips as she smoothed his hair, and her keeneyes grew softer, but she only drew the shabby figure nearer and said, laughing:

"I am Mother Bhaer, that gentleman is Father Bhaer, and these are thetwo little Bhaers. Come here, boys, and see Nat. "

The three wrestlers obeyed at once; and the stout man, with a chubbychild on each shoulder, came up to welcome the new boy. Rob and Teddymerely grinned at him, but Mr. Bhaer shook hands, and pointing to a lowchair near the fire, said, in a cordial voice:

"There is a place all ready for thee, my son; sit down and dry thy wetfeet at once. "

"Wet? So they are! My dear, off with your shoes this minute, and I'llhave some dry things ready for you in a jiffy, " cried Mrs. Bhaer, bustling about so energetically that Nat found himself in the cosylittle chair, with dry socks and warm slippers on his feet, before hewould have had time to say Jack Robinson, if he had wanted to try. Hesaid "Thank you, ma'am, " instead; and said it so gratefully that Mrs. Bhaer's eyes grew soft again, and she said something merry, because shefelt so tender, which was a way she had. 

"There are Tommy Bangs' slippers; but he never will remember to put themon in the house; so he shall not have them. They are too big; but that'sall the better; you can't run away from us so fast as if they fitted. "

"I don't want to run away, ma'am. " And Nat spread his grimy little handsbefore the comfortable blaze, with a long sigh of satisfaction. 

"That's good! Now I am going to toast you well, and try to get rid ofthat ugly cough. How long have you had it, dear?" asked Mrs. Bhaer, asshe rummaged in her big basket for a strip of flannel. 

"All winter. I got cold, and it wouldn't get better, somehow. "

"No wonder, living in that damp cellar with hardly a rag to his poordear back!" said Mrs. Bhaer, in a low tone to her husband, who waslooking at the boy with a skillful pair of eyes that marked the thintemples and feverish lips, as well as the hoarse voice and frequent fitsof coughing that shook the bent shoulders under the patched jacket. 

"Robin, my man, trot up to Nursey, and tell her to give thee thecough-bottle and the liniment, " said Mr. Bhaer, after his eyes hadexchanged telegrams with his wife's. 

Nat looked a little anxious at the preparations, but forgot his fears ina hearty laugh, when Mrs. Bhaer whispered to him, with a droll look:

"Hear my rogue Teddy try to cough. The syrup I'm going to give you hashoney in it; and he wants some. "

Little Ted was red in the face with his exertions by the time the bottlecame, and was allowed to suck the spoon after Nat had manfully taken adose and had the bit of flannel put about his throat. 

These first steps toward a cure were hardly completed when a great bellrang, and a loud tramping through the hall announced supper. Bashful Natquaked at the thought of meeting many strange boys, but Mrs. Bhaer heldout her hand to him, and Rob said, patronizingly, "Don't be 'fraid; I'lltake care of you. "

Twelve boys, six on a side, stood behind their chairs, prancing withimpatience to begin, while the tall flute-playing youth was trying tocurb their ardor. But no one sat down till Mrs. Bhaer was in her placebehind the teapot, with Teddy on her left, and Nat on her right. 

"This is our new boy, Nat Blake. After supper you can say how do you do?Gently, boys, gently. "

As she spoke every one stared at Nat, and then whisked into their seats, trying to be orderly and failing utterly. The Bhaers did their best tohave the lads behave well at meal times, and generally succeeded prettywell, for their rules were few and sensible, and the boys, knowing thatthey tried to make things easy and happy, did their best to obey. But there are times when hungry boys cannot be repressed without realcruelty, and Saturday evening, after a half-holiday, was one of thosetimes. 

"Dear little souls, do let them have one day in which they can howl andracket and frolic to their hearts' content. A holiday isn't a holidaywithout plenty of freedom and fun; and they shall have full swing oncea week, " Mrs. Bhaer used to say, when prim people wondered whybanister-sliding, pillow-fights, and all manner of jovial games wereallowed under the once decorous roof of Plumfield. 

It did seem at times as if the aforesaid roof was in danger of flyingoff, but it never did, for a word from Father Bhaer could at any timeproduce a lull, and the lads had learned that liberty must not beabused. So, in spite of many dark predictions, the school flourished, and manners and morals were insinuated, without the pupils exactlyknowing how it was done. 

Nat found himself very well off behind the tall pitchers, with TommyBangs just around the corner, and Mrs. Bhaer close by to fill up plateand mug as fast as he could empty them. 

"Who is that boy next the girl down at the other end?" whispered Nat tohis young neighbor under cover of a general laugh. 

"That's Demi Brooke. Mr. Bhaer is his uncle. "

"What a queer name!"

"His real name is John, but they call him Demi-John, because hisfather is John too. That's a joke, don't you see?" said Tommy, kindlyexplaining. Nat did not see, but politely smiled, and asked, withinterest:

"Isn't he a very nice boy?"

"I bet you he is; knows lots and reads like any thing. "

"Who is the fat one next him?"

"Oh, that's Stuffy Cole. His name is George, but we call him Stuffy'cause he eats so much. The little fellow next Father Bhaer is his boyRob, and then there's big Franz his nephew; he teaches some, and kind ofsees to us. "

"He plays the flute, doesn't he?" asked Nat as Tommy rendered himselfspeechless by putting a whole baked apple into his mouth at one blow. 

Tommy nodded, and said, sooner than one would have imagined possibleunder the circumstances, "Oh, don't he, though? And we dance sometimes, and do gymnastics to music. I like a drum myself, and mean to learn assoon as ever I can. "

"I like a fiddle best; I can play one too, " said Nat, gettingconfidential on this attractive subject. 

"Can you?" and Tommy stared over the rim of his mug with round eyes, full of interest. "Mr. Bhaer's got an old fiddle, and he'll let you playon it if you want to. "

"Could I? Oh, I would like it ever so much. You see, I used to go roundfiddling with my father, and another man, till he died. "

"Wasn't that fun?" cried Tommy, much impressed. 

"No, it was horrid; so cold in winter, and hot in summer. And I gottired; and they were cross sometimes; and I didn't get enough to eat. "Nat paused to take a generous bite of gingerbread, as if to assurehimself that the hard times were over; and then he added regretfully:"But I did love my little fiddle, and I miss it. Nicolo took it awaywhen father died, and wouldn't have me any longer, 'cause I was sick. "

"You'll belong to the band if you play good. See if you don't. "

"Do you have a band here?" Nat's eyes sparkled. 

"Guess we do; a jolly band, all boys; and they have concerts and things. You just see what happens to-morrow night. "

After this pleasantly exciting remark, Tommy returned to his supper, andNat sank into a blissful reverie over his full plate. 

Mrs. Bhaer had heard all they said, while apparently absorbed in fillingmugs, and overseeing little Ted, who was so sleepy that he put his spoonin his eye, nodded like a rosy poppy, and finally fell fast asleep, withhis cheek pillowed on a soft bun. Mrs. Bhaer had put Nat next to Tommy, because that roly-poly boy had a frank and social way with him, veryattractive to shy persons. Nat felt this, and had made several smallconfidences during supper, which gave Mrs. Bhaer the key to the newboy's character, better than if she had talked to him herself. 

In the letter which Mr. Laurence had sent with Nat, he had said:

"DEAR JO: Here is a case after your own heart. This poor lad is anorphan now, sick and friendless. He has been a street-musician; andI found him in a cellar, mourning for his dead father, and his lostviolin. I think there is something in him, and have a fancy that betweenus we may give this little man a lift. You cure his overtasked body, Fritz help his neglected mind, and when he is ready I'll see if he isa genius or only a boy with a talent which may earn his bread for him. Give him a trial, for the sake of your own boy, "TEDDY. "

"Of course we will!" cried Mrs. Bhaer, as she read the letter; and whenshe saw Nat she felt at once that, whether he was a genius or not, herewas a lonely, sick boy who needed just what she loved to give, a homeand motherly care. Both she and Mr. Bhaer observed him quietly; and inspite of ragged clothes, awkward manners, and a dirty face, they sawmuch about Nat that pleased them. He was a thin, pale boy, of twelve, with blue eyes, and a good forehead under the rough, neglected hair; ananxious, scared face, at times, as if he expected hard words, or blows;and a sensitive mouth that trembled when a kind glance fell on him;while a gentle speech called up a look of gratitude, very sweet to see. "Bless the poor dear, he shall fiddle all day long if he likes, " saidMrs. Bhaer to herself, as she saw the eager, happy expression on hisface when Tommy talked of the band. 

So, after supper, when the lads flocked into the schoolroom for more"high jinks, " Mrs. Jo appeared with a violin in her hand, and after aword with her husband, went to Nat, who sat in a corner watching thescene with intense interest. 

"Now, my lad, give us a little tune. We want a violin in our band, and Ithink you will do it nicely. "

She expected that he would hesitate; but he seized the old fiddle atonce, and handled it with such loving care, it was plain to see thatmusic was his passion. 

"I'll do the best I can, ma'am, " was all he said; and then drew the bowacross the strings, as if eager to hear the dear notes again. 

There was a great clatter in the room, but as if deaf to any sounds butthose he made, Nat played softly to himself, forgetting every thing inhis delight. It was only a simple Negro melody, such as street-musiciansplay, but it caught the ears of the boys at once, and silenced them, till they stood listening with surprise and pleasure. Gradually they gotnearer and nearer, and Mr. Bhaer came up to watch the boy; for, as if hewas in his element now, Nat played away and never minded any one, whilehis eyes shone, his cheeks reddened, and his thin fingers flew, as hehugged the old fiddle and made it speak to all their hearts the languagethat he loved. 

A hearty round of applause rewarded him better than a shower of pennies, when he stopped and glanced about him, as if to say:

"I've done my best; please like it. "

"I say, you do that first rate, " cried Tommy, who considered Nat hisprotege. 

"You shall be the first fiddle in my band, " added Franz, with anapproving smile. 

Mrs. Bhaer whispered to her husband:

"Teddy is right: there's something in the child. " And Mr. Bhaer noddedhis head emphatically, as he clapped Nat on the shoulder, saying, heartily:

"You play well, my son. Come now and play something which we can sing. "

It was the proudest, happiest minute of the poor boy's life when he wasled to the place of honor by the piano, and the lads gathered round, never heeding his poor clothes, but eying him respectfully and waitingeagerly to hear him play again. 

They chose a song he knew; and after one or two false starts they gotgoing, and violin, flute, and piano led a chorus of boyish voices thatmade the old roof ring again. It was too much for Nat, more feeble thanhe knew; and as the final shout died away, his face began to work, hedropped the fiddle, and turning to the wall sobbed like a little child. 

"My dear, what is it?" asked Mrs. Bhaer, who had been singing with allher might, and trying to keep little Rob from beating time with hisboots. 

"You are all so kind and it's so beautiful I can't help it, " sobbed Nat, coughing till he was breathless. 

"Come with me, dear; you must go to bed and rest; you are worn out, andthis is too noisy a place for you, " whispered Mrs. Bhaer; and took himaway to her own parlor, where she let him cry himself quiet. 

Then she won him to tell her all his troubles, and listened to thelittle story with tears in her own eyes, though it was not a new one toher. 

"My child, you have got a father and a mother now, and this is home. Don't think of those sad times any more, but get well and happy; and besure you shall never suffer again, if we can help it. This place is madefor all sorts of boys to have a good time in, and to learn how to helpthemselves and be useful men, I hope. You shall have as much music asyou want, only you must get strong first. Now come up to Nursey and havea bath, and then go to bed, and to-morrow we will lay some nice littleplans together. "

Nat held her hand fast in his, but had not a word to say, and let hisgrateful eyes speak for him, as Mrs. Bhaer led him up to a big room, where they found a stout German woman with a face so round and cheerythat it looked like a sort of sun, with the wide frill of her cap forrays. 

"This is Nursey Hummel, and she will give you a nice bath, and cut yourhair, and make you all 'comfy, ' as Rob says. That's the bath-room inthere; and on Saturday nights we scrub all the little lads first, andpack them away in bed before the big ones get through singing. Now then, Rob, in with you. "

As she talked, Mrs. Bhaer had whipped off Rob's clothes and popped himinto a long bath-tub in the little room opening into the nursery. 

There were two tubs, besides foot-baths, basins, douche-pipes, and allmanner of contrivances for cleanliness. Nat was soon luxuriating in theother bath; and while simmering there, he watched the performances ofthe two women, who scrubbed, clean night-gowned, and bundled into bedfour or five small boys, who, of course, cut up all sorts of capersduring the operation, and kept every one in a gale of merriment tillthey were extinguished in their beds. 

By the time Nat was washed and done up in a blanket by the fire, whileNursey cut his hair, a new detachment of boys arrived and were shut intothe bath-room, where they made as much splashing and noise as a schoolof young whales at play. 

"Nat had better sleep here, so that if his cough troubles him in thenight you can see that he takes a good draught of flax-seed tea, " saidMrs. Bhaer, who was flying about like a distracted hen with a largebrood of lively ducklings. 

Nursey approved the plan, finished Nat off with a flannel night-gown, adrink of something warm and sweet, and then tucked him into one of thethree little beds standing in the room, where he lay looking like acontented mummy and feeling that nothing more in the way of luxurycould be offered him. Cleanliness in itself was a new and delightfulsensation; flannel gowns were unknown comforts in his world; sips of"good stuff" soothed his cough as pleasantly as kind words did hislonely heart; and the feeling that somebody cared for him made thatplain room seem a sort of heaven to the homeless child. It was like acosy dream; and he often shut his eyes to see if it would not vanishwhen he opened them again. It was too pleasant to let him sleep, and hecould not have done so if he had tried, for in a few minutes one of thepeculiar institutions of Plumfield was revealed to his astonished butappreciative eyes. 

A momentary lull in the aquatic exercises was followed by the suddenappearance of pillows flying in all directions, hurled by white goblins, who came rioting out of their beds. The battle raged in several rooms, all down the upper hall, and even surged at intervals into the nursery, when some hard-pressed warrior took refuge there. No one seemed tomind this explosion in the least; no one forbade it, or even lookedsurprised. Nursey went on hanging up towels, and Mrs. Bhaer laid outclean clothes, as calmly as if the most perfect order reigned. Nay, she even chased one daring boy out of the room, and fired after him thepillow he had slyly thrown at her. 

"Won't they hurt 'em?" asked Nat, who lay laughing with all his might. 

"Oh dear, no! We always allow one pillow-fight Saturday night. The casesare changed to-morrow; and it gets up a glow after the boys' baths; soI rather like it myself, " said Mrs. Bhaer, busy again among her dozenpairs of socks. 

"What a very nice school this is!" observed Nat, in a burst ofadmiration. 

"It's an odd one, " laughed Mrs. Bhaer, "but you see we don't believein making children miserable by too many rules, and too much study. Iforbade night-gown parties at first; but, bless you, it was of no use. I could no more keep those boys in their beds than so many jacks in thebox. So I made an agreement with them: I was to allow a fifteen-minutepillow-fight every Saturday night; and they promised to go properly tobed every other night. I tried it, and it worked well. If they don'tkeep their word, no frolic; if they do, I just turn the glasses round, put the lamps in safe places, and let them rampage as much as theylike. "

"It's a beautiful plan, " said Nat, feeling that he should like to joinin the fray, but not venturing to propose it the first night. So he layenjoying the spectacle, which certainly was a lively one. 

Tommy Bangs led the assailing party, and Demi defended his own room witha dogged courage fine to see, collecting pillows behind him as fast asthey were thrown, till the besiegers were out of ammunition, when theywould charge upon him in a body, and recover their arms. A few slightaccidents occurred, but nobody minded, and gave and took soundingthwacks with perfect good humor, while pillows flew like big snowflakes, till Mrs. Bhaer looked at her watch, and called out:

"Time is up, boys. Into bed, every man jack, or pay the forfeit!"

"What is the forfeit?" asked Nat, sitting up in his eagerness to knowwhat happened to those wretches who disobeyed this most peculiar, butpublic-spirited school-ma'am. 

"Lose their fun next time, " answered Mrs. Bhaer. "I give them fiveminutes to settle down, then put out the lights, and expect order. Theyare honorable lads, and they keep their word. "

That was evident, for the battle ended as abruptly as it began a partingshot or two, a final cheer, as Demi fired the seventh pillow at theretiring foe, a few challenges for next time, then order prevailed. Andnothing but an occasional giggle or a suppressed whisper broke the quietwhich followed the Saturday-night frolic, as Mother Bhaer kissed her newboy and left him to happy dreams of life at Plumfield. 

CHAPTER II. THE BOYS

While Nat takes a good long sleep, I will tell my little readerssomething about the boys, among whom he found himself when he woke up. 

To begin with our old friends. Franz was a tall lad, of sixteen now, aregular German, big, blond, and bookish, also very domestic, amiable, and musical. His uncle was fitting him for college, and his aunt for ahappy home of his own hereafter, because she carefully fostered in himgentle manners, love of children, respect for women, old and young, and helpful ways about the house. He was her right-hand man on alloccasions, steady, kind, and patient; and he loved his merry aunt like amother, for such she had tried to be to him. 

Emil was quite different, being quick-tempered, restless, andenterprising, bent on going to sea, for the blood of the old vikingsstirred in his veins, and could not be tamed. His uncle promised that heshould go when he was sixteen, and set him to studying navigation, gavehim stories of good and famous admirals and heroes to read, and let himlead the life of a frog in river, pond, and brook, when lessons weredone. His room looked like the cabin of a man-of-war, for every thingwas nautical, military, and shipshape. Captain Kyd was his delight, andhis favorite amusement was to rig up like that piratical gentleman, androar out sanguinary sea-songs at the top of his voice. He would dancenothing but sailors' hornpipes, rolled in his gait, and was asnautical in conversation to his uncle would permit. The boys called him"Commodore, " and took great pride in his fleet, which whitened thepond and suffered disasters that would have daunted any commander but asea-struck boy. 

Demi was one of the children who show plainly the effect of intelligentlove and care, for soul and body worked harmoniously together. Thenatural refinement which nothing but home influence can teach, gavehim sweet and simple manners: his mother had cherished an innocent andloving heart in him; his father had watched over the physical growth ofhis boy, and kept the little body straight and strong on wholesome foodand exercise and sleep, while Grandpa March cultivated the little mindwith the tender wisdom of a modern Pythagoras, not tasking it with long, hard lessons, parrot-learned, but helping it to unfold as naturally andbeautifully as sun and dew help roses bloom. He was not a perfect child, by any means, but his faults were of the better sort; and being earlytaught the secret of self-control, he was not left at the mercy ofappetites and passions, as some poor little mortals are, and thenpunished for yielding to the temptations against which they haveno armor. A quiet, quaint boy was Demi, serious, yet cheery, quiteunconscious that he was unusually bright and beautiful, yet quick to seeand love intelligence or beauty in other children. Very fond of books, and full of lively fancies, born of a strong imagination and a spiritualnature, these traits made his parents anxious to balance them withuseful knowledge and healthful society, lest they should make him one ofthose pale precocious children who amaze and delight a family sometimes, and fade away like hot-house flowers, because the young soul blooms toosoon, and has not a hearty body to root it firmly in the wholesome soilof this world. 

So Demi was transplanted to Plumfield, and took so kindly to the lifethere, that Meg and John and Grandpa felt satisfied that they had donewell. Mixing with other boys brought out the practical side of him, roused his spirit, and brushed away the pretty cobwebs he was so fond ofspinning in that little brain of his. To be sure, he rather shockedhis mother when he came home, by banging doors, saying "by George"emphatically, and demanding tall thick boots "that clumped like papa's. "But John rejoiced over him, laughed at his explosive remarks, got theboots, and said contentedly, "He is doing well; so let him clump. I want my son to be a manly boy, and this temporary roughness won't hurt him. We can polish him up byand by; and as for learning, he will pick that up as pigeons do peas. Sodon't hurry him. "

Daisy was as sunshiny and charming as ever, with all sorts ofwomanlinesses budding in her, for she was like her gentle mother, and delighted in domestic things. She had a family of dolls, whom shebrought up in the most exemplary manner; she could not get on withouther little work-basket and bits of sewing, which she did so nicely, thatDemi frequently pulled out his handkerchief display her neat stitches, and Baby Josy had a flannel petticoat beautifully made by Sister Daisy. She like to quiddle about the china-closet, prepare the salt-cellars, put the spoons straight on the table; and every day went round theparlor with her brush, dusting chairs and tables. Demi called her a"Betty, " but was very glad to have her keep his things in order, lendhim her nimble fingers in all sorts of work, and help him with hislessons, for they kept abreast there, and had no thought of rivalry. 

The love between them was as strong as ever; and no one could laughDemi out of his affectionate ways with Daisy. He fought her battlesvaliantly, and never could understand why boys should be ashamed tosay "right out, " that they loved their sisters. Daisy adored her twin, thought "my brother" the most remarkable boy in the world, and everymorning, in her little wrapper, trotted to tap at his door with amotherly "Get up, my dear, it's 'most breakfast time; and here's yourclean collar. "

Rob was an energetic morsel of a boy, who seemed to have discovered thesecret of perpetual motion, for he never was still. Fortunately, he wasnot mischievous, nor very brave; so he kept out of trouble pretty well, and vibrated between father and mother like an affectionate littlependulum with a lively tick, for Rob was a chatterbox. 

Teddy was too young to play a very important part in the affairs ofPlumfield, yet he had his little sphere, and filled it beautifully. Every one felt the need of a pet at times, and Baby was always ready toaccommodate, for kissing and cuddling suited him excellently. Mrs. Jo seldom stirred without him; so he had his little finger in all thedomestic pies, and every one found them all the better for it, for theybelieved in babies at Plumfield. 

Dick Brown, and Adolphus or Dolly Pettingill, were two eight year-olds. Dolly stuttered badly, but was gradually getting over it, for no one wasallowed to mock him and Mr. Bhaer tried to cure it, by making him talkslowly. Dolly was a good little lad, quite uninteresting and ordinary, but he flourished here, and went through his daily duties and pleasureswith placid content and propriety. 

Dick Brown's affliction was a crooked back, yet he bore his burden socheerfully, that Demi once asked in his queer way, "Do humps make peoplegood-natured? I'd like one if they do. " Dick was always merry, and didhis best to be like other boys, for a plucky spirit lived in thefeeble little body. When he first came, he was very sensitive about hismisfortune, but soon learned to forget it, for no one dared remind himof it, after Mr. Bhaer had punished one boy for laughing at him. 

"God don't care; for my soul is straight if my back isn't, " sobbed Dickto his tormentor on that occasion; and, by cherishing this idea, theBhaers soon led him to believe that people also loved his soul, and didnot mind his body, except to pity and help him to bear it. 

Playing menagerie once with the others, some one said, "What animal will you be, Dick?"

"Oh, I'm the dromedary; don't you see the hump on my back?" was thelaughing answer. 

"So you are, my nice little one that don't carry loads, but marches bythe elephant first in the procession, " said Demi, who was arranging thespectacle. 

"I hope others will be as kind to the poor dear as my boys have learnedto be, " said Mrs. Jo, quite satisfied with the success of her teaching, as Dick ambled past her, looking like a very happy, but a very feeblelittle dromedary, beside stout Stuffy, who did the elephant withponderous propriety. 

Jack Ford was a sharp, rather a sly lad, who was sent to this school, because it was cheap. Many men would have thought him a smart boy, butMr. Bhaer did not like his way of illustrating that Yankee word, andthought his unboyish keenness and money-loving as much of an afflictionas Dolly's stutter, or Dick's hump. 

Ned Barker was like a thousand other boys of fourteen, all legs, blunder, and bluster. Indeed the family called him the "Blunderbuss, "and always expected to see him tumble over the chairs, bump against thetables, and knock down any small articles near him. He bragged a gooddeal about what he could do, but seldom did any thing to prove it, wasnot brave, and a little given to tale-telling. He was apt to bully thesmall boys, and flatter the big ones, and without being at all bad, wasjust the sort of fellow who could very easily be led astray. 

George Cole had been spoilt by an over-indulgent mother, who stuffed himwith sweetmeats till he was sick, and then thought him too delicateto study, so that at twelve years old, he was a pale, puffy boy, dull, fretful, and lazy. A friend persuaded her to send him to Plumfield, andthere he soon got waked up, for sweet things were seldom allowed, muchexercise required, and study made so pleasant, that Stuffy was gentlylured along, till he quite amazed his anxious mamma by his improvement, and convinced her that there was really something remarkable inPlumfield air. 

Billy Ward was what the Scotch tenderly call an "innocent, " for thoughthirteen years old, he was like a child of six. He had been an unusuallyintelligent boy, and his father had hurried him on too fast, giving himall sorts of hard lessons, keeping at his books six hours a day, andexpecting him to absorb knowledge as a Strasburg goose does the foodcrammed down its throat. He thought he was doing his duty, but he nearlykilled the boy, for a fever gave the poor child a sad holiday, and whenhe recovered, the overtasked brain gave out, and Billy's mind was like aslate over which a sponge has passed, leaving it blank. 

It was a terrible lesson to his ambitious father; he could not bear thesight of his promising child, changed to a feeble idiot, and he senthim away to Plumfield, scarcely hoping that he could be helped, but surethat he would be kindly treated. Quite docile and harmless was Billy, and it was pitiful to see how hard he tried to learn, as if gropingdimly after the lost knowledge which had cost him so much. 

Day after day, he pored over the alphabet, proudly said A and B, andthought that he knew them, but on the morrow they were gone, and allthe work was to be done over again. Mr. Bhaer had infinite patience withhim, and kept on in spite of the apparent hopelessness of the task, notcaring for book lessons, but trying gently to clear away the mists fromthe darkened mind, and give it back intelligence enough to make the boyless a burden and an affliction. 

Mrs. Bhaer strengthened his health by every aid she could invent, andthe boys all pitied and were kind to him. He did not like their activeplays, but would sit for hours watching the doves, would dig holes forTeddy till even that ardent grubber was satisfied, or follow Silas, theman, from place to place seeing him work, for honest Si was very good tohim, and though he forgot his letters Billy remembered friendly faces. 

Tommy Bangs was the scapegrace of the school, and the most tryingscapegrace that ever lived. As full of mischief as a monkey, yetso good-hearted that one could not help forgiving his tricks; soscatter-brained that words went by him like the wind, yet so penitentfor every misdeed, that it was impossible to keep sober when hevowed tremendous vows of reformation, or proposed all sorts of queerpunishments to be inflicted upon himself. Mr. And Mrs. Bhaer lived ina state of preparation for any mishap, from the breaking of Tommy's ownneck, to the blowing up of the entire family with gunpowder; and Nurseyhad a particular drawer in which she kept bandages, plasters, and salvesfor his especial use, for Tommy was always being brought in half dead;but nothing ever killed him, and he arose from every downfall withredoubled vigor. 

The first day he came, he chopped the top off one finger in thehay-cutter, and during the week, fell from the shed roof, was chased byan angry hen who tried to pick his out because he examined her chickens, got run away with, and had his ears boxed violent by Asia, who caughthim luxuriously skimming a pan of cream with half a stolen pie. Undaunted, however, by any failures or rebuffs, this indomitable youthwent on amusing himself with all sorts of tricks till no one felt safe. If he did not know his lessons, he always had some droll excuse tooffer, and as he was usually clever at his books, and as bright as abutton in composing answers when he did not know them, he go on prettywell at school. But out of school, Ye gods and little fishes! how Tommydid carouse!

He wound fat Asia up in her own clothes line against the post, and lefthere there to fume and scold for half an hour one busy Monday morning. He dropped a hot cent down Mary Ann's back as that pretty maid waswaiting at table one day when there were gentlemen to dinner, whereatthe poor girl upset the soup and rushed out of the room in dismay, leaving the family to think that she had gone mad. He fixed a pail ofwater up in a tree, with a bit of ribbon fastened to the handle, andwhen Daisy, attracted by the gay streamer, tried to pull it down, shegot a douche bath that spoiled her clean frock and hurt her littlefeelings very much. He put rough white pebbles in the sugar-bowl whenhis grandmother came to tea, and the poor old lady wondered why theydidn't melt in her cup, but was too polite to say anything. He passedaround snuff in church so that five of the boys sneezed with suchviolence they had to go out. He dug paths in winter time, and thenprivately watered them so that people should tumble down. He drove poorSilas nearly wild by hanging his big boots in conspicuous places, for his feet were enormous, and he was very much ashamed of them. Hepersuaded confiding little Dolly to tie a thread to one of his looseteeth, and leave the string hanging from his mouth when he went tosleep, so that Tommy could pull it out without his feeling the dreadedoperation. But the tooth wouldn't come at the first tweak, and poorDolly woke up in great anguish of spirit, and lost all faith in Tommyfrom that day forth. 

The last prank had been to give the hens bread soaked in rum, which madethem tipsy and scandalized all the other fowls, for the respectable oldbiddies went staggering about, pecking and clucking in the most maudlinmanner, while the family were convulsed with laughter at their antics, till Daisy took pity on them and shut them up in the hen-house to sleepoff their intoxication. 

These were the boys and they lived together as happy as twelve ladscould, studying and playing, working and squabbling, fighting faults andcultivating virtues in the good old-fashioned way. Boys at other schoolsprobably learned more from books, but less of that better wisdom whichmakes good men. Latin, Greek, and mathematics were all very well, but inProfessor Bhaer's opinion, self knowledge, self-help, and self-controlwere more important, and he tried to teach them carefully. People shooktheir heads sometimes at his ideas, even while they owned that the boysimproved wonderfully in manners and morals. But then, as Mrs. Jo said toNat, "it was an odd school. "

CHAPTER III. SUNDAY

The moment the bell rang next morning Nat flew out of bed, and dressedhimself with great satisfaction in the suit of clothes he found onthe chair. They were not new, being half-worn garments of one of thewell-to-do boys; but Mrs. Bhaer kept all such cast-off feathers for thepicked robins who strayed into her nest. They were hardly on when Tommyappeared in a high state of clean collar, and escorted Nat down tobreakfast. 

The sun was shining into the dining-room on the well-spread table, andthe flock of hungry, hearty lads who gathered round it. Nat observedthat they were much more orderly than they had been the night before, and every one stood silently behind his chair while little Rob, standingbeside his father at the head of the table, folded his hands, reverentlybent his curly head, and softly repeated a short grace in the devoutGerman fashion, which Mr. Bhaer loved and taught his little son tohonor. Then they all sat down to enjoy the Sunday-morning breakfast ofcoffee, steak, and baked potatoes, instead of the bread and milk farewith which they usually satisfied their young appetites. There was muchpleasant talk while the knives and forks rattled briskly, for certainSunday lessons were to be learned, the Sunday walk settled, and plansfor the week discussed. As he listened, Nat thought it seemed as if thisday must be a very pleasant one, for he loved quiet, and there wasa cheerful sort of hush over every thing that pleased him very much;because, in spite of his rough life, the boy possessed the sensitivenerves which belong to a music-loving nature. 

"Now, my lads, get your morning jobs done, and let me find you readyfor church when the 'bus comes round, " said Father Bhaer, and set theexample by going into the school-room to get books ready for the morrow. 

Every one scattered to his or her task, for each had some little dailyduty, and was expected to perform it faithfully. Some brought wood andwater, brushed the steps, or ran errands for Mrs. Bhaer. Others fed thepet animals, and did chores about the barn with Franz. Daisy washed thecups, and Demi wiped them, for the twins liked to work together, andDemi had been taught to make himself useful in the little house at home. Even Baby Teddy had his small job to do, and trotted to and fro, puttingnapkins away, and pushing chairs into their places. For half and hourthe lads buzzed about like a hive of bees, then the 'bus drove round, Father Bhaer and Franz with the eight older boys piled in, and away theywent for a three-mile drive to church in town. 

Because of the troublesome cough Nat prefered to stay at home withthe four small boys, and spent a happy morning in Mrs. Bhaer's room, listening to the stories she read them, learning the hymns she taughtthem, and then quietly employing himself pasting pictures into an oldledger. 

"This is my Sunday closet, " she said, showing him shelves filled withpicture-books, paint-boxes, architectural blocks, little diaries, andmaterials for letter-writing. "I want my boys to love Sunday, to find ita peaceful, pleasant day, when they can rest from common study andplay, yet enjoy quiet pleasures, and learn, in simple ways, lessons moreimportant than any taught in school. Do you understand me?" she asked, watching Nat's attentive face. 

"You mean to be good?" he said, after hesitating a minute. 

"Yes; to be good, and to love to be good. It is hard work sometimes, Iknow very well; but we all help one another, and so we get on. This isone of the ways in which I try to help my boys, " and she took down athick book, which seemed half-full of writing, and opened at a page onwhich there was one word at the top. 

"Why, that's my name!" cried Nat, looking both surprised and interested. 

"Yes; I have a page for each boy. I keep a little account of how he getson through the week, and Sunday night I show him the record. If it isbad I am sorry and disappointed, if it is good I am glad and proud; but, whichever it is, the boys know I want to help them, and they try to dotheir best for love of me and Father Bhaer. "

"I should think they would, " said Nat, catching a glimpse of Tommy'sname opposite his own, and wondering what was written under it. 

Mrs. Bhaer saw his eye on the words, and shook her head, saying, as sheturned a leaf, "No, I don't show my records to any but the one to whom each belongs. Icall this my conscience book; and only you and I will ever know what isto be written on the page below your name. Whether you will be pleasedor ashamed to read it next Sunday depends on yourself. I think it willbe a good report; at any rate, I shall try to make things easy for youin this new place, and shall be quite contented if you keep our fewrules, live happily with the boys, and learn something. "

"I'll try ma'am;" and Nat's thin face flushed up with the earnestnessof his desire to make Mrs. Bhaer "glad and proud, " not "sorry anddisappointed. " "It must be a great deal of trouble to write about somany, " he added, as she shut her book with an encouraging pat on theshoulder. 

"Not to me, for I really don't know which I like best, writing or boys, "she said, laughing to see Nat stare with astonishment at the last item. "Yes, I know many people think boys are a nuisance, but that is becausethey don't understand them. I do; and I never saw the boy yet whom Icould not get on capitally with after I had once found the soft spot inhis heart. Bless me, I couldn't get on at all without my flock of dear, noisy, naughty, harum-scarum little lads, could I, my Teddy?" and Mrs. Bhaer hugged the young rogue, just in time to save the big inkstand fromgoing into his pocket. 

Nat, who had never heard anything like this before, really did not knowwhether Mother Bhaer was a trifle crazy, or the most delightful woman hehad ever met. He rather inclined to the latter opinion, in spite of herpeculiar tastes, for she had a way of filling up a fellow's plate beforehe asked, of laughing at his jokes, gently tweaking him by the ear, orclapping him on the shoulder, that Nat found very engaging. 

"Now, I think you would like to go into the school-room and practisesome of the hymns we are to sing to-night, " she said, rightly guessingthe thing of all others that he wanted to do. 

Alone with the beloved violin and the music-book propped up before himin the sunny window, while Spring beauty filled the world outside, andSabbath silence reigned within, Nat enjoyed an hour or two of genuinehappiness, learning the sweet old tunes, and forgetting the hard past inthe cheerful present. 

When the church-goers came back and dinner was over, every one read, wrote letters home, said their Sunday lessons, or talked quietly to oneanother, sitting here and there about the house. At three o'clock theentire family turned out to walk, for all the active young bodies musthave exercise; and in these walks the active young minds were taughtto see and love the providence of God in the beautiful miracles whichNature was working before their eyes. Mr. Bhaer always went with them, and in his simple, fatherly way, found for his flock, "Sermons instones, books in the running brooks, and good in everything. "

Mrs. Bhaer with Daisy and her own two boys drove into town, to pay theweekly visit to Grandma, which was busy Mother Bhaer's one holiday andgreatest pleasure. Nat was not strong enough for the long walk, andasked to stay at home with Tommy, who kindly offered to do the honorsof Plumfield. "You've seen the house, so come out and have a look atthe garden, and the barn, and the menagerie, " said Tommy, when they wereleft alone with Asia, to see that they didn't get into mischief;for, though Tommy was one of the best-meaning boys who ever adornedknickerbockers, accidents of the most direful nature were alwayshappening to him, no one could exactly tell how. 

"What is your menagerie?" asked Nat, as they trotted along the drivethat encircled the house. 

"We all have pets, you see, and we keep 'em in the corn-barn, and callit the menagerie. Here you are. Isn't my guinea-pig a beauty?" and Tommyproudly presented one of the ugliest specimens of that pleasing animalthat Nat ever saw. 

"I know a boy with a dozen of 'em, and he said he'd give me one, only Ihadn't any place to keep it, so I couldn't have it. It was white, withblack spots, a regular rouser, and maybe I could get it for you if you'dlike it, " said Nat, feeling it would be a delicate return for Tommy'sattentions. 

"I'd like it ever so much, and I'll give you this one, and they can livetogether if they don't fight. Those white mice are Rob's, Franz gave'em to him. The rabbits are Ned's, and the bantams outside are Stuffy's. That box thing is Demi's turtle-tank, only he hasn't begun to get 'emyet. Last year he had sixty-two, whackers some of 'em. He stamped one of'em with his name and the year, and let it go; and he says maybe he willfind it ever so long after and know it. He read about a turtle beingfound that had a mark on it that showed it must be hundreds of yearsold. Demi's such a funny chap. "

"What is in this box?" asked Nat, stopping before a large deep one, half-full of earth. 

"Oh, that's Jack Ford's worm-shop. He digs heaps of 'em and keeps 'emhere, and when we want any to go afishing with, we buy some of him. Itsaves lots of trouble, only he charged too much for 'em. Why, last timewe traded I had to pay two cents a dozen, and then got little ones. Jack's mean sometimes, and I told him I'd dig for myself if he didn'tlower his prices. Now, I own two hens, those gray ones with top knots, first-rate ones they are too, and I sell Mrs. Bhaer the eggs, but Inever ask her more than twenty-five cents a dozen, never! I'd be ashamedto do it, " cried Tommy, with a glance of scorn at the worm-shop. 

"Who owns the dogs?" asked Nat, much interested in these commercialtransactions, and feeling that T. Bangs was a man whom it would be aprivilege and a pleasure to patronize. 

"The big dog is Emil's. His name is Christopher Columbus. Mrs. Bhaernamed him because she likes to say Christopher Columbus, and no oneminds it if she means the dog, " answered Tommy, in the tone of ashow-man displaying his menagerie. "The white pup is Rob's, and theyellow one is Teddy's. A man was going to drown them in our pond, andPa Bhaer wouldn't let him. They do well enough for the little chaps, Idon't think much of 'em myself. Their names are Castor and Pollux. "

"I'd like Toby the donkey best, if I could have anything, it's so niceto ride, and he's so little and good, " said Nat, remembering the wearytramps he had taken on his own tired feet. 

"Mr. Laurie sent him out to Mrs. Bhaer, so she shouldn't carry Teddyon her back when we go to walk. We're all fond of Toby, and he's afirst-rate donkey, sir. Those pigeons belong to the whole lot of us, weeach have our pet one, and go shares in all the little ones as they comealong. Squabs are great fun; there ain't any now, but you can go up andtake a look at the old fellows, while I see if Cockletop and Granny havelaid any eggs. "

Nat climbed up a ladder, put his head through a trap door and took along look at the pretty doves billing and cooing in their spacious loft. Some on their nests, some bustling in and out, and some sitting attheir doors, while many went flying from the sunny housetop to thestraw-strewn farmyard, where six sleek cows were placidly ruminating. 

"Everybody has got something but me. I wish I had a dove, or a hen, oreven a turtle, all my own, " thought Nat, feeling very poor as he saw theinteresting treasures of the other boys. "How do you get these things?"he asked, when he joined Tommy in the barn. 

"We find 'em or buy 'em, or folks give 'em to us. My father sends memine; but as soon as I get egg money enough, I'm going to buy a pair ofducks. There's a nice little pond for 'em behind the barn, and peoplepay well for duck-eggs, and the little duckies are pretty, and it's funto see 'em swim, " said Tommy, with the air of a millionaire. 

Nat sighed, for he had neither father nor money, nothing in the wideworld but an old empty pocketbook, and the skill that lay in his tenfinger tips. Tommy seemed to understand the question and the sigh whichfollowed his answer, for after a moment of deep thought, he suddenlybroke out, "Look here, I'll tell you what I'll do. If you will hunt eggs for me, Ihate it, I'll give you one egg out of every dozen. You keep account, andwhen you've had twelve, Mother Bhaer will give you twenty-five cents for'em, and then you can buy what you like, don't you see?"

"I'll do it! What a kind feller you are, Tommy!" cried Nat, quitedazzled by this brilliant offer. 

"Pooh! that is not anything. You begin now and rummage the barn, andI'll wait here for you. Granny is cackling, so you're sure to find onesomewhere, " and Tommy threw himself down on the hay with a luxurioussense of having made a good bargain, and done a friendly thing. 

Nat joyfully began his search, and went rustling from loft to loft tillhe found two fine eggs, one hidden under a beam, and the other in an oldpeck measure, which Mrs. Cockletop had appropriated. 

"You may have one and I'll have the other, that will just make up mylast dozen, and to-morrow we'll start fresh. Here, you chalk youraccounts up near mine, and then we'll be all straight, " said Tommy, showing a row of mysterious figures on the side of an old winnowingmachine. 

With a delightful sense of importance, the proud possessor of one eggopened his account with his friend, who laughingly wrote above thefigures these imposing words, "T. Bangs & Co. "

Poor Nat found them so fascinating that he was with difficulty persuadedto go and deposit his first piece of portable property in Asia'sstore-room. Then they went on again, and having made the acquaintanceof the two horses, six cows, three pigs, and one Alderney "Bossy, "as calves are called in New England, Tommy took Nat to a certain oldwillow-tree that overhung a noisy little brook. From the fence it wasan easy scramble into a wide niche between the three big branches, whichhad been cut off to send out from year to year a crowd of slender twigs, till a green canopy rustled overhead. Here little seats had been fixed, and a hollow place a closet made big enough to hold a book or two, adismantled boat, and several half-finished whistles. 

"This is Demi's and my private place; we made it, and nobody can come upunless we let 'em, except Daisy, we don't mind her, " said Tommy, as Natlooked with delight from the babbling brown water below to the greenarch above, where bees were making a musical murmur as they feasted onthe long yellow blossoms that filled the air with sweetness. 

"Oh, it's just beautiful!" cried Nat. "I do hope you'll let me upsometimes. I never saw such a nice place in all my life. I'd like to bea bird, and live here always. "

"It is pretty nice. You can come if Demi don't mind, and I guess hewon't, because he said last night that he liked you. "

"Did he?" and Nat smiled with pleasure, for Demi's regard seemed to bevalued by all the boys, partly because he was Father Bhaer's nephew, andpartly because he was such a sober, conscientious little fellow. 

"Yes; Demi likes quiet chaps, and I guess he and you will get on if youcare about reading as he does. "

Poor Nat's flush of pleasure deepened to a painful scarlet at those lastwords, and he stammered out, "I can't read very well; I never had any time; I was always fiddlinground, you know. "

"I don't love it myself, but I can do it well enough when I want to, "said Tommy, after a surprised look, which said as plainly as words, "Aboy twelve years old and can't read!"

"I can read music, anyway, " added Nat, rather ruffled at having toconfess his ignorance. 

"I can't;" and Tommy spoke in a respectful tone, which emboldened Nat tosay firmly, "I mean to study real hard and learn every thing I can, for I never hada chance before. Does Mr. Bhaer give hard lessons?"

"No; he isn't a bit cross; he sort of explains and gives you a boostover the hard places. Some folks don't; my other master didn't. If wemissed a word, didn't we get raps on the head!" and Tommy rubbed his ownpate as if it tingled yet with the liberal supply of raps, the memoryof which was the only thing he brought away after a year with his "othermaster. "

"I think I could read this, " said Nat, who had been examining the books. 

"Read a bit, then; I'll help you, " resumed Tommy, with a patronizingair. 

So Nat did his best, and floundered through a page with may friendly"boosts" from Tommy, who told him he would soon "go it" as well asanybody. Then they sat and talked boy-fashion about all sorts of things, among others, gardening; for Nat, looking down from his perch, askedwhat was planted in the many little patches lying below them on theother side of the brook. 

"These are our farms, " said Tommy. "We each have our own patch, andraise what we like in it, only have to choose different things, andcan't change till the crop is in, and we must keep it in order allsummer. "

"What are you going to raise this year?"

"Wal, I cattleated to hev beans, as they are about the easiest cropa-goin'. "

Nat could not help laughing, for Tommy had pushed back his hat, put hishands in his pockets, and drawled out his words in unconscious imitationof Silas, the man who managed the place for Mr. Bhaer. 

"Come, you needn't laugh; beans are ever so much easier than corn orpotatoes. I tried melons last year, but the bugs were a bother, and theold things wouldn't get ripe before the frost, so I didn't have but onegood water and two little 'mush mellions, '" said Tommy, relapsing into a"Silasism" with the last word. 

"Corn looks pretty growing, " said Nat, politely, to atone for his laugh. 

"Yes, but you have to hoe it over and over again. Now, six weeks' beansonly have to be done once or so, and they get ripe soon. I'm going totry 'em, for I spoke first. Stuffy wanted 'em, but he's got to takepeas; they only have to be picked, and he ought to do it, he eats such alot. "

"I wonder if I shall have a garden?" said Nat, thinking that evencorn-hoeing must be pleasant work. 

"Of course you will, " said a voice from below, and there was Mr. Bhaerreturned from his walk, and come to find them, for he managed to havea little talk with every one of the lads some time during the day, andfound that these chats gave them a good start for the coming week. 

Sympathy is a sweet thing, and it worked wonders here, for each boy knewthat Father Bhaer was interested in him, and some were readier to opentheir hearts to him than to a woman, especially the older ones, wholiked to talk over their hopes and plans, man to man. When sick or introuble they instinctively turned to Mrs. Jo, while the little ones madeher their mother-confessor on all occasions. 

In descending from their nest, Tommy fell into the brook; being used toit, he calmly picked himself out and retired to the house to be dried. This left Nat to Mr. Bhaer, which was just what he wished, and, duringthe stroll they took among the garden plots, he won the lad's heart bygiving him a little "farm, " and discussing crops with him as gravely asif the food for the family depended on the harvest. From this pleasanttopic they went to others, and Nat had many new and helpful thoughts putinto a mind that received them as gratefully as the thirsty earth hadreceived the warm spring rain. All supper time he brooded over them, often fixing his eyes on Mr. Bhaer with an inquiring look, that seemedto say, "I like that, do it again, sir. " I don't know whether the manunderstood the child's mute language or not, but when the boys were allgathered together in Mrs. Bhaer's parlor for the Sunday evening talk, he chose a subject which might have been suggested by the walk in thegarden. 

As he looked about him Nat thought it seemed more like a great familythan a school, for the lads were sitting in a wide half-circle round thefire, some on chairs, some on the rug, Daisy and Demi on the knees ofUncle Fritz, and Rob snugly stowed away in the back of his mother'seasy-chair, where he could nod unseen if the talk got beyond his depth. 

Every one looked quite comfortable, and listened attentively, for thelong walk made rest agreeable, and as every boy there knew that he wouldbe called upon for his views, he kept his wits awake to be ready with ananswer. 

"Once upon a time, " began Mr. Bhaer, in the dear old-fashioned way, "there was a great and wise gardener who had the largest garden everseen. A wonderful and lovely place it was, and he watched over it withthe greatest skill and care, and raised all manner of excellent anduseful things. But weeds would grow even in this fine garden; often theground was bad and the good seeds sown in it would not spring up. Hehad many under gardeners to help him. Some did their duty and earned therich wages he gave them; but others neglected their parts and let themrun to waste, which displeased him very much. But he was very patient, and for thousands and thousands of years he worked and waited for hisgreat harvest. "

"He must have been pretty old, " said Demi, who was looking straight intoUncle Fritz's face, as if to catch every word. 

"Hush, Demi, it's a fairy story, " whispered Daisy. 

"No, I think it's an arrygory, " said Demi. 

"What is a arrygory?" called out Tommy, who was of an inquiring turn. 

"Tell him, Demi, if you can, and don't use words unless you are quitesure you know what they mean, " said Mr. Bhaer. 

"I do know, Grandpa told me! A fable is a arrygory; it's a story thatmeans something. My 'Story without an end' is one, because the child init means a soul; don't it, Aunty?" cried Demi, eager to prove himselfright. 

"That's it, dear; and Uncle's story is an allegory, I am quite sure; solisten and see what it means, " returned Mrs. Jo, who always took part inwhatever was going on, and enjoyed it as much as any boy among them. 

Demi composed himself, and Mr. Bhaer went on in his best English, for hehad improved much in the last five years, and said the boys did it. 

"This great gardener gave a dozen or so of little plots to one of hisservants, and told him to do his best and see what he could raise. Nowthis servant was not rich, nor wise, nor very good, but he wanted tohelp because the gardener had been very kind to him in many ways. So hegladly took the little plots and fell to work. They were all sorts ofshapes and sizes, and some were very good soil, some rather stony, andall of them needed much care, for in the rich soil the weeds grew fast, and in the poor soil there were many stones. "

"What was growing in them besides the weeds, and stones?" asked Nat; sointerested, he forgot his shyness and spoke before them all. 

"Flowers, " said Mr. Bhaer, with a kind look. "Even the roughest, mostneglected little bed had a bit of heart's-ease or a sprig of mignonettein it. One had roses, sweet peas, and daisies in it, " here he pinchedthe plump cheek of the little girl leaning on his arm. "Another had allsorts of curious plants in it, bright pebbles, a vine that went climbingup like Jack's beanstalk, and many good seeds just beginning to sprout;for, you see, this bed had been taken fine care of by a wise old man, who had worked in gardens of this sort all his life. "

At this part of the "arrygory, " Demi put his head on one side like aninquisitive bird, and fixed his bright eye on his uncle's face, as if hesuspected something and was on the watch. But Mr. Bhaer looked perfectlyinnocent, and went on glancing from one young face to another, with agrave, wistful look, that said much to his wife, who knew how earnestlyhe desired to do his duty in these little garden plots. 

"As I tell you, some of these beds were easy to cultivate, that meansto take care of Daisy, and others were very hard. There was oneparticularly sunshiny little bed that might have been full of fruits andvegetables as well as flowers, only it wouldn't take any pains, and whenthe man sowed, well, we'll say melons in this bed, they came to nothing, because the little bed neglected them. The man was sorry, and kept ontrying, though every time the crop failed, all the bed said, was, 'Iforgot. '"

Here a general laugh broke out, and every one looked at Tommy, who hadpricked up his ears at the word "melons, " and hung down his head at thesound of his favorite excuse. 

"I knew he meant us!" cried Demi, clapping his hands. "You are the man, and we are the little gardens; aren't we, Uncle Fritz?"

"You have guessed it. Now each of you tell me what crop I shall try tosow in you this spring, so that next autumn I may get a good harvest outof my twelve, no, thirteen, plots, " said Mr. Bhaer, nodding at Nat as hecorrected himself. 

"You can't sow corn and beans and peas in us. Unless you mean we are toeat a great many and get fat, " said Stuffy, with a sudden brightening ofhis round, dull face as the pleasing idea occurred to him. 

"He don't mean that kind of seeds. He means things to make us good; andthe weeds are faults, " cried Demi, who usually took the lead in thesetalks, because he was used to this sort of thing, and liked it verymuch. 

"Yes, each of you think what you need most, and tell me, and I will helpyou to grow it; only you must do your best, or you will turn out likeTommy's melons, all leaves and no fruit. I will begin with the oldest, and ask the mother what she will have in her plot, for we are all partsof the beautiful garden, and may have rich harvests for our Master if welove Him enough, " said Father Bhaer. 

"I shall devote the whole of my plot to the largest crop of patience Ican get, for that is what I need most, " said Mrs. Jo, so soberly thatthe lads fell to thinking in good earnest what they should say whentheir turns came, and some among them felt a twinge of remorse, thatthey had helped to use up Mother Bhaer's stock of patience so fast. 

Franz wanted perseverance, Tommy steadiness, Ned went in for goodtemper, Daisy for industry, Demi for "as much wiseness as Grandpa, " andNat timidly said he wanted so many things he would let Mr. Bhaer choosefor him. The others chose much the same things, and patience, goodtemper, and generosity seemed the favorite crops. One boy wished to liketo get up early, but did not know what name to give that sort of seed;and poor Stuffy sighed out, "I wish I loved my lessons as much as I do my dinner, but I can't. "

"We will plant self-denial, and hoe it and water it, and make it grow sowell that next Christmas no one will get ill by eating too much dinner. If you exercise your mind, George, it will get hungry just as your bodydoes, and you will love books almost as much as my philosopher here, "said Mr. Bhaer; adding, as he stroked the hair off Demi's fine forehead, "You are greedy also, my son, and you like to stuff your little mindfull of fairy tales and fancies, as well as George likes to fill hislittle stomach with cake and candy. Both are bad, and I want you totry something better. Arithmetic is not half so pleasant as 'ArabianNights, ' I know, but it is a very useful thing, and now is the time tolearn it, else you will be ashamed and sorry by and by. "

"But, 'Harry and Lucy, ' and 'Frank, ' are not fairy books, and theyare all full of barometers, and bricks, and shoeing horses, and usefulthings, and I'm fond of them; ain't I, Daisy?" said Demi, anxious todefend himself. 

"So they are; but I find you reading 'Roland and Maybird, ' a great dealoftener than 'Harry and Lucy, ' and I think you are not half so fond of'Frank' as you are of 'Sinbad. ' Come, I shall make a little bargain withyou both, George shall eat but three times a day, and you shall read butone story-book a week, and I will give you the new cricket-ground; only, you must promise to play in it, " said Uncle Fritz, in his persuasiveway, for Stuffy hated to run about, and Demi was always reading in playhours. 

"But we don't like cricket, " said Demi. 

"Perhaps not now, but you will when you know it. Besides, you do like tobe generous, and the other boys want to play, and you can give them thenew ground if you choose. "

This was taken them both on the right side, and they agreed to thebargain, to the great satisfaction of the rest. 

There was a little more talk about the gardens, and then they all sangtogether. The band delighted Nat, for Mrs. Bhaer played the piano, Franzthe flute, Mr. Bhaer a bass viol, and he himself the violin. A verysimple little concert, but all seemed to enjoy it, and old Asia, sittingin the corner, joined at times with the sweetest voice of any, for inthis family, master and servant, old and young, black and white, sharedin the Sunday song, which went up to the Father of them all. After thisthey each shook hands with Father Bhaer; Mother Bhaer kissed them everyone from sixteen-year-old Franz to little Rob, how kept the tip of hernose for his own particular kisses, and then they trooped up to bed. 

The light of the shaded lamp that burned in the nursery shone softly ona picture hanging at the foot of Nat's bed. There were several otherson the walls, but the boy thought there must be something peculiar aboutthis one, for it had a graceful frame of moss and cones about it, andon a little bracket underneath stood a vase of wild flowers freshlygathered from the spring woods. It was the most beautiful picture ofthem all, and Nat lay looking at it, dimly feeling what it meant, andwishing he knew all about it. 

"That's my picture, " said a little voice in the room. Nat popped up hishead, and there was Demi in his night-gown pausing on his way back fromAunt Jo's chamber, whither he had gone to get a cot for a cut finger. 

"What is he doing to the children?" asked Nat. 

"That is Christ, the Good Man, and He is blessing the children. Don'tyou know about Him?" said Demi, wondering. 

"Not much, but I'd like to, He looks so kind, " answered Nat, whose chiefknowledge of the Good Man consisted in hearing His name taken in vain. 

"I know all about it, and I like it very much, because it is true, " saidDemi. 

"Who told you?"

"My Grandpa, he knows every thing, and tells the best stories inthe world. I used to play with his big books, and make bridges, andrailroads, and houses, when I was a little boy, " began Demi. 

"How old are you now?" asked Nat, respectfully. 

"'Most ten. "

"You know a lot of things, don't you?"

"Yes; you see my head is pretty big, and Grandpa says it will take agood deal to fill it, so I keep putting pieces of wisdom into it as fastas I can, " returned Demi, in his quaint way. 

Nat laughed, and then said soberly, "Tell on, please. "

And Demi gladly told on without pause or punctuation. "I found a verypretty book one day and wanted to play with it, but Grandpa said Imustn't, and showed me the pictures, and told me about them, and I likedthe stories very much, all about Joseph and his bad brothers, and thefrogs that came up out of the sea, and dear little Moses in the water, and ever so many more lovely ones, but I liked about the Good Man bestof all, and Grandpa told it to me so many times that I learned it byheart, and he gave me this picture so I shouldn't forget, and it wasput up here once when I was sick, and I left it for other sick boys tosee. "'

"What makes Him bless the children?" asked Nat, who found something veryattractive in the chief figure of the group. 

"Because He loved them. "

"Were they poor children?" asked Nat, wistfully. 

"Yes, I think so; you see some haven't got hardly any clothes on, andthe mothers don't look like rich ladies. He liked poor people, and wasvery good to them. He made them well, and helped them, and told richpeople they must not be cross to them, and they loved Him dearly, dearly, " cried Demi, with enthusiasm. 

"Was He rich?"

"Oh no! He was born in a barn, and was so poor He hadn't any house tolive in when He grew up, and nothing to eat sometimes, but what peoplegave Him, and He went round preaching to everybody, and trying to makethem good, till the bad men killed Him. "

"What for?" and Nat sat up in his bed to look and listen, so interestedwas he in this man who cared for the poor so much. 

"I'll tell you all about it; Aunt Jo won't mind;" and Demi settledhimself on the opposite bed, glad to tell his favorite story to so gooda listener. 

Nursey peeped in to see if Nat was asleep, but when she saw what wasgoing on, she slipped away again, and went to Mrs. Bhaer, saying withher kind face full of motherly emotion, "Will the dear lady come and see a pretty sight? It's Nat listeningwith all his heart to Demi telling the story of the Christ-child, like alittle white angel as he is. "

Mrs. Bhaer had meant to go and talk with Nat a moment before he slept, for she had found that a serious word spoken at this time often didmuch good. But when she stole to the nursery door, and saw Nat eagerlydrinking in the words of his little friends, while Demi told the sweetand solemn story as it had been taught him, speaking softly as he satwith his beautiful eyes fixed on the tender face above them, her ownfilled with tears, and she went silently away, thinking to herself, "Demi is unconsciously helping the poor boy better than I can; I willnot spoil it by a single word. "

The murmur of the childish voice went on for a long time, as oneinnocent heart preached that great sermon to another, and no one hushedit. When it ceased at last, and Mrs. Bhaer went to take away the lamp, Demi was gone and Nat fast asleep, lying with his face toward thepicture, as if he had already learned to love the Good Man who lovedlittle children, and was a faithful friend to the poor. The boy's facewas very placid, and as she looked at it she felt that if a single dayof care and kindness had done so much, a year of patient cultivationwould surely bring a grateful harvest from this neglected garden, whichwas already sown with the best of all seed by the little missionary inthe night-gown. 

CHAPTER IV. STEPPING-STONES

When Nat went into school on Monday morning, he quaked inwardly, for nowhe thought he should have to display his ignorance before them all. ButMr. Bhaer gave him a seat in the deep window, where he could turn hisback on the others, and Franz heard him say his lessons there, so no onecould hear his blunders or see how he blotted his copybook. He was trulygrateful for this, and toiled away so diligently that Mr. Bhaer said, smiling, when he saw his hot face and inky fingers:

"Don't work so hard, my boy; you will tire yourself out, and there istime enough. "

"But I must work hard, or I can't catch up with the others. They knowheaps, and I don't know anything, " said Nat, who had been reduced to astate of despair by hearing the boys recite their grammar, history, andgeography with what he thought amazing ease and accuracy. 

"You know a good many things which they don't, " said Mr. Bhaer, sittingdown beside him, while Franz led a class of small students through theintricacies of the multiplication table. 

"Do I?" and Nat looked utterly incredulous. 

"Yes; for one thing, you can keep your temper, and Jack, who is quickat numbers, cannot; that is an excellent lesson, and I think you havelearned it well. Then, you can play the violin, and not one of the ladscan, though they want to do it very much. But, best of all, Nat, youreally care to learn something, and that is half the battle. It seemshard at first, and you will feel discouraged, but plod away, and thingswill get easier and easier as you go on. "

Nat's face had brightened more and more as he listened, for, small asthe list of his learning was, it cheered him immensely to feel thathe had anything to fall back upon. "Yes, I can keep my temper father'sbeating taught me that; and I can fiddle, though I don't know where theBay of Biscay is, " he thought, with a sense of comfort impossible toexpress. Then he said aloud, and so earnestly that Demi heard him:

"I do want to learn, and I will try. I never went to school, but Icouldn't help it; and if the fellows don't laugh at me, I guess I'll geton first rate you and the lady are so good to me. "

"They shan't laugh at you; if they do, I'll I'll tell them not to, "cried Demi, quite forgetting where he was. 

The class stopped in the middle of 7 times 9, and everyone looked up tosee what was going on. 

Thinking that a lesson in learning to help one another was better thanarithmetic just then, Mr. Bhaer told them about Nat, making such aninteresting and touching little story out of it that the good-heartedlads all promised to lend him a hand, and felt quite honored to becalled upon to impart their stores of wisdom to the chap who fiddled socapitally. This appeal established the right feeling among them, and Nathad few hindrances to struggle against, for every one was glad to givehim a "boost" up the ladder of learning. 

Till he was stronger, much study was not good for him, however, and Mrs. Jo found various amusements in the house for him while others were attheir books. But his garden was his best medicine, and he worked awaylike a beaver, preparing his little farm, sowing his beans, watchingeagerly to see them grow, and rejoicing over each green leaf and slenderstock that shot up and flourished in the warm spring weather. Neverwas a garden more faithfully hoed; Mr. Bhaer really feared that nothingwould find time to grow, Nat kept up such a stirring of the soil; so hegave him easy jobs in the flower garden or among the strawberries, wherehe worked and hummed as busily as the bees booming all about him. 

"This is the crop I like best, " Mrs. Bhaer used to say, as she pinchedthe once thin cheeks, now getting plump and ruddy, or stroked the bentshoulders that were slowly straightening up with healthful work, goodfood, and the absence of that heavy burden, poverty. 

Demi was his little friend, Tommy his patron, and Daisy the comforter ofall his woes; for, though the children were younger than he, his timidspirit found a pleasure in their innocent society, and rather shrunkfrom the rough sports of the elder lads. Mr. Laurence did not forgethim, but sent clothes and books, music and kind messages, and now andthen came out to see how his boy was getting on, or took him into townto a concert; on which occasions Nat felt himself translated into theseventh heaven of bliss, for he went to Mr. Laurence's great house, sawhis pretty wife and little fairy of a daughter, had a good dinner, andwas made so comfortable, that he talked and dreamed of it for days andnights afterward. 

It takes so little to make a child happy that it is a pity, in a worldso full of sunshine and pleasant things, that there should be anywistful faces, empty hands, or lonely little hearts. Feeling this, theBhaers gathered up all the crumbs they could find to feed their flock ofhungry sparrows, for they were not rich, except in charity. Many ofMrs. Jo's friends who had nurseries sent her they toys of which theirchildren so soon tired, and in mending these Nat found an employmentthat just suited him. He was very neat and skillful with those slenderfingers of his, and passed many a rainy afternoon with his gum-bottle, paint-box, and knife, repairing furniture, animals, and games, whileDaisy was dressmaker to the dilapidated dolls. As fast as the toys weremended, they were put carefully away in a certain drawer which wasto furnish forth a Christmas-tree for all the poor children of theneighborhood, that being the way the Plumfield boys celebrated thebirthday of Him who loved the poor and blessed the little ones. 

Demi was never tired of reading and explaining his favorite books, andmany a pleasant hour did they spend in the old willow, revelling over"Robinson Crusoe, " "Arabian Nights, " "Edgeworth's Tales, " and the otherdear immortal stories that will delight children for centuries to come. This opened a new world to Nat, and his eagerness to see what came nextin the story helped him on till he could read as well as anybody, andfelt so rich and proud with his new accomplishment, that there wasdanger of his being as much of a bookworm as Demi. 

Another helpful thing happened in a most unexpected and agreeablemanner. Several of the boys were "in business, " as they called it, formost of them were poor, and knowing that they would have their own wayto make by and by, the Bhaers encouraged any efforts at independence. Tommy sold his eggs; Jack speculated in live stock; Franz helped inthe teaching, and was paid for it; Ned had a taste for carpentry, and aturning-lathe was set up for him in which he turned all sorts of usefulor pretty things, and sold them; while Demi constructed water-mills, whirligigs, and unknown machines of an intricate and useless nature, anddisposed of them to the boys. 

"Let him be a mechanic if he likes, " said Mr. Bhaer. "Give a boy atrade, and he is independent. Work is wholesome, and whatever talentthese lads possess, be it for poetry or ploughing, it shall becultivated and made useful to them if possible. "

So, when Nat came running to him one day to ask with an excited face:

"Can I go and fiddle for some people who are to have a picnic in ourwoods? They will pay me, and I'd like to earn some money as the otherboys do, and fiddling is the only way I know how to do it. "

Mr. Bhaer answered readily:

"Go, and welcome. It is an easy and a pleasant way to work, and I amglad it is offered you. "

Nat went, and did so well that when he came home he had two dollars inhis pocket, which he displayed with intense satisfaction, as he told howmuch he had enjoyed the afternoon, how kind the young people were, andhow they had praised his dance music, and promised to have him again. 

"It is so much nicer than fiddling in the street, for then I got noneof the money, and now I have it all, and a good time besides. I'm inbusiness now as well as Tommy and Jack, and I like it ever so much, "said Nat, proudly patting the old pocketbook, and feeling like amillionaire already. 

He was in business truly, for picnics were plenty as summer opened, and Nat's skill was in great demand. He was always at liberty to go iflessons were not neglected, and if the picnickers were respectable youngpeople. For Mr. Bhaer explained to him that a good plain education isnecessary for everyone, and that no amount of money should hire him togo where he might be tempted to do wrong. Nat quite agreed to this, andit was a pleasant sight to see the innocent-hearted lad go driving awayin the gay wagons that stopped at the gate for him, or to hear him comefiddling home tired but happy, with his well-earned money in one pocket, and some "goodies" from the feast for Daisy or little Ted, whom he neverforgot. 

"I'm going to save up till I get enough to buy a violin for myself, andthen I can earn my own living, can't I?" he used to say, as he broughthis dollars to Mr. Bhaer to keep. 

"I hope so, Nat; but we must get you strong and hearty first, and put alittle more knowledge into this musical head of yours. Then Mr. Lauriewill find you a place somewhere, and in a few years we will all come tohear you play in public. "

With much congenial work, encouragement, and hope, Nat found lifegetting easier and happier every day, and made such progress in hismusic lessons that his teacher forgave his slowness in some otherthings, knowing very well that where the heart is the mind works best. The only punishment the boy ever needed for neglect of more importantlessons was to hang up the fiddle and the bow for a day. The fear oflosing his bosom friend entirely made him go at his books with a will;and having proved that he could master the lessons, what was the use ofsaying "I can't?"

Daisy had a great love of music, and a great reverence for any one whocould make it, and she was often found sitting on the stairs outsideNat's door while he was practising. This pleased him very much, and heplayed his best for that one quiet little listener; for she never wouldcome in, but preferred to sit sewing her gay patchwork, or tending oneof her many dolls, with an expression of dreamy pleasure on her facethat made Aunt Jo say, with tears in her eyes: "So like my Beth, " andgo softly by, lest even her familiar presence mar the child's sweetsatisfaction. 

Nat was very fond of Mrs. Bhaer, but found something even moreattractive in the good professor, who took fatherly care of the shyfeeble boy, who had barely escaped with his life from the rough sea onwhich his little boat had been tossing rudderless for twelve years. Somegood angel must have been watching over him, for, though his body hadsuffered, his soul seemed to have taken little harm, and came ashore asinnocent as a shipwrecked baby. Perhaps his love of music kept it sweetin spite of the discord all about him; Mr. Laurie said so, and he oughtto know. However that might be, Father Bhaer took pleasure in fosteringpoor Nat's virtues, and in curing his faults, finding his new pupil asdocile and affectionate as a girl. He often called Nat his "daughter"when speaking of him to Mrs. Jo, and she used to laugh at his fancy, forMadame liked manly boys, and thought Nat amiable but weak, though younever would have guessed it, for she petted him as she did Daisy, and hethought her a very delightful woman. 

One fault of Nat's gave the Bhaers much anxiety, although they saw howit had been strengthened by fear and ignorance. I regret to say thatNat sometimes told lies. Not very black ones, seldom getting deeper thangray, and often the mildest of white fibs; but that did not matter, alie is a lie, and though we all tell many polite untruths in this queerworld of ours, it is not right, and everybody knows it. 

"You cannot be too careful; watch your tongue, and eyes, and hands, forit is easy to tell, and look, and act untruth, " said Mr. Bhaer, in oneof the talks he had with Nat about his chief temptation. 

"I know it, and I don't mean to, but it's so much easier to get alongif you ain't very fussy about being exactly true. I used to tell 'embecause I was afraid of father and Nicolo, and now I do sometimesbecause the boys laugh at me. I know it's bad, but I forget, " and Natlooked much depressed by his sins. 

"When I was a little lad I used to tell lies! Ach! what fibs they were, and my old grandmother cured me of it how, do you think? My parents hadtalked, and cried, and punished, but still did I forget as you. Thensaid the dear old grandmother, 'I shall help you to remember, and put acheck on this unruly part, ' with that she drew out my tongue and snippedthe end with her scissors till the blood ran. That was terrible, youmay believe, but it did me much good, because it was sore for days, andevery word I said came so slowly that I had time to think. After that Iwas more careful, and got on better, for I feared the big scissors. Yetthe dear grandmother was most kind to me in all things, and when she laydying far away in Nuremberg, she prayed that little Fritz might love Godand tell the truth. "

"I never had any grandmothers, but if you think it will cure me, I'lllet you snip my tongue, " said Nat, heroically, for he dreaded pain, yetdid wish to stop fibbing. 

Mr. Bhaer smiled, but shook his head. 

"I have a better way than that, I tried it once before and it workedwell. See now, when you tell a lie I will not punish you, but you shallpunish me. "

"How?" asked Nat, startled at the idea. 

"You shall ferule me in the good old-fashioned way; I seldom do itmyself, but it may make you remember better to give me pain than to feelit yourself. "

"Strike you? Oh, I couldn't!" cried Nat. 

"Then mind that tripping tongue of thine. I have no wish to be hurt, butI would gladly bear much pain to cure this fault. "

This suggestion made such an impression on Nat, that for a long time heset a watch upon his lips, and was desperately accurate, for Mr. Bhaerjudged rightly, that love of him would be more powerful with Nat thatfear for himself. But alas! one sad day Nat was off his guard, and whenpeppery Emil threatened to thrash him, if it was he who had run over hisgarden and broken down his best hills of corn, Nat declared he didn't, and then was ashamed to own up that he did do it, when Jack was chasinghim the night before. 

He thought no one would find it out, but Tommy happened to see him, andwhen Emil spoke of it a day or two later, Tommy gave his evidence, andMr. Bhaer heard it. School was over, and they were all standing about inthe hall, and Mr. Bhaer had just set down on the straw settee to enjoyhis frolic with Teddy; but when he heard Tommy and saw Nat turn scarlet, and look at him with a frightened face, he put the little boy down, saying, "Go to thy mother, bubchen, I will come soon, " and taking Nat bythe hand led him into the school and shut the door. 

The boys looked at one another in silence for a minute, then Tommyslipped out and peeping in at the half-closed blinds, beheld a sightthat quite bewildered him. Mr. Bhaer had just taken down the long rulethat hung over his desk, so seldom used that it was covered with dust. 

"My eye! He's going to come down heavy on Nat this time. Wish I hadn'ttold, " thought good-natured Tommy, for to be feruled was the deepestdisgrace at this school. 

"You remember what I told you last time?" said Mr. Bhaer, sorrowfully, not angrily. 

"Yes; but please don't make me, I can't bear it, " cried Nat, backingup against the door with both hands behind him, and a face full ofdistress. 

"Why don't he up and take it like a man? I would, " thought Tommy, thoughhis heart beat fast at the sight. 

"I shall keep my word, and you must remember to tell the truth. Obey me, Nat, take this and give me six good strokes. "

Tommy was so staggered by this last speech that he nearly tumbled downthe bank, but saved himself, and hung onto the window ledge, staring inwith eyes as round as the stuffed owl's on the chimney-piece. 

Nat took the rule, for when Mr. Bhaer spoke in that tone everyone obeyedhim, and, looking as scared and guilty as if about to stab his master, he gave two feeble blows on the broad hand held out to him. Thenhe stopped and looked up half-blind with tears, but Mr. Bhaer saidsteadily:

"Go on, and strike harder. "

As if seeing that it must be done, and eager to have the hard task soonover, Nat drew his sleeve across his eyes and gave two more quick hardstrokes that reddened the hand, yet hurt the giver more. 

"Isn't that enough?" he asked in a breathless sort of tone. 

"Two more, " was all the answer, and he gave them, hardly seeing wherethey fell, then threw the rule all across the room, and hugging the kindhand in both his own, laid his face down on it sobbing out in a passionof love, and shame, and penitence:

"I will remember! Oh! I will!"

Then Mr. Bhaer put an arm about him, and said in a tone as compassionateas it had just now been firm:

"I think you will. Ask the dear God to help you, and try to spare usboth another scene like this. "

Tommy saw no more, for he crept back to the hall, looking so excited andsober that the boys crowded round him to ask what was being done to Nat. 

In a most impressive whisper Tommy told them, and they looked as if thesky was about to fall, for this reversing the order of things almosttook their breath away. 

"He made me do the same thing once, " said Emil, as if confessing a crimeof the deepest dye. 

"And you hit him? dear old Father Bhaer? By thunder, I'd just liketo see you do it now!" said Ned, collaring Emil in a fit of righteouswrath. 

"It was ever so long ago. I'd rather have my head cut off than do itnow, " and Emil mildly laid Ned on his back instead of cuffing him, as hewould have felt it his duty to do on any less solemn occasion. 

"How could you?" said Demi, appalled at the idea. 

"I was hopping mad at the time, and thought I shouldn't mind abit, rather like it perhaps. But when I'd hit uncle one good crack, everything he had ever done for me came into my head all at oncesomehow, and I couldn't go on. No sir! If he'd laid me down and walkedon me, I wouldn't have minded, I felt so mean, " and Emil gave himself agood thump in the chest to express his sense of remorse for the past. 

"Nat's crying like anything, and feels no end sorry, so don't let's saya word about it; will we?" said tender-hearted Tommy. 

"Of course we won't, but it's awful to tell lies, " and Demi looked as ifhe found the awfulness much increased when the punishment fell not uponthe sinner, but his best Uncle Fritz. 

"Suppose we all clear out, so Nat can cut upstairs if he wants to, "proposed Franz, and led the way to the barn, their refuge in troubloustimes. 

Nat did not come to dinner, but Mrs. Jo took some up to him, and said atender word, which did him good, though he could not look at her. By andby the lads playing outside heard the violin, and said among themselves:"He's all right now. " He was all right, but felt shy about going down, till opening his door to slip away into the woods, he found Daisysitting on the stairs with neither work nor doll, only her littlehandkerchief in her hand, as if she had been mourning for her captivefriend. 

"I'm going to walk; want to come?" asked Nat, trying to look as ifnothing was the matter, yet feeling very grateful for her silentsympathy, because he fancied everyone must look upon him as a wretch. 

"Oh yes!" and Daisy ran for her hat, proud to be chosen as a companionby one of the big boys. 

The others saw them go, but no one followed, for boys have a great dealmore delicacy than they get credit for, and the lads instinctively feltthat, when in disgrace, gentle little Daisy was their most congenialfriend. 

The walk did Nat good, and he came home quieter than usual, but lookingcheerful again, and hung all over with daisy-chains made by his littleplaymate while he lay on the grass and told her stories. 

No one said a word about the scene of the morning, but its effect wasall the more lasting for that reason, perhaps. Nat tried his very best, and found much help, not only from the earnest little prayers he prayedto his Friend in heaven, but also in the patient care of the earthlyfriend whose kind hand he never touched without remembering that it hadwillingly borne pain for his sake. 

CHAPTER V. PATTYPANS

"What's the matter, Daisy?"

"The boys won't let me play with them. "

"Why not?"

"They say girls can't play football. "

"They can, for I've done it!" and Mrs. Bhaer laughed at the remembranceof certain youthful frolics. 

"I know I can play; Demi and I used to, and have nice times, but hewon't let me now because the other boys laugh at him, " and Daisy lookeddeeply grieved at her brother's hardness of heart. 

"On the whole, I think he is right, deary. It's all very well when youtwo are alone, but it is too rough a game for you with a dozen boys; soI'd find some nice little play for myself. "

"I'm tired of playing alone!" and Daisy's tone was very mournful. 

"I'll play with you by and by, but just now I must fly about and getthings ready for a trip into town. You shall go with me and see mamma, and if you like you can stay with her. "

"I should like to go and see her and Baby Josy, but I'd rather comeback, please. Demi would miss me, and I love to be here, Aunty. "

"You can't get on without your Demi, can you?" and Aunt Jo looked as ifshe quite understood the love of the little girl for her only brother. 

"'Course I can't; we're twins, and so we love each other more than otherpeople, " answered Daisy, with a brightening face, for she consideredbeing a twin one of the highest honors she could ever receive. 

"Now, what will you do with your little self while I fly around?" askedMrs. Bhaer, who was whisking piles of linen into a wardrobe with greatrapidity. 

"I don't know, I'm tired of dolls and things; I wish you'd make up a newplay for me, Aunty Jo, " said Daisy, swinging listlessly on the door. 

"I shall have to think of a brand new one, and it will take me sometime; so suppose you go down and see what Asia has got for your lunch, "suggested Mrs. Bhaer, thinking that would be a good way in which todispose of the little hindrance for a time. 

"Yes, I think I'd like that, if she isn't cross, " and Daisy slowlydeparted to the kitchen, where Asia, the black cook, reignedundisturbed. 

In five minutes, Daisy was back again, with a wide-awake face, a bit ofdough in her hand and a dab of flour on her little nose. 

"Oh aunty! Please could I go and make gingersnaps and things? Asia isn'tcross, and she says I may, and it would be such fun, please do, " criedDaisy, all in one breath. 

"Just the thing, go and welcome, make what you like, and stay as long asyou please, " answered Mrs. Bhaer, much relieved, for sometimes the onelittle girl was harder to amuse than the dozen boys. 

Daisy ran off, and while she worked, Aunt Jo racked her brain for anew play. All of a sudden she seemed to have an idea, for she smiledto herself, slammed the doors of the wardrobe, and walked briskly away, saying, "I'll do it, if it's a possible thing!"

What it was no one found out that day, but Aunt Jo's eyes twinkled sowhen she told Daisy she had thought of a new play, and was going to buyit, that Daisy was much excited and asked questions all the way intotown, without getting answers that told her anything. She was left athome to play with the new baby, and delight her mother's eyes, whileAunt Jo went off shopping. When she came back with all sorts of queerparcels in corners of the carry-all, Daisy was so full of curiosity thatshe wanted to go back to Plumfield at once. But her aunt would not behurried, and made a long call in mamma's room, sitting on the floor withbaby in her lap, making Mrs. Brooke laugh at the pranks of the boys, andall sorts of droll nonsense. 

How her aunt told the secret Daisy could not imagine, but her motherevidently knew it, for she said, as she tied on the little bonnet andkissed the rosy little face inside, "Be a good child, my Daisy, andlearn the nice new play aunty has got for you. It's a most useful andinteresting one, and it is very kind of her to play it with you, becauseshe does not like it very well herself. "

This last speech made the two ladies laugh heartily, and increasedDaisy's bewilderment. As they drove away something rattled in the backof the carriage. 

"What's that?" asked Daisy, pricking up her ears. 

"The new play, " answered Mrs. Jo, solemnly. 

"What is it made of?" cried Daisy. 

"Iron, tin, wood, brass, sugar, salt, coal, and a hundred other things. "

"How strange! What color is it?"

"All sorts of colors. "

"Is it large?"

"Part of it is, and a part isn't. "

"Did I ever see one?"

"Ever so many, but never one so nice as this. "

"Oh! what can it be? I can't wait. When shall I see it?" and Daisybounced up and down with impatience. 

"To-morrow morning, after lessons. "

"Is it for the boys, too?"

"No, all for you and Bess. The boys will like to see it, and want toplay one part of it. But you can do as you like about letting them. "

"I'll let Demi, if he wants to. "

"No fear that they won't all want to, especially Stuffy, " and Mrs. Bhaer's eyes twinkled more than ever as she patted a queer knobby bundlein her lap. 

"Let me feel just once, " prayed Daisy. 

"Not a feel; you'd guess in a minute and spoil the fun. "

Daisy groaned and then smiled all over her face, for through a littlehole in the paper she caught a glimpse of something bright. 

"How can I wait so long? Couldn't I see it today?"

"Oh dear, no! It has got to be arranged, and ever so many parts fixed intheir places. I promised Uncle Teddy that you shouldn't see it till itwas all in apple-pie order. "

"If uncle knows about it then it must be splendid!" cried Daisy, clapping her hands; for this kind, rich, jolly uncle of hers was asgood as a fairy godmother to the children, and was always planning merrysurprises, pretty gifts, and droll amusements for them. 

"Yes; Teddy went and bought it with me, and we had such fun in the shopchoosing the different parts. He would have everything fine and large, and my little plan got regularly splendid when he took hold. You mustgive him your very best kiss when he comes, for he is the kindest unclethat ever went and bought a charming little coo Bless me! I nearly toldyou what it was!" and Mrs. Bhaer cut that most interesting word shortoff in the middle, and began to look over her bills, as if afraid shewould let the cat out of the bag if she talked any more. Daisy foldedher hands with an air of resignation, and sat quite still trying tothink what play had a "coo" in it. 

When they got home she eyed every bundle that was taken out, and onelarge heavy one, which Franz took straight upstairs and hid in thenursery, filled her with amazement and curiosity. Something verymysterious went on up there that afternoon, for Franz was hammering, and Asia trotting up and down, and Aunt Jo flying around like awill-o'-the-wisp, with all sort of things under her apron, while littleTed, who was the only child admitted, because he couldn't talk plain, babbled and laughed, and tried to tell what the "sumpin pitty" was. 

All this made Daisy half-wild, and her excitement spread among the boys, who quite overwhelmed Mother Bhaer with offers of assistance, which shedeclined by quoting their own words to Daisy:

"Girls can't play with boys. This is for Daisy, and Bess, and me, sowe don't want you. " Whereupon the young gentlemen meekly retired, andinvited Daisy to a game of marbles, horse, football, anything she liked, with a sudden warmth and politeness which astonished her innocent littlesoul. 

Thanks to these attentions, she got through the afternoon, went earlyto bed, and next morning did her lessons with an energy which made UncleFritz wish that a new game could be invented every day. Quite a thrillpervaded the school-room when Daisy was dismissed at eleven o'clock, for everyone knew that now she was going to have the new and mysteriousplay. 

Many eyes followed her as she ran away, and Demi's mind was sodistracted by this event that when Franz asked him where the desertof Sahara was, he mournfully replied, "In the nursery, " and the wholeschool laughed at him. 

"Aunt Jo, I've done all my lessons, and I can't wait one single minutemore!" cried Daisy, flying into Mrs. Bhaer's room. 

"It's all ready, come on;" and tucking Ted under one arm, and herworkbasket under the other, Aunt Jo promptly led the way upstairs. 

"I don't see anything, " said Daisy, staring about her as she got insidethe nursery door. 

"Do you hear anything?" asked Aunt Jo, catching Ted back by his littlefrock as he was making straight for one side of the room. 

Daisy did hear an odd crackling, and then a purry little sound as of akettle singing. These noises came from behind a curtain drawn before adeep bay window. Daisy snatched it back, gave one joyful, "Oh!" and thenstood gazing with delight at what do you think?

A wide seat ran round the three sides of the window; on one side hungand stood all sorts of little pots and pans, gridirons and skillets;on the other side a small dinner and tea set; and on the middle part acooking-stove. Not a tin one, that was of no use, but a real iron stove, big enough to cook for a large family of very hungry dolls. But the bestof it was that a real fire burned in it, real steam came out of thenose of the little tea-kettle, and the lid of the little boiler actuallydanced a jig, the water inside bubbled so hard. A pane of glass hadbeen taken out and replaced by a sheet of tin, with a hole for the smallfunnel, and real smoke went sailing away outside so naturally, that itdid one's heart good to see it. The box of wood with a hod of charcoalstood near by; just above hung dust-pan, brush and broom; a littlemarket basket was on the low table at which Daisy used to play, and overthe back of her little chair hung a white apron with a bib, and a drollmob cap. The sun shone in as if he enjoyed the fun, the little stoveroared beautifully, the kettle steamed, the new tins sparkled on thewalls, the pretty china stood in tempting rows, and it was altogether ascheery and complete a kitchen as any child could desire. 

Daisy stood quite still after the first glad "Oh!" but her eyes wentquickly from one charming object to another, brightening as they looked, till they came to Aunt Jo's merry face; there they stopped as the happylittle girl hugged her, saying gratefully:

"Oh aunty, it's a splendid new play! Can I really cook at the dearstove, and have parties and mess, and sweep, and make fires that trulyburn? I like it so much! What made you think of it?"

"Your liking to make gingersnaps with Asia made me think of it, " saidMrs. Bhaer, holding Daisy, who frisked as if she would fly. "I knew Asiawouldn't let you mess in her kitchen very often, and it wouldn't besafe at this fire up here, so I thought I'd see if I could find a littlestove for you, and teach you to cook; that would be fun, and useful too. So I travelled round among the toy shops, but everything large cost toomuch and I was thinking I should have to give it up, when I met UncleTeddy. As soon as he knew what I was about, he said he wanted to help, and insisted on buying the biggest toy stove we could find. I scolded, but he only laughed, and teased me about my cooking when we were young, and said I must teach Bess as well as you, and went on buying all sortsof nice little things for my 'cooking class' as he called it. "

"I'm so glad you met him!" said Daisy, as Mrs. Jo stopped to laugh atthe memory of the funny time she had with Uncle Teddy. 

"You must study hard and learn to make all kinds of things, for he sayshe shall come out to tea very often, and expects something uncommonlynice. "

"It's the sweetest, dearest kitchen in the world, and I'd ratherstudy with it than do anything else. Can't I learn pies, and cake, andmacaroni, and everything?" cried Daisy, dancing round the room with anew saucepan in one hand and the tiny poker in the other. 

"All in good time. This is to be a useful play, I am to help you, andyou are to be my cook, so I shall tell you what to do, and show you how. Then we shall have things fit to eat, and you will be really learninghow to cook on a small scale. I'll call you Sally, and say you are a newgirl just come, " added Mrs. Jo, settling down to work, while Teddy saton the floor sucking his thumb, and staring at the stove as if it was alive thing, whose appearance deeply interested him. 

"That will be so lovely! What shall I do first?" asked Sally, with sucha happy face and willing air that Aunt Jo wished all new cooks were halfas pretty and pleasant. 

"First of all, put on this clean cap and apron. I am ratherold-fashioned, and I like my cook to be very tidy. "

Sally tucked her curly hair into the round cap, and put on the apronwithout a murmur, though usually she rebelled against bibs. 

"Now, you can put things in order, and wash up the new china. The oldset needs washing also, for my last girl was apt to leave it in a sadstate after a party. "

Aunt Jo spoke quite soberly, but Sally laughed, for she knew who theuntidy girl was who had left the cups sticky. Then she turned up hercuffs, and with a sigh of satisfaction began to stir about her kitchen, having little raptures now and then over the "sweet rolling pin, " the"darling dish-tub, " or the "cunning pepper-pot. "

"Now, Sally, take your basket and go to market; here is the list ofthings I want for dinner, " said Mrs. Jo, giving her a bit of paper whenthe dishes were all in order. 

"Where is the market?" asked Daisy, thinking that the new play got moreand more interesting every minute. 

"Asia is the market. "

Away went Sally, causing another stir in the schoolroom as she passedthe door in her new costume, and whispered to Demi, with a face full ofdelight, "It's a perfectly splendid play!"

Old Asia enjoyed the joke as much as Daisy, and laughed jollily as thelittle girl came flying into the room with her cap all on one side, thelids of her basket rattling like castanets and looking like a very crazylittle cook. 

"Mrs. Aunt Jo wants these things, and I must have them right away, " saidDaisy, importantly. 

"Let's see, honey; here's two pounds of steak, potatoes, squash, apples, bread, and butter. The meat ain't come yet; when it does I'll send itup. The other things are all handy. "

Then Asia packed one potato, one apple, a bit of squash, a little patof butter, and a roll, into the basket, telling Sally to be on the watchfor the butcher's boy, because he sometimes played tricks. 

"Who is he?" and Daisy hoped it would be Demi. 

"You'll see, " was all Asia would say; and Sally went off in greatspirits, singing a verse from dear Mary Howitt's sweet story in rhyme:

 "Away went little Mabel, With the wheaten cake so fine, The new-made pot of butter, And the little flask of wine. "

"Put everything but the apple into the store-closet for the present, "said Mrs. Jo, when the cook got home. 

There was a cupboard under the middle shelf, and on opening the doorfresh delights appeared. One half was evidently the cellar, for wood, coal, and kindlings were piled there. The other half was full of littlejars, boxes, and all sorts of droll contrivances for holding smallquantities of flour, meal, sugar, salt, and other household stores. Apot of jam was there, a little tin box of gingerbread, a cologne bottlefull of currant wine, and a tiny canister of tea. But the crowning charmwas two doll's pans of new milk, with cream actually rising on it, anda wee skimmer all ready to skim it with. Daisy clasped her hands atthis delicious spectacle, and wanted to skim it immediately. But Aunt Josaid:

"Not yet; you will want the cream to eat on your apple pie at dinner, and must not disturb it till then. "

"Am I going to have pie?" cried Daisy, hardly believing that such blisscould be in store for her. 

"Yes; if your oven does well we will have two pies, one apple and onestrawberry, " said Mrs. Jo, who was nearly as much interested in the newplay as Daisy herself. 

"Oh, what next?" asked Sally, all impatience to begin. 

"Shut the lower draught of the stove, so that the oven may heat. Then wash your hands and get out the flour, sugar, salt, butter, andcinnamon. See if the pie-board is clean, and pare your apple ready toput in. "

Daisy got things together with as little noise and spilling as could beexpected, from so young a cook. 

"I really don't know how to measure for such tiny pies; I must guessat it, and if these don't succeed, we must try again, " said Mrs. Jo, looking rather perplexed, and very much amused with the small concernbefore her. "Take that little pan full of flour, put in a pinch of salt, and then rub in as much butter as will go on that plate. Always rememberto put your dry things together first, and then the wet. It mixes betterso. "

"I know how; I saw Asia do it. Don't I butter the pie plates too? Shedid, the first thing, " said Daisy, whisking the flour about at a greatrate. 

"Quite right! I do believe you have a gift for cooking, you take to itso cleverly, " said Aunt Jo, approvingly. "Now a dash of cold water, just enough to wet it; then scatter some flour on the board, work ina little, and roll the paste out; yes, that's the way. Now put dabs ofbutter all over it, and roll it out again. We won't have our pastry veryrich, or the dolls will get dyspeptic. "

Daisy laughed at the idea, and scattered the dabs with a liberal hand. Then she rolled and rolled with her delightful little pin, and havinggot her paste ready proceeded to cover the plates with it. Next theapple was sliced in, sugar and cinnamon lavishly sprinkled over it, andthen the top crust put on with breathless care. 

"I always wanted to cut them round, and Asia never would let me. Hownice it is to do it all my ownty donty self!" said Daisy, as the littleknife went clipping round the doll's plate poised on her hand. 

All cooks, even the best, meet with mishaps sometimes, and Sally's firstone occurred then, for the knife went so fast that the plate slipped, turned a somersault in the air, and landed the dear little pie upsidedown on the floor. Sally screamed, Mrs. Jo laughed, Teddy scrambled toget it, and for a moment confusion reigned in the new kitchen. 

"It didn't spill or break, because I pinched the edges together so hard;it isn't hurt a bit, so I'll prick holes in it, and then it will beready, " said Sally, picking up the capsized treasure and putting it intoshape with a child-like disregard of the dust it had gathered in itsfall. 

"My new cook has a good temper, I see, and that is such a comfort, " saidMrs. Jo. "Now open the jar of strawberry jam, fill the uncovered pie, and put some strips of paste over the top as Asia does. "

"I'll make a D in the middle, and have zigzags all round, that will beso interesting when I come to eat it, " said Sally, loading the pie withquirls and flourishes that would have driven a real pastry cook wild. "Now I put them in!" she exclaimed; when the last grimy knob had beencarefully planted in the red field of jam, and with an air of triumphshe shut them into the little oven. 

"Clear up your things; a good cook never lets her utensils collect. Thenpare your squash and potatoes. "

"There is only one potato, " giggled Sally. 

"Cut it in four pieces, so it will go into the little kettle, and putthe bits into cold water till it is time to cook them. "

"Do I soak the squash too?"

"No, indeed! Just pare it and cut it up, and put in into the steamerover the pot. It is drier so, though it takes longer to cook. "

Here a scratching at the door caused Sally to run and open it, when Kitappeared with a covered basket in his mouth. 

"Here's the butcher boy!" cried Daisy, much tickled at the idea, as sherelieved him of his load, whereat he licked his lips and began to beg, evidently thinking that it was his own dinner, for he often carried itto his master in that way. Being undeceived, he departed in great wrathand barked all the way downstairs, to ease his wounded feelings. 

In the basket were two bits of steak (doll's pounds), a baked pear, asmall cake, and paper with them on which Asia had scrawled, "For Missy'slunch, if her cookin' don't turn out well. "

"I don't want any of her old pears and things; my cooking will turn outwell, and I'll have a splendid dinner; see if I don't!" cried Daisy, indignantly. 

"We may like them if company should come. It is always well to havesomething in the storeroom, " said Aunt Jo, who had been taught thisvaluable fact by a series of domestic panics. 

"Me is hundry, " announced Teddy, who began to think what with so muchcooking going on it was about time for somebody to eat something. Hismother gave him her workbasket to rummage, hoping to keep him quiet tilldinner was ready, and returned to her housekeeping. 

"Put on your vegetables, set the table, and then have some coalskindling ready for the steak. "

What a thing it was to see the potatoes bobbing about in the little pot;to peep at the squash getting soft so fast in the tiny steamer; to whiskopen the oven door every five minutes to see how the pies got on, andat last when the coals were red and glowing, to put two real steaks ona finger-long gridiron and proudly turn them with a fork. The potatoeswere done first, and no wonder, for they had boiled frantically all thewhile. The were pounded up with a little pestle, had much butter and nosalt put in (cook forgot it in the excitement of the moment), then itwas made into a mound in a gay red dish, smoothed over with a knifedipped in milk, and put in the oven to brown. 

So absorbed in these last performances had Sally been, that she forgother pastry till she opened the door to put in the potato, then a wailarose, for alas! alas! the little pies were burnt black!

"Oh, my pies! My darling pies! They are all spoilt!" cried poor Sally, wringing her dirty little hands as she surveyed the ruin of her work. The tart was especially pathetic, for the quirls and zigzags stuck up inall directions from the blackened jelly, like the walls and chimney of ahouse after a fire. 

"Dear, dear, I forgot to remind you to take them out; it's just myluck, " said Aunt Jo, remorsefully. "Don't cry, darling, it was my fault;we'll try again after dinner, " she added, as a great tear dropped fromSally's eyes and sizzled on the hot ruins of the tart. 

More would have followed, if the steak had not blazed up just then, and so occupied the attention of cook, that she quickly forgot the lostpastry. 

"Put the meat-dish and your own plates down to warm, while you mash thesquash with butter, salt, and a little pepper on the top, " said Mrs. Jo, devoutly hoping that the dinner would meet with no further disasters. 

The "cunning pepper-pot" soothed Sally's feelings, and she dished up hersquash in fine style. The dinner was safely put upon the table; the sixdolls were seated three on a side; Teddy took the bottom, and Sally thetop. When all were settled, it was a most imposing spectacle, for onedoll was in full ball costume, another in her night-gown; Jerry, theworsted boy, wore his red winter suit, while Annabella, the noselessdarling, was airily attired in nothing but her own kid skin. Teddy, asfather of the family, behaved with great propriety, for he smilinglydevoured everything offered him, and did not find a single fault. Daisybeamed upon her company like the weary, warm, but hospitable hostess sooften to be seen at larger tables than this, and did the honors with anair of innocent satisfaction, which we do not often see elsewhere. 

The steak was so tough that the little carving-knife would not cut it;the potato did not go round, and the squash was very lumpy; but theguests appeared politely unconscious of these trifles; and the masterand mistress of the house cleared the table with appetites that anyonemight envy them. The joy of skimming a jug-full of cream mitigated theanguish felt for the loss of the pies, and Asia's despised cake proved atreasure in the way of dessert. 

"That is the nicest lunch I ever had; can't I do it every day?" askedDaisy as she scraped up and ate the leavings all round. 

"You can cook things every day after lessons, but I prefer that youshould eat your dishes at your regular meals, and only have a bit ofgingerbread for lunch. To-day, being the first time, I don't mind, butwe must keep our rules. This afternoon you can make something for teaif you like, " said Mrs. Jo, who had enjoyed the dinner-party very much, though no one had invited her to partake. 

"Do let me make flapjacks for Demi, he loves them so, and it's such funto turn them and put sugar in between, " cried Daisy, tenderly wiping ayellow stain off Annabella's broken nose, for Bella had refused to eatsquash when it was pressed upon her as good for "lumatism, " a complaintwhich it is no wonder she suffered from, considering the lightness ofher attire. 

"But if you give Demi goodies, all the others will expect some also, andthen you will have your hands full. "

"Couldn't I have Demi come up to tea alone just this one time? And afterthat I could cook things for the others if they were good, " proposedDaisy, with a sudden inspiration. 

"That is a capital idea, Posy! We will make your little messes rewardsfor the good boys, and I don't know one among them who would not likesomething nice to eat more than almost anything else. If little men arelike big ones, good cooking will touch their hearts and soothe theirtempers delightfully, " added Aunt Jo, with a merry nod toward thedoor, where stood Papa Bhaer, surveying the scene with a face full ofamusement. 

"That last hit was for me, sharp woman. I accept it, for it is true; butif I had married thee for thy cooking, heart's dearest, I should havefared badly all these years, " answered the professor, laughing as hetossed Teddy, who became quite apoplectic in his endeavors to describethe feast he had just enjoyed. 

Daisy proudly showed her kitchen, and rashly promised Uncle Fritz asmany flapjacks as he could eat. She was just telling about the newrewards when the boys, headed by Demi, burst into the room snuffing theair like a pack of hungry hounds, for school was out, dinner was notready, and the fragrance of Daisy's steak led them straight to the spot. 

A prouder little damsel was never seen than Sally as she displayed hertreasures and told the lads what was in store for them. Several ratherscoffed at the idea of her cooking anything fit to eat, but Stuffy'sheart was won at once. Nat and Demi had firm faith in her skill, and theothers said they would wait and see. All admired the kitchen, however, and examined the stove with deep interest. Demi offered to buythe boiler on the spot, to be used in a steam-engine which he wasconstructing; and Ned declared that the best and biggest saucepan wasjust the thing to melt his lead in when he ran bullets, hatchets, andsuch trifles. 

Daisy looked so alarmed at these proposals, that Mrs. Jo then andthere made and proclaimed a law that no boy should touch, use, oreven approach the sacred stove without a special permit from theowner thereof. This increased its value immensely in the eyes of thegentlemen, especially as any infringement of the law would be punishedby forfeiture of all right to partake of the delicacies promised to thevirtuous. 

At this point the bell rang, and the entire population went down todinner, which meal was enlivened by each of the boys giving Daisy alist of things he would like to have cooked for him as fast as heearned them. Daisy, whose faith in her stove was unlimited, promisedeverything, if Aunt Jo would tell her how to make them. This suggestionrather alarmed Mrs. Jo, for some of the dishes were quite beyond herskill wedding-cake, for instance, bull's-eye candy; and cabbage soupwith herrings and cherries in it, which Mr. Bhaer proposed as hisfavorite, and immediately reduced his wife to despair, for Germancookery was beyond her. 

Daisy wanted to begin again the minute dinner was done, but she was onlyallowed to clear up, fill the kettle ready for tea, and wash out herapron, which looked as if she had a Christmas feast. She was then sentout to play till five o'clock, for Uncle Fritz said that too much study, even at cooking stoves, was bad for little minds and bodies, and Aunt Joknew by long experience how soon new toys lose their charm if they arenot prudently used. 

Everyone was very kind to Daisy that afternoon. Tommy promised her thefirst fruits of his garden, though the only visible crop just then waspigweed; Nat offered to supply her with wood, free of charge; Stuffyquite worshipped her; Ned immediately fell to work on a littlerefrigerator for her kitchen; and Demi, with a punctuality beautifulto see in one so young, escorted her to the nursery just as the clockstruck five. It was not time for the party to begin, but he begged sohard to come in and help that he was allowed privileges few visitorsenjoy, for he kindled the fire, ran errands, and watched the progressof his supper with intense interest. Mrs. Jo directed the affair as shecame and went, being very busy putting up clean curtains all over thehouse. 

"Ask Asia for a cup of sour cream, then your cakes will be light withoutmuch soda, which I don't like, " was the first order. 

Demi tore downstairs, and returned with the cream, also a puckered-upface, for he had tasted it on his way, and found it so sour that hepredicted the cakes would be uneatable. Mrs. Jo took this occasion todeliver a short lecture from the step-ladder on the chemical propertiesof soda, to which Daisy did not listen, but Demi did, and understood it, as he proved by the brief but comprehensive reply:

"Yes, I see, soda turns sour things sweet, and the fizzling up makesthem light. Let's see you do it, Daisy. "

"Fill that bowl nearly full of flour and add a little salt to it, "continued Mrs. Jo. 

"Oh dear, everything has to have salt in it, seems to me, " said Sally, who was tired of opening the pill-box in which it was kept. 

"Salt is like good-humor, and nearly every thing is better for a pinchof it, Posy, " and Uncle Fritz stopped as he passed, hammer in hand, todrive up two or three nails for Sally's little pans to hang on. 

"You are not invited to tea, but I'll give you some cakes, and I won'tbe cross, " said Daisy, putting up her floury little face to thank himwith a kiss. 

"Fritz, you must not interrupt my cooking class, or I'll come in andmoralize when you are teaching Latin. How would you like that?" saidMrs. Jo, throwing a great chintz curtain down on his head. 

"Very much, try it and see, " and the amiable Father Bhaer went singingand tapping about the house like a mammoth woodpecker. 

"Put the soda into the cream, and when it 'fizzles, ' as Demi says, stirit into the flour, and beat it up as hard as ever you can. Have yourgriddle hot, butter it well, and then fry away till I come back, " andAunt Jo vanished also. 

Such a clatter as the little spoon made, and such a beating as thebatter got, it quite foamed, I assure you; and when Daisy poured someon to the griddle, it rose like magic into a puffy flapjack that madeDemi's mouth water. To be sure, the first one stuck and scorched, because she forgot the butter, but after that first failure all wentwell, and six capital little cakes were safely landed in a dish. 

"I think I like maple-syrup better than sugar, " said Demi, from hisarm-chair where he had settled himself after setting the table in a newand peculiar manner. 

"Then go and ask Asia for some, " answered Daisy, going into thebath-room to wash her hands. 

While the nursery was empty something dreadful happened. You see, Kithad been feeling hurt all day because he had carried meat safely and yetgot none to pay him. He was not a bad dog, but he had his little faultslike the rest of us, and could not always resist temptation. Happeningto stroll into the nursery at that moment, he smelt the cakes, saw themunguarded on the low table, and never stopping to think of consequences, swallowed all six at one mouthful. I am glad to say that they were veryhot, and burned him so badly that he could not repress a surprised yelp. Daisy heard it, ran in, saw the empty dish, also the end of a yellowtail disappearing under the bed. Without a word she seized that tail, pulled out the thief, and shook him till his ears flapped wildly, thenbundled him down-stairs to the shed, where he spent a lonely evening inthe coal-bin. 

Cheered by the sympathy which Demi gave her, Daisy made another bowlfulof batter, and fried a dozen cakes, which were even better than theothers. Indeed, Uncle Fritz after eating two sent up word that he hadnever tasted any so nice, and every boy at the table below envied Demiat the flapjack party above. 

It was a truly delightful supper, for the little teapot lid only felloff three times and the milk jug upset but once; the cakes floated insyrup, and the toast had a delicious beef-steak flavor, owing to cook'susing the gridiron to make it on. Demi forgot philosophy, and stuffedlike any carnal boy, while Daisy planned sumptuous banquets, and thedolls looked on smiling affably. 

"Well, dearies, have you had a good time?" asked Mrs. Jo, coming up withTeddy on her shoulder. 

"A very good time. I shall come again soon, " answered Demi, withemphasis. 

"I'm afraid you have eaten too much, by the look of that table. "

"No, I haven't; I only ate fifteen cakes, and they were very littleones, " protested Demi, who had kept his sister busy supplying his plate. 

"They won't hurt him, they are so nice, " said Daisy, with such a funnymixture of maternal fondness and housewifely pride that Aunt Jo couldonly smile and say:

"Well, on the whole, the new game is a success then?"

"I like it, " said Demi, as if his approval was all that was necessary. 

"It is the dearest play ever made!" cried Daisy, hugging her littledish-tub as she proposed to wash up the cups. "I just wish everybodyhad a sweet cooking stove like mine, " she added, regarding it withaffection. 

"This play out to have a name, " said Demi, gravely removing the syrupfrom his countenance with his tongue. 

"It has. "

"Oh, what?" asked both children eagerly. 

"Well, I think we will call it Pattypans, " and Aunt Jo retired, satisfied with the success of her last trap to catch a sunbeam. 

CHAPTER VI. A FIRE BRAND

"Please, ma'am, could I speak to you? It is something very important, "said Nat, popping his head in at the door of Mrs. Bhaer's room. 

It was the fifth head which had popped in during the last half-hour; butMrs. Jo was used to it, so she looked up, and said, briskly, "What is it, my lad?"

Nat came in, shut the door carefully behind him, and said in an eager, anxious tone, "Dan has come. "

"Who is Dan?"

"He's a boy I used to know when I fiddled round the streets. He soldpapers, and he was kind to me, and I saw him the other day in town, andtold him how nice it was here, and he's come. "

"But, my dear boy, that is rather a sudden way to pay a visit. "

"Oh, it isn't a visit; he wants to stay if you will let him!" said Natinnocently. 

"Well, I don't know about that, " began Mrs. Bhaer, rather startled bythe coolness of the proposition. 

"Why, I thought you liked to have poor boys come and live with you, and be kind to 'em as you were to me, " said Nat, looking surprised andalarmed. 

"So I do, but I like to know something about them first. I have tochoose them, because there are so many. I have not room for all. I wishI had. "

"I told him to come because I thought you'd like it, but if there isn'troom he can go away again, " said Nat, sorrowfully. 

The boy's confidence in her hospitality touched Mrs. Bhaer, and shecould not find the heart to disappoint his hope, and spoil his kindlittle plan, so she said, "Tell me about this Dan. "

"I don't know any thing, only he hasn't got any folks, and he's poor, and he was good to me, so I'd like to be good to him if I could. "

"Excellent reasons every one; but really, Nat, the house is full, andI don't know where I could put him, " said Mrs. Bhaer, more and moreinclined to prove herself the haven of refuge he seemed to think her. 

"He could have my bed, and I could sleep in the barn. It isn't coldnow, and I don't mind, I used to sleep anywhere with father, " said Nat, eagerly. 

Something in his speech and face made Mrs. Jo put her hand on hisshoulder, and say in her kindest tone:

"Bring in your friend, Nat; I think we must find room for him withoutgiving him your place. "

Nat joyfully ran off, and soon returned followed by a mostunprepossessing boy, who slouched in and stood looking about him, with ahalf bold, half sullen look, which made Mrs. Bhaer say to herself, afterone glance, "A bad specimen, I am afraid. "

"This is Dan, " said Nat, presenting him as if sure of his welcome. 

"Nat tells me you would like to come and stay with us, " began Mrs. Jo, in a friendly tone. 

"Yes, " was the gruff reply. 

"Have you no friends to take care of you?"

"No. "

"Say, 'No, ma'am, '" whispered Nat. 

"Shan't neither, " muttered Dan. 

"How old are you?"

"About fourteen. "

"You look older. What can you do?"

"'Most anything. "

"If you stay here we shall want you to do as the others do, work andstudy as well as play. Are you willing to agree to that?"

"Don't mind trying. "

"Well, you can stay a few days, and we will see how we get on together. Take him out, Nat, and amuse him till Mr. Bhaer comes home, when we willsettle about the matter, " said Mrs. Jo, finding it rather difficult toget on with this cool young person, who fixed his big black eyes on herwith a hard, suspicious expression, sorrowfully unboyish. 

"Come on, Nat, " he said, and slouched out again. 

"Thank you, ma'am, " added Nat, as he followed him, feeling without quiteunderstanding the difference in the welcome given to him and to hisungracious friend. 

"The fellows are having a circus out in the barn; don't you want to comeand see it?" he asked, as they came down the wide steps on to the lawn. 

"Are they big fellows?" said Dan. 

"No; the big ones are gone fishing. "

"Fire away, then, " said Dan. 

Nat led him to the great barn and introduced him to his set, who weredisporting themselves among the half-empty lofts. A large circle wasmarked out with hay on the wide floor, and in the middle stood Demi witha long whip, while Tommy, mounted on the much-enduring Toby, prancedabout the circle playing being a monkey. 

"You must pay a pin apiece, or you can't see the show, " said Stuffy, who stood by the wheelbarrow in which sat the band, consisting of apocket-comb blown upon by Ned, and a toy drum beaten spasmodically byRob. 

"He's company, so I'll pay for both, " said Nat, handsomely, as he stucktwo crooked pins in the dried mushroom which served as money-box. 

With a nod to the company they seated themselves on a couple of boards, and the performance went on. After the monkey act, Ned gave them a finespecimen of his agility by jumping over an old chair, and running upand down ladders, sailor fashion. Then Demi danced a jig with a gravitybeautiful to behold. Nat was called upon to wrestle with Stuffy, andspeedily laid that stout youth upon the ground. After this, Tommyproudly advanced to turn a somersault, an accomplishment which he hadacquired by painful perseverance, practising in private till every jointof his little frame was black and blue. His feats were received withgreat applause, and he was about to retire, flushed with pride and arush of blood to the head, when a scornful voice in the audience washeard to say, "Ho! that ain't any thing!"

"Say that again, will you?" and Tommy bristled up like an angryturkey-cock. 

"Do you want to fight?" said Dan, promptly descending from the barreland doubling up his fists in a business-like manner. 

"No, I don't;" and the candid Thomas retired a step, rather taken abackby the proposition. 

"Fighting isn't allowed!" cried the others, much excited. 

"You're a nice lot, " sneered Dan. 

"Come, if you don't behave, you shan't stay, " said Nat, firing up atthat insult to his friends. 

"I'd like to see him do better than I did, that's all, " observed Tommy, with a swagger. 

"Clear the way, then, " and without the slightest preparation Dan turnedthree somersaults one after the other and came up on his feet. 

"You can't beat that, Tom; you always hit your head and tumble flat, "said Nat, pleased at his friend's success. 

Before he could say any more the audience were electrified by three moresomersaults backwards, and a short promenade on the hands, head down, feet up. This brought down the house, and Tommy joined in the admiringcries which greeted the accomplished gymnast as he righted himself, andlooked at them with an air of calm superiority. 

"Do you think I could learn to do it without its hurting me very much?"Tom meekly asked, as he rubbed the elbows which still smarted after thelast attempt. 

"What will you give me if I'll teach you?" said Dan. 

"My new jack-knife; it's got five blades, and only one is broken. "

"Give it here, then. "

Tommy handed it over with an affectionate look at its smooth handle. Dan examined it carefully, then putting it into his pocket, walked off, saying with a wink, "Keep it up till you learn, that's all. "

A howl of wrath from Tommy was followed by a general uproar, which didnot subside till Dan, finding himself in a minority, proposed that theyshould play stick-knife, and whichever won should have the treasure. Tommy agreed, and the game was played in a circle of excited faces, which all wore an expression of satisfaction, when Tommy won and securedthe knife in the depth of his safest pocket. 

"You come off with me, and I'll show you round, " said Nat, feeling thathe must have a little serious conversation with his friend in private. 

What passed between them no one knew, but when they appeared again, Danwas more respectful to every one, though still gruff in his speech, andrough in his manner; and what else could be expected of the poor ladwho had been knocking about the world all his short life with no one toteach him any better?

The boys had decided that they did not like him, and so they left himto Nat, who soon felt rather oppressed by the responsibility, but tookind-hearted to desert him. 

Tommy, however, felt that in spite of the jack-knife transaction, there was a bond of sympathy between them, and longed to return to theinteresting subject of somersaults. He soon found an opportunity, forDan, seeing how much he admired him, grew more amiable, and by the endof the first week was quite intimate with the lively Tom. 

Mr. Bhaer, when he heard the story and saw Dan, shook his head, but onlysaid quietly, "The experiment may cost us something, but we will try it. "

If Dan felt any gratitude for his protection, he did not show it, andtook without thanks all that was give him. He was ignorant, but veryquick to learn when he chose; had sharp eyes to watch what went on abouthim; a saucy tongue, rough manners, and a temper that was fierce andsullen by turns. He played with all his might, and played well at almostall the games. He was silent and gruff before grown people, and onlynow and then was thoroughly sociable among the lads. Few of them reallyliked him, but few could help admiring his courage and strength, fornothing daunted him, and he knocked tall Franz flat on one occasion withan ease that caused all the others to keep at a respectful distance fromhis fists. Mr. Bhaer watched him silently, and did his best to tame the"Wild Boy, " as they called him, but in private the worthy man shook hishead, and said soberly, "I hope the experiment will turn out well, but Iam a little afraid it may cost too much. "

Mrs. Bhaer lost her patience with him half a dozen times a day, yetnever gave him up, and always insisted that there was something goodin the lad, after all; for he was kinder to animals than to people, heliked to rove about in the woods, and, best of all, little Ted was fondof him. What the secret was no one could discover, but Baby took to himat once gabbled and crowed whenever he saw him preferred his strong backto ride on to any of the others and called him "My Danny" out of hisown little head. Teddy was the only creature to whom Dan showed anaffection, and this was only manifested when he thought no oneelse would see it; but mothers' eyes are quick, and motherly heartsinstinctively divine who love their babies. So Mrs. Jo soon saw and feltthat there was a soft spot in rough Dan, and bided her time to touch andwin him. 

But an unexpected and decidedly alarming event upset all their plans, and banished Dan from Plumfield. 

Tommy, Nat, and Demi began by patronizing Dan, because the otherlads rather slighted him; but soon they each felt there was a certainfascination about the bad boy, and from looking down upon him they cameto looking up, each for a different reason. Tommy admired his skill andcourage; Nat was grateful for past kindness; and Demi regarded him asa sort of animated story book, for when he chose Dan could tell hisadventures in a most interesting way. It pleased Dan to have the threefavorites like him, and he exerted himself to be agreeable, which wasthe secret of his success. 

The Bhaers were surprised, but hoped the lads would have a goodinfluence over Dan, and waited with some anxiety, trusting that no harmwould come of it. 

Dan felt they did not quite trust him, and never showed them his bestside, but took a wilful pleasure in trying their patience and thwartingtheir hopes as far as he dared. 

Mr. Bhaer did not approve of fighting, and did not think it a proof ofeither manliness or courage for two lads to pommel one another forthe amusement of the rest. All sorts of hardy games and exercises wereencouraged, and the boys were expected to take hard knocks and tumbleswithout whining; but black eyes and bloody noses given for the fun of itwere forbidden as a foolish and a brutal play. 

Dan laughed at this rule, and told such exciting tales of his own valor, and the many frays that he had been in, that some of the lads were firedwith a desire to have a regular good "mill. "

"Don't tell, and I'll show you how, " said Dan; and, getting half a dozenof the lads together behind the barn, he gave them a lesson in boxing, which quite satisfied the ardor of most of them. Emil, however, couldnot submit to be beaten by a fellow younger than himself, for Emil waspast fourteen and a plucky fellow, so he challenged Dan to a fight. Danaccepted at once, and the others looked on with intense interest. 

What little bird carried the news to head-quarters no one ever knew, but, in the very hottest of the fray, when Dan and Emil were fightinglike a pair of young bulldogs, and the others with fierce, excitedfaces were cheering them on, Mr. Bhaer walked into the ring, plucked thecombatants apart with a strong hand, and said, in the voice they seldomheard, "I can't allow this, boys! Stop it at once; and never let me see itagain. I keep a school for boys, not for wild beasts. Look at each otherand be ashamed of yourselves. "

"You let me go, and I'll knock him down again, " shouted Dan, sparringaway in spite of the grip on his collar. 

"Come on, come on, I ain't thrashed yet!" cried Emil, who had been downfive times, but did not know when he was beaten. 

"They are playing be gladdy what-you-call-'ems, like the Romans, UncleFritz, " called out Demi, whose eyes were bigger than ever with theexcitement of this new pastime. 

"They were a fine set of brutes; but we have learned something sincethen, I hope, and I cannot have you make my barn a Colosseum. Whoproposed this?" asked Mr. Bhaer. 

"Dan, " answered several voices. 

"Don't you know that it is forbidden?"

"Yes, " growled Dan, sullenly. 

"Then why break the rule?"

"They'll all be molly-coddles, if they don't know how to fight. "

"Have you found Emil a molly-coddle? He doesn't look much like one, "and Mr. Bhaer brought the two face to face. Dan had a black eye, and hisjacket was torn to rags, but Emil's face was covered with blood from acut lip and a bruised nose, while a bump on his forehead was already aspurple as a plum. In spite of his wounds however, he still glared uponhis foe, and evidently panted to renew the fight. 

"He'd make a first-rater if he was taught, " said Dan, unable to withholdthe praise from the boy who made it necessary for him to do his best. 

"He'll be taught to fence and box by and by, and till then I thinkhe will do very well without any lessons in mauling. Go and wash yourfaces; and remember, Dan, if you break any more of the rules again, youwill be sent away. That was the bargain; do your part and we will doours. "

The lads went off, and after a few more words to the spectators, Mr. Bhaer followed to bind up the wounds of the young gladiators. Emil wentto bed sick, and Dan was an unpleasant spectacle for a week. 

But the lawless lad had no thought of obeying, and soon transgressedagain. 

One Saturday afternoon as a party of the boys went out to play, Tommysaid, "Let's go down to the river, and cut a lot of new fish-poles. "

"Take Toby to drag them back, and one of us can ride him down, " proposedStuffy, who hated to walk. 

"That means you, I suppose; well, hurry up, lazy-bones, " said Dan. 

Away they went, and having got the poles were about to go home, whenDemi unluckily said to Tommy, who was on Toby with a long rod in hishand, "You look like the picture of the man in the bull-fight, only youhaven't got a red cloth, or pretty clothes on. "

"I'd like to see one; there's old Buttercup in the big meadow, ride ather, Tom, and see her run, " proposed Dan, bent on mischief. 

"No, you mustn't, " began Demi, who was learning to distrust Dan'spropositions. 

"Why not, little fuss-button?" demanded Dan. 

"I don't think Uncle Fritz would like it. "

"Did he ever say we must not have a bull-fight?"

"No, I don't think he ever did, " admitted Demi. 

"Then hold your tongue. Drive on, Tom, and here's a red rag to flap atthe old thing. I'll help you to stir her up, " and over the wall wentDan, full of the new game, and the rest followed like a flock of sheep;even Demi, who sat upon the bars, and watched the fun with interest. 

Poor Buttercup was not in a very good mood, for she had been latelybereft of her calf, and mourned for the little thing most dismally. Justnow she regarded all mankind as her enemies (and I do not blame her), so when the matadore came prancing towards her with the red handkerchiefflying at the end of his long lance, she threw up her head, and gavea most appropriate "Moo!" Tommy rode gallantly at her, and Tobyrecognizing an old friend, was quite willing to approach; but when thelance came down on her back with a loud whack, both cow and donkey weresurprised and disgusted. Toby back with a bray of remonstrance, andButtercup lowered her horns angrily. 

"At her again, Tom; she's jolly cross, and will do it capitally!" calledDan, coming up behind with another rod, while Jack and Ned followed hisexample. 

Seeing herself thus beset, and treated with such disrespect, Buttercuptrotted round the field, getting more and more bewildered and excitedevery moment, for whichever way she turned, there was a dreadful boy, yelling and brandishing a new and very disagreeable sort of whip. It wasgreat fun for them, but real misery for her, till she lost patience andturned the tables in the most unexpected manner. All at once she wheeledshort round, and charged full at her old friend Toby, whose conduct cuther to the heart. Poor slow Toby backed so precipitately that he trippedover a stone, and down went horse, matadore, and all, in one ignominiousheap, while distracted Buttercup took a surprising leap over the wall, and galloped wildly out of sight down the road. 

"Catch her, stop her, head her off! run, boys, run!" shouted Dan, tearing after her at his best pace, for she was Mr. Bhaer's petAlderney, and if anything happened to her, Dan feared it would be allover with him. Such a running and racing and bawling and puffing asthere was before she was caught! The fish-poles were left behind; Tobywas trotted nearly off his legs in the chase; and every boy was red, breathless, and scared. They found poor Buttercup at last in a flowergarden, where she had taken refuge, worn out with the long run. Borrowing a rope for a halter, Dan led her home, followed by a partyof very sober young gentlemen, for the cow was in a sad state, havingstrained her shoulder jumping, so that she limped, her eyes looked wild, and her glossy coat was wet and muddy. 

"You'll catch it this time, Dan, " said Tommy, as he led the wheezingdonkey beside the maltreated cow. 

"So will you, for you helped. "

"We all did, but Demi, " added Jack. 

"He put it into our heads, " said Ned. 

"I told you not to do it, " cried Demi, who was most broken-hearted atpoor Buttercup's state. 

"Old Bhaer will send me off, I guess. Don't care if he does, " mutteredDan, looking worried in spite of his words. 

"We'll ask him not to, all of us, " said Demi, and the others assentedwith the exception of Stuffy, who cherished the hope that all thepunishment might fall on one guilty head. Dan only said, "Don't botherabout me;" but he never forgot it, even though he led the lads astrayagain, as soon as the temptation came. 

When Mr. Bhaer saw the animal, and heard the story, he said very little, evidently fearing that he should say too much in the first moments ofimpatience. Buttercup was made comfortable in her stall, and the boyssent to their rooms till supper-time. This brief respite gave them timeto think the matter over, to wonder what the penalty would be, and totry to imagine where Dan would be sent. He whistled briskly in his room, so that no one should think he cared a bit; but while he waited to knowhis fate, the longing to stay grew stronger and stronger, the more herecalled the comfort and kindness he had known here, the hardship andneglect he had felt elsewhere. He knew they tried to help him, and atthe bottom of his heart he was grateful, but his rough life had madehim hard and careless, suspicious and wilful. He hated restraint of anysort, and fought against it like an untamed creature, even while he knewit was kindly meant, and dimly felt that he would be the better for it. He made up his mind to be turned adrift again, to knock about the cityas he had done nearly all his life; a prospect that made him knithis black brows, and look about the cosy little room with a wistfulexpression that would have touched a much harder heart than Mr. Bhaer'sif he had seen it. It vanished instantly, however, when the good mancame in, and said in his accustomed grave way, "I have heard all about it, Dan, and though you have broken the rulesagain, I am going to give you one more trial, to please Mother Bhaer. "

Dan flushed up to his forehead at this unexpected reprieve, but he onlysaid in his gruff way, "I didn't know there was any rule about bull-fighting. "

"As I never expected to have any at Plumfield, I never did make sucha rule, " answered Mr. Bhaer, smiling in spite of himself at the boy'sexcuse. Then he added gravely, "But one of the first and most importantof our few laws is the law of kindness to every dumb creature on theplace. I want everybody and everything to be happy here, to loveand trust, and serve us, as we try to love and trust and serve themfaithfully and willingly. I have often said that you were kinder to theanimals than any of the other boys, and Mrs. Bhaer liked that trait inyou very much, because she thought it showed a good heart. But you havedisappointed us in that, and we are sorry, for we hoped to make youquite one of us. Shall we try again?"

Dan's eyes had been on the floor, and his hands nervously picking atthe bit of wood he had been whittling as Mr. Bhaer came in, but when heheard the kind voice ask that question, he looked up quickly, and saidin a more respectful tone than he had ever used before, "Yes, please. "

"Very well, then, we will say no more, only you will stay at home fromthe walk to-morrow, as the other boys will and all of you must wait onpoor Buttercup till she is well again. "

"I will. "

"Now, go down to supper, and do your best, my boy, more for your ownsake than for ours. " Then Mr. Bhaer shook hands with him, and Dan wentdown more tamed by kindness than he would have been by the good whippingwhich Asia had strongly recommended. 

Dan did try for a day or two, but not being used to it, he soon tiredand relapsed into his old wilful ways. Mr. Bhaer was called from homeon business one day, and the boys had no lessons. They liked this, andplayed hard till bedtime, when most of them turned in and slept likedormice. Dan, however, had a plan in his head, and when he and Nat werealone, he unfolded it. 

"Look here!" he said, taking from under his bed a bottle, a cigar, and apack of cards, "I'm going to have some fun, and do as I used to withthe fellows in town. Here's some beer, I got if of the old man at thestation, and this cigar; you can pay for 'em or Tommy will, he's gotheaps of money and I haven't a cent. I'm going to ask him in; no, yougo, they won't mind you. "

"The folks won't like it, " began Nat. 

"They won't know. Daddy Bhaer is away, and Mrs. Bhaer's busy with Ted;he's got croup or something, and she can't leave him. We shan't sit uplate or make any noise, so where's the harm?"

"Asia will know if we burn the lamp long, she always does. "

"No, she won't, I've got a dark lantern on purpose; it don't give muchlight, and we can shut it quick if we hear anyone coming, " said Dan. 

This idea struck Nat as a fine one, and lent an air of romance to thething. He started off to tell Tommy, but put his head in again to say, "You want Demi, too, don't you?"

"No, I don't; the Deacon will rollup eyes and preach if you tell him. Hewill be asleep, so just tip the wink to Tom and cut back again. "

Nat obeyed, and returned in a minute with Tommy half dressed, rathertousled about the head and very sleepy, but quite ready for fun asusual. 

"Now, keep quiet, and I'll show you how to play a first-rate game called'Poker, '" said Dan, as the three revellers gathered round the table, onwhich were set forth the bottle, the cigar, and the cards. "First we'llall have a drink, then we'll take a go at the 'weed, ' and then we'llplay. That's the way men do, and it's jolly fun. "

The beer circulated in a mug, and all three smacked their lips over it, though Nat and Tommy did not like the bitter stuff. The cigar was worsestill, but they dared not say so, and each puffed away till he was dizzyor choked, when he passed the "weed" on to his neighbor. Dan likedit, for it seemed like old times when he now and then had a chanceto imitate the low men who surrounded him. He drank, and smoked, andswaggered as much like them as he could, and, getting into the spiritof the part he assumed, he soon began to swear under his breath forfear some one should hear him. "You mustn't; it's wicked to say 'Damn!'"cried Tommy, who had followed his leader so far. 

"Oh, hang! don't you preach, but play away; it's part of the fun toswear. "

"I'd rather say 'thunder turtles, '" said Tommy, who had composed thisinteresting exclamation and was very proud of it. 

"And I'll say 'The Devil;' that sounds well, " added Nat, much impressedby Dan's manly ways. 

Dan scoffed at their "nonsense, " and swore stoutly as he tried to teachthem the new game. 

But Tommy was very sleepy, and Nat's head began to ache with the beerand the smoke, so neither of them was very quick to learn, and the gamedragged. The room was nearly dark, for the lantern burned badly; theycould not laugh loud nor move about much, for Silas slept next door inthe shed-chamber, and altogether the party was dull. In the middle of adeal Dan stopped suddenly, and called out, "Who's that?" in a startledtone, and at the same moment drew the slide over the light. A voice inthe darkness said tremulously, "I can't find Tommy, " and then there wasthe quick patter of bare feet running away down the entry that led fromthe wing to the main house. 

"It's Demi! he's gone to call some one; cut into bed, Tom, and don'ttell!" cried Dan, whisking all signs of the revel out of sight, andbeginning to tear off his clothes, while Nat did the same. 

Tommy flew to his room and dived into bed, where he lay, laughingtill something burned his hand, when he discovered that he was stillclutching the stump of the festive cigar, which he happened to besmoking when the revel broke up. 

It was nearly out, and he was about to extinguish it carefully whenNursey's voice was heard, and fearing it would betray him if he hid itin the bed, he threw it underneath, after a final pinch which he thoughtfinished it. 

Nursey came in with Demi, who looked much amazed to see the red face ofTommy reposing peacefully upon his pillow. 

"He wasn't there just now, because I woke up and could not find himanywhere, " said Demi, pouncing on him. 

"What mischief are you at now, bad child?" asked Nursey, with agood-natured shake, which made the sleeper open his eyes to say meekly, "I only ran into Nat's room to see him about something. Go away, and letme alone; I'm awful sleepy. "

Nursey tucked Demi in, and went off to reconnoitre, but only found twoboys slumbering peacefully in Dan's room. "Some little frolic, " shethought, and as there was no harm done she said nothing to Mrs. Bhaer, who was busy and worried over little Teddy. 

Tommy was sleepy, and telling Demi to mind his own business and not askquestions, he was snoring in ten minutes, little dreaming what was goingon under his bed. The cigar did not go out, but smouldered away on thestraw carpet till it was nicely on fire, and a hungry little flame wentcreeping along till the dimity bedcover caught, then the sheets, andthen the bed itself. The beer made Tommy sleep heavily, and the smokestupified Demi, so they slept on till the fire began to scorch them, andthey were in danger of being burned to death. 

Franz was sitting up to study, and as he left the school-room he smeltthe smoke, dashed up-stairs and saw it coming in a cloud from the leftwing of the house. Without stopping to call any one, he ran into theroom, dragged the boys from the blazing bed, and splashed all the waterhe could find at hand on to the flames. It checked but did not quenchthe fire, and the children wakened on being tumbled topsy-turvy intoa cold hall, began to roar at the top of their voices. Mrs. Bhaerinstantly appeared, and a minute after Silas burst out of his roomshouting, "Fire!" in a tone that raised the whole house. A flock ofwhite goblins with scared faces crowded into the hall, and for a minuteevery one was panic-stricken. 

Then Mrs. Bhaer found her wits, bade Nursey see to the burnt boys, andsent Franz and Silas down-stairs for some tubs of wet clothes whichshe flung on the bed, over the carpet, and up against the curtains, nowburning finely, and threatening to kindle the walls. 

Most of the boys stood dumbly looking on, but Dan and Emil workedbravely, running to and fro with water from the bath-room, and helpingto pull down the dangerous curtains. 

The peril was soon over, and ordering the boys all back to bed, andleaving Silas to watch lest the fire broke out again, Mrs. Bhaer andFranz went to see how the poor boys got on. Demi had escaped with oneburn and a grand scare, but Tommy had not only most of his hair scorchedoff his head, but a great burn on his arm, that made him half crazy withthe pain. Demi was soon made cosy, and Franz took him away to his ownbed, where the kind lad soothed his fright and hummed him to sleep ascosily as a woman. Nursey watched over poor Tommy all night, trying toease his misery, and Mrs. Bhaer vibrated between him and little Teddywith oil and cotton, paregoric and squills, saying to herself from timeto time, as if she found great amusement in the thought, "I always knewTommy would set the house on fire, and now he has done it!"

When Mr. Bhaer got home next morning he found a nice state of things. Tommy in bed, Teddy wheezing like a little grampus, Mrs. Jo quite usedup, and the whole flock of boys so excited that they all talked at once, and almost dragged him by main force to view the ruins. Under his quietmanagement things soon fell into order, for every one felt that he wasequal to a dozen conflagrations, and worked with a will at whatever taskhe gave them. 

There was no school that morning, but by afternoon the damaged room wasput to rights, the invalids were better, and there was time to hear andjudge the little culprits quietly. Nat and Tommy told their parts in themischief, and were honestly sorry for the danger they had brought to thedear old house and all in it. But Dan put on his devil-may-care look, and would not own that there was much harm done. 

Now, of all things, Mr. Bhaer hated drinking, gambling, and swearing;smoking he had given up that the lads might not be tempted to try it, and it grieved and angered him deeply to find that the boy, with whom hehad tried to be most forbearing, should take advantage of his absence tointroduce these forbidden vices, and teach his innocent little ladsto think it manly and pleasant to indulge in them. He talked long andearnestly to the assembled boys, and ended by saying, with an air ofmingled firmness and regret, "I think Tommy is punished enough, and that scar on his arm will remindhim for a long time to let these things alone. Nat's fright will do forhim, for he is really sorry, and does try to obey me. But you, Dan, havebeen many times forgiven, and yet it does no good. I cannot have my boyshurt by your bad example, nor my time wasted in talking to deaf ears, soyou can say good-bye to them all, and tell Nursey to put up your thingsin my little black bag. "

"Oh! sir, where is he going?" cried Nat. 

"To a pleasant place up in the country, where I sometimes send boys whenthey don't do well here. Mr. Page is a kind man, and Dan will be happythere if he chooses to do his best. "

"Will he ever come back?" asked Demi. 

"That will depend on himself; I hope so. "

As he spoke, Mr. Bhaer left the room to write his letter to Mr. Page, and the boys crowded round Dan very much as people do about a man who isgoing on a long and perilous journey to unknown regions. 

"I wonder if you'll like it, " began Jack. 

"Shan't stay if I don't, " said Dan coolly. 

"Where will you go?" asked Nat. 

"I may go to sea, or out west, or take a look at California, " answeredDan, with a reckless air that quite took away the breath of the littleboys. 

"Oh, don't! stay with Mr. Page awhile and then come back here; do, Dan, "pleaded Nat, much affected at the whole affair. 

"I don't care where I go, or how long I stay, and I'll be hanged if Iever come back here, " with which wrathful speech Dan went away to put uphis things, every one of which Mr. Bhaer had given him. 

That was the only good-bye he gave the boys, for they were all talkingthe matter over in the barn when he came down, and he told Nat not tocall them. The wagon stood at the door, and Mrs. Bhaer came out to speakto Dan, looking so sad that his heart smote him, and he said in a lowtone, "May I say good-bye to Teddy?"

"Yes, dear; go in and kiss him, he will miss his Danny very much. "

No one saw the look in Dan's eyes as he stooped over the crib, and sawthe little face light up at first sight of him, but he heard Mrs. Bhaersay pleadingly, "Can't we give the poor lad one more trial, Fritz?" and Mr. Bhaer answerin his steady way, "My dear, it is not best, so let him go where he can do no harm toothers, while they do good to him, and by and by he shall come back, Ipromise you. "

"He's the only boy we ever failed with, and I am so grieved, for Ithought there was the making of a fine man in him, spite of his faults. "

Dan heard Mrs. Bhaer sigh, and he wanted to ask for one more trialhimself, but his pride would not let him, and he came out with the hardlook on his face, shook hands without a word, and drove away with Mr. Bhaer, leaving Nat and Mrs. Jo to look after him with tears in theireyes. 

A few days afterwards they received a letter from Mr. Page, saying thatDan was doing well, whereat they all rejoiced. But three weeks latercame another letter, saying that Dan had run away, and nothing had beenheard of him, whereat they all looked sober, and Mr. Bhaer said, "Perhaps I ought to have given him another chance. "

Mrs. Bhaer, however, nodded wisely and answered, "Don't be troubled, Fritz; the boy will come back to us, I'm sure of it. "

But time went on and no Dan came. 

CHAPTER VII. NAUGHTY NAN

"Fritz, I've got a new idea, " cried Mrs. Bhaer, as she met her husbandone day after school. 

"Well, my dear, what is it?" and he waited willingly to hear the newplan, for some of Mrs. Jo's ideas were so droll, it was impossible tohelp laughing at them, though usually they were quite sensible, and hewas glad to carry them out. 

"Daisy needs a companion, and the boys would be all the better foranother girl among them; you know we believe in bringing up little menand women together, and it is high time we acted up to our belief. Theypet and tyrannize over Daisy by turns, and she is getting spoilt. Thenthey must learn gentle ways, and improve their manners, and having girlsabout will do it better than any thing else. "

"You are right, as usual. Now, who shall we have?" asked Mr. Bhaer, seeing by the look in her eye that Mrs. Jo had some one all ready topropose. 

"Little Annie Harding. "

"What! Naughty Nan, as the lads call her?" cried Mr. Bhaer, looking verymuch amused. 

"Yes, she is running wild at home since her mother died, and is toobright a child to be spoilt by servants. I have had my eye on her forsome time, and when I met her father in town the other day I asked himwhy he did not send her to school. He said he would gladly if he couldfind as good a school for girls as ours was for boys. I know he wouldrejoice to have her come; so suppose we drive over this afternoon andsee about it. "

"Have not you cares enough now, my Jo, without this little gypsy totorment you?" asked Mr. Bhaer, patting the hand that lay on his arm. 

"Oh dear, no, " said Mother Bhaer, briskly. "I like it, and never washappier than since I had my wilderness of boys. You see, Fritz, I feel agreat sympathy for Nan, because I was such a naughty child myself thatI know all about it. She is full of spirits, and only needs to be taughtwhat to do with them to be as nice a little girl as Daisy. Those quickwits of hers would enjoy lessons if they were rightly directed, and whatis now a tricksy midget would soon become a busy, happy child. I knowhow to manage her, for I remember how my blessed mother managed me, and--"

"And if you succeed half as well as she did, you will have done amagnificent work, " interrupted Mr. Bhaer, who labored under the delusionthat Mrs. B. Was the best and most charming woman alive. 

"Now, if you make fun of my plan I'll give you bad coffee for a week, and then where are you, sir?" cried Mrs. Jo, tweaking him by the earjust as if he was one of the boys. 

"Won't Daisy's hair stand erect with horror at Nan's wild ways?" askedMr. Bhaer, presently, when Teddy had swarmed up his waistcoat, and Robup his back, for they always flew at their father the minute school wasdone. 

"At first, perhaps, but it will do Posy good. She is getting prim andBettyish, and needs stirring up a bit. She always has a good time whenNan comes over to play, and the two will help each other without knowingit. Dear me, half the science of teaching is knowing how much childrendo for one another, and when to mix them. "

"I only hope she won't turn out another firebrand. "

"My poor Dan! I never can quite forgive myself for letting him go, "sighed Mrs. Bhaer. 

At the sound of the name, little Teddy, who had never forgotten hisfriend, struggled down from his father's arms, and trotted to the door, looked out over the sunny lawn with a wistful face, and then trottedback again, saying, as he always did when disappointed of the longed-forsight, "My Danny's tummin' soon. "

"I really think we ought to have kept him, if only for Teddy's sake, hewas so fond of him, and perhaps baby's love would have done for him whatwe failed to do. "

"I've sometimes felt that myself; but after keeping the boys in aferment, and nearly burning up the whole family, I thought it safer toremove the firebrand, for a time at least, " said Mr. Bhaer. 

"Dinner's ready, let me ring the bell, " and Rob began a solo upon thatinstrument which made it impossible to hear one's self speak. 

"Then I may have Nan, may I?" asked Mrs. Jo. 

"A dozen Nans if you want them, my dear, " answered Mr. Bhaer, who hadroom in his fatherly heart for all the naughty neglected children in theworld. 

When Mrs. Bhaer returned from her drive that afternoon, before she couldunpack the load of little boys, without whom she seldom moved, a smallgirl of ten skipped out at the back of the carry-all and ran into thehouse, shouting, "Hi, Daisy! where are you?"

Daisy came, and looked pleased to see her guest, but also a triflealarmed, when Nan said, still prancing, as if it was impossible to keepstill, "I'm going to stay here always, papa says I may, and my box is comingtomorrow, all my things had to be washed and mended, and your aunt cameand carried me off. Isn't it great fun?"

"Why, yes. Did you bring your big doll?" asked Daisy, hoping she had, for on the last visit Nan had ravaged the baby house, and insisted onwashing Blanche Matilda's plaster face, which spoilt the poor dear'scomplexion for ever. 

"Yes, she's somewhere round, " returned Nan, with most unmaternalcarelessness. "I made you a ring coming along, and pulled the hairs outof Dobbin's tail. Don't you want it?" and Nan presented a horse-hairring in token of friendship, as they had both vowed they would neverspeak to one another again when they last parted. 

Won by the beauty of the offering, Daisy grew more cordial, and proposedretiring to the nursery, but Nan said, "No, I want to see the boys, andthe barn, " and ran off, swinging her hat by one string till it broke, when she left it to its fate on the grass. 

"Hullo! Nan!" cried the boys as she bounced in among them with theannouncement, "I'm going to stay. "

"Hooray!" bawled Tommy from the wall on which he was perched, for Nanwas a kindred spirit, and he foresaw "larks" in the future. 

"I can bat; let me play, " said Nan, who could turn her hand to anything, and did not mind hard knocks. 

"We ain't playing now, and our side beat without you. "

"I can beat you in running, any way, " returned Nan, falling back on herstrong point. 

"Can she?" asked Nat of Jack. 

"She runs very well for a girl, " answered Jack, who looked down upon Nanwith condescending approval. 

"Will you try?" said Nan, longing to display her powers. 

"It's too hot, " and Tommy languished against the wall as if quiteexhausted. 

"What's the matter with Stuffy?" asked Nan, whose quick eyes were rovingfrom face to face. 

"Ball hurt his hand; he howls at every thing, " answered Jack scornfully. 

"I don't, I never cry, no matter how I'm hurt; it's babyish, " said Nan, loftily. 

"Pooh! I could make you cry in two minutes, " returned Stuffy, rousingup. 

"See if you can. "

"Go and pick that bunch of nettles, then, " and Stuffy pointed to asturdy specimen of that prickly plant growing by the wall. 

Nan instantly "grasped the nettle, " pulled it up, and held it with adefiant gesture, in spite of the almost unbearable sting. 

"Good for you, " cried the boys, quick to acknowledge courage even in oneof the weaker sex. 

More nettled than she was, Stuffy determined to get a cry out of hersomehow, and he said tauntingly, "You are used to poking your hands intoevery thing, so that isn't fair. Now go and bump your head real hardagainst the barn, and see if you don't howl then. "

"Don't do it, " said Nat, who hated cruelty. 

But Nan was off, and running straight at the barn, she gave her head ablow that knocked her flat, and sounded like a battering-ram. Dizzy, butundaunted, she staggered up, saying stoutly, though her face was drawnwith pain, "That hurt, but I don't cry. "

"Do it again, " said Stuffy angrily; and Nan would have done it, but Natheld her; and Tommy, forgetting the heat, flew at Stuffy like a littlegame-cock, roaring out, "Stop it, or I'll throw you over the barn!" and so shook and hustledpoor Stuffy that for a minute he did not know whether he was on his heador his heels. 

"She told me to, " was all he could say, when Tommy let him alone. 

"Never mind if she did; it is awfully mean to hurt a little girl, " saidDemi, reproachfully. 

"Ho! I don't mind; I ain't a little girl, I'm older than you and Daisy;so now, " cried Nan, ungratefully. 

"Don't preach, Deacon, you bully Posy every day of your life, " calledout the Commodore, who just then hove in sight. 

"I don't hurt her; do I, Daisy?" and Demi turned to his sister, who was"pooring" Nan's tingling hands, and recommending water for the purplelump rapidly developing itself on her forehead. 

"You are the best boy in the world, " promptly answered Daisy; adding, as truth compelled her to do, "You hurt me sometimes, but you don't meanto. "

"Put away the bats and things, and mind what you are about, my hearties. No fighting allowed aboard this ship, " said Emil, who rather lorded itover the others. 

"How do you do, Madge Wildfire?" said Mr. Bhaer, as Nan came in withthe rest to supper. "Give the right hand, little daughter, and mind thymanners, " he added, as Nan offered him her left. 

"The other hurts me. "

"The poor little hand! what has it been doing to get those blisters?" heasked, drawing it from behind her back, where she had put it with a lookwhich made him think she had been in mischief. 

Before Nan could think of any excuse, Daisy burst out with the wholestory, during which Stuffy tried to hide his face in a bowl of bread andmilk. When the tale was finished, Mr. Bhaer looked down the long tabletowards his wife, and said with a laugh in his eyes, "This rather belongs to your side of the house, so I won't meddle withit, my dear. "

Mrs. Jo knew what he meant, but she liked her little black sheep all thebetter for her pluck, though she only said in her soberest way, "Do you know why I asked Nan to come here?"

"To plague me, " muttered Stuffy, with his mouth full. 

"To help make little gentlemen of you, and I think you have shown thatsome of you need it. "

Here Stuffy retired into his bowl again, and did not emerge till Demimade them all laugh by saying, in his slow wondering way, "How can she, when she's such a tomboy?"

"That's just it, she needs help as much as you, and I expect you set heran example of good manners. "

"Is she going to be a little gentleman too?" asked Rob. 

"She'd like it; wouldn't you, Nan?" added Tommy. 

"No, I shouldn't; I hate boys!" said Nan fiercely, for her hand stillsmarted, and she began to think that she might have shown her courage insome wiser way. 

"I am sorry you hate my boys, because they can be well-mannered, andmost agreeable when they choose. Kindness in looks and words and ways istrue politeness, and any one can have it if they only try to treat otherpeople as they like to be treated themselves. "

Mrs. Bhaer had addressed herself to Nan, but the boys nudged oneanother, and appeared to take the hint, for that time at least, andpassed the butter; said "please, " and "thank you, " "yes, sir, " and "no, ma'am, " with unusual elegance and respect. Nan said nothing, but keptherself quiet and refrained from tickling Demi, though strongly temptedto do so, because of the dignified airs he put on. She also appearedto have forgotten her hatred of boys, and played "I spy" with them tilldark. Stuffy was observed to offer her frequent sucks on his candy-ballduring the game, which evidently sweetened her temper, for the lastthing she said on going to bed was, "When my battledore and shuttle-cock comes, I'll let you all play with'em. "

Her first remark in the morning was "Has my box come?" and when toldthat it would arrive sometime during the day, she fretted and fumed, andwhipped her doll, till Daisy was shocked. She managed to exist, however, till five o'clock, when she disappeared, and was not missed tillsupper-time, because those at home thought she had gone to the hill withTommy and Demi. 

"I saw her going down the avenue alone as hard as she could pelt, "said Mary Ann, coming in with the hasty-pudding, and finding every oneasking, "Where is Nan?"

"She has run home, little gypsy!" cried Mrs. Bhaer, looking anxious. 

"Perhaps she has gone to the station to look after her luggage, "suggested Franz. 

"That is impossible, she does not know the way, and if she found it, shecould never carry the box a mile, " said Mrs. Bhaer, beginning to thinkthat her new idea might be rather a hard one to carry out. 

"It would be like her, " and Mr. Bhaer caught up his hat to go and findthe child, when a shout from Jack, who was at the window, made everyonehurry to the door. 

There was Miss Nan, to be sure, tugging along a very large band-box tiedup in linen bag. Very hot and dusty and tired did she look, but marchedstoutly along, and came puffing up to the steps, where she droppedher load with a sigh of relief, and sat down upon it, observed as shecrossed her tired arms, "I couldn't wait any longer, so I went and got it. "

"But you did not know the way, " said Tommy, while the rest stood roundenjoying the joke. 

"Oh, I found it, I never get lost. "

"It's a mile, how could you go so far?"

"Well, it was pretty far, but I rested a good deal. "

"Wasn't that thing very heavy?"

"It's so round, I couldn't get hold of it good, and I thought my armswould break right off. "

"I don't see how the station-master let you have it, " said Tommy. 

"I didn't say anything to him. He was in the little ticket place, anddidn't see me, so I just took it off the platform. "

"Run down and tell him it is all right, Franz, or old Dodd will thinkit is stolen, " said Mr. Bhaer, joining in the shout of laughter at Nan'scoolness. 

"I told you we would send for it if it did not come. Another time youmust wait, for you will get into trouble if you run away. Promise methis, or I shall not dare to trust you out of my sight, " said Mrs. Bhaer, wiping the dust off Nan's little hot face. 

"Well, I won't, only papa tells me not to put off doing things, so Idon't. "

"That is rather a poser; I think you had better give her some suppernow, and a private lecture by and by, " said Mr. Bhaer, too much amusedto be angry at the young lady's exploit. 

The boys thought it "great fun, " and Nan entertained them allsupper-time with an account of her adventures; for a big dog had barkedat her, a man had laughed at her, a woman had given her a doughnut, andher hat had fallen into the brook when she stopped to drink, exhaustedwith her exertion. 

"I fancy you will have your hands full now, my dear; Tommy and Nan arequite enough for one woman, " said Mr. Bhaer, half an hour later. 

"I know it will take some time to tame the child, but she is such agenerous, warm-hearted little thing, I should love her even if she weretwice as naughty, " answered Mrs. Jo, pointing to the merry group, inthe middle of which stood Nan, giving away her things right and left, aslavishly as if the big band-box had no bottom. 

It was those good traits that soon made little "Giddygaddy, " as theycalled her, a favorite with every one. Daisy never complained of beingdull again, for Nan invented the most delightful plays, and her pranksrivalled Tommy's, to the amusement of the whole school. She buried herbig doll and forgot it for a week, and found it well mildewed when shedragged it up. Daisy was in despair, but Nan took it to the painter whoas at work about the house, got him to paint it brick red, with staringblack eyes, then she dressed it up with feathers, and scarlet flannel, and one of Ned's leaden hatchets; and in the character of an Indianchief, the late Poppydilla tomahawked all the other dolls, and causedthe nursery to run red with imaginary gore. She gave away her new shoesto a beggar child, hoping to be allowed to go barefoot, but found itimpossible to combine charity and comfort, and was ordered to ask leavebefore disposing of her clothes. She delighted the boys by making afire-ship out of a shingle with two large sails wet with turpentine, which she lighted, and then sent the little vessel floating down thebrook at dusk. She harnessed the old turkey-cock to a straw wagon, andmade him trot round the house at a tremendous pace. She gave her coralnecklace for four unhappy kittens, which had been tormented by someheartless lads, and tended them for days as gently as a mother, dressingtheir wounds with cold cream, feeding them with a doll's spoon, andmourning over them when they died, till she was consoled by one ofDemi's best turtles. She made Silas tattoo an anchor on her arm likehis, and begged hard to have a blue star on each cheek, but he dared notdo it, though she coaxed and scolded till the soft-hearted fellow longedto give in. She rode every animal on the place, from the big horse Andyto the cross pig, from whom she was rescued with difficulty. Whateverthe boys dared her to do she instantly attempted, no matter howdangerous it might be, and they were never tired of testing her courage. 

Mr. Bhaer suggested that they should see who would study best, and Nanfound as much pleasure in using her quick wits and fine memory as heractive feet and merry tongue, while the lads had to do their best tokeep their places, for Nan showed them that girls could do most thingsas well as boys, and some things better. There were no rewards inschool, but Mr. Bhaer's "Well done!" and Mrs. Bhaer's good report on theconscience book, taught them to love duty for its own sake, and try todo it faithfully, sure sooner or later the recompense would come. LittleNan was quick to feel the new atmosphere, to enjoy it, to show that itwas what she needed; for this little garden was full of sweet flowers, half hidden by the weeds; and when kind hands gently began tocultivate it, all sorts of green shoots sprung up, promising to blossombeautifully in the warmth of love and care, the best climate for younghearts and souls all the world over. 

CHAPTER VIII. PRANKS AND PLAYS

As there is no particular plan to this story, except to describe a fewscenes in the life at Plumfield for the amusement of certain littlepersons, we will gently ramble along in this chapter and tell some ofthe pastimes of Mrs. Jo's boys. I beg leave to assure my honored readersthat most of the incidents are taken from real life, and that the oddestare the truest; for no person, no matter how vivid an imagination he mayhave, can invent anything half so droll as the freaks and fancies thatoriginate in the lively brains of little people. 

Daisy and Demi were full of these whims, and lived in a world of theirown, peopled with lovely or grotesque creatures, to whom they gave thequeerest names, and with whom they played the queerest games. One ofthese nursery inventions was an invisible sprite called "The NaughtyKitty-mouse, " whom the children had believed in, feared, and served fora long time. They seldom spoke of it to any one else, kept their ritesas private as possible; and, as they never tried to describe it even tothemselves, this being had a vague mysterious charm very agreeableto Demi, who delighted in elves and goblins. A most whimsical andtyrannical imp was the Naughty Kitty-mouse, and Daisy found a fearfulpleasure in its service, blindly obeying its most absurd demands, whichwere usually proclaimed from the lips of Demi, whose powers of inventionwere great. Rob and Teddy sometimes joined in these ceremonies, andconsidered them excellent fun, although they did not understand halfthat went on. 

One day after school Demi whispered to his sister, with an ominous wagof the head, "The Kitty-mouse wants us this afternoon. "

"What for?" asked Daisy, anxiously. 

"A sackerryfice, " answered Demi, solemnly. "There must be a fire behindthe big rock at two o'clock, and we must all bring the things we likebest, and burn them!" he added, with an awful emphasis on the lastwords. 

"Oh, dear! I love the new paper dollies Aunt Amy painted for me bestof any thing; must I burn them up?" cried Daisy, who never thought ofdenying the unseen tyrant any thing it demanded. 

"Every one. I shall burn my boat, my best scrapbook, and all mysoldiers, " said Demi firmly. 

"Well, I will; but it's too bad of Kitty-mouse to want our very nicestthings, " sighed Daisy. 

"A sackerryfice means to give up what you are fond of, so we must, "explained Demi, to whom the new idea had been suggested by hearingUncle Fritz describe the customs of the Greeks to the big boys who werereading about them in school. 

"Is Rob coming too, " asked Daisy. 

"Yes, and he is going to bring his toy village; it is all made of wood, you know, and will burn nicely. We'll have a grand bonfire, and see themblaze up, won't we?"

This brilliant prospect consoled Daisy, and she ate her dinner with arow of paper dolls before her, as a sort of farewell banquet. 

At the appointed hour the sacrificial train set forth, each childbearing the treasures demanded by the insatiable Kitty-mouse. Teddyinsisted on going also, and seeing that all the others had toys, hetucked a squeaking lamb under one arm, and old Annabella under theother, little dreaming what anguish the latter idol was to give him. 

"Where are you going, my chickens?" asked Mrs. Jo, as the flock passedher door. 

"To play by the big rock; can't we?"

"Yes, only don't do near the pond, and take good care of baby. "

"I always do, " said Daisy, leading forth her charge with a capable air. 

"Now, you must all sit round, and not move till I tell you. This flatstone is an altar, and I am going to make a fire on it. "

Demi then proceeded to kindle up a small blaze, as he had seen the boysdo at picnics. When the flame burned well, he ordered the company tomarch round it three times and then stand in a circle. 

"I shall begin, and as fast as my things are burnt, you must bringyours. "

With that he solemnly laid on a little paper book full of pictures, pasted in by himself; this was followed by a dilapidated boat, andthen one by one the unhappy leaden soldiers marched to death. Not onefaltered or hung back, from the splendid red and yellow captain to thesmall drummer who had lost his legs; all vanished in the flames andmingled in one common pool of melted lead. 

"Now, Daisy!" called the high priest of Kitty-mouse, when his richofferings had been consumed, to the great satisfaction of the children. 

"My dear dollies, how can I let them go?" moaned Daisy, hugging theentire dozen with a face full of maternal woe. 

"You must, " commanded Demi; and with a farewell kiss to each, Daisy laidher blooming dolls upon the coals. 

"Let me keep one, the dear blue thing, she is so sweet, " besought thepoor little mamma, clutching her last in despair. 

"More! more!" growled an awful voice, and Demi cried, "that's theKitty-mouse! she must have every one, quick, or she will scratch us. "

In went the precious blue belle, flounces, rosy hat, and all, andnothing but a few black flakes remained of that bright band. 

"Stand the houses and trees round, and let them catch themselves; itwill be like a real fire then, " said Demi, who liked variety even in his"sackerryfices. "

Charmed by this suggestion, the children arranged the doomed village, laid a line of coals along the main street, and then sat down to watchthe conflagration. It was somewhat slow to kindle owing to the paint, but at last one ambitious little cottage blazed up, fired a tree of thepalm species, which fell on to the roof of a large family mansion, and in a few minutes the whole town was burning merrily. The woodenpopulation stood and stared at the destruction like blockheads, as theywere, till they also caught and blazed away without a cry. It tooksome time to reduce the town to ashes, and the lookers-on enjoyed thespectacle immensely, cheering as each house fell, dancing like wildIndians when the steeple flamed aloft, and actually casting one wretchedlittle churn-shaped lady, who had escaped to the suburbs, into the veryheart of the fire. 

The superb success of this last offering excited Teddy to such a degree, that he first threw his lamb into the conflagration, and before it hadtime even to roast, he planted poor Annabella on the funeral pyre. Ofcourse she did not like it, and expressed her anguish and resentment ina way that terrified her infant destroyer. Being covered with kid, she did not blaze, but did what was worse, she squirmed. First one legcurled up, then the other, in a very awful and lifelike manner; nextshe flung her arms over her head as if in great agony; her head itselfturned on her shoulders, her glass eyes fell out, and with one finalwrithe of her whole body, she sank down a blackened mass on the ruinsof the town. This unexpected demonstration startled every one andfrightened Teddy half out of his little wits. He looked, then screamedand fled toward the house, roaring "Marmar" at the top of his voice. 

Mrs. Bhaer heard the outcry and ran to the rescue, but Teddy could onlycling to her and pour out in his broken way something about "poor Bellahurted, " "a dreat fire, " and "all the dollies dorn. " Fearing some diremishap, his mother caught him up and hurried to the scene of action, where she found the blind worshippers of Kitty-mouse mourning over thecharred remains of the lost darling. 

"What have you been at? Tell me all about it, " said Mrs. Jo, composingherself to listen patiently, for the culprits looked so penitent, sheforgave them beforehand. 

With some reluctance Demi explained their play, and Aunt Jo laughed tillthe tears ran down her cheeks, the children were so solemn, and the playwas so absurd. 

"I thought you were too sensible to play such a silly game as this. IfI had any Kitty-mouse I'd have a good one who liked you to play in safepleasant ways, and not destroy and frighten. Just see what a ruin youhave made; all Daisy's pretty dolls, Demi's soldiers, and Rob's newvillage beside poor Teddy's pet lamb, and dear old Annabella. I shallhave to write up in the nursery the verse that used to come in the boxesof toys, "The children of Holland take pleasure in making, What the children of Boston take pleasure in breaking. "

"Only I shall put Plumfield instead of Boston. "

"We never will again, truly, truly!" cried the repentant little sinners, much abashed at this reproof. 

"Demi told us to, " said Rob. 

"Well, I heard Uncle tell about the Greece people, who had altarsand things, and so I wanted to be like them, only I hadn't any livecreatures to sackerryfice, so we burnt up our toys. "

"Dear me, that is something like the bean story, " said Aunt Jo, laughingagain. 

"Tell about it, " suggested Daisy, to change the subject. 

"Once there was a poor woman who had three or four little children, andshe used to lock them up in her room when she went out to work, to keepthem safe. On day when she was going away she said, 'Now, my dears, don't let baby fall out of window, don't play with the matches, anddon't put beans up your noses. ' Now the children had never dreamed ofdoing that last thing, but she put it into their heads, and the minuteshe was gone, they ran and stuffed their naughty little noses full ofbeans, just to see how it felt, and she found them all crying when shecame home. "

"Did it hurt?" asked Rob, with such intense interest that his motherhastily added a warning sequel, lest a new edition of the bean storyshould appear in her own family. 

"Very much, as I know, for when my mother told me this story, I was sosilly that I went and tried it myself. I had no beans, so I took somelittle pebbles, and poked several into my nose. I did not like it atall, and wanted to take them out again very soon, but one would notcome, and I was so ashamed to tell what a goose I been that I went forhours with the stone hurting me very much. At last the pain got so badI had to tell, and when my mother could not get it out the doctor came. Then I was put in a chair and held tight, Rob, while he used his uglylittle pincers till the stone hopped out. Dear me! how my wretchedlittle nose did ache, and how people laughed at me!" and Mrs. Jo shookher head in a dismal way, as if the memory of her sufferings was toomuch for her. 

Rob looked deeply impressed and I am glad to say took the warning toheart. Demi proposed that they should bury poor Annabella, and in theinterest of the funeral Teddy forgot his fright. Daisy was soon consoledby another batch of dolls from Aunt Amy, and the Naughty Kitty-mouseseemed to be appeased by the last offerings, for she tormented them nomore. 

"Brops" was the name of a new and absorbing play, invented by Bangs. As this interesting animal is not to be found in any Zoological Garden, unless Du Chaillu has recently brought one from the wilds of Africa, Iwill mention a few of its peculiar habits and traits, for the benefit ofinquiring minds. The Brop is a winged quadruped, with a human face ofa youthful and merry aspect. When it walks the earth it grunts, when itsoars it gives a shrill hoot, occasionally it goes erect, and talks goodEnglish. Its body is usually covered with a substance much resembling ashawl, sometimes red, sometimes blue, often plaid, and, strange to say, they frequently change skins with one another. On their heads they havea horn very like a stiff brown paper lamp-lighter. Wings of the samesubstance flap upon their shoulders when they fly; this is never veryfar from the ground, as they usually fall with violence if they attemptany lofty flights. They browse over the earth, but can sit up and eatlike the squirrel. Their favorite nourishment is the seed-cake; applesalso are freely taken, and sometimes raw carrots are nibbled when foodis scarce. They live in dens, where they have a sort of nest, much likea clothes-basket, in which the little Brops play till their wings aregrown. These singular animals quarrel at times, and it is on theseoccasions that they burst into human speech, call each other names, cry, scold, and sometimes tear off horns and skin, declaring fiercely thatthey "won't play. " The few privileged persons who have studied them areinclined to think them a remarkable mixture of the monkey, the sphinx, the roc, and the queer creatures seen by the famous Peter Wilkins. 

This game was a great favorite, and the younger children beguiled manya rainy afternoon flapping or creeping about the nursery, acting likelittle bedlamites and being as merry as little grigs. To be sure, it wasrather hard upon clothes, particularly trouser-knees, and jacket-elbows;but Mrs. Bhaer only said, as she patched and darned, "We do things just as foolish, and not half so harmless. If I couldget as much happiness out of it as the little dears do, I'd be a Bropmyself. "

Nat's favorite amusements were working in his garden, and sitting in thewillow-tree with his violin, for that green nest was a fairy world tohim, and there he loved to perch, making music like a happy bird. Thelads called him "Old Chirper, " because he was always humming, whistling, or fiddling, and they often stopped a minute in their work or play tolisten to the soft tones of the violin, which seemed to lead a littleorchestra of summer sounds. The birds appeared to regard him as one ofthemselves, and fearlessly sat on the fence or lit among the boughs towatch him with their quick bright eyes. The robins in the apple-treenear by evidently considered him a friend, for the father bird huntedinsects close beside him, and the little mother brooded as confidinglyover her blue eggs as if the boy was only a new sort of blackbird whocheered her patient watch with his song. The brown brook babbled andsparkled below him, the bees haunted the clover fields on either side, friendly faces peeped at him as they passed, the old house stretched itswide wings hospitably toward him, and with a blessed sense of rest andlove and happiness, Nat dreamed for hours in this nook, unconscious whathealthful miracles were being wrought upon him. 

One listener he had who never tired, and to whom he was more than amere schoolmate. Poor Billy's chief delight was to lie beside the brook, watching leaves and bits of foam dance by, listening dreamily to themusic in the willow-tree. He seemed to think Nat a sort of angel who sataloft and sang, for a few baby memories still lingered in his mind andseemed to grow brighter at these times. Seeing the interest he took inNat, Mr. Bhaer begged him to help them lift the cloud from the feeblebrain by this gentle spell. Glad to do any thing to show his gratitude, Nat always smiled on Billy when he followed him about, and let himlisten undisturbed to the music which seemed to speak a language hecould understand. "Help one another, " was a favorite Plumfield motto, and Nat learned how much sweetness is added to life by trying to live upto it. 

Jack Ford's peculiar pastime was buying and selling; and he bid fairto follow in the footsteps of his uncle, a country merchant, who solda little of every thing and made money fast. Jack had seen the sugarsanded, the molasses watered, the butter mixed with lard, and things ofthat kind, and labored under the delusion that it was all a proper partof the business. His stock in trade was of a different sort, but he madeas much as he could out of every worm he sold, and always got thebest of the bargain when he traded with the boys for string, knives, fish-hooks, or whatever the article might be. The boys who all hadnicknames, called him "Skinflint, " but Jack did not care as long as theold tobacco-pouch in which he kept his money grew heavier and heavier. 

He established a sort of auction-room, and now and then sold off all theodds and ends he had collected, or helped the lads exchange things withone another. He got bats, balls, hockey-sticks, etc. , cheap, from oneset of mates, furbished them up, and let them for a few cents a time toanother set, often extending his business beyond the gates of Plumfieldin spite of the rules. Mr. Bhaer put a stop to some of his speculations, and tried to give him a better idea of business talent than meresharpness in overreaching his neighbors. Now and then Jack made a badbargain, and felt worse about it than about any failure in lessons orconduct, and took his revenge on the next innocent customer who camealong. His account-book was a curiosity; and his quickness at figuresquite remarkable. Mr. Bhaer praised him for this, and tried to make hissense of honesty and honor as quick; and, by and by, when Jack foundthat he could not get on without these virtues, he owned that histeacher was right. 

Cricket and football the boys had of course; but, after the stirringaccounts of these games in the immortal "Tom Brown at Rugby, " no feeblefemale pen may venture to do more than respectfully allude to them. 

Emil spent his holidays on the river or the pond, and drilled the elderlads for a race with certain town boys, who now and then invadedtheir territory. The race duly came off, but as it ended in a generalshipwreck, it was not mentioned in public; and the Commodore had seriousthoughts of retiring to a desert island, so disgusted was he with hiskind for a time. No desert island being convenient, he was forcedto remain among his friends, and found consolation in building aboat-house. 

The little girls indulged in the usual plays of their age, improvingupon them somewhat as their lively fancies suggested. The chief andmost absorbing play was called "Mrs. Shakespeare Smith;" the namewas provided by Aunt Jo, but the trials of the poor lady were quiteoriginal. Daisy was Mrs. S. S. , and Nan by turns her daughter or aneighbor, Mrs. Giddygaddy. 

No pen can describe the adventures of these ladies, for in one shortafternoon their family was the scene of births, marriages, deaths, floods, earthquakes, tea-parties, and balloon ascensions. Millions ofmiles did these energetic women travel, dressed in hats and habits neverseen before by mortal eye, perched on the bed, driving the posts likemettlesome steeds, and bouncing up and down till their heads spun. Fitsand fires were the pet afflictions, with a general massacre now and thenby way of change. Nan was never tired of inventing fresh combinations, and Daisy followed her leader with blind admiration. Poor Teddy was afrequent victim, and was often rescued from real danger, for the excitedladies were apt to forget that he was not of the same stuff theirlongsuffering dolls. Once he was shut into the closet for a dungeon, andforgotten by the girls, who ran off to some out-of-door game. Anothertime he was half drowned in the bath-tub, playing be a "cunning littlewhale. " And, worst of all, he was cut down just in time after being hungup for a robber. 

But the institution most patronized by all was the Club. It had no othername, and it needed none, being the only one in the neighborhood. Theelder lads got it up, and the younger were occasionally admitted ifthey behaved well. Tommy and Demi were honorary members, but were alwaysobliged to retire unpleasantly early, owing to circumstances overwhich they had no control. The proceedings of this club were somewhatpeculiar, for it met at all sorts of places and hours, had all mannerof queer ceremonies and amusements, and now and then was broken uptempestuously, only to be re-established, however, on a firmer basis. 

Rainy evenings the members met in the schoolroom, and passed the time ingames: chess, morris, backgammon, fencing matches, recitations, debates, or dramatic performances of a darkly tragical nature. In summer the barnwas the rendezvous, and what went on there no uninitiated mortalknows. On sultry evenings the Club adjourned to the brook for aquaticexercises, and the members sat about in airy attire, frog-like and cool. On such occasions the speeches were unusually eloquent, quite flowing, as one might say; and if any orator's remarks displeased the audience, cold water was thrown upon him till his ardor was effectually quenched. Franz was president, and maintained order admirably, considering theunruly nature of the members. Mr. Bhaer never interfered with theiraffairs, and was rewarded for this wise forbearance by being invited nowand then to behold the mysteries unveiled, which he appeared to enjoymuch. 

When Nan came she wished to join the Club, and caused great excitementand division among the gentlemen by presenting endless petitions, bothwritten and spoken, disturbing their solemnities by insulting themthrough the key-hole, performing vigorous solos on the door, andwriting up derisive remarks on walls and fences, for she belonged tothe "Irrepressibles. " Finding these appeals in vain, the girls, by theadvice of Mrs. Jo, got up an institution of their own, which they calledthe Cosy Club. To this they magnanimously invited the gentlemen whoseyouth excluded them from the other one, and entertained these favoredbeings so well with little suppers, new games devised by Nan, and otherpleasing festivities, that, one by one, the elder boys confessed adesire to partake of these more elegant enjoyments, and, after muchconsultation, finally decided to propose an interchange of civilities. 

The members of the Cosy Club were invited to adorn the rivalestablishment on certain evenings, and to the surprise of the gentlementheir presence was not found to be a restraint upon the conversationor amusement of the regular frequenters; which could not be said of allClubs, I fancy. The ladies responded handsomely and hospitably to theseovertures of peace, and both institutions flourished long and happily. 

CHAPTER IX. DAISY'S BALL

"Mrs. Shakespeare Smith would like to have Mr. John Brooke, Mr. ThomasBangs, and Mr. Nathaniel Blake to come to her ball at three o'clocktoday. 

"P. S. Nat must bring his fiddle, so we can dance, and all the boys mustbe good, or they cannot have any of the nice things we have cooked. "

This elegant invitation would, I fear, have been declined, but for thehint given in the last line of the postscript. 

"They have been cooking lots of goodies, I smelt 'em. Let's go, " saidTommy. 

"We needn't stay after the feast, you know, " added Demi. 

"I never went to a ball. What do you have to do?" asked Nat. 

"Oh, we just play be men, and sit round stiff and stupid like grown-upfolks, and dance to please the girls. Then we eat up everything, andcome away as soon as we can. "

"I think I could do that, " said Nat, after considering Tommy'sdescription for a minute. 

"I'll write and say we'll come;" and Demi despatched the followinggentlemanly reply, "We will all come. Please have lots to eat. J. B. Esquire. "

Great was the anxiety of the ladies about their first ball, because ifevery thing went well they intended to give a dinner-party to the chosenfew. 

"Aunt Jo likes to have the boys play with us, if they are not rough;so we must make them like our balls, then they will do them good, " saidDaisy, with her maternal air, as she set the table and surveyed thestore of refreshments with an anxious eye. 

"Demi and Nat will be good, but Tommy will do something bad, I know hewill, " replied Nan, shaking her head over the little cake-basket whichshe was arranging. 

"Then I shall send him right home, " said Daisy, with decision. 

"People don't do so at parties, it isn't proper. "

"I shall never ask him any more. "

"That would do. He'd be sorry not to come to the dinner-ball, wouldn'the?"

"I guess he would! we'll have the splendidest things ever seen, won'twe? Real soup with a ladle and a tureem [she meant tureen] and a littlebird for turkey, and gravy, and all kinds of nice vegytubbles. " Daisynever could say vegetables properly, and had given up trying. 

"It is 'most three, and we ought to dress, " said Nan, who had arranged afine costume for the occasion, and was anxious to wear it. 

"I am the mother, so I shan't dress up much, " said Daisy, putting on anight-cap ornamented with a red bow, one of her aunt's long skirts, anda shawl; a pair of spectacles and large pocket handkerchief completedher toilette, making a plump, rosy little matron of her. 

Nan had a wreath of artificial flowers, a pair of old pink slippers, ayellow scarf, a green muslin skirt, and a fan made of feathers from theduster; also, as a last touch of elegance, a smelling-bottle without anysmell in it. 

"I am the daughter, so I rig up a good deal, and I must sing and dance, and talk more than you do. The mothers only get the tea and be proper, you know. "

A sudden very loud knock caused Miss Smith to fly into a chair, and fanherself violently, while her mamma sat bolt upright on the sofa, andtried to look quite calm and "proper. " Little Bess, who was on a visit, acted the part of maid, and opened the door, saying with a smile, "Wartin, gemplemun; it's all weady. "

In honor of the occasion, the boys wore high paper collars, tallblack hats, and gloves of every color and material, for they were anafterthought, and not a boy among them had a perfect pair. 

"Good day, mum, " said Demi, in a deep voice, which was so hard to keepup that his remarks had to be extremely brief. 

Every one shook hands and then sat down, looking so funny, yet so sober, that the gentlemen forgot their manners, and rolled in their chairs withlaughter. 

"Oh, don't!" cried Mrs. Smith, much distressed. 

"You can't ever come again if you act so, " added Miss Smith, rapping Mr. Bangs with her bottle because he laughed loudest. 

"I can't help it, you look so like fury, " gasped Mr. Bangs, with mostuncourteous candor. 

"So do you, but I shouldn't be so rude as to say so. He shan't come tothe dinner-ball, shall he, Daisy?" cried Nan, indignantly. 

"I think we had better dance now. Did you bring your fiddle, sir?" askedMrs. Smith, trying to preserve her polite composure. 

"It is outside the door, " and Nat went to get it. 

"Better have tea first, " proposed the unabashed Tommy, winking openlyat Demi to remind him that the sooner the refreshments were secured, thesooner they could escape. 

"No, we never have supper first; and if you don't dance well you won'thave any supper at all, not one bit, sir, " said Mrs. Smith, so sternlythat her wild guests saw she was not to be trifled with, and grewoverwhelmingly civil all at once. 

"I will take Mr. Bangs and teach him the polka, for he does not know itfit to be seen, " added the hostess, with a reproachful look that soberedTommy at once. 

Nat struck up, and the ball opened with two couples, who wentconscientiously through a somewhat varied dance. The ladies did well, because they liked it, but the gentlemen exerted themselves from moreselfish motives, for each felt that he must earn his supper, and laboredmanfully toward that end. When every one was out of breath they wereallowed to rest; and, indeed, poor Mrs. Smith needed it, for her longdress had tripped her up many times. The little maid passed roundmolasses and water in such small cups that one guest actually emptiednine. I refrain from mentioning his name, because this mild beverageaffected him so much that he put cup and all into his mouth at the ninthround, and choked himself publicly. 

"You must ask Nan to play and sing now, " said Daisy to her brother, whosat looking very much like an owl, as he gravely regarded the festivescene between his high collars. 

"Give us a song, mum, " said the obedient guest, secretly wondering wherethe piano was. 

Miss Smith sailed up to an old secretary which stood in the room, threw back the lid of the writing-desk, and sitting down before it, accompanied herself with a vigor which made the old desk rattle as shesang that new and lovely song, beginning

 "Gaily the troubadour Touched his guitar, As he was hastening Home from the war. "

The gentlemen applauded so enthusiastically that she gave them "BoundingBillows, " "Little Bo-Peep, " and other gems of song, till they wereobliged to hint that they had had enough. Grateful for the praisesbestowed upon her daughter, Mrs. Smith graciously announced, "Now we will have tea. Sit down carefully, and don't grab. "

It was beautiful to see the air of pride with which the good lady didthe honors of her table, and the calmness with which she bore the littlemishaps that occurred. The best pie flew wildly on the floor when shetried to cut it with a very dull knife; the bread and butter vanishedwith a rapidity calculated to dismay a housekeeper's soul; and, worst ofall, the custards were so soft that they had to be drunk up, instead ofbeing eaten elegantly with the new tin spoons. 

I grieve to state that Miss Smith squabbled with the maid for the bestjumble, which caused Bess to toss the whole dish into the air, and burstout crying amid a rain of falling cakes. She was comforted by a seat atthe table, and the sugar-bowl to empty; but during this flurry a largeplate of patties was mysteriously lost, and could not be found. Theywere the chief ornament of the feast, and Mrs. Smith was indignant atthe loss, for she had made them herself, and they were beautiful tobehold. I put it to any lady if it was not hard to have one dozendelicious patties (made of flour, salt, and water, with a large raisinin the middle of each, and much sugar over the whole) swept away at onefell swoop?

"You hid them, Tommy; I know you did!" cried the outraged hostess, threatening her suspected guest with the milk-pot. 

"I didn't!"

"You did!"

"It isn't proper to contradict, " said Nan, who was hastily eating up thejelly during the fray. 

"Give them back, Demi, " said Tommy. 

"That's a fib, you've got them in your own pocket, " bawled Demi, rousedby the false accusation. 

"Let's take 'em away from him. It's too bad to make Daisy cry, "suggested Nat, who found his first ball more exciting than he expected. 

Daisy was already weeping, Bess like a devoted servant mingled her tearswith those of her mistress, and Nan denounced the entire race of boys as"plaguey things. " Meanwhile the battle raged among the gentlemen, for, when the two defenders of innocence fell upon the foe, that hardenedyouth intrenched himself behind a table and pelted them with the stolentarts, which were very effective missiles, being nearly as hard asbullets. While his ammunition held out the besieged prospered, but themoment the last patty flew over the parapet, the villain was seized, dragged howling from the room, and cast upon the hall floor in anignominious heap. The conquerors then returned flushed with victory, andwhile Demi consoled poor Mrs. Smith, Nat and Nan collected the scatteredtarts, replaced each raisin in its proper bed, and rearranged the dishso that it really looked almost as well as ever. But their glory haddeparted, for the sugar was gone, and no one cared to eat them after theinsult offered to them. 

"I guess we had better go, " said Demi, suddenly, as Aunt Jo's voice washeard on the stairs. 

"P'r'aps we had, " and Nat hastily dropped a stray jumble that he hadjust picked up. 

But Mrs. Jo was among them before the retreat was accomplished, and intoher sympathetic ear the young ladies poured the story of their woes. 

"No more balls for these boys till they have atoned for this badbehavior by doing something kind to you, " said Mrs. Jo, shaking her headat the three culprits. 

"We were only in fun, " began Demi. 

"I don't like fun that makes other people unhappy. I am disappointed inyou, Demi, for I hoped you would never learn to tease Daisy. Such a kindlittle sister as she is to you. "

"Boys always tease their sisters; Tom says so, " muttered Demi. 

"I don't intend that my boys shall, and I must send Daisy home if youcannot play happily together, " said Aunt Jo, soberly. 

At this awful threat, Demi sidled up to his sister, and Daisy hastilydried her tears, for to be separated was the worst misfortune that couldhappen to the twins. 

"Nat was bad, too, and Tommy was baddest of all, " observed Nan, fearingthat two of the sinners would not get their fair share of punishment. 

"I am sorry, " said Nat, much ashamed. 

"I ain't!" bawled Tommy through the keyhole, where he was listening withall his might. 

Mrs. Jo wanted very much to laugh, but kept her countenance, and saidimpressively, as she pointed to the door, "You can go, boys, but remember, you are not to speak to or play withthe little girls till I give you leave. You don't deserve the pleasure, so I forbid it. "

The ill-mannered young gentlemen hastily retired, to be receivedoutside with derision and scorn by the unrepentant Bangs, who wouldnot associate with them for at least fifteen minutes. Daisy was soonconsoled for the failure of her ball, but lamented the edict that partedher from her brother, and mourned over his short-comings in her tenderlittle heart. Nan rather enjoyed the trouble, and went about turning upher pug nose at the three, especially Tommy, who pretended not to care, and loudly proclaimed his satisfaction at being rid of those "stupidgirls. " But in his secret soul he soon repented of the rash act thatcaused this banishment from the society he loved, and every hour ofseparation taught him the value of the "stupid girls. "

The others gave in very soon, and longed to be friends, for now therewas no Daisy to pet and cook for them; no Nan to amuse and doctor them;and, worst of all, no Mrs. Jo to make home life pleasant and life easyfor them. To their great affliction, Mrs. Jo seemed to consider herselfone of the offended girls, for she hardly spoke to the outcasts, lookedas if she did not see them when she passed, and was always too busy nowto attend to their requests. This sudden and entire exile from favorcast a gloom over their souls, for when Mother Bhaer deserted them, their sun had set at noon-day, as it were, and they had no refuge left. 

This unnatural state of things actually lasted for three days, thenthey could bear it no longer, and fearing that the eclipse might becometotal, went to Mr. Bhaer for help and counsel. 

It is my private opinion that he had received instructions how to behaveif the case should be laid before him. But no one suspected it, and hegave the afflicted boys some advice, which they gratefully accepted andcarried out in the following manner:

Secluding themselves in the garret, they devoted several play-hours tothe manufacture of some mysterious machine, which took so much pastethat Asia grumbled, and the little girls wondered mightily. Nan nearlygot her inquisitive nose pinched in the door, trying to see what wasgoing on, and Daisy sat about, openly lamenting that they could notall play nicely together, and not have any dreadful secrets. Wednesdayafternoon was fine, and after a good deal of consultation about wind andweather, Nat and Tommy went off, bearing an immense flat parcel hiddenunder many newspapers. Nan nearly died with suppressed curiosity, Daisynearly cried with vexation, and both quite trembled with interest whenDemi marched into Mrs. Bhaer's room, hat in hand, and said, in thepolitest tone possible to a mortal boy of his years, "Please, Aunt Jo, would you and the girls come out to a surprise partywe have made for you? Do it's a very nice one. "

"Thank you, we will come with pleasure; only, I must take Teddy withme, " replied Mrs. Bhaer, with a smile that cheered Demi like sunshineafter rain. 

"We'd like to have him. The little wagon is all ready for the girls; youwon't mind walking just up to Pennyroyal Hill, will you Aunty?"

"I should like it exceedingly; but are you quite sure I shall not be inthe way?"

"Oh, no, indeed! we want you very much; and the party will be spoilt ifyou don't come, " cried Demi, with great earnestness. 

"Thank you kindly, sir;" and Aunt Jo made him a grand curtsey, for sheliked frolics as well as any of them. 

"Now, young ladies, we must not keep them waiting; on with the hats, andlet us be off at once. I'm all impatience to know what the surprise is. "

As Mrs. Bhaer spoke every one bustled about, and in five minutes thethree little girls and Teddy were packed into the "clothes-basket, " asthey called the wicker wagon which Toby drew. Demi walked at the head ofthe procession, and Mrs. Jo brought up the rear, escorted by Kit. It wasa most imposing party, I assure you, for Toby had a red feather-dusterin his head, two remarkable flags waved over the carriage, Kit had ablue bow on his neck, which nearly drove him wild, Demi wore a nosegayof dandelions in his buttonhole, and Mrs. Jo carried the queer Japaneseumbrella in honor of the occasion. 

The girls had little flutters of excitement all the way; and Teddy wasso charmed with the drive that he kept dropping his hat overboard, andwhen it was taken from him he prepared to tumble out himself, evidentlyfeeling that it behooved him to do something for the amusement of theparty. 

When they came to the hill "nothing was to be seen but the grassblowing in the wind, " as the fairy books say, and the children lookeddisappointed. But Demi said, in his most impressive manner, "Now, you all get out and stand still, and the surprise party with comein;" with which remark he retired behind a rock, over which heads hadbeen bobbing at intervals for the last half-hour. 

A short pause of intense suspense, and then Nat, Demi, and Tommy marchedforth, each bearing a new kite, which they presented to the three youngladies. Shrieks of delight arose, but were silenced by the boys, whosaid, with faces brimful of merriment, "That isn't all the surprise;"and, running behind the rock, again emerged bearing a fourth kite ofsuperb size, on which was printed, in bright yellow letters, "For MotherBhaer. "

"We thought you'd like one, too, because you were angry with us, andtook the girls' part, " cried all three, shaking with laughter, for thispart of the affair evidently was a surprise to Mrs. Jo. 

She clapped her hands, and joined in the laugh, looking thoroughlytickled at the joke. 

"Now, boys, that is regularly splendid! Who did think of it?" she asked, receiving the monster kite with as much pleasure as the little girls didtheirs. 

"Uncle Fritz proposed it when we planned to make the others; he saidyou'd like it, so we made a bouncer, " answered Demi, beaming withsatisfaction at the success of the plot. 

"Uncle Fritz knows what I like. Yes, these are magnificent kites, andwe were wishing we had some the other day when you were flying yours, weren't we, girls?"

"That's why we made them for you, " cried Tommy, standing on his head asthe most appropriate way of expressing his emotions. 

"Let us fly them, " said energetic Nan. 

"I don't know how, " began Daisy. 

"We'll show you, we want to!" cried all the boys in a burst of devotion, as Demi took Daisy's, Tommy Nan's, and Nat, with difficulty, persuadedBess to let go her little blue one. 

"Aunty, if you will wait a minute, we'll pitch yours for you, " saidDemi, feeling that Mrs. Bhaer's favor must not be lost again by anyneglect of theirs. 

"Bless your buttons, dear, I know all about it; and here is a boy whowill toss up for me, " added Mrs. Jo, as the professor peeped over therock with a face full of fun. 

He came out at once, tossed up the big kite, and Mrs. Jo ran off with itin fine style, while the children stood and enjoyed the spectacle. Oneby one all the kites went up, and floated far overhead like gay birds, balancing themselves on the fresh breeze that blew steadily over thehill. Such a merry time as they had! running and shouting, sending upthe kites or pulling them down, watching their antics in the air, andfeeling them tug at the string like live creatures trying to escape. Nan was quite wild with the fun, Daisy thought the new play nearly asinteresting as dolls, and little Bess was so fond of her "boo tite, "that she would only let it go on very short flights, preferring tohold it in her lap and look at the remarkable pictures painted on it byTommy's dashing brush. Mrs. Jo enjoyed hers immensely, and it acted asif it knew who owned it, for it came tumbling down head first when leastexpected, caught on trees, nearly pitched into the river, and finallydarted away to such a height that it looked a mere speck among theclouds. 

By and by every one got tired, and fastening the kite-strings to treesand fences, all sat down to rest, except Mr. Bhaer, who went off to lookat the cows, with Teddy on his shoulder. 

"Did you ever have such a good time as this before?" asked Nat, as theylay about on the grass, nibbling pennyroyal like a flock of sheep. 

"Not since I last flew a kite, years ago, when I was a girl, " answeredMrs. Jo. 

"I'd like to have known you when you were a girl, you must have been sojolly, " said Nat. 

"I was a naughty little girl, I am sorry to say. "

"I like naughty little girls, " observed Tommy, looking at Nan, who madea frightful grimace at him in return for the compliment. 

"Why don't I remember you then, Aunty? Was I too young?" asked Demi. 

"Rather, dear. "

"I suppose my memory hadn't come then. Grandpa says that different partsof the mind unfold as we grow up, and the memory part of my mind hadn'tunfolded when you were little, so I can't remember how you looked, "explained Demi. 

"Now, little Socrates, you had better keep that question for grandpa, itis beyond me, " said Aunt Jo, putting on the extinguisher. 

"Well, I will, he knows about those things, and you don't, " returnedDemi, feeling that on the whole kites were better adapted to thecomprehension of the present company. 

"Tell about the last time you flew a kite, " said Nat, for Mrs. Jo hadlaughed as she spoke of it, and he thought it might be interesting. 

"Oh, it was only rather funny, for I was a great girl of fifteen, andwas ashamed to be seen at such a play. So Uncle Teddy and I privatelymade our kites, and stole away to fly them. We had a capital time, andwere resting as we are now, when suddenly we heard voices, and saw aparty of young ladies and gentlemen coming back from a picnic. Teddy didnot mind, though he was rather a large boy to be playing with a kite, but I was in a great flurry, for I knew I should be sadly laughed at, and never hear the last of it, because my wild ways amused the neighborsas much as Nan's do us. 

"'What shall I do?' I whispered to Teddy, as the voices drew nearer andnearer. 

"'I'll show you, ' he said, and whipping out his knife he cut thestrings. Away flew the kites, and when the people came up we werepicking flowers as properly as you please. They never suspected us, andwe had a grand laugh over our narrow escape. "

"Were the kites lost, Aunty?" asked Daisy. 

"Quite lost, but I did not care, for I made up my mind that it would bebest to wait till I was an old lady before I played with kites again;and you see I have waited, " said Mrs. Jo, beginning to pull in the bigkite, for it was getting late. 

"Must we go now?"

"I must, or you won't have any supper; and that sort of surprise partywould not suit you, I think, my chickens. "

"Hasn't our party been a nice one?" asked Tommy, complacently. 

"Splendid!" answered every one. 

"Do you know why? It is because your guests have behaved themselves, and tried to make everything go well. You understand what I mean, don'tyou?"

"Yes'm, " was all the boys said, but they stole a shamefaced look at oneanother, as they meekly shouldered their kites and walked home, thinkingof another party where the guests had not behaved themselves, and thingshad gone badly on account of it. 

CHAPTER X. HOME AGAIN

July had come, and haying begun; the little gardens were doing finelyand the long summer days were full of pleasant hours. The house stoodopen from morning till night, and the lads lived out of doors, except atschool time. The lessons were short, and there were many holidays, forthe Bhaers believed in cultivating healthy bodies by much exercise, and our short summers are best used in out-of-door work. Such a rosy, sunburnt, hearty set as the boys became; such appetites as they had;such sturdy arms and legs, as outgrew jackets and trousers; suchlaughing and racing all over the place; such antics in house and barn;such adventures in the tramps over hill and dale; and such satisfactionin the hearts of the worthy Bhaers, as they saw their flock prosperingin mind and body, I cannot begin to describe. Only one thing was neededto make them quite happy, and it came when they least expected it. 

One balmy night when the little lads were in bed, the elder ones bathingdown at the brook, and Mrs. Bhaer undressing Teddy in her parlor, hesuddenly cried out, "Oh, my Danny!" and pointed to the window, where themoon shone brightly. 

"No, lovey, he is not there, it was the pretty moon, " said his mother. 

"No, no, Danny at a window; Teddy saw him, " persisted baby, muchexcited. 

"It might have been, " and Mrs. Bhaer hurried to the window, hoping itwould prove true. But the face was gone, and nowhere appeared any signsof a mortal boy; she called his name, ran to the front door with Teddyin his little shirt, and made him call too, thinking the baby voicemight have more effect than her own. No one answered, nothing appeared, and they went back much disappointed. Teddy would not be satisfied withthe moon, and after he was in his crib kept popping up his head to askif Danny was not "tummin' soon. "

By and by he fell asleep, the lads trooped up to bed, the house grewstill, and nothing but the chirp of the crickets broke the soft silenceof the summer night. Mrs. Bhaer sat sewing, for the big basket wasalways piled with socks, full of portentous holes, and thinking of thelost boy. She had decided that baby had been mistaken, and did not evendisturb Mr. Bhaer by telling him of the child's fancy, for the poorman got little time to himself till the boys were abed, and he was busywriting letters. It was past ten when she rose to shut up the house. Asshe paused a minute to enjoy the lovely scene from the steps, somethingwhite caught her eye on one of the hay-cocks scattered over the lawn. The children had been playing there all the afternoon, and, fancyingthat Nan had left her hat as usual, Mrs. Bhaer went out to get it. Butas she approached, she saw that it was neither hat nor handkerchief, buta shirt sleeve with a brown hand sticking out of it. She hurried roundthe hay-cock, and there lay Dan, fast asleep. 

Ragged, dirty, thin, and worn-out he looked; one foot was bare, theother tied up in the old gingham jacket which he had taken from his ownback to use as a clumsy bandage for some hurt. He seemed to have hiddenhimself behind the hay-cock, but in his sleep had thrown out the armthat had betrayed him. He sighed and muttered as if his dreams disturbedhim, and once when he moved, he groaned as if in pain, but still slepton quite spent with weariness. 

"He must not lie here, " said Mrs. Bhaer, and stooping over him shegently called his name. He opened his eyes and looked at her, as if shewas a part of his dream, for he smiled and said drowsily, "Mother Bhaer, I've come home. "

The look, the words, touched her very much, and she put her hand underhis head to lift him up, saying in her cordial way, "I thought you would, and I'm so glad to see you, Dan. " He seemed towake thoroughly then, and started up looking about him as if he suddenlyremembered where he was, and doubted even that kind welcome. His facechanged, and he said in his old rough way, "I was going off in the morning. I only stopped to peek in, as I wentby. "

"But why not come in, Dan? Didn't you hear us call you? Teddy saw, andcried for you. "

"Didn't suppose you'd let me in, " he said, fumbling with a little bundlewhich he had taken up as if going immediately. 

"Try and see, " was all Mrs. Bhaer answered, holding out her hand andpointing to the door, where the light shone hospitably. 

With a long breath, as if a load was off his mind, Dan took up a stoutstick, and began to limp towards the house, but stopped suddenly, to sayinquiringly, "Mr. Bhaer won't like it. I ran away from Page. "

"He knows it, and was sorry, but it will make no difference. Are youlame?" asked Mrs. Jo, as he limped on again. 

"Getting over a wall a stone fell on my foot and smashed it. I don'tmind, " and he did his best to hide the pain each step cost him. 

Mrs. Bhaer helped him into her own room, and, once there, he droppedinto a chair, and laid his head back, white and faint with weariness andsuffering. 

"My poor Dan! drink this, and then eat a little; you are at home now, and Mother Bhaer will take good care of you. "

He only looked up at her with eyes full of gratitude, as he drank thewine she held to his lips, and then began slowly to eat the food shebrought him. Each mouthful seemed to put heart into him, and presentlyhe began to talk as if anxious to have her know all about him. 

"Where have you been, Dan?" she asked, beginning to get out somebandages. 

"I ran off more'n a month ago. Page was good enough, but too strict. Ididn't like it, so I cut away down the river with a man who was going inhis boat. That's why they couldn't tell where I'd gone. When I left theman, I worked for a couple of weeks with a farmer, but I thrashed hisboy, and then the old man thrashed me, and I ran off again and walkedhere. "

"All the way?"

"Yes, the man didn't pay me, and I wouldn't ask for it. Took it out inbeating the boy, " and Dan laughed, yet looked ashamed, as he glanced athis ragged clothes and dirty hands. 

"How did you live? It was a long, long tramp for a boy like you. "

"Oh, I got on well enough, till I hurt my foot. Folks gave me things toeat, and I slept in barns and tramped by day. I got lost trying to makea short cut, or I'd have been here sooner. "

"But if you did not mean to come in and stay with us, what were yougoing to do?"

"I thought I'd like to see Teddy again, and you; and then I was goingback to my old work in the city, only I was so tired I went to sleep onthe hay. I'd have been gone in the morning, if you hadn't found me. "

"Are you sorry I did?" and Mrs. Jo looked at him with a half merry, halfreproachful look, as she knelt down to look at his wounded foot. 

The color came up into Dan's face, and he kept his eyes fixed on hisplate, as he said very low, "No, ma'am, I'm glad, I wanted to stay, butI was afraid you--"

He did not finish, for Mrs. Bhaer interrupted him by an exclamation ofpity, as she saw his foot, for it was seriously hurt. 

"When did you do it?"

"Three days ago. "

"And you have walked on it in this state?"

"I had a stick, and I washed it at every brook I came to, and one womangave me a rag to put on it. "

"Mr. Bhaer must see and dress it at once, " and Mrs. Jo hastened into thenext room, leaving the door ajar behind her, so that Dan heard all thatpassed. 

"Fritz, the boy has come back. "

"Who? Dan?"

"Yes, Teddy saw him at the window, and he called to him, but he wentaway and hid behind the hay-cocks on the lawn. I found him there justnow fast asleep, and half dead with weariness and pain. He ran awayfrom Page a month ago, and has been making his way to us ever since. Hepretends that he did not mean to let us see him, but go on to the city, and his old work, after a look at us. It is evident, however, that thehope of being taken in has led him here through every thing, and therehe is waiting to know if you will forgive and take him back. "

"Did he say so?"

"His eyes did, and when I waked him, he said, like a lost child, 'MotherBhaer, I've come home. ' I hadn't the heart to scold him, and just tookhim in like a poor little black sheep come back to the fold. I may keephim, Fritz?"

"Of course you may! This proves to me that we have a hold on the boy'sheart, and I would no more send him away now than I would my own Rob. "

Dan heard a soft little sound, as if Mrs. Jo thanked her husband withoutwords, and, in the instant's silence that followed, two great tears thathad slowly gathered in the boy's eyes brimmed over and rolled down hisdusty cheeks. No one saw them, for he brushed them hastily away; butin that little pause I think Dan's old distrust for these good peoplevanished for ever, the soft spot in his heart was touched, and he feltan impetuous desire to prove himself worthy of the love and pity thatwas so patient and forgiving. He said nothing, he only wished the wishwith all his might, resolved to try in his blind boyish way, andsealed his resolution with the tears which neither pain, fatigue, norloneliness could wring from him. 

"Come and see his foot. I am afraid it is badly hurt, for he has kepton three days through heat and dust, with nothing but water and an oldjacket to bind it up with. I tell you, Fritz, that boy is a brave lad, and will make a fine man yet. "

"I hope so, for your sake, enthusiastic woman, your faith deservessuccess. Now, I will go and see your little Spartan. Where is he?"

"In my room; but, dear, you'll be very kind to him, no matter howgruff he seems. I am sure that is the way to conquer him. He won't bearsternness nor much restraint, but a soft word and infinite patience willlead him as it used to lead me. "

"As if you ever like this little rascal!" cried Mr. Bhaer, laughing, yethalf angry at the idea. 

"I was in spirit, though I showed it in a different way. I seem to knowby instinct how he feels, to understand what will win and touch him, andto sympathize with his temptations and faults. I am glad I do, for itwill help me to help him; and if I can make a good man of this wild boy, it will be the best work of my life. "

"God bless the work, and help the worker!"

Mr. Bhaer spoke now as earnestly as she had done, and both came intogether to find Dan's head down upon his arm, as if he was quiteovercome by sleep. But he looked up quickly, and tried to rise as Mr. Bhaer said pleasantly, "So you like Plumfield better than Page's farm. Well, let us see if wecan get on more comfortably this time than we did before. "

"Thanky, sir, " said Dan, trying not to be gruff, and finding it easierthan he expected. 

"Now, the foot! Ach! this is not well. We must have Dr. Firth to-morrow. Warm water, Jo, and old linen. "

Mr. Bhaer bathed and bound up the wounded foot, while Mrs. Jo preparedthe only empty bed in the house. It was in the little guest-chamberleading from the parlor, and often used when the lads were poorly, forit saved Mrs. Jo from running up and down, and the invalids could seewhat was going on. When it was ready, Mr. Bhaer took the boy in hisarms, and carried him in, helped him undress, laid him on the littlewhite bed, and left him with another hand-shake, and a fatherly"Good-night, my son. "

Dan dropped asleep at once, and slept heavily for several hours; thenhis foot began to throb and ache, and he awoke to toss about uneasily, trying not to groan lest any one should hear him, for he was a bravelad, and did bear pain like "a little Spartan, " as Mr. Bhaer called him. 

Mrs. Jo had a way of flitting about the house at night, to shut thewindows if the wind grew chilly, to draw mosquito curtains over Teddy, or look after Tommy, who occasionally walked in his sleep. The leastnoise waked her, and as she often heard imaginary robbers, cats, andconflagrations, the doors stood open all about, so her quick ear caughtthe sound of Dan's little moans, and she was up in a minute. He was justgiving his hot pillow a despairing thump when a light came glimmeringthrough the hall, and Mrs. Jo crept in, looking like a droll ghost, with her hair in a great knob on the top of her head, and a long graydressing-gown trailing behind her. 

"Are you in pain, Dan?"

"It's pretty bad; but I didn't mean to wake you. "

"I'm a sort of owl, always flying about at night. Yes, your foot is likefire; the bandages must be wet again, " and away flapped the maternal owlfor more cooling stuff, and a great mug of ice water. 

"Oh, that's so nice!" sighed Dan, the wet bandages went on again, and along draught of water cooled his thirsty throat. 

"There, now, sleep your best, and don't be frightened if you see meagain, for I'll slip down by and by, and give you another sprinkle. "

As she spoke, Mrs. Jo stooped to turn the pillow and smooth thebed-clothes, when, to her great surprise, Dan put his arm around herneck, drew her face down to his, and kissed her, with a broken "Thankyou, ma'am, " which said more than the most eloquent speech could havedone; for the hasty kiss, the muttered words, meant, "I'm sorry, I willtry. " She understood it, accepted the unspoken confession, and did notspoil it by any token of surprise. She only remembered that he had nomother, kissed the brown cheek half hidden on the pillow, as if ashamedof the little touch of tenderness, and left him, saying, what he longremembered, "You are my boy now, and if you choose you can make me proudand glad to say so. "

Once again, just at dawn, she stole down to find him so fast asleepthat he did not wake, and showed no sign of consciousness as she wet hisfoot, except that the lines of pain smoothed themselves away, and lefthis face quite peaceful. 

The day was Sunday, and the house so still that he never waked till nearnoon, and, looking round him, saw an eager little face peering in atthe door. He held out his arms, and Teddy tore across the room to casthimself bodily upon the bed, shouting, "My Danny's tum!" as he huggedand wriggled with delight. Mrs. Bhaer appeared next, bringing breakfast, and never seeming to see how shamefaced Dan looked at the memory of thelittle scene last night. Teddy insisted on giving him his "betfus, " andfed him like a baby, which, as he was not very hungry, Dan enjoyed verymuch. 

Then came the doctor, and the poor Spartan had a bad time of it, forsome of the little bones in his foot were injured, and putting them torights was such a painful job, that Dan's lips were white, and greatdrops stood on his forehead, though he never cried out, and only heldMrs. Jo's hand so tight that it was red long afterwards. 

"You must keep this boy quiet, for a week at least, and not let him puthis foot to the ground. By that time, I shall know whether he may hop alittle with a crutch, or stick to his bed for a while longer, " said Dr. Firth, putting up the shining instruments that Dan did not like to see. 

"It will get well sometime, won't it?" he asked, looking alarmed at theword "crutches. "

"I hope so;" and with that the doctor departed, leaving Dan muchdepressed; for the loss of a foot is a dreadful calamity to an activeboy. 

"Don't be troubled, I am a famous nurse, and we will have you trampingabout as well as ever in a month, " said Mrs. Jo, taking a hopeful viewof the case. 

But the fear of being lame haunted Dan, and even Teddy's caresses didnot cheer him; so Mrs. Jo proposed that one or two of the boys shouldcome in and pay him a little visit, and asked whom he would like to see. 

"Nat and Demi; I'd like my hat too, there's something in it I guessthey'd like to see. I suppose you threw away my bundle of plunder?" saidDan, looking rather anxious as he put the question. 

"No, I kept it, for I thought they must be treasures of some kind, youtook such care of them;" and Mrs. Jo brought him his old straw hatstuck full of butterflies and beetles, and a handkerchief containing acollection of odd things picked up on his way: birds' eggs, carefullydone up in moss, curious shells and stones, bits of fungus, and severallittle crabs, in a state of great indignation at their imprisonment. 

"Could I have something to put these fellers in? Mr. Hyde and I found'em, and they are first-rate ones, so I'd like to keep and watch 'em;can I?" asked Dan, forgetting his foot, and laughing to see the crabs gosidling and backing over the bed. 

"Of course you can; Polly's old cage will be just the thing. Don't letthem nip Teddy's toes while I get it;" and away went Mrs. Jo, leavingDan overjoyed to find that his treasures were not considered rubbish, and thrown away. 

Nat, Demi, and the cage arrived together, and the crabs were settledin their new house, to the great delight of the boys, who, in theexcitement of the performance, forgot any awkwardness they mightotherwise have felt in greeting the runaway. To these admiring listenersDan related his adventures much more fully than he had done to theBhaers. Then he displayed his "plunder, " and described each article sowell, that Mrs. Jo, who had retired to the next room to leave themfree, was surprised and interested, as well as amused, at their boyishchatter. 

"How much the lad knows of these things! how absorbed he is in them! andwhat a mercy it is just now, for he cares so little for books, it wouldbe hard to amuse him while he is laid up; but the boys can supply himwith beetles and stones to any extent, and I am glad to find out thistaste of his; it is a good one, and may perhaps prove the making of him. If he should turn out a great naturalist, and Nat a musician, I shouldhave cause to be proud of this year's work;" and Mrs. Jo sat smilingover her book as she built castles in the air, just as she used to dowhen a girl, only then they were for herself, and now they were forother people, which is the reason perhaps that some of them came topass in reality for charity is an excellent foundation to build anythingupon. 

Nat was most interested in the adventures, but Demi enjoyed the beetlesand butterflies immensely, drinking in the history of their changefullittle lives as if it were a new and lovely sort of fairy tale for, evenin his plain way, Dan told it well, and found great satisfaction in thethought that here at least the small philosopher could learn of him. Sointerested were they in the account of catching a musk rat, whose skinwas among the treasures, that Mr. Bhaer had to come himself to tell Natand Demi it was time for the walk. Dan looked so wistfully after them asthey ran off that Father Bhaer proposed carrying him to the sofa in theparlor for a little change of air and scene. 

When he was established, and the house quiet, Mrs. Jo, who sat nearby showing Teddy pictures, said, in an interested tone, as she noddedtowards the treasures still in Dan's hands, "Where did you learn so much about these things?"

"I always liked 'em, but didn't know much till Mr. Hyde told me. "

"Oh, he was a man who lived round in the woods studying these things Idon't know what you call him and wrote about frogs, and fishes, and soon. He stayed at Page's, and used to want me to go and help him, and itwas great fun, 'cause he told me ever so much, and was uncommon jollyand wise. Hope I'll see him again sometime. "

"I hope you will, " said Mrs. Jo, for Dan's face had brightened up, andhe was so interested in the matter that he forgot his usual taciturnity. 

"Why, he could make birds come to him, and rabbits and squirrels didn'tmind him any more than if he was a tree. Did you ever tickle a lizardwith a straw?" asked Dan, eagerly. 

"No, but I should like to try it. "

"Well, I've done it, and it's so funny to see 'em turn over and stretchout, they like it so much. Mr. Hyde used to do it; and he'd make snakeslisten to him while he whistled, and he knew just when certain flowerswould blow, and bees wouldn't sting him, and he'd tell the wonderfullestthings about fish and flies, and the Indians and the rocks. "

"I think you were so fond of going with Mr. Hyde, you rather neglectedMr. Page, " said Mrs. Jo, slyly. 

"Yes, I did; I hated to have to weed and hoe when I might be trampinground with Mr. Hyde. Page thought such things silly, and called Mr. Hydecrazy because he'd lay hours watching a trout or a bird. "

"Suppose you say lie instead of lay, it is better grammar, " said Mrs. Jo, very gently; and then added, "Yes, Page is a thorough farmer, andwould not understand that a naturalist's work was just as interesting, and perhaps just as important as his own. Now, Dan, if you really lovethese things, as I think you do, and I am glad to see it, you shall havetime to study them and books to help you; but I want you to do somethingbesides, and to do it faithfully, else you will be sorry by and by, andfind that you have got to begin again. "

"Yes, ma'am, " said Dan, meekly, and looked a little scared by theserious tone of the last remarks, for he hated books, yet had evidentlymade up his mind to study anything she proposed. 

"Do you see that cabinet with twelve drawers in it?" was the next veryunexpected question. 

Dan did see two tall old-fashioned ones standing on either side of thepiano; he knew them well, and had often seen nice bits of string, nails, brown paper, and such useful matters come out of the various drawers. Henodded and smiled. Mrs. Jo went on, "Well, don't you think those drawers would be good places to put youreggs, and stones, and shells, and lichens?"

"Oh, splendid, but you wouldn't like my things 'clutterin' round, ' asMr. Page used to say, would you?" cried Dan, sitting up to survey theold piece of furniture with sparkling eyes. 

"I like litter of that sort; and if I didn't, I should give you thedrawers, because I have a regard for children's little treasures, andI think they should be treated respectfully. Now, I am going to make abargain with you, Dan, and I hope you will keep it honorably. Here aretwelve good-sized drawers, one for each month of the year, and theyshall be yours as fast as you earn them, by doing the little duties thatbelong to you. I believe in rewards of a certain kind, especially foryoung folks; they help us along, and though we may begin by being goodfor the sake of the reward, if it is rightly used, we shall soon learnto love goodness for itself. "

"Do you have 'em?" asked Dan, looking as if this was new talk for him. 

"Yes, indeed! I haven't learnt to get on without them yet. My rewardsare not drawers, or presents, or holidays, but they are things which Ilike as much as you do the others. The good behavior and success of myboys is one of the rewards I love best, and I work for it as I want youto work for your cabinet. Do what you dislike, and do it well, andyou get two rewards, one, the prize you see and hold; the other, thesatisfaction of a duty cheerfully performed. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, ma'am. "

"We all need these little helps; so you shall try to do your lessons andyour work, play kindly with all the boys, and use your holidays well;and if you bring me a good report, or if I see and know it without wordsfor I'm quick to spy out the good little efforts of my boys you shallhave a compartment in the drawer for your treasures. See, some arealready divided into four parts, and I will have the others made inthe same way, a place for each week; and when the drawer is filledwith curious and pretty things, I shall be as proud of it as you are;prouder, I think for in the pebbles, mosses, and gay butterflies, Ishall see good resolutions carried out, conquered faults, and a promisewell kept. Shall we do this, Dan?"

The boys answered with one of the looks which said much, for it showedthat he felt and understood her wish and words, although he did not knowhow to express his interest and gratitude for such care and kindness. She understood the look, and seeing by the color that flushed up to hisforehead that he was touched, as she wished him to be, she said no moreabout that side of the new plan, but pulled out the upper drawer, dustedit, and set it on two chairs before the sofa, saying briskly, "Now, let us begin at once by putting those nice beetles in a safeplace. These compartments will hold a good deal, you see. I'd pin thebutterflies and bugs round the sides; they will be quite safe there, andleave room for the heavy things below. I'll give you some cotton wool, and clean paper and pins, and you can get ready for the week's work. "

"But I can't go out to find any new things, " said Dan, looking piteouslyat his foot. 

"That's true; never mind, we'll let these treasures do for this week, and I dare say the boys will bring you loads of things if you ask them. "

"They don't know the right sort; besides, if I lay, no, lie here all thetime, I can't work and study, and earn my drawers. "

"There are plenty of lessons you can learn lying there, and severallittle jobs of work you can do for me. "

"Can I?" and Dan looked both surprised and pleased. 

"You can learn to be patient and cheerful in spite of pain and no play. You can amuse Teddy for me, wind cotton, read to me when I sew, and domany things without hurting your foot, which will make the days passquickly, and not be wasted ones. "

Here Demi ran in with a great butterfly in one hand, and a very uglylittle toad in the other. 

"See, Dan, I found them, and ran back to give them to you; aren't theybeautiful ones?" panted Demi, all out of breath. 

Dan laughed at the toad, and said he had no place to put him, but thebutterfly was a beauty, and if Mrs. Jo would give him a big pin, hewould stick it right up in the drawer. 

"I don't like to see the poor thing struggle on a pin; if it must bekilled, let us put it out of pain at once with a drop of camphor, " saidMrs. Jo, getting out the bottle. 

"I know how to do it Mr. Hyde always killed 'em that way but I didn'thave any camphor, so I use a pin, " and Dan gently poured a drop on theinsect's head, when the pale green wings fluttered an instant, and thengrew still. 

This dainty little execution was hardly over when Teddy shouted from thebedroom, "Oh, the little trabs are out, and the big one's eaten 'emall up. " Demi and his aunt ran to the rescue, and found Teddy dancingexcitedly in a chair, while two little crabs were scuttling about thefloor, having got through the wires of the cage. A third was clinging tothe top of the cage, evidently in terror of his life, for below appeareda sad yet funny sight. The big crab had wedged himself into the littlerecess where Polly's cup used to stand, and there he sat eating one ofhis relations in the coolest way. All the claws of the poor victim werepulled off, and he was turned upside down, his upper shell held inone claw close under the mouth of the big crab like a dish, while heleisurely ate out of it with the other claw, pausing now and then toturn his queer bulging eyes from side to side, and to put out a slendertongue and lick them in a way that made the children scream withlaughter. Mrs. Jo carried the cage in for Dan to see the sight, whileDemi caught and confined the wanderers under an inverted wash-bowl. 

"I'll have to let these fellers go, for I can't keep 'em in the house, "said Dan, with evident regret. 

"I'll take care of them for you, if you will tell me how, and they canlive in my turtle-tank just as well as not, " said Demi, who found themmore interesting even that his beloved slow turtles. So Dan gave himdirections about the wants and habits of the crabs, and Demi bore themaway to introduce them to their new home and neighbors. "What a goodboy he is!" said Dan, carefully settling the first butterfly, andremembering that Demi had given up his walk to bring it to him. 

"He ought to be, for a great deal has been done to make him so. "

"He's had folks to tell him things, and to help him; I haven't, " saidDan, with a sigh, thinking of his neglected childhood, a thing he seldomdid, and feeling as if he had not had fair play somehow. 

"I know it, dear, and for that reason I don't expect as much from you asfrom Demi, though he is younger; you shall have all the help that we cangive you now, and I hope to teach you how to help yourself in the bestway. Have you forgotten what Father Bhaer told you when you were herebefore, about wanting to be good, and asking God to help you?"

"No, ma'am, " very low. 

"Do you try that way still?"

"No, ma'am, " lower still. 

"Will you do it every night to please me?"

"Yes, ma'am, " very soberly. 

"I shall depend on it, and I think I shall know if you are faithfulto your promise, for these things always show to people who believe inthem, though not a word is said. Now here is a pleasant story about aboy who hurt his foot worse than you did yours; read it, and see howbravely he bore his troubles. "

She put that charming little book, "The Crofton Boys, " into his hands, and left him for an hour, passing in and out from time to time thathe might not feel lonely. Dan did not love to read, but soon got sointerested that he was surprised when the boys came home. Daisy broughthim a nosegay of wild flowers, and Nan insisted on helping bring him hissupper, as he lay on the sofa with the door open into the dining-room, so that he could see the lads at table, and they could nod socially tohim over their bread and butter. 

Mr. Bhaer carried him away to his bed early, and Teddy came in hisnight-gown to say good-night, for he went to his little nest with thebirds. 

"I want to say my prayers to Danny; may I?" he asked; and when hismother said, "Yes, " the little fellow knelt down by Dan's bed, andfolding his chubby hands, said softly, "Pease Dod bess everybody, and hep me to be dood. "

Then he went away smiling with sleepy sweetness over his mother'sshoulder. 

But after the evening talk was done, the evening song sung, and thehouse grew still with beautiful Sunday silence, Dan lay in his pleasantroom wide awake, thinking new thoughts, feeling new hopes and desiresstirring in his boyish heart, for two good angels had entered in: loveand gratitude began the work which time and effort were to finish; andwith an earnest wish to keep his first promise, Dan folded his handstogether in the Darkness, and softly whispered Teddy's little prayer, "Please God bless every one, and help me to be good. "

CHAPTER XI. UNCLE TEDDY

For a week Dan only moved from bed to sofa; a long week and a hard one, for the hurt foot was very painful at times, the quiet days were verywearisome to the active lad, longing to be out enjoying the summerweather, and especially difficult was it to be patient. But Dan didhis best, and every one helped him in their various ways; so the timepassed, and he was rewarded at last by hearing the doctor say, onSaturday morning, "This foot is doing better than I expected. Give the lad the crutch thisafternoon, and let him stump about the house a little. "

"Hooray!" shouted Nat, and raced away to tell the other boys the goodnews. 

Everybody was very glad, and after dinner the whole flock assembled tobehold Dan crutch himself up and down the hall a few times before hesettled in the porch to hold a sort of levee. He was much pleased at theinterest and good-will shown him, and brightened up more and more everyminute; for the boys came to pay their respects, the little girls fussedabout him with stools and cushions, and Teddy watched over him as if hewas a frail creature unable to do anything for himself. They were stillsitting and standing about the steps, when a carriage stopped at thegate, a hat was waved from it, and with a shout of "Uncle Teddy! UncleTeddy!" Rob scampered down the avenue as fast as his short legs wouldcarry him. All he boys but Dan ran after him to see who should befirst to open the gate, and in a moment the carriage drove up with boysswarming all over it, while Uncle Teddy sat laughing in the midst, withhis little daughter on his knee. 

"Stop the triumphal car and let Jupiter descend, " he said, and jumpingout ran up the steps to meet Mrs. Bhaer, who stood smiling and clappingher hands like a girl. 

"How goes it, Teddy?"

"All right, Jo. "

Then they shook hands, and Mr. Laurie put Bess into her aunt's arms, saying, as the child hugged her tight, "Goldilocks wanted to see you somuch that I ran away with her, for I was quite pining for a sight of youmyself. We want to play with your boys for an hour or so, and to see how'the old woman who lived in a shoe, and had so many children she did notknow what to do, ' is getting on. "

"I'm so glad! Play away, and don't get into mischief, " answered Mrs. Jo, as the lads crowded round the pretty child, admiring her long goldenhair, dainty dress, and lofty ways, for the little "Princess, " as theycalled her, allowed no one to kiss her, but sat smiling down upon them, and graciously patting their heads with her little, white hands. Theyall adored her, especially Rob, who considered her a sort of doll, and dared not touch her lest she should break, but worshipped her at arespectful distance, made happy by an occasional mark of favor from herlittle highness. As she immediately demanded to see Daisy's kitchen, she was borne off by Mrs. Jo, with a train of small boys following. Theothers, all but Nat and Demi, ran away to the menagerie and gardensto have all in order; for Mr. Laurie always took a general survey, andlooked disappointed if things were not flourishing. 

Standing on the steps, he turned to Dan, saying like an oldacquaintance, though he had only seen him once or twice before, "How is the foot?"

"Better, sir. "

"Rather tired of the house, aren't you?"

"Guess I am!" and Dan's eyes roved away to the green hills and woodswhere he longed to be. 

"Suppose we take a little turn before the others come back? That big, easy carriage will be quite safe and comfortable, and a breath of freshair will do you good. Get a cushion and a shawl, Demi, and let's carryDan off. "

The boys thought it a capital joke, and Dan looked delighted, but asked, with an unexpected burst of virtue, "Will Mrs. Bhaer like it?"

"Oh, yes; we settled all that a minute ago. "

"You didn't say any thing about it, so I don't see how you could, " saidDemi, inquisitively. 

"We have a way of sending messages to one another, without any words. Itis a great improvement on the telegraph. "

"I know it's eyes; I saw you lift your eyebrows, and nod toward thecarriage, and Mrs. Bhaer laughed and nodded back again, " cried Nat, whowas quite at his ease with kind Mr. Laurie by this time. 

"Right. Now them, come on, " and in a minute Dan found himself settled inthe carriage, his foot on a cushion on the seat opposite, nicelycovered with a shawl, which fell down from the upper regions in a mostmysterious manner, just when they wanted it. Demi climbed up to thebox beside Peter, the black coachman. Nat sat next Dan in the place ofhonor, while Uncle Teddy would sit opposite, to take care of the foot, he said, but really that he might study the faces before him both sohappy, yet so different, for Dan's was square, and brown, and strong, while Nat's was long, and fair, and rather weak, but very amiable withits mild eyes and good forehead. 

"By the way, I've got a book somewhere here that you may like to see, "said the oldest boy of the party, diving under the seat and producing abook which make Dan exclaim, "Oh! by George, isn't that a stunner?" as he turned the leaves, and sawfine plates of butterflies, and birds, and every sort of interestinginsect, colored like life. He was so charmed that he forgot his thanks, but Mr. Laurie did not mind, and was quite satisfied to see the boy'seager delight, and to hear this exclamations over certain old friends ashe came to them. Nat leaned on his shoulder to look, and Demi turned hisback to the horses, and let his feet dangle inside the carriage, so thathe might join in the conversation. 

When they got among the beetles, Mr. Laurie took a curious little objectout of his vest-pocket, and laying it in the palm of his hand, said, "There's a beetle that is thousands of years old;" and then, while thelads examined the queer stone-bug, that looked so old and gray, he toldthem how it came out of the wrappings of a mummy, after lying for agesin a famous tomb. Finding them interested, he went on to tell about theEgyptians, and the strange and splendid ruins they have left behind themthe Nile, and how he sailed up the mighty river, with the handsome darkmen to work his boat; how he shot alligators, saw wonderful beasts andbirds; and afterwards crossed the desert on a camel, who pitched himabout like a ship in a storm. 

"Uncle Teddy tells stories 'most as well as Grandpa, " said Demi, approvingly, when the tale was done, and the boys' eyes asked for more. 

"Thank you, " said Mr. Laurie, quite soberly, for he considered Demi'spraise worth having, for children are good critics in such cases, and tosuit them is an accomplishment that any one may be proud of. 

"Here's another trifle or two that I tucked into my pocket as I wasturning over my traps to see if I had any thing that would amuse Dan, "and Uncle Teddy produced a fine arrow-head and a string of wampum. 

"Oh! tell about the Indians, " cried Demi, who was fond of playingwigwam. 

"Dan knows lots about them, " added Nat. 

"More than I do, I dare say. Tell us something, " and Mr. Laurie lookedas interested as the other two. 

"Mr. Hyde told me; he's been among 'em, and can talk their talk, and likes 'em, " began Dan, flattered by their attention, but ratherembarrassed by having a grown-up listener. 

"What is wampum for?" asked curious Demi, from his perch. 

The others asked questions likewise, and, before he knew it, Dan wasreeling off all Mr. Hyde had told him, as they sailed down the rivera few weeks before. Mr. Laurie listened well, but found the boy moreinteresting than the Indians, for Mrs. Jo had told him about Dan, andhe rather took a fancy to the wild lad, who ran away as he himselfhad often longed to do, and who was slowly getting tamed by pain andpatience. 

"I've been thinking that it would be a good plan for you fellows to havea museum of your own; a place in which to collect all the curious andinteresting things that you find, and make, and have given you. Mrs. Jois too kind to complain, but it is rather hard for her to have the houselittered up with all sorts of rattletraps, half-a-pint of dor-bugs inone of her best vases, for instance, a couple of dead bats nailed up inthe back entry, wasps nests tumbling down on people's heads, and stoneslying round everywhere, enough to pave the avenue. There are not manywomen who would stand that sort of thing, are there, now?"

As Mr. Laurie spoke with a merry look in his eyes, the boys laughed andnudged one another, for it was evident that some one told tales out ofschool, else how could he know of the existence of these inconvenienttreasures. 

"Where can we put them, then?" said Demi, crossing his legs and leaningdown to argue the question. 

"In the old carriage-house. "

"But it leaks, and there isn't any window, nor any place to put things, and it's all dust and cobwebs, " began Nat. 

"Wait till Gibbs and I have touched it up a bit, and then see howyou like it. He is to come over on Monday to get it ready; thennext Saturday I shall come out, and we will fix it up, and make thebeginning, at least, of a fine little museum. Every one can bringhis things, and have a place for them; and Dan is to be the head man, because he knows most about such matters, and it will be quiet, pleasantwork for him now that he can't knock about much. "

"Won't that be jolly?" cried Nat, while Dan smiled all over his face andhad not a word to say, but hugged his book, and looked at Mr. Laurieas if he thought him one of the greatest public benefactors that everblessed the world. 

"Shall I go round again, sir?" asked Peter, as they came to the gate, after two slow turns about the half-mile triangle. 

"No, we must be prudent, else we can't come again. I must go over thepremises, take a look at the carriage-house, and have a little talk withMrs. Jo before I go;" and, having deposited Dan on his sofa to rest andenjoy his book, Uncle Teddy went off to have a frolic with the lads whowere raging about the place in search of him. Leaving the little girlsto mess up-stairs, Mrs. Bhaer sat down by Dan, and listened to his eageraccount of the drive till the flock returned, dusty, warm, and muchexcited about the new museum, which every one considered the mostbrilliant idea of the age. 

"I always wanted to endow some sort of an institution, and I am going tobegin with this, " said Mr. Laurie, sitting down on a stool at Mrs. Jo'sfeet. 

"You have endowed one already. What do you call this?" and Mrs. Jopointed to the happy-faced lads, who had camped upon the floor abouthim. 

"I call it a very promising Bhaer-garden, and I'm proud to be a memberof it. Did you know I was the head boy in this school?" he asked, turning to Dan, and changing the subject skilfully, for he hated to bethanked for the generous things he did. 

"I thought Franz was!" answered Dan, wondering what the man meant. 

"Oh, dear no! I'm the first boy Mrs. Jo ever had to take care of, and Iwas such a bad one that she isn't done with me yet, though she has beenworking at me for years and years. "

"How old she must be!" said Nat, innocently. 

"She began early, you see. Poor thing! she was only fifteen when shetook me, and I led her such a life, it's a wonder she isn't wrinkled andgray, and quite worn out, " and Mr. Laurie looked up at her laughing. 

"Don't Teddy; I won't have you abuse yourself so;" and Mrs. Jo strokedthe curly black head at her knee as affectionately as ever, for, inspite of every thing Teddy was her boy still. 

"If it hadn't been for you, there never would have been a Plumfield. Itwas my success with you, sir, that gave me courage to try my pet plan. So the boys may thank you for it, and name the new institution 'TheLaurence Museum, ' in honor of its founder, won't we, boys?" she added, looking very like the lively Jo of old times. 

"We will! we will!" shouted the boys, throwing up their hats, for thoughthey had taken them off on entering the house, according to rule, theyhad been in too much of a hurry to hang them up. 

"I'm as hungry as a bear, can't I have a cookie?" asked Mr. Laurie, whenthe shout subsided and he had expressed his thanks by a splendid bow. 

"Trot out and ask Asia for the gingerbread-box, Demi. It isn't in orderto eat between meals, but, on this joyful occasion, we won't mind, andhave a cookie all round, " said Mrs. Jo; and when the box came shedealt them out with a liberal hand, every one munching away in a socialcircle. 

Suddenly, in the midst of a bite, Mr. Laurie cried out, "Bless my heart, I forgot grandma's bundle!" and running out to the carriage, returnedwith an interesting white parcel, which, being opened, disclosed achoice collection of beasts, birds, and pretty things cut out of crispsugary cake, and baked a lovely brown. 

"There's one for each, and a letter to tell which is whose. Grandma andHannah made them, and I tremble to think what would have happened to meif I had forgotten to leave them. "

Then, amid much laughing and fun, the cakes were distributed. A fish forDan, a fiddle for Nat, a book for Demi, a money for Tommy, a flower forDaisy, a hoop for Nan, who had driven twice round the triangle withoutstopping, a star for Emil, who put on airs because he studied astronomy, and, best of all, an omnibus for Franz, whose great delight was to drivethe family bus. Stuffy got a fat pig, and the little folks had birds, and cats, and rabbits, with black currant eyes. 

"Now I must go. Where is my Goldilocks? Mamma will come flying out toget her if I'm not back early, " said Uncle Teddy, when the last crumbhad vanished, which it speedily did, you may be sure. 

The young ladies had gone into the garden, and while they waited tillFranz looked them up, Jo and Laurie stood at the door talking together. 

"How does little Giddy-gaddy come on?" he asked, for Nan's pranks amusedhim very much, and he was never tired of teasing Jo about her. 

"Nicely; she is getting quite mannerly, and begins to see the error ofher wild ways. "

"Don't the boys encourage her in them?"

"Yes; but I keep talking, and lately she has improved much. You saw howprettily she shook hands with you, and how gentle she was with Bess. Daisy's example has its effect upon her, and I'm quite sure that a fewmonths will work wonders. "

Here Mrs. Jo's remarks were cut short by the appearance of Nan tearinground the corner at a break-neck pace, driving a mettlesome team of fourboys, and followed by Daisy trundling Bess in a wheelbarrow. Hat off, hair flying, whip cracking, and barrow bumping, up they came in a cloudof dust, looking as wild a set of little hoydens as one would wish tosee. 

"So, these are the model children, are they? It's lucky I didn't bringMrs. Curtis out to see your school for the cultivation of moralsand manners; she would never have recovered from the shock of thisspectacle, " said Mr. Laurie, laughing at Mrs. Jo's premature rejoicingover Nan's improvement. 

"Laugh away; I'll succeed yet. As you used to say at College, quotingsome professor, 'Though the experiment has failed, the principle remainsthe same, '" said Mrs. Bhaer, joining in the merriment. 

"I'm afraid Nan's example is taking effect upon Daisy, instead of theother way. Look at my little princess! she has utterly forgotten herdignity, and is screaming like the rest. Young ladies, what doesthis mean?" and Mr. Laurie rescued his small daughter from impendingdestruction, for the four horses were champing their bits and curvettingmadly all about her, as she sat brandishing a great whip in both hands. 

"We're having a race, and I beat, " shouted Nan. 

"I could have run faster, only I was afraid of spilling Bess, " screamedDaisy. 

"Hi! go long!" cried the princess, giving such a flourish with her whipthat the horses ran away, and were seen no more. 

"My precious child! come away from this ill-mannered crew before you arequite spoilt. Good-by, Jo! Next time I come, I shall expect to find theboys making patchwork. "

"It wouldn't hurt them a bit. I don't give in, mind you; for myexperiments always fail a few times before they succeed. Love to Amy andmy blessed Marmee, " called Mrs. Jo, as the carriage drove away; and thelast Mr. Laurie saw of her, she was consoling Daisy for her failure by aride in the wheelbarrow, and looking as if she liked it. 

Great was the excitement all the week about the repairs in thecarriage-house, which went briskly on in spite of the incessantquestions, advice, and meddling of the boys. Old Gibbs was nearly drivenwild with it all, but managed to do his work nevertheless; and byFriday night the place was all in order roof mended, shelves up, wallswhitewashed, a great window cut at the back, which let in a flood ofsunshine, and gave them a fine view of the brook, the meadows, and thedistant hills; and over the great door, painted in red letters, was "TheLaurence Museum. "

All Saturday morning the boys were planning how it should be furnishedwith their spoils, and when Mr. Laurie arrived, bringing an aquariumwhich Mrs. Amy said she was tired of, their rapture was great. 

The afternoon was spent in arranging things, and when the running andlugging and hammering was over, the ladies were invited to behold theinstitution. 

It certainly was a pleasant place, airy, clean, and bright. A hop-vineshook its green bells round the open window, the pretty aquarium stoodin the middle of the room, with some delicate water plants rising abovethe water, and gold-fish showing their brightness as they floated to andfro below. On either side of the window were rows of shelves ready toreceive the curiosities yet to be found. Dan's tall cabinet stood beforethe great door which was fastened up, while the small door was to beused. On the cabinet stood a queer Indian idol, very ugly, but veryinteresting; old Mr. Laurence sent it, as well as a fine Chinese junk infull sail, which had a conspicuous place on the long table in the middleof the room. Above, swinging in a loop, and looking as if she was alive, hung Polly, who died at an advanced age, had been carefully stuffed, andwas no presented by Mrs. Jo. The walls were decorated with all sorts ofthings. A snake's skin, a big wasp's nest, a birch-bark canoe, a stringof birds' eggs, wreaths of gray moss from the South, and a bunch ofcotton-pods. The dead bats had a place, also a large turtle-shell, andan ostrich-egg proudly presented by Demi, who volunteered to explainthese rare curiosities to guests whenever they liked. There were so manystones that it was impossible to accept them all, so only a few of thebest were arranged among the shells on the shelves, the rest were piledup in corners, to be examined by Dan at his leisure. 

Every one was eager to give something, even Silas, who sent home fora stuffed wild-cat killed in his youth. It was rather moth-eaten andshabby, but on a high bracket and best side foremost the effect wasfine, for the yellow glass eyes glared, and the mouth snarled sonaturally, that Teddy shook in his little shoes at sight of it, when hecame bringing his most cherished treasure, one cocoon, to lay upon theshrine of science. 

"Isn't it beautiful? I'd no idea we had so many curious things. I gavethat; don't it look well? We might make a lot by charging something forletting folks see it. "

Jack added that last suggestion to the general chatter that went on asthe family viewed the room. 

"This is a free museum and if there is any speculating on it I'll paintout the name over the door, " said Mr. Laurie, turning so quickly thatJack wished he had held his tongue. 

"Hear! hear!" cried Mr. Bhaer. 

"Speech! speech!" added Mrs. Jo. 

"Can't, I'm too bashful. You give them a lecture yourself you are usedto it, " Mr. Laurie answered, retreating towards the window, meaning toescape. But she held him fast, and said, laughing as she looked at thedozen pairs of dirty hands about her, "If I did lecture, it would on the chemical and cleansing properties ofsoap. Come now, as the founder of the institution, you really ought togive us a few moral remarks, and we will applaud tremendously. "

Seeing that there was no way of escaping, Mr. Laurie looked up at Pollyhanging overhead, seemed to find inspiration in the brilliant old bird, and sitting down upon the table, said, in his pleasant way, "There is one thing I'd like to suggest, boys, and that is, I want youto get some good as well as much pleasure out of this. Just puttingcurious or pretty things here won't do it; so suppose you read up aboutthem, so that when anybody asks questions you can answer them, andunderstand the matter. I used to like these things myself, and shouldenjoy hearing about them now, for I've forgotten all I once knew. Itwasn't much, was it, Jo? Here's Dan now, full of stories about birds, and bugs, and so on; let him take care of the museum, and once a weekthe rest of you take turns to read a composition, or tell about someanimal, mineral, or vegetable. We should all like that, and I think itwould put considerable useful knowledge into our heads. What do you say, Professor?"

"I like it much, and will give the lads all the help I can. But theywill need books to read up these new subjects, and we have not many, I fear, " began Mr. Bhaer, looking much pleased, planning many finelectures on geology, which he liked. "We should have a library for thespecial purpose. "

"Is that a useful sort of book, Dan?" asked Mr. Laurie, pointing to thevolume that lay open by the cabinet. 

"Oh, yes! it tells all I want to know about insects. I had it here tosee how to fix the butterflies right. I covered it, so it is not hurt;"and Dan caught it up, fearing the lender might think him careless. 

"Give it here a minute;" and, pulling out his pencil, Mr. Laurie wroteDan's name in it, saying, as he set the book up on one of the cornershelves, where nothing stood but a stuffed bird without a tail, "There, that is the beginning of the museum library. I'll hunt up some morebooks, and Demi shall keep them in order. Where are those jolly littlebooks we used to read, Jo? 'Insect Architecture' or some such name, allabout ants having battles, and bees having queens, and crickets eatingholes in our clothes and stealing milk, and larks of that sort. "

"In the garret at home. I'll have them sent out, and we will plunge intoNatural History with a will, " said Mrs. Jo, ready for any thing. 

"Won't it be hard to write about such things?" asked Nat, who hatedcompositions. 

"At first, perhaps; but you will soon like it. If you think that hard, how would you like to have this subject given to you, as it was to agirl of thirteen: A conversation between Themistocles, Aristides, andPericles on the proposed appropriation of funds of the confederacy ofDelos for the ornamentation of Athens?" said Mrs. Jo. 

The boys groaned at the mere sound of the long names, and the gentlemenlaughed at the absurdity of the lesson. 

"Did she write it?" asked Demi, in an awe-stricken tone. 

"Yes, but you can imagine what a piece of work she make of it, thoughshe was rather a bright child. "

"I'd like to have seen it, " said Mr. Bhaer. 

"Perhaps I can find it for you; I went to school with her, " and Mrs. Jolooked so wicked that every one knew who the little girl was. 

Hearing of this fearful subject for a composition quite reconciledthe boys to the thought of writing about familiar things. Wednesdayafternoon was appointed for the lectures, as they preferred to callthem, for some chose to talk instead of write. Mr. Bhaer promised aportfolio in which the written productions should be kept, and Mrs. Bhaer said she would attend the course with great pleasure. 

Then the dirty-handed society went off the wash, followed by theProfessor, trying to calm the anxiety of Rob, who had been told by Tommythat all water was full of invisible pollywogs. 

"I like your plan very much, only don't be too generous, Teddy, " saidMrs. Bhaer, when they were left alone. "You know most of the boys havegot to paddle their own canoes when they leave us, and too much sittingin the lap of luxury will unfit them for it. "

"I'll be moderate, but do let me amuse myself. I get desperately tiredof business sometimes, and nothing freshens me up like a good frolicwith your boys. I like that Dan very much, Jo. He isn't demonstrative;but he has the eye of a hawk, and when you have tamed him a little hewill do you credit. "

"I'm so glad you think so. Thank you very much for your kindness to him, especially for this museum affair; it will keep him happy while he islame, give me a chance to soften and smooth this poor, rough lad, andmake him love us. What did inspire you with such a beautiful, helpfulidea, Teddy?" asked Mrs. Bhaer, glancing back at the pleasant room, asshe turned to leave it. 

Laurie took both her hands in his, and answered, with a look that madeher eyes fill with happy tears, "Dear Jo! I have known what it is to be a motherless boy, and I nevercan forget how much you and yours have done for me all these years. "

CHAPTER XII. HUCKLEBERRIES

There was a great clashing of tin pails, much running to and fro, andfrequent demands for something to eat, one August afternoon, for theboys were going huckleberrying, and made as much stir about it as ifthey were setting out to find the North West Passage. 

"Now, my lads, get off as quietly as you can, for Rob is safely outof the way, and won't see you, " said Mrs. Bhaer, as she tied Daisy'sbroad-brimmed hat, and settled the great blue pinafore in which she hadenveloped Nan. 

But the plan did not succeed, for Rob had heard the bustle, decided togo, and prepared himself, without a thought of disappointment. The troopwas just getting under way when the little man came marching downstairswith his best hat on, a bright tin pail in his hand, and a face beamingwith satisfaction. 

"Oh, dear! now we shall have a scene, " sighed Mrs. Bhaer, who found hereldest son very hard to manage at times. 

"I'm all ready, " said Rob, and took his place in the ranks with suchperfect unconsciousness of his mistake, that it really was very hard toundeceive him. 

"It's too far for you, my love; stay and take care of me, for I shall beall alone, " began his mother. 

"You've got Teddy. I'm a big boy, so I can go; you said I might when Iwas bigger, and I am now, " persisted Rob, with a cloud beginning to dimthe brightness of his happy face. 

"We are going up to the great pasture, and it's ever so far; we don'twant you tagging on, " cried Jack, who did not admire the little boys. 

"I won't tag, I'll run and keep up. O Mamma! let me go! I want to fillmy new pail, and I'll bring 'em all to you. Please, please, I willbe good!" prayed Robby, looking up at his mother, so grieved anddisappointed that her heart began to fail her. 

"But, my deary, you'll get so tired and hot you won't have a good time. Wait till I go, and then we will stay all day, and pick as many berriesas you want. "

"You never do go, you are so busy, and I'm tired of waiting. I'd rathergo and get the berries for you all myself. I love to pick 'em, and Iwant to fill my new pail dreffly, " sobbed Rob. 

The pathetic sight of great tears tinkling into the dear new pail, andthreatening to fill it with salt water instead of huckleberries, touchedall the ladies present. His mother patted the weeper on his back; Daisyoffered to stay home with him; and Nan said, in her decided way, "Let him come; I'll take care of him. "

"If Franz was going I wouldn't mind, for he is very careful; but he ishaying with the father, and I'm not sure about the rest of you, " beganMrs. Bhaer. 

"It's so far, " put in Jack. 

"I'd carry him if I was going wish I was, " said Dan, with a sigh. 

"Thank you, dear, but you must take care of your foot. I wish I couldgo. Stop a minute, I think I can manage it after all;" and Mrs. Bhaerran out to the steps, waving her apron wildly. 

Silas was just driving away in the hay-cart, but turned back, and agreedat once, when Mrs. Jo proposed that he should take the whole party tothe pasture, and go for them at five o'clock. 

"It will delay your work a little, but never mind; we will pay you inhuckleberry pies, " said Mrs. Jo, knowing Silas's weak point. 

His rough, brown face brightened up, and he said, with a cheery "Haw!haw!" "Wal now, Mis' Bhaer, if you go to bribin' of me, I shall give inright away. "

"Now, boys, I have arranged it so that you can all go, " said Mrs. Bhaer, running back again, much relieved, for she loved to make them happy, andalways felt miserable when she had disturbed the serenity of her littlesons; for she believed that the small hopes and plans and pleasuresof children should be tenderly respected by grown-up people, and neverrudely thwarted or ridiculed. 

"Can I go?" said Dan, delighted. 

"I thought especially of you. Be careful, and never mind the berries, but sit about and enjoy the lovely things which you know how to find allabout you, " answered Mrs. Bhaer, who remembered his kind offer to herboy. 

"Me too! me too!" sung Rob, dancing with joy, and clapping his preciouspail and cover like castanets. 

"Yes, and Daisy and Nan must take good care of you. Be at the bars atfive o'clock, and Silas will come for you all. "

Robby cast himself upon his mother in a burst of gratitude, promisingto bring her every berry he picked, and not eat one. Then they were allpacked into the hay-cart, and went rattling away, the brightest faceamong the dozen being that of Rob, as he sat between his two temporarylittle mothers, beaming upon the whole world, and waving his best hat;for his indulgent mamma had not the heart to bereave him of it, sincethis was a gala-day to him. 

Such a happy afternoon as they had, in spite of the mishaps whichusually occur on such expeditions! Of course Tommy came to grief, tumbled upon a hornet's nest and got stung; but being used to woe, hebore the smart manfully, till Dan suggested the application of dampearth, which much assuaged the pain. Daisy saw a snake, and flying fromit lost half her berries; but Demi helped her to fill up again, anddiscussed reptiles most learnedly the while. Ned fell out of a tree, andsplit his jacket down the back, but suffered no other fracture. Emil andJack established rival claims to a certain thick patch, and while theywere squabbling about it, Stuffy quickly and quietly stripped the bushesand fled to the protection of Dan, who was enjoying himself immensely. The crutch was no longer necessary, and he was delighted to see howstrong his foot felt as he roamed about the great pasture, full ofinteresting rocks and stumps, with familiar little creatures in thegrass, and well-known insects dancing in the air. 

But of all the adventures that happened on this afternoon that whichbefell Nan and Rob was the most exciting, and it long remained one ofthe favorite histories of the household. Having explored the countrypretty generally, torn three rents in her frock, and scratched her facein a barberry-bush, Nan began to pick the berries that shone like big, black beads on the low, green bushes. Her nimble fingers flew, butstill her basket did not fill up as rapidly as she desired, so she keptwandering here and there to search for better places, instead of pickingcontentedly and steadily as Daisy did. Rob followed Nan, for her energysuited him better than his cousin's patience, and he too was anxious tohave the biggest and best berries for Marmar. 

"I keep putting 'em in, but it don't fill up, and I'm so tired, " saidRob, pausing a moment to rest his short legs, and beginning to thinkhuckleberrying was not all his fancy painted it; for the sun blazed, Nanskipped hither and thither like a grasshopper, and the berries fell outof his pail almost as fast as he put them in, because, in his struggleswith the bushes, it was often upside-down. 

"Last time we came they were ever so much thicker over that wall greatbouncers; and there is a cave there where the boys made a fire. Let's goand fill our things quick, and then hide in the cave and let the othersfind us, " proposed Nan, thirsting for adventures. 

Rob consented, and away they went, scrambling over the wall and runningdown the sloping fields on the other side, till they were hidden amongthe rocks and underbrush. The berries were thick, and at last the pailswere actually full. It was shady and cool down there, and a littlespring gave the thirsty children a refreshing drink out of its mossycup. 

"Now we will go and rest in the cave, and eat our lunch, " said Nan, wellsatisfied with her success so far. 

"Do you know the way?" asked Rob. 

"'Course I do; I've been once, and I always remember. Didn't I go andget my box all right?"

That convinced Rob, and he followed blindly as Nan led him over stockand stone, and brought him, after much meandering, to a small recess inthe rock, where the blackened stones showed that fires had been made. 

"Now, isn't it nice?" asked Nan, as she took out a bit ofbread-and-butter, rather damaged by being mixed up with nails, fishhooks, stones and other foreign substances, in the young lady'spocket. 

"Yes; do you think they will find us soon?" asked Rob, who found theshadowy glen rather dull, and began to long for more society. 

"No, I don't; because if I hear them, I shall hide, and have fun makingthem find me. "

"P'raps they won't come. "

"Don't care; I can get home myself. "

"Is it a great way?" asked Rob, looking at his little stubby boots, scratched and wet with his long wandering. 

"It's six miles, I guess. " Nan's ideas of distance were vague, and herfaith in her own powers great. 

"I think we better go now, " suggested Rob, presently. 

"I shan't till I have picked over my berries;" and Nan began what seemedto Rob an endless task. 

"Oh, dear! you said you'd take good care of me, " he sighed, as the sunseemed to drop behind the hill all of a sudden. 

"Well I am taking good care of you as hard as I can. Don't be cross, child; I'll go in a minute, " said Nan, who considered five-year-oldRobby a mere infant compared to herself. 

So little Rob sat looking anxiously about him, and waiting patiently, for, spite of some misgivings, he felt great confidence in Nan. 

"I guess it's going to be night pretty soon, " he observed, as if tohimself, as a mosquito bit him, and the frogs in a neighboring marshbegan to pipe up for the evening concert. 

"My goodness me! so it is. Come right away this minute, or they will begone, " cried Nan, looking up from her work, and suddenly perceiving thatthe sun was down. 

"I heard a horn about an hour ago; may be they were blowing for us, "said Rob, trudging after his guide as she scrambled up the steep hill. 

"Where was it?" asked Nan, stopping short. 

"Over that way;" he pointed with a dirty little finger in an entirelywrong direction. 

"Let's go that way and meet them;" and Nan wheeled about, and began totrot through the bushes, feeling a trifle anxious, for there were somany cow-paths all about she could not remember which way they came. 

On they went over stock and stone again, pausing now and then to listenfor the horn, which did not blow any more, for it was only the moo of acow on her way home. 

"I don't remember seeing that pile of stones do you?" asked Nan, as shesat on a wall to rest a moment and take an observation. 

"I don't remember any thing, but I want to go home, " and Rob's voice hada little tremble in it that made Nan put her arms round him and lift himgently down, saying, in her most capable way, "I'm going just as fast as I can, dear. Don't cry, and when we come tothe road, I'll carry you. "

"Where is the road?" and Robby wiped his eyes to look for it. 

"Over by that big tree. Don't you know that's the one Ned tumbled outof?"

"So it is. May be they waited for us; I'd like to ride home wouldn'tyou?" and Robby brightened up as he plodded along toward the end of thegreat pasture. 

"No, I'd rather walk, " answered Nan, feeling quite sure that she wouldbe obliged to do so, and preparing her mind for it. 

Another long trudge through the fast-deepening twilight and anotherdisappointment, for when they reached the tree, they found to theirdismay that it was not the one Ned climbed, and no road anywhereappeared. 

"Are we lost?" quavered Rob, clasping his pail in despair. 

"Not much. I don't just see which way to go, and I guess we'd bettercall. "

So they both shouted till they were hoarse, yet nothing answered but thefrogs in full chorus. 

"There is another tall tree over there, perhaps that's the one, " saidNan, whose heart sunk within her, though she still spoke bravely. 

"I don't think I can go any more; my boots are so heavy I can't pull'em;" and Robby sat down on a stone quite worn out. 

"Then we must stay here all night. I don't care much, if snakes don'tcome. "

"I'm frightened of snakes. I can't stay all night. Oh, dear! I don'tlike to be lost, " and Rob puckered up his face to cry, when suddenly athought occurred to him, and he said, in a tone of perfect confidence, "Marmar will come and find me she always does; I ain't afraid now. "

"She won't know where we are. "

"She didn't know I was shut up in the ice-house, but she found me. I know she'll come, " returned Robby, so trustfully, that Nan feltrelieved, and sat down by him, saying, with a remorseful sigh, "I wish we hadn't run away. "

"You made me; but I don't mind much Marmar will love me just the same, "answered Rob, clinging to his sheet-anchor when all other hope was gone. 

"I'm so hungry. Let's eat our berries, " proposed Nan, after a pause, during which Rob began to nod. 

"So am I, but I can't eat mine, 'cause I told Marmar I'd keep them allfor her. "

"You'll have to eat them if no one comes for us, " said Nan, who feltlike contradicting every thing just then. "If we stay here a great manydays, we shall eat up all the berries in the field, and then we shallstarve, " she added grimly. 

"I shall eat sassafras. I know a big tree of it, and Dan told me howsquirrels dig up the roots and eat them, and I love to dig, " returnedRob, undaunted by the prospect of starvation. 

"Yes; and we can catch frogs, and cook them. My father ate some once, and he said they were nice, " put in Nan, beginning to find a spice ofromance even in being lost in a huckleberry pasture. 

"How could we cook frogs? we haven't got any fire. "

"I don't know; next time I'll have matches in my pocket, " said Nan, rather depressed by this obstacle to the experiment in frog-cookery. 

"Couldn't we light a fire with a fire-fly?" asked Rob, hopefully, as hewatched them flitting to and fro like winged sparks. 

"Let's try;" and several minutes were pleasantly spent in catching theflies, and trying to make them kindle a green twig or two. "It's a lieto call them fire-flies when there isn't a fire in them, " Nan said, throwing one unhappy insect away with scorn, though it shone its best, and obligingly walked up and down the twigs to please the innocentlittle experimenters. 

"Marmar's a good while coming, " said Rob, after another pause, duringwhich they watched the stars overhead, smelt the sweet fern crushedunder foot, and listened to the crickets' serenade. 

"I don't see why God made any night; day is so much pleasanter, " saidNan, thoughtfully. 

"It's to sleep in, " answered Rob, with a yawn. 

"Then do go to sleep, " said Nan, pettishly. 

"I want my own bed. Oh, I wish I could see Teddy!" cried Rob, painfullyreminded of home by the soft chirp of birds safe in their little nests. 

"I don't believe your mother will ever find us, " said Nan, who wasbecoming desperate, for she hated patient waiting of any sort. "It's sodark she won't see us. "

"It was all black in the ice-house, and I was so scared I didn't callher, but she saw me; and she will see me now, no matter how dark it is, "returned confiding Rob, standing up to peer into the gloom for the helpwhich never failed him. 

"I see her! I see her!" he cried, and ran as fast as his tired legswould take him toward a dark figure slowly approaching. Suddenly hestopped, then turned about, and came stumbling back, screaming in agreat panic, "No, it's a bear, a big black one!" and hid his face in Nan's skirts. 

For a moment Nan quailed; ever her courage gave out at the thought of areal bear, and she was about to turn and flee in great disorder, when amild "Moo!" changed her fear to merriment, as she said, laughing, "It's a cow, Robby! the nice, black cow we saw this afternoon. "

The cow seemed to feel that it was not just the thing to meet twolittle people in her pasture after dark, and the amiable beast paused toinquire into the case. She let them stroke her, and stood regarding themwith her soft eyes so mildly, that Nan, who feared no animal but a bear, was fired with a desire to milk her. 

"Silas taught me how; and berries and milk would be so nice, " she said, emptying the contents of her pail into her hat, and boldly beginning hernew task, while Rob stood by and repeated, at her command, the poem fromMother Goose:

 "Cushy cow, bonny, let down your milk, Let down your milk to me, And I will give you a gown of silk, A gown of silk and a silver tee. "

But the immortal rhyme had little effect, for the benevolent cow hadalready been milked, and had only half a gill to give the thirstychildren. 

"Shoo! get away! you are an old cross patch, " cried Nan, ungratefully, as she gave up the attempt in despair; and poor Molly walked on with agentle gurgle of surprise and reproof. 

"Each can have a sip, and then we must take a walk. We shall go to sleepif we don't; and lost people mustn't sleep. Don't you know how HannahLee in the pretty story slept under the snow and died?"

"But there isn't any snow now, and it's nice and warm, " said Rob, whowas not blessed with as lively a fancy as Nan. 

"No matter, we will poke about a little, and call some more; and then, if nobody comes, we will hide under the bushes, like Hop-'o-my-thumb andhis brothers. "

It was a very short walk, however, for Rob was so sleepy he could notget on, and tumbled down so often that Nan entirely lost patience, beinghalf distracted by the responsibility she had taken upon herself. 

"If you tumble down again, I'll shake you, " she said, lifting the poorlittle man up very kindly as she spoke, for Nan's bark was much worsethan her bite. 

"Please don't. It's my boots they keep slipping so;" and Rob manfullychecked the sob just ready to break out, adding, with a plaintivepatience that touched Nan's heart, "If the skeeters didn't bite me so, Icould go to sleep till Marmar comes. "

"Put your head on my lap, and I'll cover you up with my apron; I'm notafraid of the night, " said Nan, sitting down and trying to persuadeherself that she did not mind the shadow nor the mysterious rustlingsall about her. 

"Wake me up when she comes, " said rob, and was fast asleep in fiveminutes with his head in Nan's lap under the pinafore. 

The little girl sat for some fifteen minutes, staring about her withanxious eyes, and feeling as if each second was an hour. Then a palelight began to glimmer over the hill-top and she said to herself, "I guess the night is over and morning is coming. I'd like to see thesun rise, so I'll watch, and when it comes up we can find our way righthome. "

But before the moon's round face peeped above the hill to destroy herhope, Nan had fallen asleep, leaning back in a little bower of tallferns, and was deep in a mid-summer night's dream of fire-flies and blueaprons, mountains of huckleberries, and Robby wiping away the tears of ablack cow, who sobbed, "I want to go home! I want to go home!"

While the children were sleeping, peacefully lulled by the drowsy hum ofmany neighborly mosquitoes, the family at home were in a great state ofagitation. The hay-cart came at five, and all but Jack, Emil, Nan, andRob were at the bars ready for it. Franz drove instead of Silas, andwhen the boys told him that the others were going home through the wood, he said, looking ill-pleased, "They ought to have left Rob to ride, hewill be tired out by the long walk. "

"It's shorter that way, and they will carry him, " said Stuffy, who wasin a hurry for his supper. 

"You are sure Nan and Rob went with them?"

"Of course they did; I saw them getting over the wall, and sung out thatit was most five, and Jack called back that they were going the otherway, " explained Tommy. 

"Very well, pile in then, " and away rattled the hay-cart with the tiredchildren and the full pails. 

Mrs. Jo looked sober when she heard of the division of the party, andsent Franz back with Toby to find and bring the little ones home. Supperwas over, and the family sitting about in the cool hall as usual, whenFranz came trotting back, hot, dusty, and anxious. 

"Have they come?" he called out when half-way up the avenue. 

"No!" and Mrs. Jo flew out of her chair looking so alarmed that everyone jumped up and gathered round Franz. 

"I can't find them anywhere, " he began; but the words were hardly spokenwhen a loud "Hullo!" startled them all, and the next minute Jack andEmil came round the house. 

"Where are Nan and Rob?" cried Mrs. Jo, clutching Emil in a way thatcaused him to think his aunt had suddenly lost her wits. 

"I don't know. They came home with the others, didn't they?" heanswered, quickly. 

"No; George and Tommy said they went with you. "

"Well, they didn't. Haven't seen them. We took a swim in the pond, andcame by the wood, " said Jack, looking alarmed, as well he might. 

"Call Mr. Bhaer, get the lanterns, and tell Silas I want him. "

That was all Mrs. Jo said, but they knew what she meant, and flew toobey her orders. In ten minutes, Mr. Bhaer and Silas were off to thewood, and Franz tearing down the road on old Andy to search the greatpasture. Mrs. Jo caught up some food from the table, a little bottle ofbrandy from the medicine-closet, took a lantern, and bidding Jack andEmil come with her, and the rest not stir, she trotted away on Toby, never stopping for hat or shawl. She heard some one running after her, but said not a word till, as she paused to call and listen, the light ofher lantern shone on Dan's face. 

"You here! I told Jack to come, " she said, half-inclined to send himback, much as she needed help. 

"I wouldn't let him; he and Emil hadn't had any supper, and I wantedto come more than they did, " he said, taking the lantern from her andsmiling up in her face with the steady look in his eyes that made herfeel as if, boy though he was, she had some one to depend on. 

Off she jumped, and ordered him on to Toby, in spite of his pleading towalk; then they went on again along the dusty, solitary road, stoppingevery now and then to call and hearken breathlessly for little voices toreply. 

When they came to the great pasture, other lights were already flittingto and fro like will-o'-the-wisps, and Mr. Bhaer's voice was heardshouting, "Nan! Rob! Rob! Nan!" in every part of the field. Silaswhistled and roared, Dan plunged here and there on Toby, who seemedto understand the case, and went over the roughest places with unusualdocility. Often Mrs. Jo hushed them all, saying, with a sob in herthroat, "The noise may frighten them, let me call; Robby will know myvoice;" and then she would cry out the beloved little name in every toneof tenderness, till the very echoes whispered it softly, and the windsseemed to waft it willingly; but still no answer came. 

The sky was overcast now, and only brief glimpses of the moon were seen, heat-lightening darted out of the dark clouds now and then, and a faintfar-off rumble as of thunder told that a summer-storm was brewing. 

"O my Robby! my Robby!" mourned poor Mrs. Jo, wandering up and down likea pale ghost, while Dan kept beside her like a faithful fire-fly. "Whatshall I say to Nan's father if she comes to harm? Why did I ever trustmy darling so far away? Fritz, do you hear any thing?" and when amournful, "No" came back, she wrung her hands so despairingly that Dansprung down from Toby's back, tied the bridle to the bars, and said, inhis decided way, "They may have gone down the spring I'm going to look. "

He was over the wall and away so fast that she could hardly follow him;but when she reached the spot, he lowered the lantern and showed herwith joy the marks of little feet in the soft ground about the spring. She fell down on her knees to examine the tracks, and then sprung up, saying eagerly, "Yes; that is the mark of my Robby's little boots! Come this way, theymust have gone on. "

Such a weary search! But now some inexplicable instinct seemed to leadthe anxious mother, for presently Dan uttered a cry, and caught up alittle shining object lying in the path. It was the cover of the newtin pail, dropped in the first alarm of being lost. Mrs. Jo hugged andkissed it as if it were a living thing; and when Dan was about to uttera glad shout to bring the others to the spot, she stopped him, saying, as she hurried on, "No, let me find them; I let Rob go, and I want togive him back to his father all myself. "

A little farther on Nan's hat appeared, and after passing the placemore than once, they came at last upon the babes in the wood, both soundasleep. Dan never forgot the little picture on which the light of hislantern shone that night. He thought Mrs. Jo would cry out, but sheonly whispered, "Hush!" as she softly lifted away the apron, and saw thelittle ruddy face below. The berry-stained lips were half-open as thebreath came and went, the yellow hair lay damp on the hot forehead, andboth the chubby hands held fast the little pail still full. 

The sight of the childish harvest, treasured through all the troubles ofthat night for her, seemed to touch Mrs. Jo to the heart, for suddenlyshe gathered up her boy, and began to cry over him, so tenderly, yetso heartily, that he woke up, and at first seemed bewildered. Then heremembered, and hugged her close, saying with a laugh of triumph, "I knew you'd come! O Marmar! I did want you so!" For a moment theykissed and clung to one another, quite forgetting all the world; for nomatter how lost and soiled and worn-out wandering sons may be, motherscan forgive and forget every thing as they fold them in their fosteringarms. Happy the son whose faith in his mother remains unchanged, andwho, through all his wanderings, has kept some filial token to repay herbrave and tender love. 

Dan meantime picked Nan out of her bush, and, with a gentleness none butTeddy ever saw in him before, he soothed her first alarm at the suddenwaking, and wiped away her tears; for Nan also began to cry for joy, it was so good to see a kind face and feel a strong arm round her afterwhat seemed to her ages of loneliness and fear. 

"My poor little girl, don't cry! You are all safe now, and no oneshall say a word of blame to-night, " said Mrs. Jo, taking Nan into hercapacious embrace, and cuddling both children as a hen might gather herlost chickens under her motherly wings. 

"It was my fault; but I am sorry. I tried to take care of him, and Icovered him up and let him sleep, and didn't touch his berries, though Iwas so hungry; and I never will do it again truly, never, never, " sobbedNan, quite lost in a sea of penitence and thankfulness. 

"Call them now, and let us get home, " said Mrs. Jo; and Dan, gettingupon the wall, sent a joyful word "Found!" ringing over the field. 

How the wandering lights came dancing from all sides, and gatheredround the little group among the sweet fern bushes! Such a hugging, and kissing, and talking, and crying, as went on must have amazed theglowworms, and evidently delighted the mosquitoes, for they hummedfrantically, while the little moths came in flocks to the party, andthe frogs croaked as if they could not express their satisfaction loudlyenough. 

Then they set out for home, a queer party, for Franz rode on to tellthe news; Dan and Toby led the way; then came Nan in the strong arms ofSilas, who considered her "the smartest little baggage he ever saw, " andteased her all the way home about her pranks. Mrs. Bhaer would let noone carry Rob but himself, and the little fellow, refreshed by sleep, sat up, and chattered gayly, feeling himself a hero, while his motherwent beside him holding on to any pat of his precious little body thatcame handy, and never tired of hearing him say, "I knew Marmar wouldcome, " or seeing him lean down to kiss her, and put a plump berry intoher mouth, "'Cause he picked 'em all for her. "

The moon shone out just as they reached the avenue, and all the boyscame shouting to meet them, so the lost lambs were borne in triumphand safety, and landed in the dining-room, where the unromantic littlethings demanded supper instead of preferring kisses and caresses. Theywere set down to bread and milk, while the entire household stood roundto gaze upon them. Nan soon recovered her spirits, and recounted herperils with a relish now that they were all over. Rob seemed absorbed inhis food, but put down his spoon all of a sudden, and set up a dolefulroar. 

"My precious, why do you cry?" asked his mother, who still hung overhim. 

"I'm crying 'cause I was lost, " bawled Rob, trying to squeeze out atear, and failing entirely. 

"But you are found now. Nan says you didn't cry out in the field, and Iwas glad you were such a brave boy. "

"I was so busy being frightened I didn't have any time then. But I wantto cry now, 'cause I don't like to be lost, " explained Rob, strugglingwith sleep, emotion, and a mouthful of bread and milk. 

The boys set up such a laugh at this funny way of making up for losttime, that Rob stopped to look at them, and the merriment was soinfectious, that after a surprised stare he burst out into a merry, "Ha, ha!" and beat his spoon upon the table as if he enjoyed the jokeimmensely. 

"It is ten o'clock; into bed, every man of you, " said Mr. Bhaer, lookingat his watch. 

"And, thank Heaven! there will be no empty ones to-night, " added Mrs. Bhaer, watching, with full eyes, Robby going up in his father'sarms, and Nan escorted by Daisy and Demi, who considered her the mostinteresting heroine of their collection. 

"Poor Aunt Jo is so tired she ought to be carried up herself, " saidgentle Franz, putting his arm round her as she paused at the stair-foot, looking quite exhausted by her fright and long walk. 

"Let's make an arm-chair, " proposed Tommy. 

"No, thank you, my lads; but somebody may lend me a shoulder to leanon, " answered Mrs. Jo. 

"Me! me!" and half-a-dozen jostled one another, all eager to be chosen, for there was something in the pale motherly face that touched the warmhearts under the round jackets. 

Seeing that they considered it an honor, Mrs. Jo gave it to the one whohad earned it, and nobody grumbled when she put her arm on Dan's broadshoulder, saying, with a look that made him color up with pride andpleasure, "He found the children; so I think he must help me up. "

Dan felt richly rewarded for his evening's work, not only that he waschosen from all the rest to go proudly up bearing the lamp, but becauseMrs. Jo said heartily, "Good-night, my boy! God bless you!" as he lefther at her door. 

"I wish I was your boy, " said Dan, who felt as if danger and trouble hadsomehow brought him nearer than ever to her. 

"You shall be my oldest son, " and she sealed her promise with a kissthat made Dan hers entirely. 

Little Rob was all right next day, but Nan had a headache, and lay onMother Bhaer's sofa with cold-cream upon her scratched face. Her remorsewas quite gone, and she evidently thought being lost rather a fineamusement. Mrs. Jo was not pleased with this state of things, and had nodesire to have her children led from the paths of virtue, or her pupilslying round loose in huckleberry fields. So she talked soberly to Nan, and tried to impress upon her mind the difference between liberty andlicense, telling several tales to enforce her lecture. She had notdecided how to punish Nan, but one of these stories suggested a way, andas Mrs. Jo liked odd penalties, she tried it. 

"All children run away, " pleaded Nan, as if it was as natural andnecessary a thing as measles or hooping cough. 

"Not all, and some who do run away don't get found again, " answered Mrs. Jo. 

"Didn't you do it yourself?" asked Nan, whose keen little eyes saw sometraces of a kindred spirit in the serious lady who was sewing so morallybefore her. 

Mrs. Jo laughed, and owned that she did. 

"Tell about it, " demanded Nan, feeling that she was getting the upperhand in the discussion. 

Mrs. Jo saw that, and sobered down at once, saying, with a remorsefulshake of the head, "I did it a good many times, and led my poor mother rather a hard lifewith my pranks, till she cured me. "

"How?" and Nan sat up with a face full of interest. 

"I had a new pair of shoes once, and wanted to show them; so, though Iwas told not to leave the garden, I ran away and was wandering about allday. It was in the city, and why I wasn't killed I don't know. Such atime as I had. I frolicked in the park with dogs, sailed boats in theBack Bay with strange boys, dined with a little Irish beggar-girl onsalt fish and potatoes, and was found at last fast asleep on a door-stepwith my arms round a great dog. It was late in the evening, and I was adirty as a little pig, and the new shoes were worn out I had travelledso far. "

"How nice!" cried Nan, looking all ready to go and do it herself. 

"It was not nice next day;" and Mrs. Jo tried to keep her eyes frombetraying how much she enjoyed the memory of her early capers. 

"Did your mother whip you?" asked Nan, curiously. 

"She never whipped me but once, and then she begged my pardon, or Idon't think I ever should have forgiven her, it hurt my feelings somuch. "

"Why did she beg your pardon? my father don't. "

"Because, when she had done it, I turned round and said, 'Well, you aremad yourself, and ought to be whipped as much as me. ' She looked at mea minute, then her anger all died out, and she said, as if ashamed, 'Youare right, Jo, I am angry; and why should I punish you for being in apassion when I set you such a bad example? Forgive me, dear, and let ustry to help one another in a better way. ' I never forgot it, and it didme more good than a dozen rods. "

Nan sat thoughtfully turning the little cold-cream jar for a minute, andMrs. Jo said nothing, but let that idea get well into the busy littlemind that was so quick to see and feel what went on about her. 

"I like that, " said Nan, presently, and her face looked less elfish, with its sharp eyes, inquisitive nose, and mischievous mouth. "What didyour mother do to you when you ran away that time?"

"She tied me to the bed-post with a long string, so that I could notgo out of the room, and there I stayed all day with the little worn-outshoes hanging up before me to remind me of my fault. "

"I should think that would cure anybody, " cried Nan, who loved herliberty above all things. 

"It did cure me, and I think it will you, so I am going to try it, " saidMrs. Jo, suddenly taking a ball of strong twine out of a drawer in herwork-table. 

Nan looked as if she was decidedly getting the worst of the argumentnow, and sat feeling much crestfallen while Mrs. Jo tied one end roundher waist and the other to the arm of the sofa, saying, as she finished, "I don't like to tie you up like a naughty little dog, but if you don'tremember any better than a dog, I must treat you like one. "

"I'd just as lief be tied up as not I like to play dog;" and Nan put ona don't-care face, and began to growl and grovel on the floor. 

Mrs. Jo took no notice, but leaving a book or two and a handkerchief tohem, she went away, and left Miss Nan to her own devices. This was notagreeable, and after sitting a moment she tried to untie the cord. Butit was fastened in the belt of her apron behind, so she began on theknot at the other end. It soon came loose, and, gathering it up, Nan wasabout to get out of the window, when she heard Mrs. Jo say to somebodyas she passed through the hall, "No, I don't think she will run away now; she is an honorable littlegirl, and knows that I do it to help her. "

In a minute, Nan whisked back, tied herself up, and began to sewviolently. Rob came in a moment after, and was so charmed with the newpunishment, that he got a jump-rope and tethered himself to the otherarm of the sofa in the most social manner. 

"I got lost too, so I ought to be tied up as much as Nan, " he explainedto his mother when she saw the new captive. 

"I'm not sure that you don't deserve a little punishment, for you knewit was wrong to go far away from the rest. "

"Nan took me, " began Rob, willing to enjoy the novel penalty, but notwilling to take the blame. 

"You needn't have gone. You have got a conscience, though you are alittle boy, and you must learn to mind it. "

"Well, my conscience didn't prick me a bit when she said 'Let's get overthe wall, '" answered Rob, quoting one of Demi's expressions. 

"Did you stop to see if it did?"

"No. "

"Then you cannot tell. "

"I guess it's such a little conscience that it don't prick hard enoughfor me to feel it, " added Rob, after thinking the matter over for aminute. 

"We must sharpen it up. It's bad to have a dull conscience; so you maystay here till dinner-time, and talk about it with Nan. I trust you bothnot to untie yourselves till I say the word. "

"No, we won't, " said both, feeling a certain sense of virtue in helpingto punish themselves. 

For an hour they were very good, then they grew tired of one room, and longed to get out. Never had the hall seemed so inviting; even thelittle bedroom acquired a sudden interest, and they would gladly havegone in and played tent with the curtains of the best bed. The openwindows drove them wild because they could not reach them; and the outerworld seemed so beautiful, they wondered how they ever found theheart to say it was dull. Nan pined for a race round the lawn, and Robremembered with dismay that he had not fed his dog that morning, andwondered what poor Pollux would do. They watched the clock, and Nan didsome nice calculations in minutes and seconds, while Rob learned to tellall the hours between eight and one so well that he never forgot them. It was maddening to smell the dinner, to know that there was to besuccotash and huckleberry pudding, and to feel that they would not beon the spot to secure good helps of both. When Mary Ann began to set thetable, they nearly cut themselves in two trying to see what meat therewas to be; and Nan offered to help her make the beds, if she would onlysee that she had "lots of sauce on her pudding. "

When the boys came bursting out of school, they found the childrentugging at their halters like a pair of restive little colts, andwere much edified, as well as amused, by the sequel to the excitingadventures of the night. 

"Untie me now, Marmar; my conscience will prick like a pin next time, Iknow it will, " said Rob, as the bell rang, and Teddy came to look at himwith sorrowful surprise. 

"We shall see, " answered his mother, setting him free. He took a goodrun down the hall, back through the dining-room, and brought up besideNan, quite beaming with virtuous satisfaction. 

"I'll bring her dinner to her, may I?" he asked, pitying hisfellow-captive. 

"That's my kind little son! Yes, pull out the table, and get a chair;"and Mrs. Jo hurried away to quell the ardor of the others, who werealways in a raging state of hunger at noon. 

Nan ate alone, and spent a long afternoon attached to the sofa. Mrs. Bhaer lengthened her bonds so that she could look out of the window;and there she stood watching the boys play, and all the little summercreatures enjoying their liberty. Daisy had a picnic for the dolls onthe lawn, so that Nan might see the fun if she could not join in it. Tommy turned his best somersaults to console her; Demi sat on the stepsreading aloud to himself, which amused Nan a good deal; and Dan broughta little tree-toad to show her as the most delicate attention in hispower. 

But nothing atoned for the loss of freedom; and a few hours ofconfinement taught Nan how precious it was. A good many thoughts wentthrough the little head that lay on the window-sill during the lastquiet hour when all the children went to the brook to see Emil's newship launched. She was to have christened it, and had depended onsmashing a tiny bottle of currant-wine over the prow as it was namedJosephine in honor of Mrs. Bhaer. Now she had lost her chance, and Daisywouldn't do it half so well. Tears rose to her eyes as she rememberedthat it was all her own fault; and she said aloud, addressing a fatbee who was rolling about in the yellow heart of a rose just under thewindow, "If you have run away, you'd better go right home, and tell your motheryou are sorry, and never do so any more. "

"I am glad to hear you give him such good advice, and I think he hastaken it, " said Mrs. Jo, smiling, as the bee spread his dusty wings andflew away. 

Nan brushed off a bright drop or two that shone on the window-sill, andnestled against her friend as she took her on her knee, adding kindlyfor she had seen the little drops, and knew what they meant, "Do you think my mother's cure for running away a good one?"

"Yes, ma'am, " answered Nan, quite subdued by her quiet day. 

"I hope I shall not have to try it again. "

"I guess not;" and Nan looked up with such an earnest little face thatMrs. Jo felt satisfied, and said no more, for she liked to have herpenalties do their own work, and did not spoil the effect by too muchmoralizing. 

Here Rob appeared, bearing with infinite care what Asia called a "sarcerpie, " meaning one baked in a saucer. 

"It's made out of some of my berries, and I'm going to give you half atsupper-time, " he announced with a flourish. 

"What makes you, when I'm so naughty?" asked Nan, meekly. 

"Because we got lost together. You ain't going to be naughty again, areyou?"

"Never, " said Nan, with great decision. 

"Oh, goody! now let's go and get Mary Ann to cut this for us all readyto eat; it's 'most tea time;" and Rob beckoned with the delicious littlepie. 

Nan started to follow, then stopped, and said, "I forgot, I can't go. "

"Try and see, " said Mrs. Bhaer, who had quietly untied the cord sashwhile she had been talking. 

Nan saw that she was free, and with one tempestuous kiss to Mrs. Jo, shewas off like a humming-bird, followed by Robby, dribbling huckleberryjuice as he ran. 

CHAPTER XIII. GOLDILOCKS

After the last excitement peace descended upon Plumfield and reignedunbroken for several weeks, for the elder boys felt that the loss of Nanand Rob lay at their door, and all became so paternal in their carethat they were rather wearying; while the little ones listened to Nan'srecital of her perils so many times, that they regarded being lost asthe greatest ill humanity was heir to, and hardly dared to put theirlittle noses outside the great gate lest night should suddenly descendupon them, and ghostly black cows come looming through the dusk. 

"It is too good to last, " said Mrs. Jo; for years of boy-culture hadtaught her that such lulls were usually followed by outbreaks of somesort, and when less wise women would have thought that the boys hadbecome confirmed saints, she prepared herself for a sudden eruption ofthe domestic volcano. 

One cause of this welcome calm was a visit from little Bess, whoseparents lent her for a week while they were away with Grandpa Laurence, who was poorly. The boys regarded Goldilocks as a mixture of child, angel, and fairy, for she was a lovely little creature, and the goldenhair which she inherited from her blonde mamma enveloped her likea shining veil, behind which she smiled upon her worshippers whengracious, and hid herself when offended. Her father would not have itcut and it hung below her waist, so soft and fine and bright, that Demiinsisted that it was silk spun from a cocoon. Every one praised thelittle Princess, but it did not seem to do her harm, only to teach herthat her presence brought sunshine, her smiles made answering smileson other faces, and her baby griefs filled every heart with tenderestsympathy. 

Unconsciously, she did her young subjects more good than many a realsovereign, for her rule was very gentle and her power was felt ratherthan seen. Her natural refinement made her dainty in all things, andhad a good effect upon the careless lads about her. She would let no onetouch her roughly or with unclean hands, and more soap was used duringher visits than at any other time, because the boys considered it thehighest honor to be allowed to carry her highness, and the deepestdisgrace to be repulsed with the disdainful command, "Do away, dirtyboy!"

Lour voices displeased her and quarrelling frightened her; so gentlertones came into the boyish voices as they addressed her, and squabbleswere promptly suppressed in her presence by lookers-on if the principlescould not restrain themselves. She liked to be waited on, and thebiggest boys did her little errands without a murmur, while the smalllads were her devoted slaves in all things. They begged to be allowed todraw her carriage, bear her berry-basket, or pass her plate at table. No service was too humble, and Tommy and Ned came to blows before theycould decide which should have the honor of blacking her little boots. 

Nan was especially benefited by a week in the society of a well-bredlady, though such a very small one; for Bess would look at her witha mixture of wonder and alarm in her great blue eyes when the hoydenscreamed and romped; and she shrunk from her as if she thought her asort of wild animal. Warm-hearted Nan felt this very much. She said atfirst, "Pooh! I don't care!" But she did care, and was so hurt when Besssaid, "I love my tuzzin best, tause she is twiet, " that she shook poorDaisy till her teeth chattered in her head, and then fled to the barnto cry dismally. In that general refuge for perturbed spirits she foundcomfort and good counsel from some source or other. Perhaps the swallowsfrom their mud-built nests overhead twittered her a little lecture onthe beauty of gentleness. However that might have been, she came outquite subdued, and carefully searched the orchard for a certain kindof early apple that Bess liked because it was sweet and small and rosy. Armed with this peace-offering, she approached the little Princess, andhumbly presented it. To her great joy it was graciously accepted, andwhen Daisy gave Nan a forgiving kiss, Bess did likewise, as if she feltthat she had been too severe, and desired to apologize. After this theyplayed pleasantly together, and Nan enjoyed the royal favor for days. To be sure she felt a little like a wild bird in a pretty cage at first, and occasionally had to slip out to stretch her wings in a long flight, or to sing at the top of her voice, where neither would disturb theplump turtle-dove Daisy, nor the dainty golden canary Bess. But it didher good; for, seeing how every one loved the little Princess for hersmall graces and virtues, she began to imitate her, because Nan wantedmuch love, and tried hard to win it. 

Not a boy in the house but felt the pretty child's influence, and wasimproved by it without exactly knowing how or why, for babies canwork miracles in the hearts that love them. Poor Billy found infinitesatisfaction in staring at her, and though she did not like it shepermitted without a frown, after she had been made to understand that hewas not quite like the others, and on that account must be more kindlytreated. Dick and Dolly overwhelmed her with willow whistles, the onlything they knew how to make, and she accepted but never used them. Robserved her like a little lover, and Teddy followed her like a pet dog. Jack she did not like, because he was afflicted with warts and had aharsh voice. Stuffy displeased her because he did not eat tidily, andGeorge tried hard not to gobble, that he might not disgust the daintylittle lady opposite. Ned was banished from court in utter disgrace whenhe was discovered tormenting some unhappy field-mice. Goldilocks couldnever forget the sad spectacle, and retired behind her veil when heapproached, waving him away with an imperious little hand, and crying, in a tone of mingled grief and anger, "No, I tarn't love him; he tut the poor mouses' little tails off, andthey queeked!"

Daisy promptly abdicated when Bess came, and took the humble post ofchief cook, while Nan was first maid of honor; Emil was chancellorof the exchequer, and spent the public monies lavishly in getting upspectacles that cost whole ninepences. Franz was prime minister, anddirected her affairs of state, planned royal progresses through thekingdom, and kept foreign powers in order. Demi was her philosopher, andfared much better than such gentlemen usually do among crowned heads. Dan was her standing army, and defended her territories gallantly; Tommywas court fool, and Nat a tuneful Rizzio to this innocent little Mary. 

Uncle Fritz and Aunt Jo enjoyed this peaceful episode, and looked onat the pretty play in which the young folk unconsciously imitated theirelders, without adding the tragedy that is so apt to spoil the dramasacted on the larger stage. 

"They teach us quite as much as we teach them, " said Mr. Bhaer. 

"Bless the dears! they never guess how many hints they give us as to thebest way of managing them, " answered Mrs. Jo. 

"I think you were right about the good effect of having girls among theboys. Nan has stirred up Daisy, and Bess is teaching the little bearshow to behave better than we can. If this reformation goes on as ithas begun, I shall soon feel like Dr. Blimber with his model younggentlemen, " said Professor, laughing, as he saw Tommy not only removehis own hat, but knock off Ned's also, as they entered the hall wherethe Princess was taking a ride on the rocking-horse, attended by Roband Teddy astride of chairs, and playing gallant knights to the best oftheir ability. 

"You will never be a Blimber, Fritz, you couldn't do it if you tried;and our boys will never submit to the forcing process of that famoushot-bed. No fear that they will be too elegant: American boys likeliberty too well. But good manners they cannot fail to have, if we givethem the kindly spirit that shines through the simplest demeanor, makingit courteous and cordial, like yours, my dear old boy. "

"Tut! tut! we will not compliment; for if I begin you will run away, andI have a wish to enjoy this happy half hour to the end;" yet Mr. Bhaerlooked pleased with the compliment, for it was true, and Mrs. Jo feltthat she had received the best her husband could give her, by sayingthat he found his truest rest and happiness in her society. 

"To return to the children: I have just had another proof of Goldilocks'good influence, " said Mrs. Jo, drawing her chair nearer the sofa, where the Professor lay resting after a long day's work in his variousgardens. "Nan hates sewing, but for love of Bess has been toiling halfthe afternoon over a remarkable bag in which to present a dozen of ourlove-apples to her idol when she goes. I praised her for it, and shesaid, in her quick way, 'I like to sew for other people; it is stupidsewing for myself. ' I took the hint, and shall give her some littleshirts and aprons for Mrs. Carney's children. She is so generous, shewill sew her fingers sore for them, and I shall not have to make a taskof it. "

"But needlework is not a fashionable accomplishment, my dear. "

"Sorry for it. My girls shall learn all I can teach them about it, even if they give up the Latin, Algebra, and half-a-dozen ologies itis considered necessary for girls to muddle their poor brains overnow-a-days. Amy means to make Bess an accomplished woman, but the dear'smite of a forefinger has little pricks on it already, and her mother hasseveral specimens of needlework which she values more than the clay birdwithout a bill, that filled Laurie with such pride when Bess made it. "

"I also have proof of the Princess's power, " said Mrs. Bhaer, after hehad watched Mrs. Jo sew on a button with an air of scorn for the wholesystem of fashionable education. "Jack is so unwilling to be classedwith Stuffy and Ned, as distasteful to Bess, that he came to me a littlewhile ago, and asked me to touch his warts with caustic. I have oftenproposed it, and he never would consent; but now he bore the smartmanfully, and consoles his present discomfort by hopes of future favor, when he can show her fastidious ladyship a smooth hand. "

Mrs. Bhaer laughed at the story, and just then Stuffy came in to ask ifhe might give Goldilocks some of the bonbons his mother had sent him. 

"She is not allowed to eat sweeties; but if you like to give her thepretty box with the pink sugar-rose in it, she would like it very much, "said Mrs. Jo, unwilling to spoil this unusual piece of self-denial, forthe "fat boy" seldom offered to share his sugar-plums. 

"Won't she eat it? I shouldn't like to make her sick, " said Stuffy, eyeing the delicate sweetmeat lovingly, yet putting it into the box. 

"Oh, no, she won't touch it, if I tell her it is to look at, not to eat. She will keep it for weeks, and never think of tasting it. Can you do asmuch?"

"I should hope so! I'm ever so much older than she is, " cried Stuffy, indignantly. 

"Well, suppose we try. Here, put your bonbons in this bag, and see howlong you can keep them. Let me count two hearts, four red fishes, threebarley-sugar horses, nine almonds, and a dozen chocolate drops. Do youagree to that?" asked sly Mrs. Jo, popping the sweeties into her littlespool-bag. 

"Yes, " said Stuffy, with a sigh; and pocketing the forbidden fruit, he went away to give Bess the present, that won a smile from her, andpermission to escort her round the garden. 

"Poor Stuffy's heart has really got the better of his stomach at last, and his efforts will be much encouraged by the rewards Bess gives him, "said Mrs. Jo. 

"Happy is the man who can put temptation in his pocket and learnself-denial from so sweet a little teacher!" added Mr. Bhaer, asthe children passed the window, Stuffy's fat face full of placidsatisfaction, and Goldilocks surveying her sugar-rose with politeinterest, though she would have preferred a real flower with a "pittysmell. "

When her father came to take her home, a universal wail arose, and theparting gifts showered upon her increased her luggage to such an extentthat Mr. Laurie proposed having out the big wagon to take it into town. Every one had given her something; and it was found difficult to packwhite mice, cake, a parcel of shells, apples, a rabbit kicking violentlyin a bag, a large cabbage for his refreshment, a bottle of minnows, anda mammoth bouquet. The farewell scene was moving, for the Princess satupon the hall-table, surrounded by her subjects. She kissed her cousins, and held out her hand to the other boys, who shook it gently withvarious soft speeches, for they were taught not to be ashamed of showingtheir emotions. 

"Come again soon, little dear, " whispered Dan, fastening his bestgreen-and-gold beetle in her hat. 

"Don't forget me, Princess, whatever you do, " said the engaging Tommy, taking a last stroke of the pretty hair. 

"I am coming to your house next week, and then I shall see you, Bess, "added Nat, as if he found consolation in the thought. 

"Do shake hands now, " cried Jack, offering a smooth paw. 

"Here are two nice new ones to remember us by, " said Dick and Dolly, presenting fresh whistles, quite unconscious that seven old ones hadbeen privately deposited in the kitchen-stove. 

"My little precious! I shall work you a book-mark right away, and youmust keep it always, " said Nan, with a warm embrace. 

But of all the farewells, poor Billy's was the most pathetic, for thethought that she was really going became so unbearable that he casthimself down before her, hugging her little blue boots and blubberingdespairingly, "Don't go away! oh, don't!" Goldilocks was so touched bythis burst of feeling, that she leaned over and lifting the poor lad'shead, said, in her soft, little voice, "Don't cry, poor Billy! I will tiss you and tum adain soon. "

This promise consoled Billy, and he fell back beaming with pride at theunusual honor conferred upon him. 

"Me too! me too!" clamored Dick and Dolly, feeling that their devotiondeserved some return. The others looked as if they would like to joinin the cry; and something in the kind, merry faces about her moved thePrincess to stretch out her arms and say, with reckless condescension, "I will tiss evvybody!"

Like a swarm of bees about a very sweet flower, the affectionate ladssurrounded their pretty playmate, and kissed her till she looked like alittle rose, not roughly, but so enthusiastically that nothing but thecrown of her hat was visible for a moment. Then her father rescued her, and she drove away still smiling and waving her hands, while the boyssat on the fence screaming like a flock of guinea-fowls, "Come back!come back!" till she was out of sight. 

They all missed her, and each dimly felt that he was better for havingknown a creature so lovely, delicate, and sweet; for little Bessappealed to the chivalrous instinct in them as something to love, admire, and protect with a tender sort of reverence. Many a manremembers some pretty child who has made a place in his heart and kepther memory alive by the simple magic of her innocence; these little menwere just learning to feel this power, and to love it for its gentleinfluence, not ashamed to let the small hand lead them, nor to own theirloyalty to womankind, even in the bud. 

CHAPTER XIV. DAMON AND PYTHIAS

Mrs. Bhaer was right; peace was only a temporary lull, a storm wasbrewing, and two days after Bess left, a moral earthquake shookPlumfield to its centre. 

Tommy's hens were at the bottom of the trouble, for if they had notpersisted in laying so many eggs, he could not have sold them and madesuch sums. Money is the root of all evil, and yet it is such a usefulroot that we cannot get on without it any more than we can withoutpotatoes. Tommy certainly could not, for he spent his income sorecklessly, that Mr. Bhaer was obliged to insist on a savings-bank, andpresented him with a private one an imposing tin edifice, with the nameover the door, and a tall chimney, down which the pennies were togo, there to rattle temptingly till leave was given to open a sort oftrap-door in the floor. 

The house increased in weight so rapidly, that Tommy soon becamesatisfied with his investment, and planned to buy unheard-of treasureswith his capital. He kept account of the sums deposited, and waspromised that he might break the bank as soon as he had five dollars, on condition that he spent the money wisely. Only one dollar was needed, and the day Mrs. Jo paid him for four dozen eggs, he was so delighted, that he raced off to the barn to display the bright quarters to Nat, whowas also laying by money for the long-desired violin. 

"I wish I had 'em to put with my three dollars, then I'd soon get enoughto buy my fiddle, " he said, looking wistfully at the money. 

"P'raps I'll lend you some. I haven't decided yet what I'll do withmine, " said Tommy, tossing up his quarters and catching them as theyfell. 

"Hi! boys! come down to the brook and see what a jolly great snake Dan'sgot!" called a voice from behind the barn. 

"Come on, " said Tommy; and, laying his money inside the old winnowingmachine, away he ran, followed by Nat. 

The snake was very interesting, and then a long chase after a lamecrow, and its capture, so absorbed Tommy's mind and time, that he neverthought of his money till he was safely in bed that night. 

"Never mind, no one but Nat knows where it is, " said the easy-going lad, and fell asleep untroubled by any anxiety about his property. 

Next morning, just as the boys assembled for school, Tommy rushed intothe room breathlessly, demanding, "I say, who has got my dollar?"

"What are you talking about?" asked Franz. 

Tommy explained, and Nat corroborated his statement. 

Every one else declared they knew nothing about it, and began to looksuspiciously at Nat, who got more and more alarmed and confused witheach denial. 

"Somebody must have taken it, " said Franz, as Tommy shook his fist atthe whole party, and wrathfully declared that, "By thunder turtles! if I get hold of the thief, I'll give him what hewon't forget in a hurry. "

"Keep cool, Tom; we shall find him out; thieves always come to grief, "said Dan, as one who knew something of the matter. 

"May be some tramp slept in the barn and took it, " suggested Ned. 

"No, Silas don't allow that; besides, a tramp wouldn't go looking inthat old machine for money, " said Emil, with scorn. 

"Wasn't it Silas himself?" said Jack. 

"Well, I like that! Old Si is as honest as daylight. You wouldn't catchhim touching a penny of ours, " said Tommy, handsomely defending hischief admirer from suspicion. 

"Whoever it was had better tell, and not wait to be found out, " saidDemi, looking as if an awful misfortune had befallen the family. 

"I know you think it's me, " broke out Nat, red and excited. 

"You are the only one who knew where it was, " said Franz. 

"I can't help it I didn't take it. I tell you I didn't I didn't!" criedNat, in a desperate sort of way. 

"Gently, gently, my son! What is all this noise about?" and Mr. Bhaerwalked in among them. 

Tommy repeated the story of his loss, and, as he listened, Mr. Bhaer'sface grew graver and graver; for, with all their faults and follies, thelads till now had been honest. 

"Take your seats, " he said; and, when all were in their places, he addedslowly, as his eye went from face to face with a grieved look, that washarder to bear than a storm of words, "Now, boys, I shall ask each one of you a single question, and I want anhonest answer. I am not going to try to frighten, bribe, or surprise thetruth out of you, for every one of you have got a conscience, and knowwhat it is for. Now is the time to undo the wrong done to Tommy, andset yourselves right before us all. I can forgive the yielding to suddentemptation much easier than I can deceit. Don't add a lie to the theft, but confess frankly, and we will all try to help you make us forget andforgive. "

He paused a moment, and one might have heard a pin drop, the room wasso still; then slowly and impressively he put the question to each one, receiving the same answer in varying tones from all. Every face wasflushed and excited, so that Mr. Bhaer could not take color as awitness, and some of the little boys were so frightened that theystammered over the two short words as if guilty, though it was evidentthat they could not be. When he came to Nat, his voice softened, for thepoor lad looked so wretched, Mr. Bhaer felt for him. He believed him tobe the culprit, and hoped to save the boy from another lie, by winninghim to tell the truth without fear. 

"Now, my son, give me an honest answer. Did you take the money?"

"No, sir!" and Nat looked up at him imploringly. 

As the words fell from his trembling lips, somebody hissed. 

"Stop that!" cried Mr. Bhaer, with a sharp rap on his desk, as he lookedsternly toward the corner whence the sound came. 

Ned, Jack, and Emil sat there, and the first two looked ashamed ofthemselves, but Emil called out, "It wasn't me, uncle! I'd be ashamed to hit a fellow when he is down. "

"Good for you!" cried Tommy, who was in a sad state of affliction at thetrouble his unlucky dollar had made. 

"Silence!" commanded Mr. Bhaer; and when it came, he said soberly, "I am very sorry, Nat, but evidences are against you, and your old faultmakes us more ready to doubt you than we should be if we could trust youas we do some of the boys, who never fib. But mind, my child, I do notcharge you with this theft; I shall not punish you for it till I amperfectly sure, nor ask any thing more about it. I shall leave it foryou to settle with your own conscience. If you are guilty, come to me atany hour of the day or night and confess it, and I will forgive andhelp you to amend. If you are innocent, the truth will appear sooner orlater, and the instant it does, I will be the first to beg your pardonfor doubting you, and will so gladly do my best to clear your characterbefore us all. "

"I didn't! I didn't!" sobbed Nat, with his head down upon his arms, forhe could not bear the look of distrust and dislike which he read in themany eyes fixed on him. 

"I hope not. " Mr. Bhaer paused a minute, as if to give the culprit, whoever he might be, one more chance. Nobody spoke, however, and onlysniffs of sympathy from some of the little fellows broke the silence. Mr. Bhaer shook his head, and added, regretfully, "There is nothing more to be done, then, and I have but one thing tosay: I shall not speak of this again, and I wish you all to follow myexample. I cannot expect you to feel as kindly toward any one whom yoususpect as before this happened, but I do expect and desire that youwill not torment the suspected person in any way, he will have a hardenough time without that. Now go to your lessons. "

"Father Bhaer let Nat off too easy, " muttered Ned to Emil, as they gotout their books. 

"Hold your tongue, " growled Emil, who felt that this event was a blotupon the family honor. 

Many of the boys agreed with Ned, but Mr. Bhaer was right, nevertheless;and Nat would have been wiser to confess on the spot and have thetrouble over, for even the hardest whipping he ever received from hisfather was far easier to bear than the cold looks, the avoidance, andgeneral suspicion that met him on all sides. If ever a boy was sent toCoventry and kept there, it was poor Nat; and he suffered a week of slowtorture, though not a hand was raised against him, and hardly a wordsaid. 

That was the worst of it; if they would only have talked it out, oreven have thrashed him all round, he could have stood it better thanthe silent distrust that made very face so terrible to meet. Even Mrs. Bhaer's showed traces of it, though her manner was nearly as kind asever; but the sorrowful anxious look in Father Bhaer's eyes cut Natto the heart, for he loved his teacher dearly, and knew that he haddisappointed all his hopes by this double sin. 

Only one person in the house entirely believed in him, and stood up forhim stoutly against all the rest. This was Daisy. She could not explainwhy she trusted him against all appearances, she only felt that shecould not doubt him, and her warm sympathy made her strong to take hispart. She would not hear a word against him from any one, and actuallyslapped her beloved Demi when he tried to convince her that it must havebeen Nat, because no one else knew where the money was. 

"Maybe the hens ate it; they are greedy old things, " she said; and whenDemi laughed, she lost her temper, slapped the amazed boy, and thenburst out crying and ran away, still declaring, "He didn't! he didn't!he didn't!"

Neither aunt nor uncle tried to shake the child's faith in her friend, but only hoped her innocent instinct might prove sure, and loved her allthe better for it. Nat often said, after it was over, that he couldn'thave stood it, if it had not been for Daisy. When the others shunnedhim, she clung to him closer than ever, and turned her back on the rest. She did not sit on the stairs now when he solaced himself with the oldfiddle, but went in and sat beside him, listening with a face so full ofconfidence and affection, that Nat forgot disgrace for a time, andwas happy. She asked him to help her with her lessons, she cooked himmarvelous messes in her kitchen, which he ate manfully, no matter whatthey were, for gratitude gave a sweet flavor to the most distasteful. She proposed impossible games of cricket and ball, when she found thathe shrank from joining the other boys. She put little nosegays from hergarden on his desk, and tried in every way to show that she was not afair-weather friend, but faithful through evil as well as good repute. Nan soon followed her example, in kindness at least; curbed her sharptongue, and kept her scornful little nose from any demonstration ofdoubt or dislike, which was good of Madame Giddy-gaddy, for she firmlybelieved that Nat took the money. 

Most of the boys let him severely alone, but Dan, though he said hedespised him for being a coward, watched over him with a grim sort ofprotection, and promptly cuffed any lad who dared to molest his mate ormake him afraid. His idea of friendship was as high as Daisy's, and, inhis own rough way, he lived up to it as loyally. 

Sitting by the brook one afternoon, absorbed in the study of thedomestic habits of water-spiders, he overheard a bit of conversation onthe other side of the wall. Ned, who was intensely inquisitive, had beenon tenterhooks to know certainly who was the culprit; for of late oneor two of the boys had begun to think that they were wrong, Nat was sosteadfast in his denials, and so meek in his endurance of their neglect. This doubt had teased Ned past bearing, and he had several timesprivately beset Nat with questions, regardless of Mr. Bhaer's expresscommand. Finding Nat reading alone on the shady side of the wall, Nedcould not resist stopping for a nibble at the forbidden subject. He hadworried Nat for some ten minutes before Dan arrived, and the first wordsthe spider-student heard were these, in Nat's patient, pleading voice, "Don't, Ned! oh, don't! I can't tell you because I don't know, and it'smean of you to keep nagging at me on the sly, when Father Bhaer told younot to plague me. You wouldn't dare to if Dan was round. "

"I ain't afraid of Dan; he's nothing but an old bully. Don't believe butwhat he took Tom's money, and you know it, and won't tell. Come, now!"

"He didn't, but, if he did, I would stand up for him, he has always beenso good to me, " said Nat, so earnestly that Dan forgot his spiders, androse quickly to thank him, but Ned's next words arrested him. 

"I know Dan did it, and gave the money to you. Shouldn't wonder if hegot his living picking pockets before he came here, for nobody knowsany thing about him but you, " said Ned, not believing his own words, buthoping to get the truth out of Nat by making him angry. 

He succeeded in a part of his ungenerous wish, for Nat cried out, fiercely, "If you say that again I'll go and tell Mr. Bhaer all about it. I don'twant to tell tales, but, by George! I will, if you don't let Dan alone. "

"Then you'll be a sneak, as well as a liar and a thief, " began Ned, witha jeer, for Nat had borne insult to himself so meekly, the other did notbelieve he would dare to face the master just to stand up for Dan. 

What he might have added I cannot tell, for the words were hardly outof his mouth when a long arm from behind took him by the collar, and, jerking him over the wall in a most promiscuous way, landed him with asplash in the middle of the brook. 

"Say that again and I'll duck you till you can't see!" cried Dan, looking like a modern Colossus of Rhodes as he stood, with a foot oneither side of the narrow stream, glaring down at the discomfited youthin the water. 

"I was only in fun, " said Ned. 

"You are a sneak yourself to badger Nat round the corner. Let me catchyou at it again, and I'll souse you in the river next time. Get up, andclear out!" thundered Dan, in a rage. 

Ned fled, dripping, and his impromptu sitz-bath evidently did him good, for he was very respectful to both the boys after that, and seemed tohave left his curiosity in the brook. As he vanished Dan jumped over thewall, and found Nat lying, as if quite worn out and bowed down with histroubles. 

"He won't pester you again, I guess. If he does, just tell me, and I'llsee to him, " said Dan, trying to cool down. 

"I don't mind what he says about me so much, I've got used to it, "answered Nat sadly; "but I hate to have him pitch into you. "

"How do you know he isn't right?" asked Dan, turning his face away. 

"What, about the money?" cried Nat, looking up with a startled air. 

"Yes. "

"But I don't believe it! You don't care for money; all you want is yourold bugs and things, " and Nat laughed, incredulously. 

"I want a butterfly net as much as you want a fiddle; why shouldn't Isteal the money for it as much as you?" said Dan, still turning away, and busily punching holes in the turf with his stick. 

"I don't think you would. You like to fight and knock folks roundsometimes, but you don't lie, and I don't believe you'd steal, " and Natshook his head decidedly. 

"I've done both. I used to fib like fury; it's too much trouble now; andI stole things to eat out of gardens when I ran away from Page, so yousee I am a bad lot, " said Dan, speaking in the rough, reckless way whichhe had been learning to drop lately. 

"O Dan! don't say it's you! I'd rather have it any of the other boys, "cried Nat, in such a distressed tone that Dan looked pleased, and showedthat he did, by turning round with a queer expression in his face, though he only answered, "I won't say any thing about it. But don't you fret, and we'll pullthrough somehow, see if we don't. "

Something in his face and manner gave Nat a new idea; and he said, pressing his hands together, in the eagerness of his appeal, "I think you know who did it. If you do, beg him to tell, Dan. It's sohard to have 'em all hate me for nothing. I don't think I can bear itmuch longer. If I had any place to go to, I'd run away, though I lovePlumfield dearly; but I'm not brave and big like you, so I must stay andwait till some one shows them that I haven't lied. "

As he spoke, Nat looked so broken and despairing, that Dan could notbear it, and, muttered huskily, "You won't wait long, " and he walked rapidly away, and was seen no morefor hours. 

"What is the matter with Dan?" asked the boys of one another severaltimes during the Sunday that followed a week which seemed as if it wouldnever end. Dan was often moody, but that day he was so sober and silentthat no one could get any thing out of him. When they walked he strayedaway from the rest, and came home late. He took no part in the eveningconversation, but sat in the shadow, so busy with his own thoughts thathe scarcely seemed to hear what was going on. When Mrs. Jo showed him anunusually good report in the Conscience Book, he looked at it without asmile, and said, wistfully, "You think I am getting on, don't you?"

"Excellently, Dan! and I am so pleased, because I always thought youonly needed a little help to make you a boy to be proud of. "

He looked up at her with a strange expression in his black eyes anexpression of mingled pride and love and sorrow which she could notunderstand then but remembered afterward. 

"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, but I do try, " he said, shutting thebook with no sign of pleasure in the page that he usually liked so muchto read over and talk about. 

"Are you sick, dear?" asked Mrs. Jo, with her hand on his shoulder. 

"My foot aches a little; I guess I'll go to bed. Good-night, mother, "he added, and held the hand against his cheek a minute, then went awaylooking as if he had said good-bye to something dear. 

"Poor Dan! he takes Nat's disgrace to heart sadly. He is a strange boy;I wonder if I ever shall understand him thoroughly?" said Mrs. Joto herself, as she thought over Dan's late improvement with realsatisfaction, yet felt that there was more in the lad than she had atfirst suspected. 

One of things which cut Nat most deeply was an act of Tommy's, for afterhis loss Tommy had said to him, kindly, but firmly, "I don't wish to hurt you, Nat, but you see I can't afford to lose mymoney, so I guess we won't be partners any longer;" and with that Tommyrubbed out the sign, "T. Bangs & Co. "

Nat had been very proud of the "Co. , " and had hunted eggs industriously, kept his accounts all straight, and had added a good sum to his incomefrom the sale of his share of stock in trade. 

"O Tom! must you?" he said, feeling that his good name was gone for everin the business world if this was done. 

"I must, " returned Tommy, firmly. "Emil says that when one man 'bezzles(believe that's the word it means to take money and cut away with it)the property of a firm, the other one sues him, or pitches into himsomehow, and won't have any thing more to do with him. Now you have'bezzled my property; I shan't sue you, and I shan't pitch into you, butI must dissolve the partnership, because I can't trust you, and I don'twish to fail. "

"I can't make you believe me, and you won't take my money, though I'd bethankful to give all my dollars if you'd only say you don't think I tookyour money. Do let me hunt for you, I won't ask any wages, but do it fornothing. I know all the places, and I like it, " pleaded Nat. 

But Tommy shook his head, and his jolly round face looked suspicious andhard as he said, shortly, "Can't do it; wish you didn't know the places. Mind you don't go hunting on the sly, and speculate in my eggs. "

Poor Nat was so hurt that he could not get over it. He felt that he hadlost not only his partner and patron, but that he was bankrupt in honor, and an outlaw from the business community. No one trusted his word, written or spoken, in spite of his efforts to redeem the past falsehood;the sign was down, the firm broken up, and he a ruined man. The barn, which was the boys' Wall Street, knew him no more. Cockletop andher sisters cackled for him in vain, and really seemed to take hismisfortune to heart, for eggs were fewer, and some of the biddiesretired in disgust to new nests, which Tommy could not find. 

"They trust me, " said Nat, when he heard of it; and though the boysshouted at the idea, Nat found comfort in it, for when one is down inthe world, the confidence of even a speckled hen is most consoling. 

Tommy took no new partner, however, for distrust had entered in, andpoisoned the peace of his once confiding soul. Ned offered to join him, but he declined, saying, with a sense of justice that did him honor, "It might turn out that Nat didn't take my money, and then we couldbe partners again. I don't think it will happen, but I will give him achance, and keep the place open a little longer. "

Billy was the only person whom Bangs felt he could trust in his shop, and Billy was trained to hunt eggs, and hand them over unbroken, beingquite satisfied with an apple or a sugar-plum for wages. The morningafter Dan's gloomy Sunday, Billy said to his employer, as he displayedthe results of a long hunt, "Only two. "

"It gets worse and worse; I never saw such provoking old hens, " growledTommy, thinking of the days when he often had six to rejoice over. "Well, put 'em in my hat and give me a new bit of chalk; I must mark 'emup, any way. "

Billy mounted a peck-measure, and looked into the top of the machine, where Tommy kept his writing materials. 

"There's lots of money in here, " said Billy. 

"No, there isn't. Catch me leaving my cash round again, " returned Tommy. 

"I see 'em one, four, eight, two dollars, " persisted Billy, who had notyet mastered the figures correctly. 

"What a jack you are!" and Tommy hopped up to get the chalk for himself, but nearly tumbled down again, for there actually were four brightquarters in a row, with a bit of paper on them directed to "Tom Bangs, "that there might be no mistake. 

"Thunder turtles!" cried Tommy, and seizing them he dashed into thehouse, bawling wildly, "It's all right! Got my money! Where's Nat?"

He was soon found, and his surprise and pleasure were so genuine thatfew doubted his word when he now denied all knowledge of the money. 

"How could I put it back when I didn't take it? Do believe me now, andbe good to me again, " he said, so imploringly, that Emil slapped him onthe back, and declared he would for one. 

"So will I, and I'm jolly glad it's not you. But who the dickens is it?"said Tommy, after shaking hands heartily with Nat. 

"Never mind, as long as it's found, " said Dan with his eyes fixed onNat's happy face. 

"Well, I like that! I'm not going to have my things hooked, and thenbrought back like the juggling man's tricks, " cried Tommy, looking athis money as if he suspected witchcraft. 

"We'll find him out somehow, though he was sly enough to print this sohis writing wouldn't be known, " said Franz, examining the paper. 

"Demi prints tip-top, " put in Rob, who had not a very clear idea whatthe fuss was all about. 

"You can't make me believe it's him, not if you talk till you are blue, "said Tommy, and the others hooted at the mere idea; for the littledeacon, as they called him, was above suspicion. 

Nat felt the difference in the way they spoke of Demi and himself, andwould have given all he had or ever hoped to have to be so trusted;for he had learned how easy it is to lose the confidence of others, howvery, very hard to win it back, and truth became to him a precious thingsince he had suffered from neglecting it. 

Mr. Bhaer was very glad one step had been taken in the right direction, and waited hopefully for yet further revelations. They came sooner thanhe expected, and in a way that surprised and grieved him very much. Asthey sat at supper that night, a square parcel was handed to Mrs. Bhaerfrom Mrs. Bates, a neighbor. A note accompanied the parcel, and, whileMr. Bhaer read it, Demi pulled off the wrapper, exclaiming, as he sawits contents, "Why, it's the book Uncle Teddy gave Dan!"

"The devil!" broke from Dan, for he had not yet quite cured himself ofswearing, though he tried very hard. 

Mr. Bhaer looked up quickly at the sound. Dan tried to meet his eyes, but could not; his own fell, and he sat biting his lips, getting redderand redder till he was the picture of shame. 

"What is it?" asked Mrs. Bhaer, anxiously. 

"I should have preferred to talk about this in private, but Demi hasspoilt that plan, so I may as well have it out now, " said Mr. Bhaer, looking a little stern, as he always did when any meanness or deceitcame up for judgment. 

"The note is from Mrs. Bates, and she says that her boy Jimmy told herhe bought this book of Dan last Saturday. She saw that it was worth muchmore than a dollar, and thinking there was some mistake, has sent it tome. Did you sell it, Dan?"

"Yes, sir, " was the slow answer. 

"Why?"

"Wanted money. "

"For what?"

"To pay somebody. "

"To whom did you owe it?"

"Tommy. "

"Never borrowed a cent of me in his life, " cried Tommy, looked scared, for he guessed what was coming now, and felt that on the whole he wouldhave preferred witchcraft, for he admired Dan immensely. 

"Perhaps he took it, " cried Ned, who owed Dan a grudge for the ducking, and, being a mortal boy, liked to pay it off. 

"O Dan!" cried Nat, clasping his hands, regardless of the bread andbutter in them. 

"It is a hard thing to do, but I must have this settled, for I cannothave you watching each other like detectives, and the whole schooldisturbed in this way, did you put that dollar in the barn thismorning?" asked Mr. Bhaer. 

Dan looked him straight in the face, and answered steadily, "Yes, Idid. "

A murmur went round the table, Tommy dropped his mug with a crash; Daisycried out, "I knew it wasn't Nat;" Nan began to cry, and Mrs. Jo leftthe room, looking so disappointed, sorry, and ashamed that Dan could notbear it. He hid his face in his hands a moment, then threw up his head, squared his shoulders as if settling some load upon them, and said, withthe dogged look, and half-resolute, half-reckless tone he had used whenhe first came, "I did it; now you may do what you like to me, but I won't say anotherword about it. "

"Not even that you are sorry?" asked Mr. Bhaer, troubled by the changein him. 

"I ain't sorry. "

"I'll forgive him without asking, " said Tommy, feeling that it washarder somehow to see brave Dan disgraced than timid Nat. 

"Don't want to be forgiven, " returned Dan, gruffly. 

"Perhaps you will when you have thought about it quietly by yourself, Iwon't tell you now how surprised and disappointed I am, but by and by Iwill come up and talk to you in your room. "

"Won't make any difference, " said Dan, trying to speak defiantly, butfailing as he looked at Mr. Bhaer's sorrowful face; and, taking hiswords for a dismissal, Dan left the room as if he found it impossible tostay. 

It would have done him good if he had stayed; for the boys talked thematter over with such sincere regret, and pity, and wonder, it mighthave touched and won him to ask pardon. No one was glad to find that itwas he, not even Nat; for, spite of all his faults, and they were many, every one liked Dan now, because under his rough exterior lay some ofthe manly virtues which we most admire and love. Mrs. Jo had been thechief prop, as well as cultivator, of Dan; and she took it sadly toheart that her last and most interesting boy had turned out so ill. Thetheft was bad, but the lying about it, and allowing another to sufferso much from an unjust suspicion was worse; and most discouraging of allwas the attempt to restore the money in an underhand way, for it showednot only a want of courage, but a power of deceit that boded ill for thefuture. Still more trying was his steady refusal to talk of the matter, to ask pardon, or express any remorse. Days passed; and he went abouthis lessons and his work, silent, grim, and unrepentant. As if takingwarning by their treatment of Nat, he asked no sympathy of any one, rejected the advances of the boys, and spent his leisure hours roamingabout the fields and woods, trying to find playmates in the birds andbeasts, and succeeding better than most boys would have done, because heknew and loved them so well. 

"If this goes on much longer, I'm afraid he will run away again, for heis too young to stand a life like this, " said Mr. Bhaer, quite dejectedat the failure of all his efforts. 

"A little while ago I should have been quite sure that nothing wouldtempt him away, but now I am ready of any thing, he is so changed, "answered poor Mrs. Jo, who mourned over her boy and could not becomforted, because he shunned her more than any one else, and onlylooked at her with the half-fierce, half-imploring eyes of a wild animalcaught in a trap, when she tried to talk to him alone. 

Nat followed him about like a shadow, and Dan did not repulse him asrudely as he did others, but said, in his blunt way, "You are all right;don't worry about me. I can stand it better than you did. "

"But I don't like to have you all alone, " Nat would say, sorrowfully. 

"I like it;" and Dan would tramp away, stifling a sigh sometimes, for hewas lonely. 

Passing through the birch grove one day, he came up on several of theboys, who were amusing themselves by climbing up the trees and swingingdown again, as they slender elastic stems bent till their tops touchedthe ground. Dan paused a minute to watch the fun, without offeringto join in it, and as he stood there Jack took his turn. He hadunfortunately chosen too large a tree; for when he swung off, it onlybent a little way, and left him hanging at a dangerous height. 

"Go back; you can't do it!" called Ned from below. 

Jack tried, but the twigs slipped from his hands, and he could not gethis legs round the trunk. He kicked, and squirmed, and clutched in vain, then gave it up, and hung breathless, saying helplessly, "Catch me! help me! I must drop!"

"You'll be killed if you do, " cried Ned, frightened out of his wits. 

"Hold on!" shouted Dan; and up the tree he went, crashing his way alongtill he nearly reached Jack, whose face looked up at him, full of fearand hope. 

"You'll both come down, " said Ned, dancing with excitement on the slopeunderneath, while Nat held out his arms, in the wild hope of breakingthe fall. 

"That's what I want; stand from under, " answered Dan, coolly; and, as hespoke, his added weight bent the tree many feet nearer the earth. 

Jack dropped safely; but the birch, lightened of half its load, flew upagain so suddenly, that Dan, in the act of swinging round to drop feetforemost, lost his hold and fell heavily. 

"I'm not hurt, all right in a minute, " he said, sitting up, a littlepale and dizzy, as the boys gathered round him, full of admiration andalarm. 

"You're a trump, Dan, and I'm ever so much obliged to you, " cried Jack, gratefully. 

"It wasn't any thing, " muttered Dan, rising slowly. 

"I say it was, and I'll shake hands with you, though you are, " Nedchecked the unlucky word on his tongue, and held out his hand, feelingthat it was a handsome thing on his part. 

"But I won't shake hands with a sneak;" and Dan turned his back with alook of scorn, that caused Ned to remember the brook, and retire withundignified haste. 

"Come home, old chap; I'll give you a lift;" and Nat walked away withhim leaving the others to talk over the feat together, to wonder whenDan would "come round, " and to wish one and all that Tommy's "confoundedmoney had been in Jericho before it made such a fuss. "

When Mr. Bhaer came into school next morning, he looked so happy, thatthe boys wondered what had happened to him, and really thought he hadlost his mind when they saw him go straight to Dan, and, taking him byboth hands, say all in one breath, as he shook them heartily, "I know all about it, and I beg your pardon. It was like you to do it, and I love you for it, though it's never right to tell lies, even for afriend. "

"What is it?" cried Nat, for Dan said not a word, only lifted up hishead, as if a weight of some sort had fallen off his back. 

"Dan did not take Tommy's money;" and Mr. Bhaer quite shouted it, he wasso glad. 

"Who did?" cried the boys in a chorus. 

Mr. Bhaer pointed to one empty seat, and every eye followed his finger, yet no one spoke for a minute, they were so surprised. 

"Jack went home early this morning, but he left this behind him;" andin the silence Mr. Bhaer read the note which he had found tied to hisdoor-handle when he rose. 

"I took Tommy's dollar. I was peeking in through a crack and saw him putit there. I was afraid to tell before, though I wanted to. I didn't careso much about Nat, but Dan is a trump, and I can't stand it any longer. I never spent the money; it's under the carpet in my room, right behindthe washstand. I'm awful sorry. I am going home, and don't think I shallever come back, so Dan may have my things. 

"JACK"

It was not an elegant confession, being badly written, much blotted, and very short; but it was a precious paper to Dan; and, when Mr. Bhaerpaused, the boy went to him, saying, in a rather broken voice, but withclear eyes, and the frank, respectful manner they had tried to teachhim, "I'll say I'm sorry now, and ask you to forgive me, sir. "

"It was a kind lie, Dan, and I can't help forgiving it; but you see itdid no good, " said Mr. Bhaer, with a hand on either shoulder, and a facefull of relief and affection. 

"It kept the boys from plaguing Nat. That's what I did it for. It madehim right down miserable. I didn't care so much, " explained Dan, as ifglad to speak out after his hard silence. 

"How could you do it? You are always so kind to me, " faltered Nat, feeling a strong desire to hug his friend and cry. Two girlishperformances, which would have scandalized Dan to the last degree. 

"It's all right now, old fellow, so don't be a fool, " he said, swallowing the lump in his throat, and laughing out as he had not donefor weeks. "Does Mrs. Bhaer know?" he asked, eagerly. 

"Yes; and she is so happy I don't know what she will do to you, " beganMr. Bhaer, but got no farther, for here the boys came crowding about Danin a tumult of pleasure and curiosity; but before he had answered morethan a dozen questions, a voice cried out, "Three cheers for Dan!" and there was Mrs. Jo in the doorway waving herdish-towel, and looking as if she wanted to dance a jig for joy, as sheused to do when a girl. 

"Now then, " cried Mr. Bhaer, and led off a rousing hurrah, whichstartled Asia in the kitchen, and made old Mr. Roberts shake his head ashe drove by, saying, "Schools are not what they were when I was young!"

Dan stood it pretty well for a minute, but the sight of Mrs. Jo'sdelight upset him, and he suddenly bolted across the hall into theparlor, whither she instantly followed, and neither were seen for halfan hour. 

Mr. Bhaer found it very difficult to calm his excited flock; and, seeingthat lessons were an impossibility for a time, he caught their attentionby telling them the fine old story of the friends whose fidelity to oneanother has made their names immortal. The lads listened and remembered, for just then their hearts were touched by the loyalty of a humbler pairof friends. The lie was wrong, but the love that prompted it and thecourage that bore in silence the disgrace which belonged to another, made Dan a hero in their eyes. Honesty and honor had a new meaning now;a good name was more precious than gold; for once lost money could notbuy it back; and faith in one another made life smooth and happy asnothing else could do. 

Tommy proudly restored the name of the firm; Nat was devoted to Dan; andall the boys tried to atone to both for former suspicion and neglect. Mrs. Jo rejoiced over her flock, and Mr. Bhaer was never tired oftelling the story of his young Damon and Pythias. 

CHAPTER XV. IN THE WILLOW

The old tree saw and heard a good many little scenes and confidencesthat summer, because it became the favorite retreat of all the children, and the willow seemed to enjoy it, for a pleasant welcome always metthem, and the quiet hours spent in its arms did them all good. It hada great deal of company one Saturday afternoon, and some little birdreported what went on there. 

First came Nan and Daisy with their small tubs and bits of soap, fornow and then they were seized with a tidy fit, and washed up all theirdolls' clothes in the brook. Asia would not have them "slopping round"in her kitchen, and the bath-room was forbidden since Nan forgot to turnoff the water till it overflowed and came gently dripping down throughthe ceiling. Daisy went systematically to work, washing first the whiteand then the colored things, rinsing them nicely, and hanging them todry on a cord fastened from one barberry-bush to another, and pinningthem up with a set of tiny clothes-pins Ned had turned for her. But Nanput all her little things to soak in the same tub, and then forgot themwhile she collected thistledown to stuff a pillow for Semiramis, Queenof Babylon, as one doll was named. This took some time, and when Mrs. Giddy-gaddy came to take out her clothes, deep green stains appeared onevery thing, for she had forgotten the green silk lining of a certaincape, and its color had soaked nicely into the pink and blue gowns, thelittle chemises, and even the best ruffled petticoat. 

"Oh me! what a mess!" sighed Nan. 

"Lay them on the grass to bleach, " said Daisy, with an air ofexperience. 

"So I will, and we can sit up in the nest and watch that they don't blowaway. "

The Queen of Babylon's wardrobe was spread forth upon the bank, and, turning up their tubs to dry, the little washerwomen climbed into thenest, and fell to talking, as ladies are apt to do in the pauses ofdomestic labor. 

"I'm going to have a feather-bed to go with my new pillow, " said Mrs. Giddy-gaddy, as she transferred the thistledown from her pocket to herhandkerchief, losing about half in the process. 

"I wouldn't; Aunt Jo says feather-beds aren't healthy. I never let mychildren sleep on any thing but a mattress, " returned Mrs. ShakespeareSmith, decidedly. 

"I don't care; my children are so strong they often sleep on thefloor, and don't mind it, " (which was quite true). "I can't afford ninemattresses, and I like to make beds myself. "

"Won't Tommy charge for the feathers?"

"May be he will, but I shan't pay him, and he won't care, " returned Mrs. G. , taking a base advantage of the well-known good nature of T. Bangs. 

"I think the pink will fade out of that dress sooner than the green markwill, " observed Mrs. S. , looking down from her perch, and changing thesubject, for she and her gossip differed on many points, and Mrs. Smithwas a discreet lady. 

"Never mind; I'm tired of dolls, and I guess I shall put them all awayand attend to my farm; I like it rather better than playing house, " saidMrs. G. , unconsciously expressing the desire of many older ladies, whocannot dispose of their families so easily however. 

"But you mustn't leave them; they will die without their mother, " criedthe tender Mrs. Smith. 

"Let 'em die then; I'm tired of fussing over babies, and I'm goingto play with the boys; they need me to see to 'em, " returned thestrong-minded lady. 

Daisy knew nothing about women's rights; she quietly took all shewanted, and no one denied her claim, because she did not undertake whatshe could not carry out, but unconsciously used the all-powerful rightof her own influence to win from others any privilege for which shehad proved her fitness. Nan attempted all sorts of things, undaunted bydireful failures, and clamored fiercely to be allowed to do every thingthat the boys did. They laughed at her, hustled her out of the way, andprotested against her meddling with their affairs. But she would not bequenched and she would be heard, for her will was strong, and she hadthe spirit of a rampant reformer. Mrs. Bhaer sympathized with her, buttired to curb her frantic desire for entire liberty, showing her thatshe must wait a little, learn self-control, and be ready to use herfreedom before she asked for it. Nan had meek moments when she agreed tothis, and the influences at work upon her were gradually taking effect. She no longer declared that she would be engine-driver or a blacksmith, but turned her mind to farming, and found in it a vent for the energybottled up in her active little body. It did not quite satisfy her, however; for her sage and sweet marjoram were dumb things, and could notthank her for her care. She wanted something human to love, work for, and protect, and was never happier than when the little boys broughttheir cut fingers, bumped heads, or bruised joints for her to "mend-up. "Seeing this, Mrs. Jo proposed that she should learn how to do it nicely, and Nursey had an apt pupil in bandaging, plastering, and fomenting. Theboys began to call her "Dr. Giddy-gaddy, " and she liked it so well thatMrs. Jo one day said to the Professor, "Fritz, I see what we can do for that child. She wants something to livefor even now, and will be one of the sharp, strong, discontented womenif she does not have it. Don't let us snub her restless little nature, but do our best to give her the work she likes, and by and by persuadeher father to let her study medicine. She will make a capital doctor, for she has courage, strong nerves, a tender heart, and an intense loveand pity for the weak and suffering. "

Mr. Bhaer smiled at first, but agreed to try, and gave Nan anherb-garden, teaching her the various healing properties of the plantsshe tended, and letting her try their virtues on the children inthe little illnesses they had from time to time. She learned fast, remembered well, and showed a sense and interest most encouraging toher Professor, who did not shut his door in her face because she was alittle woman. 

She was thinking of this, as she sat in the willow that day, and whenDaisy said in her gentle way, "I love to keep house, and mean to have a nice one for Demi when we growup and live together. "

Nan replied with decision

"Well, I haven't got any brother, and I don't want any house to fussover. I shall have an office, with lots of bottles and drawers andpestle things in it, and I shall drive round in a horse and chaise andcure sick people. That will be such fun. "

"Ugh! how can you bear the bad-smelling stuff and the nasty littlepowders and castor-oil and senna and hive syrup?" cried Daisy, with ashudder. 

"I shan't have to take any, so I don't care. Besides, they make peoplewell, and I like to cure folks. Didn't my sage-tea make Mother Bhaer'sheadache go away, and my hops stop Ned's toothache in five hours? Sonow!"

"Shall you put leeches on people, and cut off legs and pull out teeth?"asked Daisy, quaking at the thought. 

"Yes, I shall do every thing; I don't care if the people are all smashedup, I shall mend them. My grandpa was a doctor, and I saw him sew agreat cut in a man's cheek, and I held the sponge, and wasn't frighteneda bit, and Grandpa said I was a brave girl. "

"How could you? I'm sorry for sick people, and I like to nurse them, but it makes my legs shake so I have to run away. I'm not a brave girl, "sighed Daisy. 

"Well, you can be my nurse, and cuddle my patients when I have giventhem the physic and cut off their legs, " said Nan, whose practice wasevidently to be of the heroic kind. 

"Ship ahoy! Where are you, Nan?" called a voice from below. 

"Here we are. "

"Ay, ay!" said the voice, and Emil appeared holding one hand in theother, with his face puckered up as if in pain. 

"Oh, what's the matter?" cried Daisy, anxiously. 

"A confounded splinter in my thumb. Can't get it out. Take a pick at it, will you, Nanny?"

"It's in very deep, and I haven't any needle, " said Nan, examining atarry thumb with interest. 

"Take a pin, " said Emil, in a hurry. 

"No, it's too big and hasn't got a sharp point. "

Here Daisy, who had dived into her pocket, presented a neat littlehousewife with four needles in it. 

"You are the Posy who always has what we want, " said Emil; and Nanresolved to have a needle-book in her own pocket henceforth, for justsuch cases as this were always occurring in her practice. 

Daisy covered her eyes, but Nan probed and picked with a steady hand, while Emil gave directions not down in any medical work or record. 

"Starboard now! Steady, boys, steady! Try another tack. Heave ho! thereshe is!"

"Suck it, " ordered the Doctor, surveying the splinter with anexperienced eye. 

"Too dirty, " responded the patient, shaking his bleeding hand. 

"Wait; I'll tie it up if you have got a handkerchief. "

"Haven't; take one of those rags down there. "

"Gracious! no, indeed; they are doll's clothes, " cried Daisy, indignantly. 

"Take one of mine; I'd like to have you, " said Nan; and swinging himselfdown, Emil caught up the first "rag" he saw. It happened to be thefrilled skirt; but Nan tore it up without a murmur; and when the royalpetticoat was turned into a neat little bandage, she dismissed herpatient with the command, "Keep it wet, and let it alone; then it will heal right up, and not besore. "

"What do you charge?" asked the Commodore, laughing. 

"Nothing; I keep a 'spensary; that is a place where poor people aredoctored free gratis for nothing, " explained Nan, with an air. 

"Thank you, Doctor Giddy-gaddy. I'll always call you in when I cometo grief;" and Emil departed, but looked back to say for one good turndeserves another "Your duds are blowing away, Doctor. "

Forgiving the disrespectful word, "duds, " the ladies hastily descended, and, gathering up their wash, retired to the house to fire up the littlestove, and go to ironing. 

A passing breath of air shook the old willow, as if it laughed softlyat the childish chatter which went on in the nest, and it had hardlycomposed itself when another pair of birds alighted for a confidentialtwitter. 

"Now, I'll tell you the secret, " began Tommy, who was "swellin' wisibly"with the importance of his news. 

"Tell away, " answered Nat, wishing he had brought his fiddle, it was soshady and quiet here. 

"Well, we fellows were talking over the late interesting case ofcircumstantial evidence, " said Tommy, quoting at random from a speechFranz had made at the club, "and I proposed giving Dan something tomake up for our suspecting him, to show our respect, and so on, you knowsomething handsome and useful, that he could keep always and be proudof. What do you think we chose?"

"A butterfly-net; he wants one ever so much, " said Nat, looking a littledisappointed, for he meant to get it himself. 

"No, sir; it's to be a microscope, a real swell one, that we seewhat-do-you-call-'ems in water with, and stars, and ant-eggs, and allsorts of games, you know. Won't it be a jolly good present?" said Tommy, rather confusing microscopes and telescopes in his remarks. 

"Tip-top! I'm so glad! Won't it cost a heap, though?" cried Nat, feelingthat his friend was beginning to be appreciated. 

"Of course it will; but we are all going to give something. I headed thepaper with my five dollars; for if it is done at all, it must be donehandsome. "

"What! all of it? I never did see such a generous chap as you are;" andNat beamed upon him with sincere admiration. 

"Well, you see, I've been so bothered with my property, that I'm tiredof it, and don't mean to save up any more, but give it away as I goalong, and then nobody will envy me, or want to steal it, and I shan'tbe suspecting folks and worrying about my old cash, " replied Tommy, onwhom the cares and anxieties of a millionaire weighed heavily. 

"Will Mr. Bhaer let you do it?"

"He thought it was a first-rate plan, and said that some of the best menhe knew preferred to do good with their money instead of laying it up tobe squabbled over when they died. "

"Your father is rich; does he do that way?"

"I'm not sure; he gives me all I want; I know that much. I'm going totalk to him about it when I go home. Anyhow, I shall set him a goodexample;" and Tommy was so serious, that Nat did not dare to laugh, butsaid, respectfully, "You will be able to do ever so much with your money, won't you?"

"So Mr. Bhaer said, and he promised to advise me about useful ways ofspending it. I'm going to begin with Dan; and next time I get a dollaror so, I shall do something for Dick, he's such a good little chap, andonly has a cent a week for pocket-money. He can't earn much, you know;so I'm going to kind of see to him;" and good-hearted Tommy quite longedto begin. 

"I think that's a beautiful plan, and I'm not going to try to buy afiddle any more; I'm going to get Dan his net all myself, and if thereis any money left, I'll do something to please poor Billy. He's fondof me, and though he isn't poor, he'd like some little thing from me, because I can make out what he wants better than the rest of you. "And Nat fell to wondering how much happiness could be got out of hisprecious three dollars. 

"So I would. Now come and ask Mr. Bhaer if you can't go in town with meon Monday afternoon, so you can get the net, while I get the microscope. Franz and Emil are going too, and we'll have a jolly time larking roundamong the shops. "

The lads walked away arm-in-arm, discussing the new plans with drollimportance, yet beginning already to feel the sweet satisfaction whichcomes to those who try, no matter how humbly, to be earthly providencesto the poor and helpless, and gild their mite with the gold of charitybefore it is laid up where thieves cannot break through and steal. 

"Come up and rest while we sort the leaves; it's so cool and pleasanthere, " said Demi, as he and Dan came sauntering home from a long walk inthe woods. 

"All right!" answered Dan, who was a boy of few words, and up they went. 

"What makes birch leaves shake so much more than the others?" askedinquiring Demi, who was always sure of an answer from Dan. 

"They are hung differently. Don't you see the stem where it joins theleaf is sort of pinched one way, and where it joins the twig, it ispinched another. This makes it waggle with the least bit of wind, butthe elm leaves hang straight, and keep stiller. "

"How curious! will this do so?" and Demi held up a sprig of acacia, which he had broken from a little tree on the lawn, because it was sopretty. 

"No; that belongs to the sort that shuts up when you touch it. Draw yourfinger down the middle of the stem, and see if the leaves don't curlup, " said Dan, who was examining a bit of mica. 

Demi tried it, and presently the little leaves did fold together, tillthe spray showed a single instead of a double line of leaves. 

"I like that; tell me about the others. What do these do?" asked Demi, taking up a new branch. 

"Feed silk-worms; they live on mulberry leaves, till they begin to spinthemselves up. I was in a silk-factory once, and there were rooms fullof shelves all covered with leaves, and worms eating them so fast thatit made a rustle. Sometimes they eat so much they die. Tell that toStuffy, " and Dan laughed, as he took up another bit of rock with alichen on it. 

"I know one thing about this mullein leaf: the fairies use them forblankets, " said Demi, who had not quite given up his faith in theexistence of the little folk in green. 

"If I had a microscope, I'd show you something prettier than fairies, "said Dan, wondering if he should ever own that coveted treasure. "I knewan old woman who used mullein leaves for a night-cap because she hadface-ache. She sewed them together, and wore it all the time. "

"How funny! was she your grandmother?"

"Never had any. She was a queer old woman, and lived alone in a littletumble-down house with nineteen cats. Folks called her a witch, but shewasn't, though she looked like an old rag-bag. She was real kind to mewhen I lived in that place, and used to let me get warm at her fire whenthe folks at the poorhouse were hard on me. "

"Did you live in a poorhouse?"

"A little while. Never mind that I didn't mean to speak of it;" and Danstopped short in his unusual fit of communicativeness. 

"Tell about the cats, please, " said Demi, feeling that he had asked anunpleasant question, and sorry for it. 

"Nothing to tell; only she had a lot of 'em, and kept 'em in a barrelnights; and I used to go and tip over the barrel sometimes, and let 'emout all over the house, and then she'd scold, and chase 'em and put 'emin again, spitting and yowling like fury. "

"Was she good to them?" asked Demi, with a hearty child's laugh, pleasant to hear. 

"Guess she was. Poor old soul! she took in all the lost and sick cats inthe town; and when anybody wanted one they went to Marm Webber, and shelet 'em pick any kind and color they wanted, and only asked ninepence, she was glad to have her pussies get a good home. "

"I should like to see Marm Webber. Could I, if I went to that place?"

"She's dead. All my folks are, " said Dan, briefly. 

"I'm sorry;" and Demi sat silent a minute, wondering what subject wouldbe safe to try next. He felt delicate about speaking of the departedlady, but was very curious about the cats, and could not resist askingsoftly, "Did she cure the sick ones?"

"Sometimes. One had a broken leg, and she tied it up to a stick, and itgot well; and another had fits, and she doctored it with yarbs tillit was cured. But some of 'em died, and she buried 'em; and when theycouldn't get well, she killed 'em easy. "

"How?" asked Demi, feeling that there was a peculiar charm about thisold woman, and some sort of joke about the cats, because Dan was smilingto himself. 

"A kind lady, who was fond of cats, told her how, and gave her somestuff, and sent all her own pussies to be killed that way. Marm usedto put a sponge wet with ether, in the bottom of an old boot, then pokepuss in head downwards. The ether put her to sleep in a jiffy, and shewas drowned in warm water before she woke up. "

"I hope the cats didn't feel it. I shall tell Daisy about that. You haveknown a great many interesting things, haven't you?" asked Demi, andfell to meditating on the vast experience of a boy who had run away morethan once, and taken care of himself in a big city. 

"Wish I hadn't sometimes. "

"Why? Don't remembering them feel good?"

"No. "

"It's very singular how hard it is to manage your mind, " said Demi, clasping his hands round his knees, and looking up at the sky as if forinformation upon his favorite topic. 

"Devilish hard no, I don't mean that;" and Dan bit his lips, for theforbidden word slipped out in spite of him, and he wanted to be morecareful with Demi than with any of the other boys. 

"I'll play I didn't hear it, " said Demi; "and you won't do it again, I'msure. "

"Not if I can help it. That's one of the things I don't want toremember. I keep pegging away, but it don't seem to do much good;" andDan looked discouraged. 

"Yes, it does. You don't say half so many bad words as you used to; andAunt Jo is pleased, because she said it was a hard habit to break up. "

"Did she?" and Dan cheered up a bit. 

"You must put swearing away in your fault-drawer, and lock it up; that'sthe way I do with my badness. "

"What do you mean?" asked Dan, looking as if he found Demi almost asamusing as a new sort of cockchafer or beetle. 

"Well, it's one of my private plays, and I'll tell you, but I thinkyou'll laugh at it, " began Demi, glad to hold forth on this congenialsubject. "I play that my mind is a round room, and my soul is a littlesort of creature with wings that lives in it. The walls are full ofshelves and drawers, and in them I keep my thoughts, and my goodness andbadness, and all sorts of things. The goods I keep where I can seethem, and the bads I lock up tight, but they get out, and I have tokeep putting them in and squeezing them down, they are so strong. Thethoughts I play with when I am alone or in bed, and I make up and dowhat I like with them. Every Sunday I put my room in order, and talkwith the little spirit that lives there, and tell him what to do. He isvery bad sometimes, and won't mind me, and I have to scold him, and takehim to Grandpa. He always makes him behave, and be sorry for his faults, because Grandpa likes this play, and gives me nice things to put in thedrawers, and tells me how to shut up the naughties. Hadn't you bettertry that way? It's a very good one;" and Demi looked so earnest and fullof faith, that Dan did not laugh at his quaint fancy, but said, soberly, "I don't think there is a lock strong enough to keep my badness shut up. Any way my room is in such a clutter I don't know how to clear it up. "

"You keep your drawers in the cabinet all spandy nice; why can't you dothe others?"

"I ain't used to it. Will you show me how?" and Dan looked as ifinclined to try Demi's childish way of keeping a soul in order. 

"I'd love to, but I don't know how, except to talk as Grandpa does. Ican't do it good like him, but I'll try. "

"Don't tell any one; only now and then we'll come here and talk thingsover, and I'll pay you for it by telling all I know about my sort ofthings. Will that do?" and Dan held out his big, rough hand. 

Demi gave his smooth, little hand readily, and the league was made;for in the happy, peaceful world where the younger boy lived, lionsand lambs played together, and little children innocently taught theirelders. 

"Hush!" said Dan, pointing toward the house, as Demi was about toindulge in another discourse on the best way of getting badness down, and keeping it down; and peeping from their perch, they saw Mrs. Jostrolling slowly along, reading as she went, while Teddy trotted behindher, dragging a little cart upside down. 

"Wait till they see us, " whispered Demi, and both sat still as the paircame nearer, Mrs. Jo so absorbed in her book that she would have walkedinto the brook if Teddy had not stopped her by saying, "Marmar, I wanter fis. "

Mrs. Jo put down the charming book which she had been trying to read fora week, and looked about her for a fishing-pole, being used to makingtoys out of nothing. Before she had broken one from the hedge, aslender willow bough fell at her feet; and, looking up, she saw the boyslaughing in the nest. 

"Up! up!" cried Teddy, stretching his arms and flapping his skirts as ifabout to fly. 

"I'll come down and you come up. I must go to Daisy now;" and Demideparted to rehearse the tale of the nineteen cats, with the excitingboot-and-barrel episodes. 

Teddy was speedily whisked up; and then Dan said, laughing, "Come, too;there's plenty of room. I'll lend you a hand. "

Mrs. Jo glanced over her shoulder, but no one was in sight; and ratherliking the joke of the thing, she laughed back, saying, "Well, if youwon't mention it, I think I will;" and with two nimble steps was in thewillow. 

"I haven't climbed a tree since I was married. I used to be very fondof it when I was a girl, " she said, looking well-pleased with her shadyperch. 

"Now, you read if you want to, and I'll take care of Teddy, " proposedDan, beginning to make a fishing-rod for impatient Baby. 

"I don't think I care about it now. What were you and Demi at up here?"asked Mrs. Jo, thinking, from the sober look on Dan's face, that he hadsomething on his mind. 

"Oh! we were talking. I'd been telling him about leaves and things, andhe was telling me some of his queer plays. Now, then, Major, fish away;"and Dan finished off his work by putting a big blue fly on the bent pinwhich hung at the end of the cord he had tied to the willow-rod. 

Teddy leaned down from the tree, and was soon wrapt up in watchingfor the fish which he felt sure would come. Dan held him by his littlepetticoats, lest he should take a "header" into the brook, and Mrs. Josoon won him to talk by doing so herself. 

"I am so glad you told Demi about 'leaves and things;' it is just whathe needs; and I wish you would teach him, and take him to walk withyou. "

"I'd like to, he is so bright; but--"

"But what?"

"I didn't think you'd trust me. "

"Why not?"

"Well, Demi is so kind of precious, and so good, and I'm such a bad lot, I thought you'd keep him away from me. "

"But you are not a 'bad lot, ' as you say; and I do trust you, Dan, entirely, because you honestly try to improve, and do better and betterevery week. "

"Really?" and Dan looked up at her with the cloud of despondency liftingfrom his face. 

"Yes; don't you feel it?"

"I hoped so, but I didn't know. "

"I have been waiting and watching quietly, for I thought I'd give you agood trial first; and if you stood it, I would give you the best rewardI had. You have stood it well; and now I'm going to trust not only Demi, but my own boy, to you, because you can teach them some things betterthan any of us. "

"Can I?" and Dan looked amazed at the idea. 

"Demi has lived among older people so much that he needs just what youhave knowledge of common things, strength, and courage. He thinks youare the bravest boy he ever saw, and admires your strong way of doingthings. Then you know a great deal about natural objects, and can tellhim more wonderful tales of birds, and bees, and leaves, and animals, than his story-books give him; and, being true, these stories will teachand do him good. Don't you see now how much you can help him, and why Ilike to have him with you?"

"But I swear sometimes, and might tell him something wrong. I wouldn'tmean to, but it might slip out, just as 'devil' did a few minutes ago, "said Dan, anxious to do his duty, and let her know his shortcomings. 

"I know you try not to say or do any thing to harm the little fellow, and here is where I think Demi will help you, because he is so innocentand wise in his small way, and has what I am trying to give you, dear, good principles. It is never too early to try and plant them in a child, and never too late to cultivate them in the most neglected person. Youare only boys yet; you can teach one another. Demi will unconsciouslystrengthen your moral sense, you will strengthen his common sense, and Ishall feel as if I had helped you both. "

Words could not express how pleased and touched Dan was by thisconfidence and praise. No one had ever trusted him before, no one hadcared to find out and foster the good in him, and no one had suspectedhow much there was hidden away in the breast of the neglected boy, goingfast to ruin, yet quick to feel and value sympathy and help. No honorthat he might earn hereafter would ever be half so precious as the rightto teach his few virtues and small store of learning to the childwhom he most respected; and no more powerful restraint could have beenimposed upon him than the innocent companion confided to his care. Hefound courage now to tell Mrs. Jo of the plan already made with Demi, and she was glad that the first step had been so naturally taken. Everything seemed to be working well for Dan, and she rejoiced over him, because it had seemed a hard task, yet, working on with a firm belief inthe possibility of reformation in far older and worse subjects than he, there had come this quick and hopeful change to encourage her. He feltthat he had friends now and a place in the world, something to live andwork for, and, though he said little, all that was best and bravest in acharacter made old by a hard experience responded to the love and faithbestowed on him, and Dan's salvation was assured. 

Their quiet talk was interrupted by a shout of delight from Teddy, who, to the surprise of every one, did actually catch a trout where no trouthad been seen for years. He was so enchanted with his splendid successthat he insisted on showing his prize to the family before Asia cookedit for supper; so the three descended and went happily away together, all satisfied with the work of that half hour. 

Ned was the next visitor to the tree, but he only made a short stay, sitting there at his ease while Dick and Dolly caught a pailful ofgrasshoppers and crickets for him. He wanted to play a joke on Tommy, and intended to tuck up a few dozen of the lively creatures in his bed, so that when Bangs got in he would speedily tumble out again, and passa portion of the night in chasing "hopper-grasses" round the room. Thehunt was soon over, and having paid the hunters with a few peppermintsapiece Ned retired to make Tommy's bed. 

For an hour the old willow sighed and sung to itself, talked with thebrook, and watched the lengthening shadows as the sun went down. Thefirst rosy color was touching its graceful branches when a boy camestealing up the avenue, across the lawn, and, spying Billy by thebrook-side, went to him, saying, in a mysterious tone, "Go and tell Mr. Bhaer I want to see him down here, please. Don't letany one hear. "

Billy nodded and ran off, while the boy swung himself up into the tree, and sat there looking anxious, yet evidently feeling the charm of theplace and hour. In five minutes, Mr. Bhaer appeared, and, stepping up onthe fence, leaned into the nest, saying, kindly, "I am glad to see you, Jack; but why not come in and meet us all atonce?"

"I wanted to see you first, please, sir. Uncle made me come back. I knowI don't deserve any thing, but I hope the fellows won't be hard uponme. "

Poor Jack did not get on very well, but it was evident that he was sorryand ashamed, and wanted to be received as easily as possible; for hisUncle had thrashed him well and scolded him soundly for following theexample he himself set. Jack had begged not to be sent back, but theschool was cheap, and Mr. Ford insisted, so the boy returned as quietlyas possible, and took refuge behind Mr. Bhaer. 

"I hope not, but I can't answer for them, though I will see that theyare not unjust. I think, as Dan and Nat have suffered so much, beinginnocent, you should suffer something, being guilty. Don't you?" askedMr. Bhaer, pitying Jack, yet feeling he deserved punishment for a faultwhich had so little excuse. 

"I suppose so, but I sent Tommy's money back, and I said I was sorry, isn't that enough?" said Jack, rather sullenly; for the boy who could doso mean a thing was not brave enough to bear the consequences well. 

"No; I think you should ask pardon of all three boys, openly andhonestly. You cannot expect them to respect and trust you for a time, but you can live down this disgrace if you try, and I will help you. Stealing and lying are detestable sins, and I hope this will be a lessonto you. I am glad you are ashamed, it is a good sign; bear it patiently, and do your best to earn a better reputation. "

"I'll have an auction, and sell off all my goods dirt cheap, " said Jack, showing his repentance in the most characteristic way. 

"I think it would be better to give them away, and begin on a newfoundation. Take 'Honesty is the best policy' for your motto, and liveup to it in act, and word, and thought, and though you don't make a centof money this summer, you will be a rich boy in the autumn, " said Mr. Bhaer, earnestly. 

It was hard, but Jack consented, for he really felt that cheating didn'tpay, and wanted to win back the friendship of the boys. His heart clungto his possessions, and he groaned inwardly at the thought of actuallygiving away certain precious things. Asking pardon publicly was easycompared to this; but then he began to discover that certain otherthings, invisible, but most valuable, were better property than knives, fish-hooks, or even money itself. So he decided to buy up a littleintegrity, even at a high price, and secure the respect of hisplaymates, though it was not a salable article. 

"Well, I'll do it, " he said, with a sudden air of resolution, whichpleased Mr. Bhaer. 

"Good! and I'll stand by you. Now come and begin at once. "

And Father Bhaer led the bankrupt boy back into the little world, whichreceived him coldly at first, but slowly warmed to him, when he showedthat he had profited by the lesson, and was sincerely anxious to go intoa better business with a new stock-in-trade. 

CHAPTER XVI. TAMING THE COLT

"What in the world is that boy doing?" said Mrs. Jo to herself, as shewatched Dan running round the half-mile triangle as if for a wager. He was all alone, and seemed possessed by some strange desire to runhimself into a fever, or break his neck; for, after several rounds, hetried leaping walls, and turning somersaults up the avenue, and finallydropped down on the grass before the door as if exhausted. 

"Are you training for a race, Dan?" asked Mrs. Jo, from the window whereshe sat. 

He looked up quickly, and stopped panting to answer, with a laugh, "No; I'm only working off my steam. "

"Can't you find a cooler way of doing it? You will be ill if you tearabout so in such warm weather, " said Mrs. Jo, laughing also, as shethrew him out a great palm-leaf fan. 

"Can't help it. I must run somewhere, " answered Dan, with such an oddexpression in his restless eyes, that Mrs. Jo was troubled, and asked, quickly, "Is Plumfield getting too narrow for you?"

"I wouldn't mind if it was a little bigger. I like it though; only thefact is the devil gets into me sometimes, and then I do want to bolt. "

The words seemed to come against his will, for he looked sorry theminute they were spoken, and seemed to think he deserved a reproof forhis ingratitude. But Mrs. Jo understood the feeling, and though sorry tosee it, she could not blame the boy for confessing it. She looked at himanxiously, seeing how tall and strong he had grown, how full of energyhis face was, with its eager eyes and resolute mouth; and rememberingthe utter freedom he had known for years before, she felt how even thegentle restraint of this home would weigh upon him at times when the oldlawless spirit stirred in him. "Yes, " she said to herself, "my wild hawkneeds a larger cage; and yet, if I let him go, I am afraid he will belost. I must try and find some lure strong enough to keep him safe. "

"I know all about it, " she added, aloud. "It is not 'the devil, ' as youcall it, but the very natural desire of all young people for liberty. Iused to feel just so, and once, I really did think for a minute that Iwould bolt. "

"Why didn't you?" said Dan, coming to lean on the low window-ledge, withan evident desire to continue the subject. 

"I knew it was foolish, and love for my mother kept me at home. "

"I haven't got any mother, " began Dan. 

"I thought you had now, " said Mrs. Jo, gently stroking the rough hairoff his hot forehead. 

"You are no end good to me, and I can't ever thank you enough, but itjust isn't the same, is it?" and Dan looked up at her with a wistful, hungry look that went to her heart. 

"No, dear, it is not the same, and never can be. I think an own motherwould have been a great deal to you. But as that cannot be, you musttry to let me fill her place. I fear I have not done all I ought, or youwould not want to leave me, " she added, sorrowfully. 

"Yes, you have!" cried Dan, eagerly. "I don't want to go, and I won'tgo, if I can help it; but every now and then I feel as if I must burstout somehow. I want to run straight ahead somewhere, to smash something, or pitch into somebody. Don't know why, but I do, and that's all aboutit. "

Dan laughed as he spoke, but he meant what he said, for he knit hisblack brows, and brought down his fist on the ledge with such force, that Mrs. Jo's thimble flew off into the grass. He brought it back, andas she took it she held the big, brown hand a minute, saying, with alook that showed the words cost her something, "Well, Dan, run if you must, but don't run very far; and come back to mesoon, for I want you very much. "

He was rather taken aback by this unexpected permission to play truant, and somehow it seemed to lessen his desire to go. He did not understandwhy, but Mrs. Jo did, and, knowing the natural perversity of the humanmind, counted on it to help her now. She felt instinctively that themore the boy was restrained the more he would fret against it; but leavehim free, and the mere sense of liberty would content him, joined to theknowledge that his presence was dear to those whom he loved best. It wasa little experiment, but it succeeded, for Dan stood silent a moment, unconsciously picking the fan to pieces and turning the matter overin his mind. He felt that she appealed to his heart and his honor, and owned that he understood it by saying presently, with a mixture ofregret and resolution in his face, "I won't go yet awhile, and I'll give you fair warning before I bolt. That's fair, isn't it?"

"Yes, we will let it stand so. Now, I want to see if I can't find someway for you to work off your steam better than running about the placelike a mad dog, spoiling my fans, or fighting with the boys. What can weinvent?" and while Dan tried to repair the mischief he had done, Mrs. Jo racked her brain for some new device to keep her truant safe until hehad learned to love his lessons better. 

"How would you like to be my express-man?" she said, as a sudden thoughtpopped into her head. 

"Go into town, and do the errands?" asked Dan, looking interested atonce. 

"Yes; Franz is tired of it, Silas cannot be spared just now, and Mr. Bhaer has no time. Old Andy is a safe horse, you are a good driver, andknow your way about the city as well as a postman. Suppose you try it, and see if it won't do most as well to drive away two or three times aweek as to run away once a month. "

"I'd like it ever so much, only I must go alone and do it all myself. Idon't want any of the other fellows bothering round, " said Dan, takingto the new idea so kindly that he began to put on business airs already. 

"If Mr. Bhaer does not object you shall have it all your own way. Isuppose Emil will growl, but he cannot be trusted with horses, and youcan. By the way, to-morrow is market-day, and I must make out my list. You had better see that the wagon is in order, and tell Silas to havethe fruit and vegetables ready for mother. You will have to be up earlyand get back in time for school, can you do that?"

"I'm always an early bird, so I don't mind, " and Dan slung on his jacketwith despatch. 

"The early bird got the worm this time, I'm sure, " said Mrs. Jo, merrily. 

"And a jolly good worm it is, " answered Dan, as he went laughing away toput a new lash to the whip, wash the wagon, and order Silas about withall the importance of a young express-man. 

"Before he is tired of this I will find something else and have it readywhen the next restless fit comes on, " said Mrs. Jo to herself, as shewrote her list with a deep sense of gratitude that all her boys were notDans. 

Mr. Bhaer did not entirely approve of the new plan, but agreed to giveit a trial, which put Dan on his mettle, and caused him to give upcertain wild plans of his own, in which the new lash and the longhill were to have borne a part. He was up and away very early the nextmorning, heroically resisting the temptation to race with the milkmengoing into town. Once there, he did his errands carefully, to Mr. Bhaer's surprise and Mrs. Jo's great satisfaction. The Commodore didgrowl at Dan's promotion, but was pacified by a superior padlock to hisnew boat-house, and the thought that seamen were meant for higher honorsthan driving market-wagons and doing family errands. So Dan filledhis new office well and contentedly for weeks, and said no more aboutbolting. But one day Mr. Bhaer found him pummelling Jack, who wasroaring for mercy under his knee. 

"Why, Dan, I thought you had given up fighting, " he said, as he went tothe rescue. 

"We ain't fighting, we are only wrestling, " answered Dan, leaving offreluctantly. 

"It looks very much like it, and feels like it, hey, Jack?" said Mr. Bhaer, as the defeated gentleman got upon his legs with difficulty. 

"Catch me wrestling with him again. He's most knocked my head off, "snarled Jack, holding on to that portion of his frame as if it reallywas loose upon his shoulders. 

"The fact is, we began in fun, but when I got him down I couldn't helppounding him. Sorry I hurt you, old fellow, " explained Dan, lookingrather ashamed of himself. 

"I understand. The longing to pitch into somebody was so strong youcouldn't resist. You are a sort of Berserker, Dan, and something totussle with is as necessary to you as music is to Nat, " said Mr. Bhaer, who knew all about the conversation between the boy and Mrs. Jo. 

"Can't help it. So if you don't want to be pounded you'd better keep outof the way, " answered Dan, with a warning look in his black eyes thatmade Jack sheer off in haste. 

"If you want something to wrestle with, I will give you a tougherspecimen than Jack, " said Mr. Bhaer; and, leading the way to thewood-yard, he pointed out certain roots of trees that had been grubbedup in the spring, and had been lying there waiting to be split. 

"There, when you feel inclined to maltreat the boys, just come and workoff your energies here, and I'll thank you for it. "

"So I will;" and, seizing the axe that lay near Dan hauled out a toughroot, and went at it so vigorously, that the chips flew far and wide, and Mr. Bhaer fled for his life. 

To his great amusement, Dan took him at his word, and was often seenwrestling with the ungainly knots, hat and jacket off, red face, andwrathful eyes; for he got into royal rages over some of his adversaries, and swore at them under his breath till he had conquered them, when heexulted, and marched off to the shed with an armful of gnarled oak-woodin triumph. He blistered his hands, tired his back, and dulled the axe, but it did him good, and he got more comfort out of the ugly roots thanany one dreamed, for with each blow he worked off some of the pent-uppower that would otherwise have been expended in some less harmless way. 

"When this is gone I really don't know what I shall do, " said Mrs. Joto herself, for no inspiration came, and she was at the end of herresources. 

But Dan found a new occupation for himself, and enjoyed it some timebefore any one discovered the cause of his contentment. A fine younghorse of Mr. Laurie's was kept at Plumfield that summer, running loosein a large pasture across the brook. The boys were all interested in thehandsome, spirited creature, and for a time were fond of watching himgallop and frisk with his plumey tail flying, and his handsome headin the air. But they soon got tired of it, and left Prince Charlie tohimself. All but Dan, he never tired of looking at the horse, and seldomfailed to visit him each day with a lump of sugar, a bit of bread, oran apple to make him welcome. Charlie was grateful, accepted hisfriendship, and the two loved one another as if they felt some tiebetween them, inexplicable but strong. In whatever part of the widefield he might be, Charlie always came at full speed when Dan whistledat the bars, and the boy was never happier than when the beautiful, fleet creature put its head on his shoulder, looking up at him with fineeyes full of intelligent affection. 

"We understand one another without any palaver, don't we, old fellow?"Dan would say, proud of the horse's confidence, and, so jealous of hisregard, that he told no one how well the friendship prospered, and neverasked anybody but Teddy to accompany him on these daily visits. 

Mr. Laurie came now and then to see how Charlie got on, and spoke ofhaving him broken to harness in the autumn. 

"He won't need much taming, he is such a gentle, fine-tempered brute. Ishall come out and try him with a saddle myself some day, " he said, onone of these visits. 

"He lets me put a halter on him, but I don't believe he will bear asaddle even if you put it on, " answered Dan, who never failed to bepresent when Charlie and his master met. 

"I shall coax him to bear it, and not mind a few tumbles at first. Hehas never been harshly treated, so, though he will be surprised at thenew performance, I think he won't be frightened, and his antics will dono harm. "

"I wonder what he would do, " said Dan to himself, as Mr. Laurie wentaway with the Professor, and Charlie returned to the bars, from which hehad retired when the gentlemen came up. 

A daring fancy to try the experiment took possession of the boy as hesat on the topmost rail with the glossy back temptingly near him. Never thinking of danger, he obeyed the impulse, and while Charlieunsuspectingly nibbled at the apple he held, Dan quickly and quietlytook his seat. He did not keep it long, however, for with an astonishedsnort, Charlie reared straight up, and deposited Dan on the ground. Thefall did not hurt him, for the turf was soft, and he jumped up, saying, with a laugh, "I did it anyway! Come here, you rascal, and I'll try it again. "

But Charlie declined to approach, and Dan left him resolving to succeedin the end; for a struggle like this suited him exactly. Next time hetook a halter, and having got it on, he played with the horse for awhile, leading him to and fro, and putting him through various anticstill he was a little tired; then Dan sat on the wall and gave him bread, but watched his chance, and getting a good grip of the halter, slippedon to his back. Charlie tried the old trick, but Dan held on, having hadpractice with Toby, who occasionally had an obstinate fit, and tried toshake off his rider. Charlie was both amazed and indignant; and afterprancing for a minute, set off at a gallop, and away went Dan heels overhead. If he had not belonged to the class of boys who go through allsorts of dangers unscathed, he would have broken his neck; as it was, hegot a heavy fall, and lay still collecting his wits, while Charlie toreround the field tossing his head with every sign of satisfaction atthe discomfiture of his rider. Presently it seemed to occur to him thatsomething was wrong with Dan, and, being of a magnanimous nature, hewent to see what the matter was. Dan let him sniff about and perplexhimself for a few minutes; then he looked up at him, saying, asdecidedly as if the horse could understand, "You think you have beaten, but you are mistaken, old boy; and I'll rideyou yet see if I don't. "

He tried no more that day, but soon after attempted a new method ofintroducing Charlie to a burden. He strapped a folded blanket on hisback, and then let him race, and rear, and roll, and fume as much ashe liked. After a few fits of rebellion Charlie submitted, and in a fewdays permitted Dan to mount him, often stopped short to look round, asif he said, half patiently, half reproachfully, "I don't understand it, but I suppose you mean no harm, so I permit the liberty. "

Dan patted and praised him, and took a short turn every day, gettingfrequent falls, but persisting in spite of them, and longing to try asaddle and bridle, but not daring to confess what he had done. He hadhis wish, however, for there had been a witness of his pranks who said agood word for him. 

"Do you know what that chap has ben doin' lately?" asked Silas of hismaster, one evening, as he received his orders for the next day. 

"Which boy?" said Mr. Bhaer, with an air of resignation, expecting somesad revelation. 

"Dan, he's ben a breaking the colt, sir, and I wish I may die if heain't done it, " answered Silas, chuckling. 

"How do you know?"

"Wal, I kinder keep an eye on the little fellers, and most gen'lly knowwhat they're up to; so when Dan kep going off to the paster, and cominghome black and blue, I mistrusted that suthing was goin' on. I didn'tsay nothin', but I crep up into the barn chamber, and from there I seehim goin' through all manner of games with Charlie. Blest if he warn'tthrowed time and agin, and knocked round like a bag o' meal. But thepluck of that boy did beat all, and he 'peared to like it, and kep on asef bound to beat. "

"But, Silas, you should have stopped it the boy might have been killed, "said Mr. Bhaer, wondering what freak his irrepressibles would take intotheir heads next. 

"S'pose I oughter; but there warn't no real danger, for Charlie ain'tno tricks, and is as pretty a tempered horse as ever I see. Fact was, Icouldn't bear to spile sport, for ef there's any thing I do admire it'sgrit, and Dan is chock full on 't. But now I know he's hankerin' aftera saddle, and yet won't take even the old one on the sly; so I justthought I'd up and tell, and may be you'd let him try what he can do. Mr. Laurie won't mind, and Charlie's all the better for 't. "

"We shall see;" and off went Mr. Bhaer to inquire into the matter. 

Dan owned up at once, and proudly proved that Silas was right by showingoff his power over Charlie; for by dint of much coaxing, many carrots, and infinite perseverance, he really had succeeded in riding the coltwith a halter and blanket. Mr. Laurie was much amused, and well pleasedwith Dan's courage and skill, and let him have a hand in all futureperformances; for he set about Charlie's education at once, sayingthat he was not going to be outdone by a slip of a boy. Thanks to Dan, Charlie took kindly to the saddle and bridle when he had once reconciledhimself to the indignity of the bit; and after Mr. Laurie had trainedhim a little, Dan was permitted to ride him, to the great envy andadmiration of the other boys. 

"Isn't he handsome? and don't he mind me like a lamb?" said Dan one dayas he dismounted and stood with his arm round Charlie's neck. 

"Yes, and isn't he a much more useful and agreeable animal than thewild colt who spent his days racing about the field, jumping fences, andrunning away now and then?" asked Mrs. Bhaer from the steps where shealways appeared when Dan performed with Charlie. 

"Of course he is. See he won't run away now, even if I don't hold him, and he comes to me the minute I whistle; I have tamed him well, haven'tI?" and Dan looked both proud and pleased, as well he might, for, inspite of their struggles together, Charlie loved him better than hismaster. 

"I am taming a colt too, and I think I shall succeed as well as you ifI am as patient and persevering, " said Mrs. Jo, smiling so significantlyat him, that Dan understood and answered, laughing, yet in earnest, "We won't jump over the fence and run away, but stay and let them make ahandsome, useful span of us, hey, Charlie?"

CHAPTER XVII. COMPOSITION DAY

"Hurry up, boys, it's three o'clock, and Uncle Fritz likes us to bepunctual, you know, " said Franz one Wednesday afternoon as a bell rang, and a stream of literary-looking young gentlemen with books and paper intheir hands were seen going toward the museum. 

Tommy was in the school-room, bending over his desk, much bedaubed withink, flushed with the ardor of inspiration, and in a great hurry asusual, for easy-going Bangs never was ready till the very last minute. As Franz passed the door looking up laggards, Tommy gave one last blotand flourish, and departed out the window, waving his paper to dry ashe went. Nan followed, looking very important, with a large roll in herhand, and Demi escorted Daisy, both evidently brimful of some delightfulsecret. 

The museum was all in order, and the sunshine among the hop-vines madepretty shadows on the floor as it peeped through the great window. Onone side sat Mr. And Mrs. Bhaer, on the other was a little tableon which the compositions were laid as soon as read, and in a largesemicircle sat the children on camp-stools which occasionally shut upand let the sitter down, thus preventing any stiffness in the assembly. As it took too much time to have all read, they took turns, and on thisWednesday the younger pupils were the chief performers, while the elderones listened with condescension and criticised freely. 

"Ladies first; so Nan may begin, " said Mr. Bhaer, when the settling ofstools and rustling of papers had subsided. 

Nan took her place beside the little table, and, with a preliminarygiggle, read the following interesting essay on, "THE SPONGE

"The sponge, my friends, is a most useful and interesting plant. Itgrows on rocks under the water, and is a kind of sea-weed, I believe. People go and pick it and dry it and wash it, because little fish andinsects live in the holes of the sponge; I found shells in my new one, and sand. Some are very fine and soft; babies are washed with them. Thesponge has many uses. I will relate some of them, and I hope my friendswill remember what I say. One use is to wash the face; I don't like itmyself, but I do it because I wish to be clean. Some people don't, andthey are dirty. " Here the eye of the reader rested sternly upon Dick andDolly, who quailed under it, and instantly resolved to scrub themselvesvirtuously on all occasions. "Another use is to wake people up; I alludeto boys par-tic-u-lar-ly. " Another pause after the long word to enjoythe smothered laugh that went round the room. "Some boys do not getup when called, and Mary Ann squeezes the water out of a wet spongeon their faces, and it makes them so mad they wake up. " Here the laughbroke out, and Emil said, as if he had been hit, "Seems to me you are wandering from the subject. "

"No, I ain't; we are to write about vegetables or animals, and I'm doingboth: for boys are animals, aren't they?" cried Nan; and, undaunted bythe indignant "No!" shouted at her, she calmly proceeded, "One more interesting thing is done with sponges, and this is whendoctors put ether on it, and hold it to people's noses when they haveteeth out. I shall do this when I am bigger, and give ether to the sick, so they will go to sleep and not feel me cut off their legs and arms. "

"I know somebody who killed cats with it, " called out Demi, but waspromptly crushed by Dan, who upset his camp-stool and put a hat over hisface. 

"I will not be interruckted, " said Nan, frowning upon the unseemlyscrimmagers. Order was instantly restored, and the young lady closed herremarks as follows:

"My composition has three morals, my friends. " Somebody groaned, but nonotice was taken of the insult. "First, is keep your faces clean second, get up early third, when the ether sponge is put over your nose, breathehard and don't kick, and your teeth will come out easy. I have no moreto say. " And Miss Nan sat down amid tumultuous applause. 

"That is a very remarkable composition; its tone is high, and there isa good deal of humor in it. Very well done, Nan. Now, Daisy, " and Mr. Bhaer smiled at one young lady as he beckoned the other. 

Daisy colored prettily as she took her place, and said, in her modestlittle voice, "I'm afraid you won't like mine; it isn't nice and funny like Nan's. ButI couldn't do any better. "

"We always like yours, Posy, " said Uncle Fritz, and a gentle murmur fromthe boys seemed to confirm the remark. Thus encouraged, Daisy read herlittle paper, which was listened to with respectful attention. 

"THE CAT

"The cat is a sweet animal. I love them very much. They are clean andpretty, and catch rats and mice, and let you pet them, and are fondof you if you are kind. They are very wise, and can find their wayanywhere. Little cats are called kittens, and are dear things. I havetwo, named Huz and Buz, and their mother is Topaz, because she hasyellow eyes. Uncle told me a pretty story about a man named Ma-ho-met. He had a nice cat, and when she was asleep on his sleeve, and he wantedto go away, he cut off the sleeve so as not to wake her up. I think hewas a kind man. Some cats catch fish. "

"So do I!" cried Teddy, jumping up eager to tell about his trout. 

"Hush!" said his mother, setting him down again as quickly as possible, for orderly Daisy hated to be "interruckted, " as Nan expressed it. 

"I read about one who used to do it very slyly. I tried to make Topaz, but she did not like the water, and scratched me. She does like tea, andwhen I play in my kitchen she pats the teapot with her paw, till I giveher some. She is a fine cat, she eats apple-pudding and molasses. Mostcats do not. "

"That's a first-rater, " called out Nat, and Daisy retired, pleased withthe praise of her friend. 

"Demi looks so impatient we must have him up at once or he won't holdout, " said Uncle Fritz, and Demi skipped up with alacrity. 

"Mine is a poem!" he announced in a tone of triumph, and read his firsteffort in a loud and solemn voice:

 "I write about the butterfly, It is a pretty thing; And flies about like the birds, But it does not sing. "First it is a little grub, And then it is a nice yellow cocoon, And then the butterfly Eats its way out soon. "They live on dew and honey, They do not have any hive, They do not sting like wasps, and bees, and hornets, And to be as good as they are we should strive. "I should like to be a beautiful butterfly, All yellow, and blue, and green, and red; But I should not like To have Dan put camphor on my poor little head. "

This unusual burst of genius brought down the house, and Demi wasobliged to read it again, a somewhat difficult task, as there was nopunctuation whatever, and the little poet's breath gave out before hegot to the end of some of the long lines. 

"He will be a Shakespeare yet, " said Aunt Jo, laughing as if she woulddie, for this poetic gem reminded her of one of her own, written at theage of ten, and beginning gloomily, "I wish I had a quiet tomb, Beside a little rill; Where birds, and bees, and butterflies, Would sing upon the hill. "

"Come on, Tommy. If there is as much ink inside your paper as there isoutside, it will be a long composition, " said Mr. Bhaer, when Demi hadbeen induced to tear himself from his poem and sit down. 

"It isn't a composition, it's a letter. You see, I forgot all about itsbeing my turn till after school, and then I didn't know what to have, and there wasn't time to read up; so I thought you wouldn't mind mytaking a letter that I wrote to my Grandma. It's got something aboutbirds in it, so I thought it would do. "

With this long excuse, Tommy plunged into a sea of ink and flounderedthrough, pausing now and then to decipher one of his own flourishes. 

"MY DEAR GRANDMA, I hope you are well. Uncle James sent me a pocketrifle. It is a beautiful little instrument of killing, shaped likethis [Here Tommy displayed a remarkable sketch of what looked likean intricate pump, or the inside of a small steam-engine] 44 are thesights; 6 is a false stock that fits in at A; 3 is the trigger, and 2is the cock. It loads at the breech, and fires with great force andstraightness. I am going out shooting squirrels soon. I shot severalfine birds for the museum. They had speckled breasts, and Dan likedthem very much. He stuffed them tip-top, and they sit on the tree quitenatural, only one looks a little tipsy. We had a Frenchman working herethe other day, and Asia called his name so funnily that I will tellyou about it. His name was Germain: first she called him Jerry, but welaughed at her, and she changed it to Jeremiah; but ridicule wasthe result, so it became Mr. Germany; but ridicule having been againresumed, it became Garrymon, which it has remained ever since. I do notwrite often, I am so busy; but I think of you often, and sympathize withyou, and sincerely hope you get on as well as can be expected withoutme. Your affectionate grandson, "THOMAS BUCKMINSTER BANGS. 

"P. S. ? If you come across any postage-stamps, remember me. 

"N. B. Love to all, and a great deal to Aunt Almira. Does she make anynice plum-cakes now?

"P. S. ? Mrs. Bhaer sends her respects. 

"P. S. ? And so would Mr. B, if he knew I was in act to write. 

"N. B. Father is going to give me a watch on my birthday. I am glad as atpresent I have no means of telling time, and am often late at school. 

"P. S. ? I hope to see you soon. Don't you wish to send for me?

"T. B. B. "

As each postscript was received with a fresh laugh from the boys, by thetime he came to the sixth and last, Tommy was so exhausted that he wasglad to sit down and wipe his ruddy face. 

"I hope the dear old lady will live through it, " said Mr. Bhaer, undercover of the noise. 

"We won't take any notice of the broad hint given in that last P. S. The letter will be quite as much as she can bear without a visit fromTommy, " answered Mrs. Jo, remembering that the old lady usually took toher bed after a visitation from her irrepressible grandson. 

"Now, me, " said Teddy, who had learned a bit of poetry, and was so eagerto say it that he had been bobbing up and down during the reading, andcould no longer be restrained. 

"I'm afraid he will forget it if he waits; and I have had a deal oftrouble teaching him, " said his mother. 

Teddy trotted to the rostrum, dropped a curtsey and nodded his head atthe same time, as if anxious to suit every one; then, in his baby voice, and putting the emphasis on the wrong words, he said his verse all inone breath:

 "Little drops of water, Little drains of sand, Mate a might okum (ocean), And a peasant land. "Little words of kindness, Pokin evvy day, Make a home a hebbin, And hep us on a way. "

Clapping his hands at the end, he made another double salutation, andthen ran to hide his head in his mother's lap, quite overcome by thesuccess of his "piece, " for the applause was tremendous. 

Dick and Dolly did not write, but were encouraged to observe the habitsof animals and insects, and report what they saw. Dick liked this, andalways had a great deal to say; so, when his name was called, he marchedup, and, looking at the audience with his bright confiding eyes, toldhis little story so earnestly that no one smiled at his crooked body, because the "straight soul" shone through it beautifully. 

"I've been watching dragonflies, and I read about them in Dan's book, and I'll try and tell you what I remember. There's lots of them flyinground on the pond, all blue, with big eyes, and sort of lace wings, very pretty. I caught one, and looked at him, and I think he was thehandsomest insect I ever saw. They catch littler creatures than theyare to eat, and have a queer kind of hook thing that folds up when theyain't hunting. It likes the sunshine, and dances round all day. Let mesee! what else was there to tell about? Oh, I know! The eggs are laid inthe water, and go down to the bottom, and are hatched in the mud. Littleugly things come out of 'em; I can't say the name, but they are brown, and keep having new skins, and getting bigger and bigger. Only think! ittakes them two years to be a dragonfly! Now this is the curiousest partof it, so you listen tight, for I don't believe you know it. When it isready it knows somehow, and the ugly, grubby thing climbs up out of thewater on a flag or a bulrush, and bursts open its back. "

"Come, I don't believe that, " said Tommy, who was not an observant boy, and really thought Dick was "making up. "

"It does burst open its back, don't it?" and Dick appealed to Mr. Bhaer, who nodded a very decided affirmative, to the little speaker's greatsatisfaction. 

"Well, out comes the dragonfly, all whole, and he sits in the sun sortof coming alive, you know; and he gets strong, and then he spreads hispretty wings, and flies away up in the air, and never is a grub anymore. That's all I know; but I shall watch and try to see him do it, forI think it's splendid to turn into a beautiful dragonfly, don't you?"

Dick had told his story well, and, when he described the flight of thenew-born insect, had waved his hands, and looked up as if he saw, andwanted to follow it. Something in his face suggested to the minds ofthe elder listeners the thought that some day little Dick would have hiswish, and after years of helplessness and pain would climb up into thesun some happy day, and, leaving his poor little body behind him, finda new lovely shape in a fairer world than this. Mrs. Jo drew him to herside, and said, with a kiss on his thin cheek, "That is a sweet little story, dear, and you remembered it wonderfullywell. I shall write and tell your mother all about it;" and Dick saton her knee, contentedly smiling at the praise, and resolving to watchwell, and catch the dragonfly in the act of leaving its old body forthe new, and see how he did it. Dolly had a few remarks to make uponthe "Duck, " and made them in a sing-song tone, for he had learned it byheart, and thought it a great plague to do it at all. 

"Wild ducks are hard to kill; men hide and shoot at them, and have tameducks to quack and make the wild ones come where the men can fire atthem. They have wooden ducks made too, and they sail round, and thewild ones come to see them; they are stupid, I think. Our ducks are verytame. They eat a great deal, and go poking round in the mud and water. They don't take good care of their eggs, but them spoil, and--"

"Mine don't!" cried Tommy. 

"Well, some people's do; Silas said so. Hens take good care of littleducks, only they don't like to have them go in the water, and make agreat fuss. But the little ones don't care a bit. I like to eat duckswith stuffing in them and lots of apple-sauce. "

"I have something to say about owls, " began Nat, who had carefullyprepared a paper upon this subject with some help from Dan. 

"Owls have big heads, round eyes, hooked bills, and strong claws. Someare gray, some white, some black and yellowish. Their feathers are verysoft, and stick out a great deal. They fly very quietly, and hunt bats, mice, little birds, and such things. They build nests in barns, hollowtrees, and some take the nests of other birds. The great horned owl hastwo eggs bigger than a hen's and reddish brown. The tawny owl hasfive eggs, white and smooth; and this is the kind that hoots at night. Another kind sounds like a child crying. They eat mice and bats whole, and the parts that they cannot digest they make into little balls andspit out. "

"My gracious! how funny!" Nan was heard to observe. 

"They cannot see by day; and if they get out into the light, they goflapping round half blind, and the other birds chase and peck at them, as if they were making fun. The horned owl is very big, 'most as big asthe eagle. It eats rabbits, rats, snakes, and birds; and lives in rocksand old tumble-down houses. They have a good many cries, and scream likea person being choked, and say, 'Waugh O! waugh O!' and it scares peopleat night in the woods. The white owl lives by the sea, and in coldplaces, and looks something like a hawk. There is a kind of owl thatmakes holes to live in like moles. It is called the burrowing owl, andis very small. The barn-owl is the commonest kind; and I have watchedone sitting in a hole in a tree, looking like a little gray cat, withone eye shut and the other open. He comes out at dusk, and sits roundwaiting for the bats. I caught one, and here he is. "

With that Nat suddenly produced from inside his jacket a little downybird, who blinked and ruffled his feathers, looking very plump andsleepy and scared. 

"Don't touch him! He is going to show off, " said Nat, displaying his newpet with great pride. First he put a cocked hat on the bird's head, and the boys laughed at the funny effect; then he added a pair of paperspectacles, and that gave the owl such a wise look that they shoutedwith merriment. The performance closed with making the bird angry, andseeing him cling to a handkerchief upside down, pecking and "clucking, "as Rob called it. He was allowed to fly after that, and settled himselfon the bunch of pine-cones over the door, where he sat staring down atthe company with an air of sleepy dignity that amused them very much. 

"Have you anything for us, George?" asked Mr. Bhaer, when the room wasstill again. 

"Well, I read and learned ever so much about moles, but I declare I'veforgotten every bit of it, except that they dig holes to live in, thatyou catch them by pouring water down, and that they can't possibly livewithout eating very often;" and Stuffy sat down, wishing he had not beentoo lazy to write out his valuable observations, for a general smilewent round when he mentioned the last of the three facts which lingeredin his memory. 

"Then we are done for to-day, " began Mr. Bhaer, but Tommy called out ina great hurry, "No we ain't. Don't you know? We must give the thing;" and he winkedviolently as he made an eye-glass of his fingers. 

"Bless my heart, I forgot! Now is your time, Tom;" and Mr. Bhaer droppedinto his seat again, while all the boys but Dan looked mightily tickledat something. 

Nat, Tommy, and Demi left the room, and speedily returned with a littlered morocco box set forth in state on Mrs. Jo's best silver salver. Tommy bore it, and, still escorted by Nat and Demi, marched up tounsuspecting Dan, who stared at them as if he thought they were going tomake fun of him. Tommy had prepared an elegant and impressive speech forthe occasion, but when the minute came, it all went out of his head, andhe just said, straight from his kindly boyish heart, "Here, old fellow, we all wanted to give you something to kind of payfor what happened awhile ago, and to show how much we liked you forbeing such a trump. Please take it, and have a jolly good time with it. "

Dan was so surprised he could only get as red as the little box, andmutter, "Thanky, boys!" as he fumbled to open it. But when he sawwhat was inside, his face lighted up, and he seized the long desiredtreasure, saying so enthusiastically that every one was satisfied, though is language was anything but polished, "What a stunner! I say, you fellows are regular bricks to give me this;it's just what I wanted. Give us your paw, Tommy. "

Many paws were given, and heartily shaken, for the boys were charmedwith Dan's pleasure, and crowded round him to shake hands and expatiateon the beauties of their gift. In the midst of this pleasant chatter, Dan's eye went to Mrs. Jo, who stood outside the group enjoying thescene with all her heart. 

"No, I had nothing to do with it. The boys got it up all themselves, "she said, answering the grateful look that seemed to thank her forthat happy moment. Dan smiled, and said, in a tone that only she couldunderstand, "It's you all the same;" and making his way through the boys, he heldout his hand first to her and then to the good Professor, who wasbeaming benevolently on his flock. 

He thanked them both with the silent, hearty squeeze he gave the kindhands that had held him up, and led him into the safe refuge of a happyhome. Not a word was spoken, but they felt all he would say, and littleTeddy expressed his pleasure for them as he leaned from his father's armto hug the boy, and say, in his baby way, "My dood Danny! everybody loves him now. "

"Come here, show off your spy-glass, Dan, and let us see some of yourmagnified pollywogs and annymalcumisms as you call 'em, " said Jack, whofelt so uncomfortable during this scene that he would have slipped awayif Emil had not kept him. 

"So I will, take a squint at that and see what you think of it, " saidDan, glad to show off his precious microscope. 

He held it over a beetle that happened to be lying on the table, andJack bent down to take his squint, but looked up with an amazed face, saying, "My eye! what nippers the old thing has got! I see now why it hurts soconfoundedly when you grab a dorbug and he grabs back again. "

"He winked at me, " cried Nan, who had poked her head under Jack's elbowand got the second peep. 

Every one took a look, and then Dan showed them the lovely plumage on amoth's wing, the four feathery corners to a hair, the veins on a leaf, hardly visible to the naked eye, but like a thick net through thewonderful little glass; the skin on their own fingers, looking likequeer hills and valleys; a cobweb like a bit of coarse sewing silk, andthe sting of a bee. 

"It's like the fairy spectacles in my story-book, only more curious, "said Demi, enchanted with the wonders he saw. 

"Dan is a magician now, and he can show you many miracles going on allround you; for he has two things needful patience and a love of nature. We live in a beautiful and wonderful world, Demi, and the more you knowabout it the wiser and the better you will be. This little glass willgive you a new set of teachers, and you may learn fine lessons from themif you will, " said Mr. Bhaer, glad to see how interested the boys werein the matter. 

"Could I see anybody's soul with this microscope if I looked hard?"asked Demi, who was much impressed with the power of the bit of glass. 

"No, dear; it's not powerful enough for that, and never can be made so. You must wait a long while before your eyes are clear enough to see themost invisible of God's wonders. But looking at the lovely things youcan see will help you to understand the lovelier things you can notsee, " answered Uncle Fritz, with his hand on the boy's head. 

"Well, Daisy and I both think that if there are any angels, their wingslook like that butterfly's as we see it through the glass, only moresoft and gold. "

"Believe it if you like, and keep your own little wings as bright andbeautiful, only don't fly away for a long time yet. "

"No, I won't, " and Demi kept his word. 

"Good-by, my boys; I must go now, but I leave you with our new Professorof Natural History;" and Mrs. Jo went away well pleased with thatcomposition day. 

CHAPTER XVIII. CROPS

The gardens did well that summer, and in September the little crops weregathered in with much rejoicing. Jack and Ned joined their farms andraised potatoes, those being a good salable article. They got twelvebushels, counting little ones and all, and sold them to Mr. Bhaer at afair price, for potatoes went fast in that house. Emil and Franz devotedthemselves to corn, and had a jolly little husking in the barn, afterwhich they took their corn to the mill, and came proudly home with mealenough to supply the family with hasty-pudding and Johnny-cake for alone time. They would not take money for their crop; because, as Franzsaid, "We never can pay Uncle for all he has done for us if we raisedcorn for the rest of our days. "

Nat had beans in such abundance that he despaired of ever shelling them, till Mrs. Jo proposed a new way, which succeeded admirably. The drypods were spread upon the barn-floor, Nat fiddled, and the boys dancedquadrilles on them, till they were thrashed out with much merriment andvery little labor. 

Tommy's six weeks' beans were a failure; for a dry spell early in theseason hurt them, because he gave them no water; and after that he wasso sure that they could take care of themselves, he let the poorthings struggle with bugs and weeds till they were exhausted and dieda lingering death. So Tommy had to dig his farm over again, and plantpeas. But they were late; the birds ate many; the bushes, not beingfirmly planted, blew down, and when the poor peas came at last, no onecared for them, as their day was over, and spring-lamb had growninto mutton. Tommy consoled himself with a charitable effort; for hetransplanted all the thistles he could find, and tended them carefullyfor Toby, who was fond of the prickly delicacy, and had eaten all hecould find on the place. The boys had great fun over Tom's thistlebed; but he insisted that it was better to care for poor Toby than forhimself, and declared that he would devote his entire farm next year tothistles, worms, and snails, that Demi's turtles and Nat's pet owl mighthave the food they loved, as well as the donkey. So like shiftless, kind-hearted, happy-go-lucky Tommy!

Demi had supplied his grandmother with lettuce all summer, and in theautumn sent his grandfather a basket of turnips, each one scrubbed uptill it looked like a great white egg. His Grandma was fond of salad, and one of his Grandpa's favorite quotations was, "Lucullus, whom frugality could charm, Ate roasted turnips at the Sabine farm. "

Therefore these vegetable offerings to the dear domestic god and goddesswere affectionate, appropriate, and classical. 

Daisy had nothing but flowers in her little plot, and it bloomed allsummer long with a succession of gay or fragrant posies. She was veryfond of her garden, and delved away in it at all hours, watching overher roses, and pansies, sweet-peas, and mignonette, as faithfully andtenderly as she did over her dolls or her friends. Little nosegays weresent into town on all occasions, and certain vases about the housewere her especial care. She had all sorts of pretty fancies about herflowers, and loved to tell the children the story of the pansy, and showthem how the step-mother-leaf sat up in her green chair in purple andgold; how the two own children in gay yellow had each its little seat, while the step children, in dull colors, both sat on one small stool, and the poor little father in his red nightcap, was kept out of sightin the middle of the flower; that a monk's dark face looked out of themonk's-hood larkspur; that the flowers of the canary-vine were so likedainty birds fluttering their yellow wings, that one almost expectedto see them fly away, and the snapdragons that went off like littlepistol-shots when you cracked them. Splendid dollies did she make out ofscarlet and white poppies, with ruffled robes tied round the waist withgrass blade sashes, and astonishing hats of coreopsis on theirgreen heads. Pea-pod boats, with rose-leaf sails, received theseflower-people, and floated them about a placid pool in the most charmingstyle; for finding that there were no elves, Daisy made her own, and loved the fanciful little friends who played their parts in hersummer-life. 

Nan went in for herbs, and had a fine display of useful plants, whichshe tended with steadily increasing interest and care. Very busy wasshe in September cutting, drying, and tying up her sweet harvest, andwriting down in a little book how the different herbs are to be used. She had tried several experiments, and made several mistakes; so shewished to be particular lest she should give little Huz another fit byadministering wormwood instead of catnip. 

Dick, Dolly, and Rob each grubbed away on his small farm, and made morestir about it than all the rest put together. Parsnips and carrots werethe crops of the two D. 's; and they longed for it to be late enough topull up the precious vegetables. Dick did privately examine his carrots, and plant them again, feeling that Silas was right in saying it was toosoon for them yet. 

Rob's crop was four small squashes and one immense pumpkin. It reallywas a "bouncer, " as every one said; and I assure you that two smallpersons could sit on it side by side. It seemed to have absorbed all thegoodness of the little garden, and all the sunshine that shone down onit, and lay there a great round, golden ball, full of rich suggestionsof pumpkin-pies for weeks to come. Robby was so proud of his mammothvegetable that he took every one to see it, and, when frosts began tonip, covered it up each night with an old bedquilt, tucking it round asif the pumpkin was a well-beloved baby. The day it was gathered he wouldlet no one touch it but himself, and nearly broke his back tugging itto the barn in his little wheelbarrow, with Dick and Dolly harnessedin front to give a heave up the path. His mother promised him that theThanksgiving-pies should be made from it, and hinted vaguely that shehad a plan in her head which would cover the prize pumpkin and its ownerwith glory. 

Poor Billy had planted cucumbers, but unfortunately hoed them up andleft the pig-weed. This mistake grieved him very much for tem minutes, then he forgot all about it, and sowed a handful of bright buttons whichhe had collected, evidently thinking in his feeble mind that theywere money, and would come up and multiply, so that he might make manyquarters, as Tommy did. No one disturbed him, and he did what he likedwith his plot, which soon looked as if a series of small earthquakeshad stirred it up. When the general harvest-day came, he would havehad nothing but stones and weeds to show, if kind old Asia had not hunghalf-a-dozen oranges on the dead tree he stuck up in the middle. Billywas delighted with his crop; and no one spoiled his pleasure in thelittle miracle which pity wrought for him, by making withered branchesbear strange fruit. 

Stuffy had various trials with his melons; for, being impatient to tastethem, he had a solitary revel before they were ripe, and made himself soill, that for a day or two it seemed doubtful if he would ever eatany more. But he pulled through it, and served up his first cantaloupewithout tasting a mouthful himself. They were excellent melons, for hehad a warm slope for them, and they ripened fast. The last and best werelingering on the vines, and Stuffy had announced that he should sellthem to a neighbor. This disappointed the boys, who had hoped to eatthe melons themselves, and they expressed their displeasure in a newand striking manner. Going one morning to gaze upon the three finewatermelons which he had kept for the market, Stuffy was horrified tofind the word "PIG" cut in white letters on the green rind, staringat him from every one. He was in a great rage, and flew to Mrs. Jo forredress. She listened, condoled with him, and then said, "If you want to turn the laugh, I'll tell you how, but you must give upthe melons. "

"Well, I will; for I can't thrash all the boys, but I'd like to givethem something to remember, the mean sneaks, " growled Stuff, still in afume. 

Now Mrs. Jo was pretty sure who had done the trick, for she had seenthree heads suspiciously near to one another in the sofa-corner theevening before; and when these heads had nodded with chuckles andwhispers, this experienced woman knew mischief was afoot. A moonlightnight, a rustling in the old cherry-tree near Emil's window, a cut onTommy's finger, all helped to confirm her suspicions; and having cooledStuffy's wrath a little, she bade him bring his maltreated melons to herroom, and say not a word to any one of what had happened. He did so, and the three wags were amazed to find their joke so quietly taken. Itspoilt the fun, and the entire disappearance of the melons made themuneasy. So did Stuffy's good-nature, for he looked more placid and plumpthan ever, and surveyed them with an air of calm pity that perplexedthem very much. 

At dinner-time they discovered why; for then Stuffy's vengeance fellupon them, and the laugh was turned against them. When the pudding waseaten, and the fruit was put on, Mary Ann re-appeared in a high state ofgiggle, bearing a large watermelon; Silas followed with another; andDan brought up the rear with a third. One was placed before each of thethree guilty lads; and they read on the smooth green skins this additionto their own work, "With the compliments of the PIG. " Every one elseread it also, and the whole table was in a roar, for the trick had beenwhispered about; so every one understood the sequel. Emil, Ned, and Tommy did not know where to look, and had not a word to say forthemselves; so they wisely joined in the laugh, cut up the melons, andhanded them round, saying, what all the rest agreed to, that Stuffy hadtaken a wise and merry way to return good for evil. 

Dan had no garden, for he was away or lame the greater part of thesummer; so he had helped Silas wherever he could, chopped wood for Asia, and taken care of the lawn so well, that Mrs. Jo always had smooth pathsand nicely shaven turf before her door. 

When the others got in their crops, he looked sorry that he had solittle to show; but as autumn went on, he bethought himself of awoodland harvest which no one would dispute with him, and which waspeculiarly his own. Every Saturday he was away alone to the forests, fields, and hills, and always came back loaded with spoils; for heseemed to know the meadows where the best flag-root grew, the thicketwhere the sassafras was spiciest, the haunts where the squirrels wentfor nuts, the white oak whose bark was most valuable, and the littlegold-thread vine that Nursey liked to cure the canker with. All sorts ofsplendid red and yellow leaves did Dan bring home for Mrs. Jo to dressher parlor with, graceful-seeded grasses, clematis tassels, downy, soft, yellow wax-work berries, and mosses, red-brimmed, white, or emeraldgreen. 

"I need not sigh for the woods now, because Dan brings the woods to me, "Mrs. Jo used to say, as she glorified the walls with yellow maple boughsand scarlet woodbine wreaths, or filled her vases with russet ferns, hemlock sprays full of delicate cones, and hardy autumn flowers; forDan's crop suited her well. 

The great garret was full of the children's little stores and for a timewas one of the sights of the house. Daisy's flower seeds in neat littlepaper bags, all labelled, lay in a drawer of a three-legged table. Nan's herbs hung in bunches against the wall, filling the air with theiraromatic breath. Tommy had a basket of thistle-down with the tiny seedsattached, for he meant to plant them next year, if they did not all flyaway before that time. Emil had bunches of pop-corn hanging there todry, and Demi laid up acorns and different sorts of grain for the pets. But Dan's crop made the best show, for fully one half of the floor wascovered with the nuts he brought. All kinds were there, for he rangedthe woods for miles round, climbed the tallest trees, and forced his wayinto the thickest hedges for his plunder. Walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and beechnuts lay in separate compartments, getting brown, and dry, andsweet, ready for winter revels. 

There was one butternut-tree on the place, and Rob and Teddy called ittheirs. It bore well this year, and the great dingy nuts came droppingdown to hide among the dead leaves, where the busy squirrels found thembetter than the lazy Bhaers. Their father had told them (the boys, notthe squirrels) they should have the nuts if they would pick them up, butno one was to help. It was easy work, and Teddy liked it, only he soongot tired, and left his little basket half full for another day. But theother day was slow to arrive, and, meantime, the sly squirrels were hardat work, scampering up and down the old elm-trees stowing the nuts awaytill their holes were full, then all about the crotches of the boughs, to be removed at their leisure. Their funny little ways amused the boys, till one day Silas said, "Hev you sold them nuts to the squirrels?"

"No, " answered Rob, wondering what Silas meant. 

"Wal, then, you'd better fly round, or them spry little fellers won'tleave you none. "

"Oh, we can beat them when we begin. There are such lots of nuts weshall have a plenty. "

"There ain't many more to come down, and they have cleared the groundpretty well, see if they hain't. "

Robby ran to look, and was alarmed to find how few remained. He calledTeddy, and they worked hard all one afternoon, while the squirrels saton the fence and scolded. 

"Now, Ted, we must keep watch, and pick up just as fast as they fall, orwe shan't have more than a bushel, and every one will laugh at us if wedon't. "

"The naughty quillies tarn't have 'em. I'll pick fast and run and put'em in the barn twick, " said Teddy, frowning at little Frisky, whochattered and whisked his tail indignantly. 

That night a high wind blew down hundreds of nuts, and when Mrs. Jo cameto wake her little sons, she said, briskly, "Come, my laddies, the squirrels are hard at it, and you will have towork well to-day, or they will have every nut on the ground. "

"No, they won't, " and Robby tumbled up in a great hurry, gobbled hisbreakfast, and rushed out to save his property. 

Teddy went too, and worked like a little beaver, trotting to and frowith full and empty baskets. Another bushel was soon put away in thecorn-barn, and they were scrambling among the leaves for more nuts whenthe bell rang for school. 

"O father! let me stay out and pick. Those horrid squirrels will havemy nuts if you don't. I'll do my lessons by and by, " cried Rob, runninginto the school-room, flushed and tousled by the fresh cold wind and hiseager work. 

"If you had been up early and done a little every morning there would beno hurry now. I told you that, Rob, and you never minded. I cannot havethe lessons neglected as the work has been. The squirrels will get morethan their share this year, and they deserve it, for they have workedbest. You may go an hour earlier, but that is all, " and Mr. Bhaer ledRob to his place where the little man dashed at his books as if bent onmaking sure of the precious hour promised him. 

It was almost maddening to sit still and see the wind shaking down thelast nuts, and the lively thieves flying about, pausing now and then toeat one in his face, and flirt their tails, as if they said, saucily, "We'll have them in spite of you, lazy Rob. " The only thing thatsustained the poor child in this trying moment was the sight ofTeddy working away all alone. It was really splendid the pluck andperseverance of the little lad. He picked and picked till his backached; he trudged to and fro till his small legs were tired; and hedefied wind, weariness, and wicked "quillies, " till his mother lefther work and did the carrying for him, full of admiration for the kindlittle fellow who tried to help his brother. When Rob was dismissed, hefound Teddy reposing in the bushel-basket quite used up, but unwillingto quit the field; for he flapped his hat at the thieves with one grubbylittle hand, while he refreshed himself with the big apple held in theother. 

Rob fell to work and the ground was cleared before two o'clock, the nutssafely in the corn-barn loft, and the weary workers exulted in theirsuccess. But Frisky and his wife were not to be vanquished so easily;and when Rob went up to look at his nuts a few days later he was amazedto see how many had vanished. None of the boys could have stolen them, because the door had been locked; the doves could not have eaten them, and there were no rats about. There was great lamentation among theyoung Bhaers till Dick said, "I saw Frisky on the roof of the corn-barn, may be he took them. "

"I know he did! I'll have a trap, and kill him dead, " cried Rob, disgusted with Frisky's grasping nature. 

"Perhaps if you watch, you can find out where he puts them, and I maybe able to get them back for you, " said Dan, who was much amused by thefight between the boys and squirrels. 

So Rob watched and saw Mr. And Mrs. Frisky drop from the drooping elmboughs on to the roof of the corn-barn, dodge in at one of the littledoors, much to the disturbance of the doves, and come out with a nut ineach mouth. So laden they could not get back the way they came, butran down the low roof, along the wall, and leaping off at a corner theyvanished a minute and re-appeared without their plunder. Rob ran to theplace, and in a hollow under the leaves he found a heap of the stolenproperty hidden away to be carried off to the holes by and by. 

"Oh, you little villains! I'll cheat you now, and not leave one, " saidRob. So he cleared the corner and the corn-barn, and put the contestednuts in the garret, making sure that no broken window-pane couldanywhere let in the unprincipled squirrels. They seemed to feel that thecontest was over, and retired to their hole, but now and then could notresist throwing down nut-shells on Rob's head, and scolding violentlyas if they could not forgive him nor forget that he had the best of thebattle. 

Father and Mother Bhaer's crop was of a different sort, and not soeasily described; but they were satisfied with it, felt that theirsummer work had prospered well, and by and by had a harvest that madethem very happy. 

CHAPTER XIX. JOHN BROOKE

"Wake up, Demi, dear! I want you. "

"Why, I've just gone to bed; it can't be morning yet;" and Demi blinkedlike a little owl as he waked from his first sound sleep. 

"It's only ten, but your father is ill, and we must go to him. O mylittle John! my poor little John!" and Aunt Jo laid her head down onthe pillow with a sob that scared sleep from Demi's eyes and filled hisheart with fear and wonder; for he dimly felt why Aunt Jo called him"John, " and wept over him as if some loss had come that left him poor. He clung to her without a word, and in a minute she was quite steadyagain, and said, with a tender kiss as she saw his troubled face, "We are going to say good-by to him, my darling, and there is no time tolose; so dress quickly and come to me in my room. I must go to Daisy. "

"Yes, I will;" and when Aunt Jo was gone, little Demi got up quietly, dressed as if in a dream, and leaving Tommy fast asleep went awaythrough the silent house, feeling that something new and sorrowful wasgoing to happen something that set him apart from the other boys fora time, and made the world seem as dark and still and strange as thosefamiliar rooms did in the night. A carriage sent by Mr. Laurie stoodbefore the door. Daisy was soon ready, and the brother and sister heldeach other by the hand all the way into town, as they drove swiftly andsilently with aunt and uncle through the shadowy roads to say good-by tofather. 

None of the boys but Franz and Emil knew what had happened, and whenthey came down next morning, great was their wonderment and discomfort, for the house seemed forlorn without its master and mistress. Breakfastwas a dismal meal with no cheery Mrs. Jo behind the teapots; and whenschool-time came, Father Bhaer's place was empty. They wandered about ina disconsolate kind of way for an hour, waiting for news and hoping itwould be all right with Demi's father, for good John Brooke was muchbeloved by the boys. Ten o'clock came, and no one arrived to relievetheir anxiety. They did not feel like playing, yet the time draggedheavily, and they sat about listless and sober. All at once, Franz gotup, and said, in his persuasive way, "Look here, boys! let's go into school and do our lessons just as ifUncle was here. It will make the day go faster, and will please him, Iknow. "

"But who will hear us say them?" asked Jack. 

"I will; I don't know much more than you do, but I'm the oldest here, and I'll try to fill Uncle's place till he comes, if you don't mind. "

Something in the modest, serious way Franz said this impressed the boys, for, though the poor lad's eyes were red with quiet crying for UncleJohn in that long sad night, there was a new manliness about him, as ifhe had already begun to feel the cares and troubles of life, and triedto take them bravely. 

"I will, for one, " and Emil went to his seat, remembering that obedienceto his superior officer is a seaman's first duty. 

The others followed; Franz took his uncle's seat, and for an hourorder reigned. Lessons were learned and said, and Franz made a patient, pleasant teacher, wisely omitting such lessons as he was not equal to, and keeping order more by the unconscious dignity that sorrow gave himthan by any words of his own. The little boys were reading when a stepwas heard in the hall, and every one looked up to read the news in Mr. Bhaer's face as he came in. The kind face told them instantly that Demihad no father now, for it was worn and pale, and full of tender grief, which left him no words with which to answer Rob, as he ran to him, saying, reproachfully, "What made you go and leave me in the night, papa?"

The memory of the other father who had left his children in the night, never to return, made Mr. Bhaer hold his own boy close, and, for aminute, hide his face in Robby's curly hair. Emil laid his head downon his arms, Franz, went to put his hand on his uncle's shoulder, hisboyish face pale with sympathy and sorrow, and the others sat so stillthat the soft rustle of the falling leaves outside was distinctly heard. 

Rob did not clearly understand what had happened, but he hated to seepapa unhappy, so he lifted up the bent head, and said, in his chirpylittle voice, "Don't cry, mein Vater! we were all so good, we did our lessons, withoutyou, and Franz was the master. "

Mr. Bhaer looked up then, tried to smile, and said in a grateful tonethat made the lads feel like saints, "I thank you very much, my boys. It was a beautiful way to help and comfort me. I shall not forget it, Iassure you. "

"Franz proposed it, and was a first-rate master, too, " said Nat; and theothers gave a murmur of assent most gratifying to the young dominie. 

Mr. Bhaer put Rob down, and, standing up, put his arm round his tallnephew's shoulder, as he said, with a look of genuine pleasure, "This makes my hard day easier, and gives me confidence in you all. Iam needed there in town, and must leave you for some hours. I thoughtto give you a holiday, or send some of you home, but if you like to stayand go on as you have begun, I shall be glad and proud of my good boys. "

"We'll stay;" "We'd rather;" "Franz can see to us;" cried several, delighted with the confidence shown in them. 

"Isn't Marmar coming home?" asked Rob, wistfully; for home without"Marmar" was the world without the sun to him. 

"We shall both come to-night; but dear Aunt Meg needs Mother more thanyou do now, and I know you like to lend her for a little while. "

"Well, I will; but Teddy's been crying for her, and he slapped Nursey, and was dreadful naughty, " answered Rob, as if the news might bringmother home. 

"Where is my little man?" asked Mr. Bhaer. 

"Dan took him out, to keep him quiet. He's all right now, " said Franz, pointing to the window, through which they could see Dan drawing baby inhis little wagon, with the dogs frolicking about him. 

"I won't see him, it would only upset him again; but tell Dan I leaveTeddy in his care. You older boys I trust to manage yourselves for aday. Franz will direct you, and Silas is here to over see matters. Sogood-by till to-night. "

"Just tell me a word about Uncle John, " said Emil, detaining Mr. Bhaer, as he was about hurrying away again. 

"He was only ill a few hours, and died as he has lived, so cheerfully, so peacefully, that it seems a sin to mar the beauty of it with anyviolent or selfish grief. We were in time to say good-by: and Daisy andDemi were in his arms as he fell asleep on Aunt Meg's breast. No morenow, I cannot bear it, " and Mr. Bhaer went hastily away quite bowed withgrief, for in John Brooke he had lost both friend and brother, and therewas no one left to take his place. 

All that day the house was very still; the small boys played quietly inthe nursery; the others, feeling as if Sunday had come in the middleof the week, spent it in walking, sitting in the willow, or among theirpets, all talking much of "Uncle John, " and feeling that somethinggentle, just, and strong, had gone out of their little world, leaving asense of loss that deepened every hour. At dusk, Mr. And Mrs. Bhaer camehome alone, for Demi and Daisy were their mother's best comfort now, and could not leave her. Poor Mrs. Jo seemed quite spent, and evidentlyneeded the same sort of comfort, for her first words, as she came up thestairs, were, "Where is my baby?"

"Here I is, " answered a little voice, as Dan put Teddy into her arms, adding, as she hugged him close, "My Danny tooked tare of me all day, and I was dood. "

Mrs. Jo turned to thank the faithful nurse, but Dan was waving off theboys, who had gathered in the hall to meet her, and was saying, in a lowvoice, "Keep back; she don't want to be bothered with us now. "

"No, don't keep back. I want you all. Come in and see me, my boys. I'veneglected you all day, " and Mrs. Jo held out her hands to them as theygathered round and escorted her into her own room, saying little, butexpressing much by affectionate looks and clumsy little efforts to showtheir sorrow and sympathy. 

"I am so tired, I will lie here and cuddle Teddy, and you shall bring mein some tea, " she said, trying to speak cheerfully for their sakes. 

A general stampede into the dining-room followed, and the supper-tablewould have been ravaged if Mr. Bhaer had not interfered. It was agreedthat one squad should carry in the mother's tea, and another bring itout. The four nearest and dearest claimed the first honor, so Franz borethe teapot, Emil the bread, Rob the milk, and Teddy insisted on carryingthe sugar basin, which was lighter by several lumps when it arrived thanwhen it started. Some women might have found it annoying at such a timeto have boys creaking in and out, upsetting cups and rattling spoons inviolent efforts to be quiet and helpful; but it suited Mrs. Jo, becausejust then her heart was very tender; and remembering that many of herboys were fatherless or motherless, she yearned over them, and foundcomfort in their blundering affection. It was the sort of food that didher more good than the very thick bread-and-butter that they gave her, and the rough Commodore's broken whisper, "Bear up, Aunty, it's a hard blow; but we'll weather it somehow;"cheered her more than the sloppy cup he brought her, full of tea asbitter as if some salt tear of his own had dropped into it on the way. When supper was over, a second deputation removed the tray; and Dansaid, holding out his arms for sleepy little Teddy, "Let me put him to bed, you're so tired, Mother. "

"Will you go with him, lovey?" asked Mrs. Jo of her small lord andmaster, who lay on her arm among the sofa-pillows. 

"Torse I will;" and he was proudly carried off by his faithful bearer. 

"I wish I could do something, " said Nat, with a sigh, as Franz leanedover the sofa, and softly stroked Aunt Jo's hot forehead. 

"You can, dear. Go and get your violin, and play me the sweet littleairs Uncle Teddy sent you last. Music will comfort me better than anything else to-night. "

Nat flew for his fiddle, and, sitting just outside her door, played ashe had never done before, for now his heart was in it, and seemedto magnetize his fingers. The other lads sat quietly upon the steps, keeping watch that no new-comer should disturb the house; Franz lingeredat his post; and so, soothed, served, and guarded by her boys, poor Mrs. Jo slept at last, and forgot her sorrow for an hour. 

Two quiet days, and on the third Mr. Bhaer came in just after school, with a note in his hand, looking both moved and pleased. 

"I want to read you something, boys, " he said; and as they stood roundhim he read this:

"DEAR BROTHER FRITZ, I hear that you do not mean to bring your flocktoday, thinking that I may not like it. Please do. The sight of hisfriends will help Demi through the hard hour, and I want the boys tohear what father says of my John. It will do them good, I know. If theywould sing one of the sweet old hymns you have taught them so well, I should like it better than any other music, and feel that it wasbeautifully suited to the occasion. Please ask them, with my love. 

"MEG. "

"Will you go?" and Mr. Bhaer looked at the lads, who were greatlytouched by Mrs. Brooke's kind words and wishes. 

"Yes, " they answered, like one boy; and an hour later they went awaywith Franz to bear their part in John Brooke's simple funeral. 

The little house looked as quiet, sunny, and home-like as when Megentered it as a bride, ten years ago, only then it was early summer, and rose blossomed everywhere; now it was early autumn, and dead leavesrustled softly down, leaving the branches bare. The bride was a widownow; but the same beautiful serenity shone in her face, and the sweetresignation of a truly pious soul made her presence a consolation tothose who came to comfort her. 

"O Meg! how can you bear it so?" whispered Jo, as she met them at thedoor with a smile of welcome, and no change in her gentle manner, exceptmore gentleness. 

"Dear Jo, the love that has blest me for ten happy years supports mestill. It could not die, and John is more my own than ever, " whisperedMeg; and in her eyes the tender trust was so beautiful and bright, thatJo believed her, and thanked God for the immortality of love like hers. 

They were all there father and mother, Uncle Teddy, and Aunt Amy, oldMr. Laurence, white-haired and feeble now, Mr. And Mrs. Bhaer, withtheir flock, and many friends, come to do honor to the dead. One wouldhave said that modest John Brooke, in his busy, quiet, humble life, had had little time to make friends; but now they seemed to startup everywhere, old and young, rich and poor, high and low; for allunconsciously his influence had made itself widely felt, his virtueswere remembered, and his hidden charities rose up to bless him. Thegroup about his coffin was a far more eloquent eulogy than any Mr. Marchcould utter. There were the rich men whom he had served faithfully foryears; the poor old women whom he cherished with his little store, inmemory of his mother; the wife to whom he had given such happiness thatdeath could not mar it utterly; the brothers and sisters in whose heartshe had made a place for ever; the little son and daughter, who alreadyfelt the loss of his strong arm and tender voice; the young children, sobbing for their kindest playmate, and the tall lads, watching withsoftened faces a scene which they never could forget. A very simpleservice, and very short; for the fatherly voice that had faltered in themarriage-sacrament now failed entirely as Mr. March endeavored to payhis tribute of reverence and love to the son whom he most honored. Nothing but the soft coo of Baby Josy's voice up-stairs broke the longhush that followed the last Amen, till, at a sign from Mr. Bhaer, thewell-trained boyish voices broke out in a hymn, so full of lofty cheer, that one by one all joined in it, singing with full hearts, and findingtheir troubled spirits lifted into peace on the wings of that brave, sweet psalm. 

As Meg listened, she felt that she had done well; for not only did themoment comfort her with the assurance that John's last lullaby was sungby the young voices he loved so well, but in the faces of the boys shesaw that they had caught a glimpse of the beauty of virtue in its mostimpressive form, and that the memory of the good man lying dead beforethem would live long and helpfully in their remembrance. Daisy's headlay in her lap, and Demi held her hand, looking often at her, with eyesso like his father's, and a little gesture that seemed to say, "Don'tbe troubled, mother; I am here;" and all about her were friends to leanupon and love; so patient, pious Meg put by her heavy grief, feelingthat her best help would be to live for others, as her John had done. 

That evening, as the Plumfield boys sat on the steps, as usual, in themild September moonlight, they naturally fell to talking of the event ofthe day. 

Emil began by breaking out, in his impetuous way, "Uncle Fritz is thewisest, and Uncle Laurie the jolliest, but Uncle John was the best; andI'd rather be like him than any man I ever saw. "

"So would I. Did you hear what those gentlemen said to Grandpa to-day? Iwould like to have that said of me when I was dead;" and Franz felt withregret that he had not appreciated Uncle John enough. 

"What did they say?" asked Jack, who had been much impressed by thescenes of the day. 

"Why, one of the partners of Mr. Laurence, where Uncle John has beenever so long, was saying that he was conscientious almost to a fault asa business man, and above reproach in all things. Another gentleman saidno money could repay the fidelity and honesty with which Uncle John hadserved him, and then Grandpa told them the best of all. Uncle John oncehad a place in the office of a man who cheated, and when this man wanteduncle to help him do it, uncle wouldn't, though he was offered a bigsalary. The man was angry and said, 'You will never get on in businesswith such strict principles;' and uncle answered back, 'I never will tryto get on without them, ' and left the place for a much harder and poorerone. "

"Good!" cried several of the boys warmly, for they were in the mood tounderstand and value the little story as never before. 

"He wasn't rich, was he?" asked Jack. 

"No. "

"He never did any thing to make a stir in the world, did he?"

"No. "

"He was only good?"

"That's all;" and Franz found himself wishing that Uncle John had donesomething to boast of, for it was evident that Jack was disappointed byhis replies. 

"Only good. That is all and every thing, " said Mr. Bhaer, who hadoverheard the last few words, and guessed what was going on the minds ofthe lads. 

"Let me tell you a little about John Brooke, and you will see why menhonor him, and why he was satisfied to be good rather than rich orfamous. He simply did his duty in all things, and did it so cheerfully, so faithfully, that it kept him patient and brave, and happy throughpoverty and loneliness and years of hard work. He was a good son, andgave up his own plans to stay and live with his mother while she neededhim. He was a good friend, and taught Laurie much beside his Greek andLatin, did it unconsciously, perhaps, by showing him an example of anupright man. He was a faithful servant, and made himself so valuable tothose who employed him that they will find it hard to fill his place. He was a good husband and father, so tender, wise, and thoughtful, thatLaurie and I learned much of him, and only knew how well he loved hisfamily, when we discovered all he had done for them, unsuspected andunassisted. "

Mr. Bhaer stopped a minute, and the boys sat like statues in themoonlight until he went on again, in a subdued, but earnest voice: "Ashe lay dying, I said to him, 'Have no care for Meg and the little ones;I will see that they never want. ' Then he smiled and pressed my hand, and answered, in his cheerful way, 'No need of that; I have cared forthem. ' And so he had, for when we looked among his papers, all was inorder, not a debt remained; and safely put away was enough to keep Megcomfortable and independent. Then we knew why he had lived so plainly, denied himself so many pleasures, except that of charity, and workedso hard that I fear he shortened his good life. He never asked help forhimself, though often for others, but bore his own burden and workedout his own task bravely and quietly. No one can say a word of complaintagainst him, so just and generous and kind was he; and now, when he isgone, all find so much to love and praise and honor, that I am proud tohave been his friend, and would rather leave my children the legacy heleaves his than the largest fortune ever made. Yes! Simple, generousgoodness is the best capital to found the business of this life upon. Itlasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take outof this world with us. Remember that, my boys; and if you want to earnrespect and confidence and love follow in the footsteps of John Brooke. "

When Demi returned to school, after some weeks at home, he seemed tohave recovered from his loss with the blessed elasticity of childhood, and so he had in a measure; but he did not forget, for his was a natureinto which things sank deeply, to be pondered over, and absorbed intothe soil where the small virtues were growing fast. He played andstudied, worked and sang, just as before, and few suspected any change;but there was one and Aunt Jo saw it for she watched over the boy withher whole heart, trying to fill John's place in her poor way. He seldomspoke of his loss, but Aunt Jo often heard a stifled sobbing in thelittle bed at night; and when she went to comfort him, all his cry was, "I want my father! oh, I want my father!" for the tie between the twohad been a very tender one, and the child's heart bled when it wasbroken. But time was kind to him, and slowly he came to feel that fatherwas not lost, only invisible for a while, and sure to be found again, well and strong and fond as ever, even though his little son should seethe purple asters blossom on his grave many, many times before they met. To this belief Demi held fast, and in it found both help and comfort, because it led him unconsciously through a tender longing for the fatherwhom he had seen to a childlike trust in the Father whom he had notseen. Both were in heaven, and he prayed to both, trying to be good forlove of them. 

The outward change corresponded to the inward, for in those few weeksDemi seemed to have grown tall, and began to drop his childish plays, not as if ashamed of them, as some boys do, but as if he had outgrownthem, and wanted something manlier. He took to the hated arithmetic, and held on so steadily that his uncle was charmed, though he could notunderstand the whim, until Demi said, "I am going to be a bookkeeper when I grow up, like papa, and I mustknow about figures and things, else I can't have nice, neat ledgers likehis. "

At another time he came to his aunt with a very serious face, and said

"What can a small boy do to earn money?"

"Why do you ask, my deary?"

"My father told me to take care of mother and the little girls, and Iwant to, but I don't know how to begin. "

"He did not mean now, Demi, but by and by, when you are large. "

"But I wish to begin now, if I can, because I think I ought to make somemoney to buy things for the family. I am ten, and other boys no biggerthan I earn pennies sometimes. "

"Well, then, suppose you rake up all the dead leaves and cover thestrawberry bed. I'll pay you a dollar for the job, " said Aunt Jo. 

"Isn't that a great deal? I could do it in one day. You must be fair, and no pay too much, because I want to truly earn it. "

"My little John, I will be fair, and not pay a penny too much. Don'twork too hard; and when that is done I will have something else for youto do, " said Mrs. Jo, much touched by his desire to help, and his senseof justice, so like his scrupulous father. 

When the leaves were done, many barrowloads of chips were wheeled fromthe wood to the shed, and another dollar earned. Then Demi helpedcover the schoolbooks, working in the evenings under Franz's direction, tugging patiently away at each book, letting no one help, and receivinghis wages with such satisfaction that the dingy bills became quiteglorified in his sight. 

"Now, I have a dollar for each of them, and I should like to takemy money to mother all myself, so she can see that I have minded myfather. "

So Demi made a duteous pilgrimage to his mother, who received his littleearnings as a treasure of great worth, and would have kept it untouched, if Demi had not begged her to buy some useful thing for herself and thewomen-children, whom he felt were left to his care. 

This made him very happy, and, though he often forgot hisresponsibilities for a time, the desire to help was still there, strengthening with his years. He always uttered the words "my father"with an air of gentle pride, and often said, as if he claimed a titlefull of honor, "Don't call me Demi any more. I am John Brooke now. "So, strengthened by a purpose and a hope, the little lad of ten bravelybegan the world, and entered into his inheritance, the memory of a wiseand tender father, the legacy of an honest name. 

CHAPTER XX. ROUND THE FIRE

With the October frosts came the cheery fires in the great fireplaces;and Demi's dry pine-chips helped Dan's oak-knots to blaze royally, andgo roaring up the chimney with a jolly sound. All were glad to gatherround the hearth, as the evenings grew longer, to play games, read, orlay plans for the winter. But the favorite amusement was story-telling, and Mr. And Mrs. Bhaer were expected to have a store of lively talesalways on hand. Their supply occasionally gave out, and then the boyswere thrown upon their own resources, which were not always successful. Ghost-parties were the rage at one time; for the fun of the thingconsisted in putting out the lights, letting the fire die down, and thensitting in the dark, and telling the most awful tales they could invent. As this resulted in scares of all sorts among the boys, Tommy's walkingin his sleep on the shed roof, and a general state of nervousness inthe little ones, it was forbidden, and they fell back on more harmlessamusements. 

One evening, when the small boys were snugly tucked in bed, and theolder lads were lounging about the school-room fire, trying to decidewhat they should do, Demi suggested a new way of settling the question. 

Seizing the hearth-brush, he marched up and down the room, saying, "Row, row, row;" and when the boys, laughing and pushing, had got into line, he said, "Now, I'll give you two minutes to think of a play. " Franz waswriting, and Emil reading the Life of Lord Nelson, and neither joinedthe party, but the others thought hard, and when the time was up wereready to reply. 

"Now, Tom!" and the poker softly rapped him on the head. 

"Blind-man's Buff. "

"Jack!"

"Commerce; a good round game, and have cents for the pool. "

"Uncle forbids our playing for money. Dan, what do you want?"

"Let's have a battle between the Greeks and Romans. "

"Stuffy?"

"Roast apples, pop corn, and crack nuts. "

"Good! good!" cried several; and when the vote was taken, Stuffy'sproposal carried the day. 

Some went to the cellar for apples, some to the garret for nuts, andothers looked up the popper and the corn. 

"We had better ask the girls to come in, hadn't we?" said Demi, in asudden fit of politeness. 

"Daisy pricks chestnuts beautifully, " put in Nat, who wanted his littlefriend to share the fun. 

"Nan pops corn tip-top, we must have her, " added Tommy. 

"Bring in your sweethearts then, we don't mind, " said Jack, who laughedat the innocent regard the little people had for one another. 

"You shan't call my sister a sweetheart; it is so silly!" cried Demi, ina way that made Jack laugh. 

"She is Nat's darling, isn't she, old chirper?"

"Yes, if Demi don't mind. I can't help being fond of her, she is so goodto me, " answered Nat, with bashful earnestness, for Jack's rough waysdisturbed him. 

"Nan is my sweetheart, and I shall marry her in about a year, so don'tyou get in the way, any of you, " said Tommy, stoutly; for he and Nanhad settled their future, child-fashion, and were to live in the willow, lower down a basket for food, and do other charmingly impossible things. 

Demi was quenched by the decision of Bangs, who took him by the arm andwalked him off to get the ladies. Nan and Daisy were sewing with Aunt Joon certain small garments, for Mrs. Carney's newest baby. 

"Please, ma'am, could you lend us the girls for a little while? We'llbe very careful of them, " said Tommy, winking one eye to express apples, snapping his fingers to signify pop-corn, and gnashing his teeth toconvey the idea of nut-cracking. 

The girls understood this pantomime at once, and began to pull oftheir thimbles before Mrs. Jo could decide whether Tommy was goinginto convulsions or was brewing some unusual piece of mischief. Demiexplained with elaboration, permission was readily granted, and the boysdeparted with their prize. 

"Don't you speak to Jack, " whispered Tommy, as he and Nan promenadeddown the hall to get a fork to prick the apples. 

"Why not?"

"He laughs at me, so I don't wish you to have any thing to do with him. "

"Shall, if I like, " said Nan, promptly resenting this prematureassumption of authority on the part of her lord. 

"Then I won't have you for my sweetheart. "

"I don't care. "

"Why, Nan, I thought you were fond of me!" and Tommy's voice was full oftender reproach. 

"If you mind Jack's laughing I don't care for you one bit. "

"Then you may take back your old ring; I won't wear it any longer;" andTommy plucked off a horsehair pledge of affection which Nan had givenhim in return for one made of a lobster's feeler. 

"I shall give it to Ned, " was her cruel reply; for Ned liked Mrs. Giddy-gaddy, and had turned her clothespins, boxes, and spools enough toset up housekeeping with. 

Tommy said, "Thunder turtles!" as the only vent equal to the pent-upanguish of the moment, and, dropping Nan's arm, retired in high dudgeon, leaving her to follow with the fork, a neglect which naughty Nanpunished by proceeding to prick his heart with jealousy as if it wereanother sort of apple. 

The hearth was swept, and the rosy Baldwins put down to roast. A shovelwas heated, and the chestnuts danced merrily upon it, while the cornpopped wildly in its wire prison. Dan cracked his best walnuts, andevery one chattered and laughed, while the rain beat on the window-paneand the wind howled round the house. 

"Why is Billy like this nut?" asked Emil, who was frequently inspiredwith bad conundrums. 

"Because he is cracked, " answered Ned. 

"That's not fair; you mustn't make fun of Billy, because he can't hitback again. It's mean, " cried Dan, smashing a nut wrathfully. 

"To what family of insects does Blake belong?" asked peacemaker Franz, seeing that Emil looked ashamed and Dan lowering. 

"Gnats, " answered Jack. 

"Why is Daisy like a bee?" cried Nat, who had been wrapt in thought forseveral minutes. 

"Because she is queen of the hive, " said Dan. 

"No. "

"Because she is sweet. "

"Bees are not sweet. "

"Give it up. "

"Because she makes sweet things, is always busy, and likes flowers, "said Nat, piling up his boyish compliments till Daisy blushed like arosy clover. 

"Why is Nan like a hornet?" demanded Tommy, glowering at her, andadding, without giving any one time to answer, "Because she isn't sweet, makes a great buzzing about nothing, and stings like fury. "

"Tommy's mad, and I'm glad, " cried Ned, as Nan tossed her head andanswered quickly, "What thing in the china-closet is Tom like?"

"A pepper pot, " answered Ned, giving Nan a nut meat with a tantalizinglaugh that made Tommy feel as if he would like to bounce up like a hotchestnut and hit somebody. 

Seeing that ill-humor was getting the better of the small supply of witin the company, Franz cast himself into the breach again. 

"Let's make a law that the first person who comes into the room shalltell us a story. No matter who it is, he must do it, and it will be funto see who comes first. "

The others agreed, and did not have to wait long, for a heavy step sooncame clumping through the hall, and Silas appeared, bearing an armfulof wood. He was greeted by a general shout, and stood staring about himwith a bewildered grin on his big red face, till Franz explained thejoke. 

"Sho! I can't tell a story, " he said, putting down his load andpreparing to leave the room. But the boys fell upon him, forced him intoa seat, and held him there, laughing, and clamoring for their story, till the good-natured giant was overpowered. 

"I don't know but jest one story, and that's about a horse, " he said, much flattered by the reception he received. 

"Tell it! tell it!" cried the boys. 

"Wal, " began Silas, tipping his chair back against the wall, andputting his thumbs in the arm-holes of his waistcoat, "I jined a cavalryregiment durin' the war, and see a consid'able amount of fightin'. Myhorse, Major, was a fust-rate animal, and I was as fond on him asef he'd ben a human critter. He warn't harnsome, but he was thebest-tempered, stiddyest, lovenest brute I ever see. I fust battle wewent into, he gave me a lesson that I didn't forgit in a hurry, andI'll tell you how it was. It ain't no use tryin' to picter the noise andhurry, and general horridness of a battle to you young fellers, for Iain't no words to do it in; but I'm free to confess that I got so sortof confused and upset at the fust on it, that I didn't know what I wasabout. We was ordered to charge, and went ahead like good ones, neverstoppin' to pick up them that went down in the scrimmage. I got a shotin the arm, and was pitched out of the saddle don't know how, but thereI was left behind with two or three others, dead and wounded, for therest went on, as I say. Wal, I picked myself up and looked round forMajor, feeling as ef I'd had about enough for that spell. I didn't seehim nowhere, and was kinder walking back to camp, when I heard a whinnythat sounded nateral. I looked round, and there was Major stopping forme a long way off, and lookin' as ef he didn't understand why I wasloiterin' behind. I whistled, and he trotted up to me as I'd trained himto do. I mounted as well as I could with my left arm bleedin' and wasfor going on to camp, for I declare I felt as sick and wimbly as awoman; folks often do in their fust battle. But, no sir! Major was thebravest of the two, and he wouldn't go, not a peg; he jest rared up, anddanced, and snorted, and acted as ef the smell of powder and the noisehad drove him half wild. I done my best, but he wouldn't give in, soI did; and what do you think that plucky brute done? He wheeled slapround, and galloped back like a hurricane, right into the thickest ofthe scrimmage!"

"Good for him!" cried Dan excitedly, while the other boys forgot applesand nuts in their interest. 

"I wish I may die ef I warn't ashamed of myself, " continued Silas, warming up at the recollection of that day. "I was mad as a hornet, andI forgot my waound, and jest pitched in, rampagin' raound like fury tillthere come a shell into the midst of us, and in bustin' knocked a lotof us flat. I didn't know nothin' for a spell, and when I come-to, thefight was over just there, and I found myself layin' by a wall of poorMajor long-side wuss wounded than I was. My leg was broke, and I had aball in my shoulder, but he, poor old feller! was all tore in the sidewith a piece of that blasted shell. "

"O Silas! what did you do?" cried Nan, pressing close to him with a facefull of eager sympathy and interest. 

"I dragged myself nigher, and tried to stop the bleedin' with sech ragsas I could tear off of me with one hand. But it warn't no use, and helay moanin' with horrid pain, and lookin' at me with them lovin' eyes ofhis, till I thought I couldn't bear it. I give him all the help I could, and when the sun got hotter and hotter, and he began to lap out histongue, I tried to get to a brook that was a good piece away, but Icouldn't do it, being stiff and faint, so I give it up and fanned himwith my hat. Now you listen to this, and when you hear folks comin' downon the rebs, you jest remember what one on 'em did, and give him creditof it. I poor feller in gray laid not fur off, shot through the lungsand dyin' fast. I'd offered him my handkerchief to keep the sun off hisface, and he'd thanked me kindly, for in sech times as that men don'tstop to think on which side they belong, but jest buckle-to and help oneanother. When he see me mournin' over Major and tryin' to ease his pain, he looked up with his face all damp and white with sufferin', and sezhe, 'There's water in my canteen; take it, for it can't help me, ' and heflung it to me. I couldn't have took it ef I hadn't had a little brandyin a pocket flask, and I made him drink it. It done him good, and I feltas much set up as if I'd drunk it myself. It's surprisin' the good sechlittle things do folks sometime;" and Silas paused as if he felt againthe comfort of that moment when he and his enemy forgot their feud, andhelped one another like brothers. 

"Tell about Major, " cried the boys, impatient for the catastrophe. 

"I poured the water over his poor pantin' tongue, and ef ever a dumbcritter looked grateful, he did then. But it warn't of much use, forthe dreadful waound kep on tormentin' him, till I couldn't bear it anylonger. It was hard, but I done it in mercy, and I know he forgive me. "

"What did you do?" asked Emil, as Silas stopped abruptly with a loud"hem, " and a look in his rough face that made Daisy go and stand by himwith her little hand on his knee. 

"I shot him. "

Quite a thrill went through the listeners as Silas said that, forMajor seemed a hero in their eyes, and his tragic end roused all theirsympathy. 

"Yes, I shot him, and put him out of his misery. I patted him fust, andsaid, 'Good-by;' then I laid his head easy on the grass, give a lastlook into his lovin' eyes, and sent a bullet through his head. He hardlystirred, I aimed so true, and when I seen him quite still, with no moremoanin' and pain, I was glad, and yet wal, I don't know as I need byashamed on't I jest put my arms raound his neck and boo-hooed like agreat baby. Sho! I didn't know I was sech a fool;" and Silas drew hissleeve across his eyes, as much touched by Daisy's sob, as by the memoryof faithful Major. 

No one spoke for a minute, because the boys were as quick to feel thepathos of the little story as tender-hearted Daisy, though they did notshow it by crying. 

"I'd like a horse like that, " said Dan, half-aloud. 

"Did the rebel man die, too?" asked Nan, anxiously. 

"Not then. We laid there all day, and at night some of our fellers cameto look after the missing ones. They nat'rally wanted to take me fust, but I knew I could wait, and the rebel had but one chance, maybe, so Imade them carry him off right away. He had jest strength enough to holdout his hand to me and say, 'Thanky, comrade!' and them was the lastwords he spoke, for he died an hour after he got to the hospital-tent. "

"How glad you must have been that you were kind to him!" said Demi, whowas deeply impressed by this story. 

"Wal, I did take comfort thinkin' of it, as I laid there alone for anumber of hours with my head on Major's neck, and see the moon come up. I'd like to have buried the poor beast decent, but it warn't possible;so I cut off a bit of his mane, and I've kep it ever sence. Want to seeit, sissy?"

"Oh, yes, please, " answered Daisy, wiping away her tears to look. 

Silas took out an old "wallet" as he called his pocket-book, andproduced from an inner fold a bit of brown paper, in which was a roughlock of white horse-hair. The children looked at it silently, as it layin the broad palm, and no one found any thing to ridicule in the loveSilas bore his good horse Major. 

"That is a sweet story, and I like it, though it did make me cry. Thankyou very much, Si, " and Daisy helped him fold and put away his littlerelic; while Nan stuffed a handful of pop-corn into his pocket, and theboys loudly expressed their flattering opinions of his story, feelingthat there had been two heroes in it. 

He departed, quite overcome by his honors, and the little conspiratorstalked the tale over, while they waited for their next victim. It wasMrs. Jo, who came in to measure Nan for some new pinafores she wasmaking for her. They let her get well in, and then pounced upon her, telling her the law, and demanding the story. Mrs. Jo was very muchamused at the new trap, and consented at once, for the sound of happyvoices had been coming across the hall so pleasantly that she quitelonged to join them, and forget her own anxious thoughts of Sister Meg. 

"Am I the first mouse you have caught, you sly pussies-in-boots?"she asked, as she was conducted to the big chair, supplied withrefreshments, and surrounded by a flock of merry-faced listeners. 

They told her about Silas and his contribution, and she slapped herforehead in despair, for she was quite at her wits' end, being calledupon so unexpectedly for a bran new tale. 

"What shall I tell about?" she said. 

"Boys, " was the general answer. 

"Have a party in it, " said Daisy. 

"And something good to eat, " added Stuffy. 

"That reminds me of a story, written years ago, by a dear old lady. Iused to be very fond of it, and I fancy you will like it, for it hasboth boys, and 'something good to eat' in it. "

"What is it called?" asked Demi. 

"'The Suspected Boy. '"

Nat looked up from the nuts he was picking, and Mrs. Jo smiled at him, guessing what was in his mind. 

"Miss Crane kept a school for boys in a quiet little town, and a verygood school it was, of the old-fashioned sort. Six boys lived in herhouse, and four or five more came in from the town. Among those wholived with her was one named Lewis White. Lewis was not a bad boy, butrather timid, and now and then he told a lie. One day a neighbor sentMiss Crane a basket of gooseberries. There were not enough to go round, so kind Miss Crane, who liked to please her boys, went to work and madea dozen nice little gooseberry tarts. "

"I'd like to try gooseberry tarts. I wonder if she made them as I domy raspberry ones, " said Daisy, whose interest in cooking had latelyrevived. 

"Hush, " said Nat, tucking a plump pop-corn into her mouth to silenceher, for he felt a particular interest in this tale, and thought itopened well. 

"When the tarts were done, Miss Crane put them away in the best parlorcloset, and said not a word about them, for she wanted to surprise theboys at tea-time. When the minute came and all were seated at table, shewent to get her tarts, but came back looking much troubled, for what doyou think had happened?"

"Somebody had hooked them!" cried Ned. 

"No, there they were, but some one had stolen all the fruit out ofthem by lifting up the upper crust and then putting it down after thegooseberry had been scraped out. "

"What a mean trick!" and Nan looked at Tommy, as if to imply that hewould do the same. 

"When she told the boys her plan and showed them the poor littlepatties all robbed of their sweetness, the boys were much grieved anddisappointed, and all declared that they knew nothing about the matter. 'Perhaps the rats did it, ' said Lewis, who was among the loudest to denyany knowledge of the tarts. 'No, rats would have nibbled crust and all, and never lifted it up and scooped out the fruit. Hands did that, ' saidMiss Crane, who was more troubled about the lie that some one must havetold than about her lost patties. Well, they had supper and went to bed, but in the night Miss Crane heard some one groaning, and going tosee who it was she found Lewis in great pain. He had evidently eatensomething that disagreed with him, and was so sick that Miss Crane wasalarmed, and was going to send for the doctor, when Lewis moaned out, 'It's the gooseberries; I ate them, and I must tell before I die, ' forthe thought of a doctor frightened him. 'If that is all, I'll give youan emetic and you will soon get over it, ' said Miss Crane. So Lewis hada good dose, and by morning was quite comfortable. 'Oh, don't tell theboys; they will laugh at me so, ' begged the invalid. Kind Miss Cranepromised not to, but Sally, the girl, told the story, and poor Lewis hadno peace for a long time. His mates called him Old Gooseberry, and werenever tired of asking him the price of tarts. "

"Served him right, " said Emil. 

"Badness always gets found out, " added Demi, morally. 

"No, it don't, " muttered Jack, who was tending the apples with greatdevotion, so that he might keep his back to the rest and account for hisred face. 

"Is that all?" asked Dan. 

"No, that is only the first part; the second part is more interesting. Some time after this a peddler came by one day and stopped to show histhings to the boys, several of whom bought pocket-combs, jew's-harps, and various trifles of that sort. Among the knives was a littlewhite-handled penknife that Lewis wanted very much, but he had spent allhis pocket-money, and no one had any to lend him. He held the knife inhis hand, admiring and longing for it, till the man packed up his goodsto go, then he reluctantly laid it down, and the man went on his way. The next day, however, the peddler returned to say that he could notfind that very knife, and thought he must have left it at Miss Crane's. It was a very nice one with a pearl handle, and he could not affordto lose it. Every one looked, and every one declared they knew nothingabout it. 'This young gentleman had it last, and seemed to want it verymuch. Are you quite sure you put it back?' said the man to Lewis, whowas much troubled at the loss, and vowed over and over again that he didreturn it. His denials seemed to do no good, however, for every one wassure he had taken it, and after a stormy scene Miss Crane paid for it, and the man went grumbling away. "

"Did Lewis have it?" cried Nat, much excited. 

"You will see. Now poor Lewis had another trial to bear, for the boyswere constantly saying, 'Lend me your pearl-handled knife, Gooseberry, 'and things of that sort, till Lewis was so unhappy he begged to be senthome. Miss Crane did her best to keep the boys quiet, but it was hardwork, for they would tease, and she could not be with them all thetime. That is one of the hardest things to teach boys; they won't 'hita fellow when he is down, ' as they say, but they will torment him inlittle ways till he would thank them to fight it out all round. "

"I know that, " said Dan. 

"So do I, " added Nat, softly. 

Jack said nothing, but he quite agreed; for he knew that the elder boysdespised him, and let him alone for that very reason. 

"Do go on about poor Lewis, Aunt Jo. I don't believe he took the knife, but I want to be sure, " said Daisy, in great anxiety. 

"Well, week after week went on and the matter was not cleared up. The boys avoided Lewis, and he, poor fellow, was almost sick with thetrouble he had brought upon himself. He resolved never to tell anotherlie, and tried so hard that Miss Crane pitied and helped him, and reallycame at last to believe that he did not take the knife. Two months afterthe peddler's first visit, he came again, and the first thing he saidwas, "'Well, ma'am, I found that knife after all. It had slipped behind thelining of my valise, and fell out the other day when I was putting in anew stock of goods. I thought I'd call and let you know, as you paid forit, and maybe would like it, so here it is. '"

"The boys had all gathered round, and at these words they felt muchashamed, and begged Lewis' pardon so heartily that he could not refuseto give it. Miss Crane presented the knife to him, and he kept it manyyears to remind him of the fault that had brought him so much trouble. "

"I wonder why it is that things you eat on the sly hurt you, and don'twhen you eat them at table, " observed Stuffy, thoughtfully. 

"Perhaps your conscience affects your stomach, " said Mrs. Jo, smiling athis speech. 

"He is thinking of the cucumbers, " said Ned, and a gale of merrimentfollowed the words, for Stuffy's last mishap had been a funny one. 

He ate two large cucumbers in private, felt very ill, and confidedhis anguish to Ned, imploring him to do something. Ned good-naturedlyrecommended a mustard plaster and a hot flat iron to the feet; only inapplying these remedies he reversed the order of things, and put theplaster on the feet, the flat iron on the stomach, and poor Stuffy wasfound in the barn with blistered soles and a scorched jacket. 

"Suppose you tell another story, that was such an interesting one, " saidNat, as the laughter subsided. 

Before Mrs. Jo could refuse these insatiable Oliver Twists, Rob walkedinto the room trailing his little bed-cover after him, and wearingan expression of great sweetness as he said, steering straight to hismother as a sure haven of refuge, "I heard a great noise, and I thought sumfin dreffle might havehappened, so I came to see. "

"Did you think I would forget you, naughty boy?" asked his mother, trying to look stern. 

"No; but I thought you'd feel better to see me right here, " respondedthe insinuating little party. 

"I had much rather see you in bed, so march straight up again, Robin. "

"Everybody that comes in here has to tell a story, and you can't soyou'd better cut and run, " said Emil. 

"Yes, I can! I tell Teddy lots of ones, all about bears and moons, andlittle flies that say things when they buzz, " protested Rob, bound tostay at any price. 

"Tell one now, then, right away, " said Dan, preparing to shoulder andbear him off. 

"Well, I will; let me fink a minute, " and Rob climbed into his mother'slap, where he was cuddled, with the remark

"It is a family failing, this getting out of bed at wrong times. Demiused to do it; and as for me, I was hopping in and out all night long. Meg used to think the house was on fire, and send me down to see, and Iused to stay and enjoy myself, as you mean to, my bad son. "

"I've finked now, " observed Rob, quite at his ease, and eager to win theentree into this delightful circle. 

Every one looked and listened with faces full of suppressed merriment asRob, perched on his mother's knee and wrapped in the gay coverlet, toldthe following brief but tragic tale with an earnestness that made itvery funny:

"Once a lady had a million children, and one nice little boy. She wentup-stairs and said, 'You mustn't go in the yard. ' But he wented, andfell into the pump, and was drowned dead. "

"Is that all?" asked Franz, as Rob paused out of breath with thisstartling beginning. 

"No, there is another piece of it, " and Rob knit his downy eyebrows inthe effort to evolve another inspiration. 

"What did the lady do when he fell into the pump?" asked his mother, tohelp him on. 

"Oh, she pumped him up, and wrapped him in a newspaper, and put him on ashelf to dry for seed. "

A general explosion of laughter greeted this surprising conclusion, andMrs. Jo patted the curly head, as she said, solemnly, "My son, you inherit your mother's gift of story-telling. Go where glorywaits thee. "

"Now I can stay, can't I? Wasn't it a good story?" cried Rob, in highfeather at his superb success. 

"You can stay till you have eaten these twelve pop-corns, " said hismother, expecting to see them vanish at one mouthful. 

But Rob was a shrewd little man, and got the better of her by eatingthem one by one very slowly, and enjoying every minute with all hismight. 

"Hadn't you better tell the other story, while you wait for him?" saidDemi, anxious that no time should be lost. 

"I really have nothing but a little tale about a wood-box, " said Mrs. Jo, seeing that Rob had still seven corns to eat. 

"Is there a boy in it?"

"It is all boy. "

"Is it true?" asked Demi. 

"Every bit of it. "

"Goody! tell on, please. "

"James Snow and his mother lived in a little house, up in New Hampshire. They were poor, and James had to work to help his mother, but he lovedbooks so well he hated work, and just wanted to sit and study all daylong. "

"How could he! I hate books, and like work, " said Dan, objecting toJames at the very outset. 

"It takes all sorts of people to make a world; workers and students bothare needed, and there is room for all. But I think the workers shouldstudy some, and the students should know how to work if necessary, "answered Mrs. Jo, looking from Dan to Demi with a significantexpression. 

"I'm sure I do work, " and Demi showed three small hard spots in hislittle palm, with pride. 

"And I'm sure I study, " added Dan, nodding with a groan toward theblackboard full of neat figures. 

"See what James did. He did not mean to be selfish, but his mother wasproud of him, and let him do as he liked, working by herself that hemight have books and time to read them. One autumn James wanted to goto school, and went to the minister to see if he would help him, aboutdecent clothes and books. Now the minister had heard the gossip aboutJames's idleness, and was not inclined to do much for him, thinkingthat a boy who neglected his mother, and let her slave for him, wasnot likely to do very well even at school. But the good man felt moreinterested when he found how earnest James was, and being rather an oddman, he made this proposal to the boy, to try now sincere he was. 

"'I will give you clothes and books on one condition, James. '

"'What is that, sir?' and the boy brightened up at once. 

"'You are to keep your mother's wood-box full all winter long, and doit yourself. If you fail, school stops. ' James laughed at the queercondition and readily agreed to it, thinking it a very easy one. 

"He began school, and for a time got on capitally with the wood-box, for it was autumn, and chips and brushwood were plentiful. He ran outmorning and evening and got a basket full, or chopped up the cat sticksfor the little cooking stove, and as his mother was careful and saving, the task was not hard. But in November the frost came, the days weredull and cold, and wood went fast. His mother bought a load with her ownearnings, but it seemed to melt away, and was nearly gone, before Jamesremembered that he was to get the next. Mrs. Snow was feeble and lamewith rheumatism, and unable to work as she had done, so James had to putdown the books, and see what he could do. 

"It was hard, for he was going on well, and so interested in hislessons that he hated to stop except for food and sleep. But he knew theminister would keep his word, and much against his will James set aboutearning money in his spare hours, lest the wood-box should get empty. He did all sorts of things, ran errands, took care of a neighbor's cow, helped the old sexton dust and warm the church on Sundays, and in theseways got enough to buy fuel in small quantities. But it was hard work;the days were short, the winter was bitterly cold, and precious timewent fast, and the dear books were so fascinating, that it was sad toleave them, for dull duties that never seemed done. 

"The minister watched him quietly, and seeing that he was in earnesthelped him without his knowledge. He met him often driving the woodsleds from the forest, where the men were chopping and as James ploddedbeside the slow oxen, he read or studied, anxious to use every minute. 'The boy is worth helping, this lesson will do him good, and when hehas learned it, I will give him an easier one, ' said the ministerto himself, and on Christmas eve a splendid load of wood was quietlydropped at the door of the little house, with a new saw and a bit ofpaper, saying only, "'The Lord helps those who help themselves. '

"Poor James expected nothing, but when he woke on that cold Christmasmorning, he found a pair of warm mittens, knit by his mother, with herstiff painful fingers. This gift pleased him very much, but her kissand tender look as she called him her 'good son, ' was better still. Intrying to keep her warm, he had warmed his own heart, you see, andin filling the wood-box he had also filled those months with dutiesfaithfully done. He began to see this, to feel that there was somethingbetter than books, and to try to learn the lessons God set him, as wellas those his school-master gave. 

"When he saw the great pile of oak and pine logs at his door, and readthe little paper, he knew who sent it, and understood the minister'splan; thanked him for it, and fell to work with all his might. Otherboys frolicked that day, but James sawed wood, and I think of allthe lads in the town the happiest was the one in the new mittens, whowhistled like a blackbird as he filled his mother's wood-box. "

"That's a first rater!" cried Dan, who enjoyed a simple matter-of-facestory better than the finest fairy tale; "I like that fellow after all. "

"I could saw wood for you, Aunt Jo!" said Demi, feeling as if a newmeans of earning money for his mother was suggested by the story. 

"Tell about a bad boy. I like them best, " said Nan. 

"You'd better tell about a naughty cross-patch of a girl, " said Tommy, whose evening had been spoilt by Nan's unkindness. It made his appletaste bitter, his pop-corn was insipid, his nuts were hard to crack, andthe sight of Ned and Nan on one bench made him feel his life a burden. 

But there were no more stories from Mrs. Jo, for on looking down at Robhe was discovered to be fast asleep with his last corn firmly clasped inhis chubby hand. Bundling him up in his coverlet, his mother carried himaway and tucked him up with no fear of his popping out again. 

"Now let's see who will come next, " said Emil, setting the doortemptingly ajar. 

Mary Ann passed first, and he called out to her, but Silas had warnedher, and she only laughed and hurried on in spite of their enticements. Presently a door opened, and a strong voice was heard humming in thehall, "Ich weiss nicht was soll es bedeuten Dass ich so traurig bin. "

"It's Uncle Fritz; all laugh loud and he will be sure to come in, " saidEmil. 

A wild burst of laughter followed, and in came Uncle Fritz, asking, "What is the joke, my lads?"

"Caught! caught! you can't go out till you've told a story, " cried theboys, slamming the door. 

"So! that is the joke then? Well, I have no wish to go, it is sopleasant here, and I pay my forfeit at once, " which he did by sittingdown and beginning instantly, "A long time ago your Grandfather, Demi, went to lecture in a greattown, hoping to get some money for a home for little orphans thatsome good people were getting up. His lecture did well, and he put aconsiderable sum of money in his pocket, feeling very happy about it. Ashe was driving in a chaise to another town, he came to a lonely bit ofroad, late in the afternoon, and was just thinking what a good place itwas for robbers when he saw a bad-looking man come out of the woodsin front of him and go slowly along as if waiting till he came up. Thethought of the money made Grandfather rather anxious, and at first hehad a mind to turn round and drive away. But the horse was tired, andthen he did not like to suspect the man, so he kept on, and when he gotnearer and saw how poor and sick and ragged the stranger looked, hisheart reproached him, and stopping, he said in a kind voice, "'My friend, you look tired; let me give you a lift. ' The man seemedsurprised, hesitated a minute, and then got in. He did not seem inclinedto talk, but Grandfather kept on in his wise, cheerful way, speaking ofwhat a hard year it had been, how much the poor had suffered, and howdifficult it was to get on sometimes. The man slowly softened a little, and won by the kind chat, told his story. How he had been sick, couldget no work, had a family of children, and was almost in despair. Grandfather was so full of pity that he forgot his fear, and, asking theman his name, said he would try to get him work in the next town, as hehad friends there. Wishing to get at pencil and paper to write down theaddress, Grandfather took out his plump pocket-book, and the minute hedid so, the man's eye was on it. Then Grandfather remembered what was init and trembled for his money, but said quietly, "'Yes, I have a little sum here for some poor orphans. I wish it was myown, I would so gladly give you some of it. I am not rich, but I knowmany of the trials of the poor; this five dollars is mine, and I want togive it to you for your children. '

"The hard, hungry look in the man's eyes changed to a grateful one as hetook the small sum, freely given, and left the orphans' money untouched. He rode on with Grandfather till they approached the town, then he askedto be set down. Grandpa shook hands with him, and was about to drive on, when the man said, as if something made him, 'I was desperate when wemet, and I meant to rob you, but you were so kind I couldn't do it. Godbless you, sir, for keeping me from it!'"

"Did Grandpa ever see him again?" asked Daisy, eagerly. 

"No; but I believe the man found work, and did not try robbery anymore. "

"That was a curious way to treat him; I'd have knocked him down, " saidDan. 

"Kindness is always better than force. Try it and see, " answered Mr. Bhaer, rising. 

"Tell another, please, " cried Daisy. 

"You must, Aunt Jo did, " added Demi. 

"Then I certainly won't, but keep my others for next time. Too manytales are as bad as too many bonbons. I have paid my forfeit and I go, "and Mr. Bhaer ran for his life, with the whole flock in full pursuit. Hehad the start, however, and escaped safely into his study, leaving theboys to go rioting back again. 

They were so stirred up by the race that they could not settle to theirformer quiet, and a lively game of Blindman's Buff followed, in whichTommy showed that he had taken the moral of the last story to heart, for, when he caught Nan, he whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry I calledyou a cross-patch. "

Nan was not to be outdone in kindness, so, when they played "Button, button, who's got the button?" and it was her turn to go round, shesaid, "Hold fast all I give you, " with such a friendly smile at Tommy, that he was not surprised to find the horse-hair ring in his handinstead of the button. He only smiled back at her then, but when theywere going to bed, he offered Nan the best bite of his last apple; shesaw the ring on his stumpy little finger, accepted the bite, and peacewas declared. Both were ashamed of the temporary coldness, neither wasashamed to say, "I was wrong, forgive me, " so the childish friendshipremained unbroken, and the home in the willow lasted long, a pleasantlittle castle in the air. 

CHAPTER XXI. THANKSGIVING

This yearly festival was always kept at Plumfield in the goodold-fashioned way, and nothing was allowed to interfere with it. Fordays beforehand, the little girls helped Asia and Mrs. Jo in store-roomand kitchen, making pies and puddings, sorting fruit, dusting dishes, and being very busy and immensely important. The boys hovered on theoutskirts of the forbidden ground, sniffing the savory odors, peepingin at the mysterious performances, and occasionally being permitted totaste some delicacy in the process of preparation. 

Something more than usual seemed to be on foot this year, for the girlswere as busy up-stairs as down, so were the boys in school-room andbarn, and a general air of bustle pervaded the house. There was a greathunting up of old ribbons and finery, much cutting and pasting of goldpaper, and the most remarkable quantity of straw, gray cotton, flannel, and big black beads, used by Franz and Mrs. Jo. Ned hammered at strangemachines in the workshop, Demi and Tommy went about murmuring tothemselves as if learning something. A fearful racket was heard inEmil's room at intervals, and peals of laughter from the nursery whenRob and Teddy were sent for and hidden from sight whole hours at a time. But the thing that puzzled Mr. Bhaer the most was what became of Rob'sbig pumpkin. It had been borne in triumph to the kitchen, where a dozengolden-tinted pies soon after appeared. It would not have taken morethan a quarter of the mammoth vegetable to make them, yet where was therest? It disappeared, and Rob never seemed to care, only chuckled whenit was mentioned, and told his father, "To wait and see, " for the fun ofthe whole thing was to surprise Father Bhaer at the end, and not let himknow a bit about what was to happen. 

He obediently shut eyes, ears, and mouth, and went about trying notto see what was in plain sight, not to hear the tell-tale sounds thatfilled the air, not to understand any of the perfectly transparentmysteries going on all about him. Being a German, he loved these simpledomestic festivals, and encouraged them with all his heart, for theymade home so pleasant that the boys did not care to go elsewhere forfun. 

When at last the day came, the boys went off for a long walk, that theymight have good appetites for dinner; as if they ever needed them! Thegirls remained at home to help set the table, and give last touches tovarious affairs which filled their busy little souls with anxiety. Theschool-room had been shut up since the night before, and Mr. Bhaer wasforbidden to enter it on pain of a beating from Teddy, who guarded thedoor like a small dragon, though he was dying to tell about it, andnothing but his father's heroic self-denial in not listening, kept himfrom betraying a grand secret. 

"It's all done, and it's perfectly splendid, " cried Nan, coming out atlast with an air of triumph. 

"The you know goes beautifully, and Silas knows just what to do now, "added Daisy, skipping with delight at some unspeakable success. 

"I'm blest if it ain't the 'cutest thing I ever see, them critters inparticular, " said Silas, who had been let into the secret, went offlaughing like a great boy. 

"They are coming; I hear Emil roaring 'Land lubbers lying down below, 'so we must run and dress, " cried Nan, and up-stairs they scampered in agreat hurry. 

The boys came trooping home with appetites that would have made the bigturkey tremble, if it had not been past all fear. They also retired todress; and for half-an-hour there was a washing, brushing, and prinkingthat would have done any tidy woman's heart good to see. When the bellrang, a troop of fresh-faced lads with shiny hair, clean collars, andSunday jackets on, filed into the dining-room, where Mrs. Jo, in herone black silk, with a knot of her favorite white chrysanthemums in herbosom, sat at the head of the table, "looking splendid, " as the boyssaid, whenever she got herself up. Daisy and Nan were as gay as a posybed in their new winter dresses, with bright sashes and hair ribbons. Teddy was gorgeous to behold in a crimson merino blouse, and his bestbutton boots, which absorbed and distracted him as much as Mr. Toot'swristbands did on one occasion. 

As Mr. And Mrs. Bhaer glanced at each other down the long table, withthose rows of happy faces on either side, they had a little thanksgivingall to themselves, and without a word, for one heart said to the other, "Our work has prospered, let us be grateful and go on. "

The clatter of knives and forks prevented much conversation for a fewminutes, and Mary Ann with an amazing pink bow in her hair "flew round"briskly, handing plates and ladling out gravy. Nearly every one hadcontributed to the feast, so the dinner was a peculiarly interestingones to the eaters of it, who beguiled the pauses by remarks on theirown productions. 

"If these are not good potatoes I never saw any, " observed Jack, as hereceived his fourth big mealy one. 

"Some of my herbs are in the stuffing of the turkey, that's why it's sonice, " said Nan, taking a mouthful with intense satisfaction. 

"My ducks are prime any way; Asia said she never cooked such fat ones, "added Tommy. 

"Well, our carrots are beautiful, ain't they, and our parsnips willbe ever so good when we dig them, " put in Dick, and Dolly murmured hisassent from behind the bone he was picking. 

"I helped make the pies with my pumpkin, " called out Robby, with a laughwhich he stopped by retiring into his mug. 

"I picked some of the apples that the cider is made of, " said Demi. 

"I raked the cranberries for the sauce, " cried Nat. 

"I got the nuts, " added Dan, and so it went on all round the table. 

"Who made up Thanksgiving?" asked Rob, for being lately promoted tojacket and trousers he felt a new and manly interest in the institutionsof his country. 

"See who can answer that question, " and Mr. Bhaer nodded to one or twoof his best history boys. 

"I know, " said Demi, "the Pilgrims made it. "

"What for?" asked Rob, without waiting to learn who the Pilgrims were. 

"I forget, " and Demi subsided. 

"I believe it was because they were starved once, and so when they had agood harvest, they said, 'We will thank God for it, ' and they had a dayand called it Thanksgiving, " said Dan, who liked the story of the bravemen who suffered so nobly for their faith. 

"Good! I didn't think you would remember any thing but natural history, "and Mr. Bhaer tapped gently on the table as applause for his pupil. 

Dan looked pleased; and Mrs. Jo said to her son, "Now do you understandabout it, Robby?"

"No, I don't. I thought pil-grins were a sort of big bird that lived onrocks, and I saw pictures of them in Demi's book. "

"He means penguins. Oh, isn't he a little goosey!" and Demi laid back inhis chair and laughed aloud. 

"Don't laugh at him, but tell him all about it if you can, " said Mrs. Bhaer, consoling Rob with more cranberry sauce for the general smilethat went round the table at his mistake. 

"Well, I will;" and, after a pause to collect his ideas, Demi deliveredthe following sketch of the Pilgrim Fathers, which would have made eventhose grave gentlemen smile if they could have heard it. 

"You see, Rob, some of the people in England didn't like the king, orsomething, so they got into ships and sailed away to this country. Itwas all full of Indians, and bears, and wild creatures, and they livedin forts, and had a dreadful time. "

"The bears?" asked Robby, with interest. 

"No; the Pilgrims, because the Indians troubled them. They hadn't enoughto eat, and they went to church with guns, and ever so many died, andthey got out of the ships on a rock, and it's called Plymouth Rock, andAunt Jo saw it and touched it. The Pilgrims killed all the Indians, and got rich; and hung the witches, and were very good; and some of thegreatest great-grandpas came in the ships. One was the Mayflower; andthey made Thanksgiving, and we have it always, and I like it. Some moreturkey, please. "

"I think Demi will be an historian, there is such order and clearness inhis account of events;" and Uncle Fritz's eyes laughed at Aunt Jo, as hehelped the descendant of the Pilgrims to his third bit of turkey. 

"I thought you must eat as much as ever you could on Thanksgiving. But Franz says you mustn't even then;" and Stuffy looked as if he hadreceived bad news. 

"Franz is right, so mind your knife and fork, and be moderate, or elseyou won't be able to help in the surprise by and by, " said Mrs. Jo. 

"I'll be careful; but everybody does eat lots, and I like it betterthan being moderate, " said Stuffy, who leaned to the popular belief thatThanksgiving must be kept by coming as near apoplexy as possible, andescaping with merely a fit of indigestion or a headache. 

"Now, my 'pilgrims' amuse yourselves quietly till tea-time, for you willhave enough excitement this evening, " said Mrs. Jo, as they rose fromthe table after a protracted sitting, finished by drinking every one'shealth in cider. 

"I think I will take the whole flock for a drive, it is so pleasant;then you can rest, my dear, or you will be worn out this evening, " addedMr. Bhaer; and as soon as coats and hats could be put on, the greatomnibus was packed full, and away they went for a long gay drive, leaving Mrs. Jo to rest and finish sundry small affairs in peace. 

An early and light tea was followed by more brushing of hair and washingof hands; then the flock waited impatiently for the company to come. Only the family was expected; for these small revels were strictlydomestic, and such being the case, sorrow was not allowed to sadden thepresent festival. All came; Mr. And Mrs. March, with Aunt Meg, so sweetand lovely, in spite of her black dress and the little widow's cap thatencircled her tranquil face. Uncle Teddy and Aunt Amy, with the Princesslooking more fairy-like than ever, in a sky-blue gown, and a greatbouquet of hot-house flowers, which she divided among the boys, stickingone in each button-hole, making them feel peculiarly elegant andfestive. One strange face appeared, and Uncle Teddy led the unknowngentleman up to the Bhaers, saying, "This is Mr. Hyde; he has been inquiring about Dan, and I ventured tobring him to-night, that he might see how much the boy has improved. "

The Bhaers received him cordially, for Dan's sake, pleased that the ladhad been remembered. But, after a few minutes' chat, they were glad toknow Mr. Hyde for his own sake, so genial, simple, and interesting washe. It was pleasant to see the boy's face light up when he caughtsight of his friend; pleasanter still to see Mr. Hyde's surprise andsatisfaction in Dan's improved manners and appearance, and pleasantestof all to watch the two sit talking in a corner, forgetting thedifferences of age, culture, and position, in the one subject whichinterested both, as man and boy compared notes, and told the story oftheir summer life. 

"The performance must begin soon, or the actors will go to sleep, " saidMrs. Jo, when the first greetings were over. 

So every one went into the school-room, and took seats before a curtainmade of two bed-covers. The children had already vanished; but stifledlaughter, and funny little exclamations from behind the curtain, betrayed their whereabouts. The entertainment began with a spiritedexhibition of gymnastics, led by Franz. The six elder lads, in bluetrousers and red shirts, made a fine display of muscle with dumb-bells, clubs, and weights, keeping time to the music of the piano, played byMrs. Jo behind the scenes. Dan was so energetic in this exercise, thatthere was some danger of his knocking down his neighbors, like so manynine-pins, or sending his bean-bags whizzing among the audience; for hewas excited by Mr. Hyde's presence, and a burning desire to do honor tohis teachers. 

"A fine, strong lad. If I go on my trip to South America, in a year ortwo, I shall be tempted to ask you to lend him to me, Mr. Bhaer, " saidMr. Hyde, whose interest in Dan was much increased by the report he hadjust heard of him. 

"You shall have him, and welcome, though we shall miss our youngHercules very much. It would do him a world of good, and I am sure hewould serve his friend faithfully. "

Dan heard both question and answer, and his heart leaped with joy at thethought of travelling in a new country with Mr. Hyde, and swelled withgratitude for the kindly commendation which rewarded his efforts to beall these friends desired to see him. 

After the gymnastics, Demi and Tommy spoke the old school dialogue, "Money makes the mare go. " Demi did very well, but Tommy was capitalas the old farmer; for he imitated Silas in a way that convulsed theaudience, and caused Silas himself to laugh so hard that Asia hadto slap him on the back, as they stood in the hall enjoying the funimmensely. 

Then Emil, who had got his breath by this time, gave them a sea-songin costume, with a great deal about "stormy winds, " "lee shores, " anda rousing chorus of "Luff, boys, luff, " which made the room ring; afterwhich Ned performed a funny Chinese dance, and hopped about like a largefrog in a pagoda hat. As this was the only public exhibition ever heldat Plumfield, a few exercises in lightning-arithmetic, spelling, and reading were given. Jack quite amazed the public by his rapidcalculations on the blackboard. Tommy won in the spelling match, andDemi read a little French fable so well that Uncle Teddy was charmed. 

"Where are the other children?" asked every one as the curtain fell, andnone of the little ones appeared. 

"Oh, that is the surprise. It's so lovely, I pity you because you don'tknow it, " said Demi, who had gone to get his mother's kiss, and stayedby her to explain the mystery when it should be revealed. 

Goldilocks had been carried off by Aunt Jo, to the great amazement ofher papa, who quite outdid Mr. Bhaer in acting wonder, suspense, andwild impatience to know "what was going to happen. "

At last, after much rustling, hammering, and very audible directionsfrom the stage manager, the curtain rose to soft music, and Bess wasdiscovered sitting on a stool beside a brown paper fire-place. A dearerlittle Cinderella was never seen; for the gray gown was very ragged, thetiny shoes all worn, the face so pretty under the bright hair, and theattitude so dejected, it brought tears, as well as smiles, to the fondeyes looking at the baby actress. She sat quite still, till a voicewhispered, "Now!" then she sighed a funny little sigh, and said, "OhI wish I tood go to the ball!" so naturally, that her father clappedfrantically, and her mother called out, "Little darling!" These highlyimproper expressions of feeling caused Cinderella to forget herself, andshake her head at them, saying, reprovingly, "You mustn't 'peak to me. "

Silence instantly prevailed, and three taps were heard on the wall. Cinderella looked alarmed, but before she could remember to say, "Whatis dat?" the back of the brown paper fire-place opened like a door, and, with some difficulty, the fairy godmother got herself and her pointedhat through. It was Nan, in a red cloak, a cap, and a wand, which shewaved as she said decidedly, "You shall go to the ball, my dear. "

"Now you must pull and show my pretty dress, " returned Cinderella, tugging at her brown gown. 

"No, no; you must say, 'How can I go in my rags?'" said the godmother inher own voice. 

"Oh yes, so I mus';" and the Princess said it, quite undisturbed by herforgetfulness. 

"I change your rags into a splendid dress, because you are good, " saidthe godmother in her stage tones; and deliberately unbuttoning the brownpinafore, she displayed a gorgeous sight. 

The little Princess really was pretty enough to turn the heads of anynumber of small princes, for her mamma had dressed her like a tiny courtlady, in a rosy silk train with satin under-skirt, and bits of bouquetshere and there, quite lovely to behold. The godmother put a crown, withpink and white feathers drooping from it, on her head, and gave hera pair of silver paper slippers, which she put on, and then stood up, lifting her skirts to show them to the audience, saying, with pride, "Mydlass ones, ain't they pitty?"

She was so charmed with them, that she was with difficulty recalled toher part, and made to say, "But I have no toach, Dodmother. "

"Behold it!" and Nan waved her wand with such a flourish, that shenearly knocked off the crown of the Princess. 

Then appeared the grand triumph of the piece. First, a rope was seen toflap on the floor, to tighten with a twitch as Emil's voice was heardto say, "Heave, ahoy!" and Silas's gruff one to reply, "Stiddy, now, stiddy!" A shout of laughter followed, for four large gray ratsappeared, rather shaky as to their legs, and queer as to their tails, but quite fine about the head, where black beads shone in the mostlifelike manner. They drew, or were intended to appear as if they did, a magnificent coach made of half the mammoth pumpkin, mounted on thewheels of Teddy's wagon, painted yellow to match the gay carriage. Perched on a seat in front sat a jolly little coachman in a whitecotton-wool wig, cocked hat, scarlet breeches, and laced coat, whocracked a long whip and jerked the red reins so energetically, that thegray steeds reared finely. It was Teddy, and he beamed upon the companyso affably that they gave him a round all to himself; and Uncle Lauriesaid, "If I could find as sober a coachman as that one, I would engagehim on the spot. " The coach stopped, the godmother lifted in thePrincess, and she was trundled away in state, kissing her hand to thepublic, with her glass shoes sticking up in front, and her pink trainsweeping the ground behind, for, elegant as the coach was, I regret tosay that her Highness was rather a tight fit. 

The next scene was the ball, and here Nan and Daisy appeared as gay aspeacocks in all sorts of finery. Nan was especially good as the proudsister, and crushed many imaginary ladies as she swept about thepalace-hall. The Prince, in solitary state upon a somewhat unsteadythrone, sat gazing about him from under an imposing crown, as he playedwith his sword and admired the rosettes in his shoes. When Cinderellacame in he jumped up, and exclaimed, with more warmth than elegance, "My gracious! who is that?" and immediately led the lady out to dance, while the sisters scowled and turned up their noses in the corner. 

The stately jig executed by the little couple was very pretty, for thechildish faces were so earnest, the costumes so gay, and the steps sopeculiar, that they looked like the dainty quaint figures painted ona Watteau fan. The Princess's train was very much in her way, andthe sword of Prince Rob nearly tripped him up several times. But theyovercame these obstacles remarkably well, and finished the dance withmuch grace and spirit, considering that neither knew what the other wasabout. 

"Drop your shoe, " whispered Mrs. Jo's voice as the lady was about to sitdown. 

"Oh, I fordot!" and, taking off one of the silvery slippers, Cinderellaplanted it carefully in the middle of the stage, said to Rob, "Now youmust try and tatch me, " and ran away, while the Prince, picking up theshoe, obediently trotted after her. 

The third scene, as everybody knows, is where the herald comes to tryon the shoe. Teddy, still in coachman's dress, came in blowing a tinfish-horn melodiously, and the proud sisters each tried to put on theslipper. Nan insisted on playing cut off her toe with a carving-knife, and performed that operation so well that the herald was alarmed, andbegged her to be "welly keerful. " Cinderella then was called, and camein with the pinafore half on, slipped her foot into the slipper, andannounced, with satisfaction, "I am the Pinsiss. "

Daisy wept, and begged pardon; but Nan, who liked tragedy, improved uponthe story, and fell in a fainting-fit upon the floor, where she remainedcomfortably enjoying the rest of the play. It was not long, for thePrince ran in, dropped upon his knees, and kissed the hand of Goldilockswith great ardor, while the herald blew a blast that nearly deafened theaudience. The curtain had no chance to fall, for the Princess ran offthe stage to her father, crying, "Didn't I do well?" while the Princeand herald had a fencing-match with the tin horn and wooden sword. 

"It was beautiful!" said every one; and, when the raptures had a littlesubsided, Nat came out with his violin in his hand. 

"Hush! hush!" cried all the children, and silence followed, forsomething in the boy's bashful manner and appealing eyes make every onelisten kindly. 

The Bhaers thought he would play some of the old airs he knew so well, but, to their surprise, they heard a new and lovely melody, so softly, sweetly played, that they could hardly believe it could be Nat. It wasone of those songs without words that touch the heart, and sing of alltender home-like hopes and joys, soothing and cheering those who listento its simple music. Aunt Meg leaned her head on Demi's shoulder, Grandmother wiped her eyes, and Mrs. Jo looked up at Mr. Laurie, saying, in a choky whisper, "You composed that. "

"I wanted your boy to do you honor, and thank you in his own way, "answered Laurie, leaning down to answer her. 

When Nat made his bow and was about to go, he was called back by manyhands, and had to play again. He did so with such a happy face, thatit was good to see him, for he did his best, and gave them the gay oldtunes that set the feet to dancing, and made quietude impossible. 

"Clear the floor!" cried Emil; and in a minute the chairs were pushedback, the older people put safely in corners and the children gatheredon the stage. 

"Show your manners!" called Emil; and the boys pranced up to the ladies, old and young; with polite invitations to "tread the mazy, " as dear DickSwiveller has it. The small lads nearly came to blows for the Princess, but she chose Dick, like a kind, little gentlewoman as she was, and lethim lead her proudly to her place. Mrs. Jo was not allowed to decline;and Aunt Amy filled Dan with unspeakable delight by refusing Franz andtaking him. Of course Nan and Tommy, Nat and Daisy paired off, whileUncle Teddy went and got Asia, who was longing to "jig it, " and feltmuch elated by the honor done her. Silas and Mary Ann had a privatedance in the hall; and for half-an-hour Plumfield was at its merriest. 

The party wound up with a grand promenade of all the young folks, headedby the pumpkin-coach with the Princess and driver inside, and the ratsin a wildly frisky state. 

While the children enjoyed this final frolic, the elders sat in theparlor looking on as they talked together of the little people with theinterest of parents and friends. 

"What are you thinking of, all by yourself, with such a happy face, sister Jo?" asked Laurie, sitting down beside her on the sofa. 

"My summer's work, Teddy, and amusing myself by imagining the future ofmy boys, " she answered, smiling as she made room for him. 

"They are all to be poets, painters, and statesmen, famous soldiers, orat least merchant princes, I suppose. "

"No, I am not as aspiring as I once was, and I shall be satisfied ifthey are honest men. But I will confess that I do expect a little gloryand a career for some of them. Demi is not a common child, and I thinkhe will blossom into something good and great in the best sense of theword. The others will do well, I hope, especially my last two boys, for, after hearing Nat play to-night, I really think he has genius. "

"Too soon to say; talent he certainly has, and there is no doubt thatthe boy can soon earn his bread by the work he loves. Build him up foranother year or so, and then I will take him off your hands, and launchhim properly. "

"That is such a pleasant prospect for poor Nat, who came to me sixmonths ago so friendless and forlorn. Dan's future is already plainto me. Mr. Hyde will want him soon, and I mean to give him a brave andfaithful little servant. Dan is one who can serve well if the wages arelove and confidence, and he has the energy to carve out his own futurein his own way. Yes, I am very happy over our success with these boysone so weak, and one so wild; both so much better now, and so full ofpromise. "

"What magic did you use, Jo?"

"I only loved them, and let them see it. Fritz did the rest. "

"Dear soul! you look as if 'only loving' had been rather hard worksometimes, " said Laurie, stroking her thin cheek with a look of moretender admiration than he had ever given her as a girl. 

"I'm a faded old woman, but I'm a very happy one; so don't pity me, Teddy;" and she glanced about the room with eyes full of a sincerecontent. 

"Yes, your plan seems to work better and better every year, " he said, with an emphatic nod of approval toward the cheery scene before him. 

"How can it fail to work well when I have so much help from you all?"answered Mrs. Jo, looking gratefully at her most generous patron. 

"It is the best joke of the family, this school of yours and itssuccess. So unlike the future we planned for you, and yet so suited toyou after all. It was a regular inspiration, Jo, " said Laurie, dodgingher thanks as usual. 

"Ah! but you laughed at it in the beginning, and still make all mannerof fun of me and my inspirations. Didn't you predict that having girlswith the boys would be a dead failure? Now see how well it works;" andshe pointed to the happy group of lads and lassies dancing, singing, andchattering together with every sign of kindly good fellowship. 

"I give in, and when my Goldilocks is old enough I'll send her to you. Can I say more than that?"

"I shall be so proud to have your little treasure trusted to me. Butreally, Teddy, the effect of these girls has been excellent. I know youwill laugh at me, but I don't mind, I'm used to it; so I'll tell youthat one of my favorite fancies is to look at my family as a smallworld, to watch the progress of my little men, and, lately, to see howwell the influence of my little women works upon them. Daisy is thedomestic element, and they all feel the charm of her quiet, womanlyways. Nan is the restless, energetic, strong-minded one; they admire hercourage, and give her a fair chance to work out her will, seeing thatshe has sympathy as well as strength, and the power to do much in theirsmall world. Your Bess is the lady, full of natural refinement, grace, and beauty. She polishes them unconsciously, and fills her place as anylovely woman may, using her gentle influence to lift and hold them abovethe coarse, rough things of life, and keep them gentlemen in the bestsense of the fine old word. "

"It is not always the ladies who do that best, Jo. It is sometimes thestrong brave woman who stirs up the boy and makes a man of him;" andLaurie bowed to her with a significant laugh. 

"No; I think the graceful woman, whom the boy you allude to married, hasdone more for him than the wild Nan of his youth; or, better still, thewise, motherly woman who watched over him, as Daisy watches over Demi, did more to make him what he is;" and Jo turned toward her mother, whosat a little apart with Meg, looking so full of the sweet dignity andbeauty of old age, that Laurie gave her a glance of filial respect andlove as he replied, in serious earnest, "All three did much for him, and I can understand how well these littlegirls will help your lads. "

"Not more than the lads help them; it is mutual, I assure you. Nat doesmuch for Daisy with his music; Dan can manage Nan better than any ofus; and Demi teaches your Goldilocks so easily and well that Fritz callsthem Roger Ascham and Lady Jane Grey. Dear me! if men and women wouldonly trust, understand, and help one another as my children do, what acapital place the world would be!" and Mrs. Jo's eyes grew absent, as ifshe was looking at a new and charming state of society in which peoplelived as happily and innocently as her flock at Plumfield. 

"You are doing your best to help on the good time, my dear. Continueto believe in it, to work for it, and to prove its possibility by thesuccess of her small experiment, " said Mr. March, pausing as he passedto say an encouraging word, for the good man never lost his faith inhumanity, and still hoped to see peace, good-will, and happiness reignupon the earth. 

"I am not so ambitious as that, father. I only want to give thesechildren a home in which they can be taught a few simple things whichwill help to make life less hard to them when they go out to fight theirbattles in the world. Honesty, courage, industry, faith in God, theirfellow-creatures, and themselves; that is all I try for. "

"That is every thing. Give them these helps, then let them go to workout their life as men and women; and whatever their success or failureis, I think they will remember and bless your efforts, my good son anddaughter. "

The Professor had joined them, and as Mr. March spoke he gave a handto each, and left them with a look that was a blessing. As Jo and herhusband stood together for a moment talking quietly, and feeling thattheir summer work had been well done if father approved, Mr. Laurieslipped into the hall, said a word to the children, and all of a suddenthe whole flock pranced into the room, joined hands and danced aboutFather and Mother Bhaer, singing blithely, "Summer days are over, Summer work is done; Harvests have been gathered Gayly one by one. Now the feast is eaten, Finished is the play; But one rite remains for Our Thanksgiving-day. "Best of all the harvest In the dear God's sight, Are the happy children In the home to-night; And we come to offer Thanks where thanks are due, With grateful hearts and voices, Father, mother, unto you. "

With the last words the circle narrowed till the good Professor and hiswife were taken prisoner by many arms, and half hidden by the bouquet oflaughing young faces which surrounded them, proving that one plant hadtaken root and blossomed beautifully in all the little gardens. For loveis a flower that grows in any soil, works its sweet miracles undauntedby autumn frost or winter snow, blooming fair and fragrant all the year, and blessing those who give and those who receive.