over him, because it had seemed a hard task, yet, working on with
a firm belief in the possibility of reformation in far older and
worse subjects than he, there had come this quick and hopeful
change to encourage her. He felt that he had friends now and a
place in the world, something to live and work for, and, though he
said little, all that was best and bravest in a character made old by
a hard experience responded to the love and faith bestowed 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 trout had been seen for years. He was so enchanted with his
splendid success that he insisted on showing his prize to the family
before Asia cooked it 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 of
grasshoppers 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 pass a portion of the night in chasing
“hopper-grasses” round the room. The hunt was soon over, and
having paid the hunters with a few peppermints apiece Ned retired
to make Tommy’s bed.
For an hour the old willow sighed and sung to itself, talked with
the brook, and watched the lengthening shadows as the sun went
down. The first rosy color was touching its graceful branches when
a boy came stealing up the avenue, across the lawn, and, spying
Billy by the brook-side, went to him, saying, in a mysterious tone,
“Go and tell Mr. Bhaer I want to see him down here, please. Don’t
let any 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 the place and hour. In five minutes, Mr. Bhaer appeared, and,
stepping up on the fence, leaned into the nest, saying, kindly,
“I am glad to see you, Jack; but why not come in and meet us all at
once?”
“I wanted to see you first, please, sir. Uncle made me come back. I
know I don’t deserve any thing, but I hope the fellows won’t be
hard upon me.”
Poor Jack did not get on very well, but it was evident that he was
sorry and ashamed, and wanted to be received as easily as
possible; for his Uncle had thrashed him well and scolded him
soundly for following the example he himself set. Jack had begged
not to be sent back, but the school was cheap, and Mr. Ford
insisted, so the boy returned as quietly as possible, and took refuge
behind Mr. Bhaer.
“I hope not, but I can’t answer for them, though I will see that they
are not unjust. I think, as Dan and Nat have suffered so much,
being innocent, you should suffer something, being guilty. Don’t
you?” asked Mr. Bhaer, pitying Jack, yet feeling he deserved
punishment for a fault which 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 do so mean a thing was not brave enough to bear the
consequences well.
“No; I think you should ask pardon of all three boys, openly and
honestly. 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
lesson to 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