He 's most knocked my head off , '' snarled Jack , holding on to that portion of his frame as if it really was loose upon his shoulders . `` The fact is , we began in fun , but when I got him down I could n't help pounding him . Sorry I hurt you , old fellow , '' explained Dan , looking rather ashamed of himself . `` I understand . The longing to pitch into somebody was so strong you could n't resist . You are a sort of Berserker , Dan , and something to tussle 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 . `` Ca n't help it . So if you do n't want to be pounded you 'd better keep out of the way , '' answered Dan , with a warning look in his black eyes that made Jack sheer off in haste . `` If you want something to wrestle with , I will give you a tougher specimen than Jack , '' said Mr. Bhaer ; and , leading the way to the wood-yard , he pointed out certain roots of trees that had been grubbed up in the spring , and had been lying there waiting to be split . `` There , when you feel inclined to maltreat the boys , just come and work off your energies here , and I 'll thank you for it . '' `` So I will ; '' and , seizing the axe that lay near Dan hauled out a tough root , 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 seen wrestling with the ungainly knots , hat and jacket off , red face , and wrathful 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 he exulted , and marched off to the shed with an armful of gnarled oak-wood in 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 than any one dreamed , for with each blow he worked off some of the pent-up power that would otherwise have been expended in some less harmless way . `` When this is gone I really do n't know what I shall do , '' said Mrs. Jo to herself , for no inspiration came , and she was at the end of her resources . But Dan found a new occupation for himself , and enjoyed it some time before any one discovered the cause of his contentment . A fine young horse of Mr. Laurie 's was kept at Plumfield that summer , running loose in a large pasture across the brook . The boys were all interested in the handsome , spirited creature , and for a time were fond of watching him gallop and frisk with his plumey tail flying , and his handsome head in the air . But they soon got tired of it , and left Prince Charlie to himself . All but Dan , he never tired of looking at the horse , and seldom failed to visit him each day with a lump of sugar , a bit of bread , or an apple to make him welcome . Charlie was grateful , accepted his friendship , and the two loved one another as if they felt some tie between them , inexplicable but strong .
In whatever part of the wide field he might be , XXXXX always came at full speed when Dan whistled at 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 fine eyes full of intelligent affection .
Berserker Charlie Jack Jo Laurie Nat Plumfield day oak-wood wood-yard