As I said to Nat , watch and pray , my dear boy . There is no other help or hope for human weakness but God 's love and patience . ' Tears were in Mrs Jo 's eyes as she spoke ; for she felt this deeply , and knew how hard a task it is to rule these bosom sins of ours . Dan looked touched , also uncomfortable , as he always did when religion of any sort was mentioned , though he had a simple creed of his own , and tried to live up to it in his blind way . ' I do n't do much praying ; do n't seem to come handy to me ; but I can watch like a redskin , only it 's easier to mount guard over a lurking grizzly than my own cursed temper . It 's that I 'm afraid of , if I settle down . I can get on with wild beasts first-rate ; but men rile me awfully , and I ca n't take it out in a free fight , as I can with a bear or a wolf . Guess I 'd better head for the Rockies , and stay there a spell longer -- till I 'm tame enough for decent folks , if I ever am . ' And Dan leaned his rough head on his hands in a despondent attitude . ` Try my sort of help , and do n't give up . Read more , study a little , and try to meet a better class of people , who wo n't `` rile '' , but soothe and strengthen you . We do n't make you savage , I 'm sure ; for you have been as meek as a lamb , and made us very happy . ' ` Glad of it ; but I 've felt like a hawk in a hen-house all the same , and wanted to pounce and tear more than once . Not so much as I used , though , ' added Dan , after a short laugh at Mrs Jo 's surprised face . ` I 'll try your plan , and keep good company this bout if I can ; but a man ca n't pick and choose , knocking about as I do . ' ` Yes , you can this time ; for you are going on a peaceful errand and can keep clear of temptation if you try . Take some books and read ; that 's an immense help ; and books are always good company if you have the right sort . Let me pick out some for you . ' And Mrs Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves , which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life . ` Give me travels and stories , please ; do n't want any pious works , ca n't seem to relish 'em , and wo n't pretend I do , ' said Dan , following to look over her head with small favour at the long lines of well-worn volumes .
Mrs XXXXX turned short round , and putting a hand on either broad shoulder , looked him in the eye , saying soberly : ` Now , Dan , see here ; never sneer at good things or pretend to be worse than you are .
Dan Jo Nat Rockies bee-line creed hen-house love redskin right