I will ! '' Then Mr. Bhaer put an arm about him , and said in a tone as compassionate as it had just now been firm : `` I think you will . Ask the dear God to help you , and try to spare us both another scene like this . '' Tommy saw no more , for he crept back to the hall , looking so excited and sober 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 the sky was about to fall , for this reversing the order of things almost took their breath away . `` He made me do the same thing once , '' said Emil , as if confessing a crime of the deepest dye . `` And you hit him ? dear old Father Bhaer ? By thunder , I 'd just like to see you do it now ! '' said Ned , collaring Emil in a fit of righteous wrath . `` It was ever so long ago . I 'd rather have my head cut off than do it now , '' and Emil mildly laid Ned on his back instead of cuffing him , as he would 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 should n't mind a bit , 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 once somehow , and I could n't go on . No sir ! If he 'd laid me down and walked on me , I would n't have minded , I felt so mean , '' and Emil gave himself a good thump in the chest to express his sense of remorse for the past . `` Nat 's crying like anything , and feels no end sorry , so do n't let 's say a word about it ; will we ? '' said tender-hearted Tommy .
`` Of course we wo n't , but it 's awful to tell lies , '' and XXXXX looked as if he found the awfulness much increased when the punishment fell not upon the sinner , but his best Uncle Fritz .
Bhaer Demi Emil Mr. Nat Ned Tommy fall scene tone