`` But I swear sometimes , and might tell him something wrong . I would n't mean 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 innocent and 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 . You are only boys yet ; you can teach one another . Demi will unconsciously strengthen your moral sense , you will strengthen his common sense , and I shall feel as if I had helped you both . '' Words could not express how pleased and touched Dan was by this confidence and praise . No one had ever trusted him before , no one had cared to find out and foster the good in him , and no one had suspected how much there was hidden away in the breast of the neglected boy , going fast to ruin , yet quick to feel and value sympathy and help . No honor that he might earn hereafter would ever be half so precious as the right to teach his few virtues and small store of learning to the child whom he most respected ; and no more powerful restraint could have been imposed upon him than the innocent companion confided to his care . He found 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 . Every thing 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 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 . Do n't let any one hear . ''
XXXXX 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 .
Bangs Billy Dan Dolly Ned Tommy brook-side hopper-grasses pailful stealing