Oh , I could n't ! '' cried Nat . `` Then mind that tripping tongue of thine . I have no wish to be hurt , but I would gladly bear much pain to cure this fault . '' This suggestion made such an impression on Nat , that for a long time he set a watch upon his lips , and was desperately accurate , for Mr. Bhaer judged rightly , that love of him would be more powerful with Nat that fear for himself . But alas ! one sad day Nat was off his guard , and when peppery Emil threatened to thrash him , if it was he who had run over his garden and broken down his best hills of corn , Nat declared he did n't , and then was ashamed to own up that he did do it , when Jack was chasing him the night before . He thought no one would find it out , but Tommy happened to see him , and when Emil spoke of it a day or two later , Tommy gave his evidence , and Mr. Bhaer heard it . School was over , and they were all standing about in the hall , and Mr. Bhaer had just set down on the straw settee to enjoy his frolic with Teddy ; but when he heard Tommy and saw Nat turn scarlet , and look at him with a frightened face , he put the little boy down , saying , `` Go to thy mother , bubchen , I will come soon , '' and taking Nat by the hand led him into the school and shut the door . The boys looked at one another in silence for a minute , then Tommy slipped out and peeping in at the half-closed blinds , beheld a sight that quite bewildered him . Mr. Bhaer had just taken down the long rule that hung over his desk , so seldom used that it was covered with dust . `` My eye ! He 's going to come down heavy on Nat this time . Wish I had n't told , '' thought good-natured Tommy , for to be feruled was the deepest disgrace at this school . `` You remember what I told you last time ? '' said Mr. Bhaer , sorrowfully , not angrily . `` Yes ; but please do n't make me , I ca n't bear it , '' cried Nat , backing up against the door with both hands behind him , and a face full of distress . `` Why do n't he up and take it like a man ? I would , '' thought Tommy , though his heart beat fast at the sight . `` I shall keep my word , and you must remember to tell the truth .
Obey me , XXXXX , take this and give me six good strokes . ''
Bhaer Emil Jack Nat Tommy before bubchen day minute settee