`` Why not ? '' `` Well , Demi is so kind of precious , and so good , and I 'm such a bad lot , I thought you 'd keep him away from me . '' `` But you are not a ` bad lot , ' as you say ; and I do trust you , Dan , entirely , because you honestly try to improve , and do better and better every week . '' `` Really ? '' and Dan looked up at her with the cloud of despondency lifting from his face . `` Yes ; do n't you feel it ? '' `` I hoped so , but I did n't know . '' `` I have been waiting and watching quietly , for I thought I 'd give you a good trial first ; and if you stood it , I would give you the best reward I had . You have stood it well ; and now I 'm going to trust not only Demi , but my own boy , to you , because you can teach them some things better than any of us . '' `` Can I ? '' and Dan looked amazed at the idea . `` Demi has lived among older people so much that he needs just what you have knowledge of common things , strength , and courage . He thinks you are the bravest boy he ever saw , and admires your strong way of doing things . Then you know a great deal about natural objects , and can tell him more wonderful tales of birds , and bees , and leaves , and animals , than his story-books give him ; and , being true , these stories will teach and do him good . Do n't you see now how much you can help him , and why I like to have him with you ? '' `` 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 .
XXXXX will unconsciously strengthen your moral sense , you will strengthen his common sense , and I shall feel as if I had helped you both . ''
Dan Demi deal devil fellow first people person story-books week