As if taking warning by their treatment of Nat , he asked no sympathy of any one , rejected the advances of the boys , and spent his leisure hours roaming about the fields and woods , trying to find playmates in the birds and beasts , and succeeding better than most boys would have done , because he knew and loved them so well . `` If this goes on much longer , I 'm afraid he will run away again , for he is too young to stand a life like this , '' said Mr. Bhaer , quite dejected at the failure of all his efforts . `` A little while ago I should have been quite sure that nothing would tempt him away , but now I am ready of any thing , he is so changed , '' answered poor Mrs. Jo , who mourned over her boy and could not be comforted , because he shunned her more than any one else , and only looked at her with the half-fierce , half-imploring eyes of a wild animal caught in a trap , when she tried to talk to him alone . Nat followed him about like a shadow , and Dan did not repulse him as rudely as he did others , but said , in his blunt way , `` You are all right ; do n't worry about me . I can stand it better than you did . '' `` But I do n't like to have you all alone , '' Nat would say , sorrowfully . `` I like it ; '' and Dan would tramp away , stifling a sigh sometimes , for he was lonely . Passing through the birch grove one day , he came up on several of the boys , who were amusing themselves by climbing up the trees and swinging down again , as they slender elastic stems bent till their tops touched the ground . Dan paused a minute to watch the fun , without offering to join in it , and as he stood there Jack took his turn . He had unfortunately chosen too large a tree ; for when he swung off , it only bent a little way , and left him hanging at a dangerous height . `` Go back ; you ca n't do it ! '' called Ned from below . Jack tried , but the twigs slipped from his hands , and he could not get his legs round the trunk . He kicked , and squirmed , and clutched in vain , then gave it up , and hung breathless , saying helplessly , `` Catch me ! help me ! I must drop ! '' `` You 'll be killed if you do , '' cried Ned , frightened out of his wits . `` Hold on ! '' shouted Dan ; and up the tree he went , crashing his way along till he nearly reached Jack , whose face looked up at him , full of fear and hope . `` You 'll both come down , '' said Ned , dancing with excitement on the slope underneath , while Nat held out his arms , in the wild hope of breaking the fall .
`` That 's what I want ; stand from under , '' answered XXXXX , coolly ; and , as he spoke , his added weight bent the tree many feet nearer the earth .
Bhaer Dan Jo Ned day half-fierce hours left minute right