Dan flushed up to his forehead at this unexpected reprieve , but he only said in his gruff way , `` I did n't know there was any rule about bull-fighting . '' `` As I never expected to have any at Plumfield , I never did make such a rule , '' answered Mr. Bhaer , smiling in spite of himself at the boy 's excuse . Then he added gravely , `` But one of the first and most important of our few laws is the law of kindness to every dumb creature on the place . I want everybody and everything to be happy here , to love and trust , and serve us , as we try to love and trust and serve them faithfully and willingly . I have often said that you were kinder to the animals than any of the other boys , and Mrs. Bhaer liked that trait in you very much , because she thought it showed a good heart . But you have disappointed us in that , and we are sorry , for we hoped to make you quite one of us . Shall we try again ? '' Dan 's eyes had been on the floor , and his hands nervously picking at the bit of wood he had been whittling as Mr. Bhaer came in , but when he heard the kind voice ask that question , he looked up quickly , and said in a more respectful tone than he had ever used before , `` Yes , please . '' `` Very well , then , we will say no more , only you will stay at home from the walk to-morrow , as the other boys will and all of you must wait on poor Buttercup till she is well again . '' `` I will . '' `` Now , go down to supper , and do your best , my boy , more for your own sake than for ours . '' Then Mr. Bhaer shook hands with him , and Dan went down more tamed by kindness than he would have been by the good whipping which Asia had strongly recommended . Dan did try for a day or two , but not being used to it , he soon tired and relapsed into his old wilful ways . Mr. Bhaer was called from home on business one day , and the boys had no lessons . They liked this , and played hard till bedtime , when most of them turned in and slept like dormice . Dan , however , had a plan in his head , and when he and Nat were alone , he unfolded it . `` Look here ! '' he said , taking from under his bed a bottle , a cigar , and a pack of cards , `` I 'm going to have some fun , and do as I used to with the fellows in town . Here 's some beer , I got if of the old man at the station , and this cigar ; you can pay for 'em or Tommy will , he 's got heaps of money and I have n't a cent . I 'm going to ask him in ; no , you go , they wo n't mind you . ''
`` The folks wo n't like it , '' began XXXXX .
Bhaer Buttercup Dan Nat Plumfield Tommy bull-fighting day dormice first