I know , burn it ; well , do it , please ; I can bear it . But Ted better go away , ' said Rob , with a firm setting of his lips , and a nod at his afflicted brother . ' I wo n't stir ; I can stand it if he can , only it ought to be me ! ' cried Ted , with a desperate effort not to cry , so full of grief and fear and shame was he that it seemed as if he could n't bear it like a man . ` He 'd better stay and help ; do him good , ' answered Nan sternly , because , her heart was faint within her , knowing as she did all that might be in store for both poor boys . ` Keep quiet ; I 'll be back in a minute , ' she added , going towards the house , while her quick mind hastily planned what was best to be done . It was ironing day , and a hot fire still burned in the empty kitchen , for the maids were upstairs resting . Nan put a slender poker to heat , and as she sat waiting for it , covered her face with her hands , asking help in this sudden need for strength , courage , and wisdom ; for there was no one else to call upon , and young as she was , she knew what was to be done if she only had the nerve to do it . Any other patient would have been calmly interesting , but dear , good Robin , his father 's pride , his mother 's comfort , everyone 's favourite and friend , that he should be in danger was very terrible ; and a few hot tears dropped on the well-scoured table as Nan tried to calm her trouble by remembering how very likely it was to be all a mistake , a natural but vain alarm . ' I must make light of it , or the boys will break down , and then there will be a panic . Why afflict and frighten everyone when all is in doubt ? I wo n't . I 'll take Rob to Dr Morrison at once , and have the dog man see Don . Then , having done all we can , we will either laugh at our scare -- if it is one -- or be ready for whatever comes . Now for my poor boy . ' Armed with the red-hot poker , a pitcher of ice-water , and several handkerchiefs from the clotheshorse , Nan went back to the barn ready to do her best in this her most serious 'em ergency case ' . The boys sat like statues , one of despair , the other of resignation ; and it took all Nan 's boasted nerve to do her work quickly and well . ` Now , Rob , only a minute , then we are safe . Stand by , Ted ; he may be a bit faintish . ' Rob shut his eyes , clinched his hands , and sat like a hero .
XXXXX knelt beside him , white as a sheet , and as weak as a girl ; for the pangs of remorse were rending him , and his heart failed at the thought of all this pain because of his wilfulness .
Don Morrison Nan Rob Robin Ted burn day fire minute