She had decided that baby had been mistaken , and did not even disturb Mr. Bhaer by telling him of the child 's fancy , for the poor man got little time to himself till the boys were abed , and he was busy writing letters . It was past ten when she rose to shut up the house . As she paused a minute to enjoy the lovely scene from the steps , something white caught her eye on one of the hay-cocks scattered over the lawn . The children had been playing there all the afternoon , and , fancying that Nan had left her hat as usual , Mrs. Bhaer went out to get it . But as she approached , she saw that it was neither hat nor handkerchief , but a shirt sleeve with a brown hand sticking out of it . She hurried round the hay-cock , and there lay Dan , fast asleep . Ragged , dirty , thin , and worn-out he looked ; one foot was bare , the other tied up in the old gingham jacket which he had taken from his own back to use as a clumsy bandage for some hurt . He seemed to have hidden himself behind the hay-cock , but in his sleep had thrown out the arm that had betrayed him . He sighed and muttered as if his dreams disturbed him , and once when he moved , he groaned as if in pain , but still slept on quite spent with weariness . `` He must not lie here , '' said Mrs. Bhaer , and stooping over him she gently called his name . He opened his eyes and looked at her , as if she was a part of his dream , for he smiled and said drowsily , `` Mother Bhaer , I 've come home . '' The look , the words , touched her very much , and she put her hand under his head to lift him up , saying in her cordial way , `` I thought you would , and I 'm so glad to see you , Dan . '' He seemed to wake thoroughly then , and started up looking about him as if he suddenly remembered where he was , and doubted even that kind welcome . His face changed , and he said in his old rough way , `` I was going off in the morning . I only stopped to peek in , as I went by . '' `` But why not come in , Dan ? Did n't you hear us call you ? Teddy saw , and cried for you . '' `` Did n't suppose you 'd let me in , '' he said , fumbling with a little bundle which he had taken up as if going immediately . `` Try and see , '' was all Mrs. Bhaer answered , holding out her hand and pointing to the door , where the light shone hospitably .
With a long breath , as if a load was off his mind , Dan took up a stout stick , and began to limp towards the house , but stopped suddenly , to say inquiringly , `` Mr. XXXXX wo n't like it .
Bhaer Dan Nan afternoon hay-cock hay-cocks left minute morning peek