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 Dan , coolly ; and , as he spoke , his added weight bent the tree many feet nearer the earth . Jack dropped safely ; but the birch , lightened of half its load , flew up again so suddenly , that Dan , in the act of swinging round to drop feet foremost , lost his hold and fell heavily . `` I 'm not hurt , all right in a minute , '' he said , sitting up , a little pale and dizzy , as the boys gathered round him , full of admiration and alarm . `` You 're a trump , Dan , and I 'm ever so much obliged to you , '' cried Jack , gratefully .
`` It was n't any thing , '' muttered XXXXX , rising slowly .
Dan Jack Nat Ned day height left minute sigh trump