I see that ; but his love for us is a safeguard , and we must keep a hold on him till he is older or has a stronger tie to help him . ' Mrs Jo spoke earnestly , for , knowing Dan better than anyone else , she saw that her colt was not thoroughly broken yet , and feared while she hoped , knowing that life would always be hard for one like him . She was sure that before he went away again , in some quiet moment he would give her a glimpse of his inner self , and then she could say the word of warning or encouragement that he needed . So she bided her time , studying him meanwhile , glad to see all that was promising , and quick to detect the harm the world was doing him . She was very anxious to make a success of her ` firebrand ' because others predicted failure ; but having learned that people can not be moulded like clay , she contented herself with the hope that this neglected boy might become a good man , and asked no more . Even that was much to expect , so full was he of wayward impulses , strong passions , and the lawless nature born in him . Nothing held him but the one affection of his life -- the memory of Plumfield , the fear of disappointing these faithful friends , the pride , stronger than principle , that made him want to keep the regard of the mates who always had admired and loved him in spite of all his faults . ` Do n't fret , old dear ; Emil is one of the happy-go-lucky sort who always fall on their legs . I 'll see to Nat , and Dan is in a good way now . Let him take a look at Kansas , and if the farm plan loses its charm , he can fall back on poor Lo , and really do good out there . He 's unusually fitted for that peculiar task and I hope he 'll decide to do it . Fighting oppressors , and befriending the oppressed will keep those dangerous energies of his busy , and the life will suit him better than sheep-folds and wheat-fields . ' ' I hope so . What is that ? ' and Mrs Jo leaned forward to listen , as exclamations from Ted and Josie caught her ear . ' A mustang ! a real , live one ; and we can ride it . Dan , you are a first-class trump ! ' cried the boy . ' A whole Indian dress for me !
Now I can play Namioka , if the boys act Metamora , ' added XXXXX , clapping her hands . '
Dan Emil Josie Kansas Plumfield Ted fall firebrand sheep-folds wheat-fields