It 's that I 'm afraid of , if I settle down . I can get on with wild beasts first-rate ; but men rile me awfully , and I ca n't take it out in a free fight , as I can with a bear or a wolf . Guess I 'd better head for the Rockies , and stay there a spell longer -- till I 'm tame enough for decent folks , if I ever am . ' And Dan leaned his rough head on his hands in a despondent attitude . ` Try my sort of help , and do n't give up . Read more , study a little , and try to meet a better class of people , who wo n't `` rile '' , but soothe and strengthen you . We do n't make you savage , I 'm sure ; for you have been as meek as a lamb , and made us very happy . ' ` Glad of it ; but I 've felt like a hawk in a hen-house all the same , and wanted to pounce and tear more than once . Not so much as I used , though , ' added Dan , after a short laugh at Mrs Jo 's surprised face . ` I 'll try your plan , and keep good company this bout if I can ; but a man ca n't pick and choose , knocking about as I do . ' ` Yes , you can this time ; for you are going on a peaceful errand and can keep clear of temptation if you try . Take some books and read ; that 's an immense help ; and books are always good company if you have the right sort . Let me pick out some for you . ' And Mrs Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves , which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life . ` Give me travels and stories , please ; do n't want any pious works , ca n't seem to relish 'em , and wo n't pretend I do , ' said Dan , following to look over her head with small favour at the long lines of well-worn volumes . Mrs Jo turned short round , and putting a hand on either broad shoulder , looked him in the eye , saying soberly : ` Now , Dan , see here ; never sneer at good things or pretend to be worse than you are . Do n't let false shame make you neglect the religion without which no man can live . You need n't talk about it if you do n't like , but do n't shut your heart to it in whatever shape it comes . Nature is your God now ; she has done much for you ; let her do more , and lead you to know and love a wiser and more tender teacher , friend , and comforter than she can ever be . That is your only hope ; do n't throw it away , and waste time ; for sooner or later you will feel the need of Him , and He will come to you and hold you up when all other help fails . '
XXXXX stood motionless , and let her read in his softened eyes the dumb desire that lived in his heart , though he had no words to tell it , and only permitted her to catch a glimpse of the divine spark which smoulders or burns clearly in every human soul .
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