I do n't drink , or do the things you dread ; do n't care for 'em ; but I get excited , and then this devilish temper of mine is more than I can manage . Fighting a moose or a buffalo is all right ; but when you pitch into a man , no matter how great a scamp he is , you 've got to look out . I shall kill someone some day ; that 's all I 'm afraid of . I do hate a sneak ! ' And Dan brought his fist down on the table with a blow that made the lamp totter and the books skip . ` That always was your trial , Dan , and I can sympathize with you ; for I 've been trying to govern my own temper all my life , and have n't learnt yet , ' said Mrs Jo , with a sigh . ` For heaven 's sake , guard your demon well , and do n't let a moment 's fury ruin all your life . As I said to Nat , watch and pray , my dear boy . There is no other help or hope for human weakness but God 's love and patience . ' Tears were in Mrs Jo 's eyes as she spoke ; for she felt this deeply , and knew how hard a task it is to rule these bosom sins of ours . Dan looked touched , also uncomfortable , as he always did when religion of any sort was mentioned , though he had a simple creed of his own , and tried to live up to it in his blind way . ' I do n't do much praying ; do n't seem to come handy to me ; but I can watch like a redskin , only it 's easier to mount guard over a lurking grizzly than my own cursed temper . 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 XXXXX , after a short laugh at Mrs Jo 's surprised face .
Dan Jo Nat Rockies day hen-house moose redskin right scamp