`` It was a kind lie , Dan , and I ca n't help forgiving it ; but you see it did no good , '' said Mr. Bhaer , with a hand on either shoulder , and a face full of relief and affection . `` It kept the boys from plaguing Nat . That 's what I did it for . It made him right down miserable . I did n't care so much , '' explained Dan , as if glad to speak out after his hard silence . `` How could you do it ? You are always so kind to me , '' faltered Nat , feeling a strong desire to hug his friend and cry . Two girlish performances , which would have scandalized Dan to the last degree . `` It 's all right now , old fellow , so do n't be a fool , '' he said , swallowing the lump in his throat , and laughing out as he had not done for weeks . `` Does Mrs. Bhaer know ? '' he asked , eagerly . `` Yes ; and she is so happy I do n't know what she will do to you , '' began Mr. Bhaer , but got no farther , for here the boys came crowding about Dan in a tumult of pleasure and curiosity ; but before he had answered more than a dozen questions , a voice cried out , `` Three cheers for Dan ! '' and there was Mrs. Jo in the doorway waving her dish-towel , and looking as if she wanted to dance a jig for joy , as she used to do when a girl . `` Now then , '' cried Mr. Bhaer , and led off a rousing hurrah , which startled Asia in the kitchen , and made old Mr. Roberts shake his head as he drove by , saying , `` Schools are not what they were when I was young ! '' Dan stood it pretty well for a minute , but the sight of Mrs. Jo 's delight upset him , and he suddenly bolted across the hall into the parlor , whither she instantly followed , and neither were seen for half an hour . Mr. Bhaer found it very difficult to calm his excited flock ; and , seeing that lessons were an impossibility for a time , he caught their attention by telling them the fine old story of the friends whose fidelity to one another has made their names immortal . The lads listened and remembered , for just then their hearts were touched by the loyalty of a humbler pair of friends . The lie was wrong , but the love that prompted it and the courage that bore in silence the disgrace which belonged to another , made Dan a hero in their eyes . Honesty and honor had a new meaning now ; a good name was more precious than gold ; for once lost money could not buy it back ; and faith in one another made life smooth and happy as nothing else could do . Tommy proudly restored the name of the firm ; Nat was devoted to Dan ; and all the boys tried to atone to both for former suspicion and neglect .
Mrs. Jo rejoiced over her flock , and Mr. XXXXX was never tired of telling the story of his young Damon and Pythias .
Bhaer Jo Nat Roberts Tommy dish-towel hour minute tumult weeks