Rob wisely kept silent , fearing to say too much ; but Ted burst out , finding it impossible to help telling something : ` The fact is I 've been finding out what a brave good chap Bobby is , and I 'm trying to make up for all the bother I 've been to him . I knew he was awfully wise , but I thought him rather soft , because he liked books better than larks , and was always fussing about his conscience . But I begin to see that it is n't the fellows who talk the loudest and show off best that are the manliest . No , sir ! quiet old Bob is a hero and a trump , and I 'm proud of him ; so would you be if you knew all about it . ' Here a look from Rob brought Ted up with a round turn ; he stopped short , grew red , and clapped his hand on his mouth in dismay . ` Well , are we not to `` know all about it '' ? ' asked Mrs Jo quickly ; for her sharp eye saw signs of danger and her maternal heart felt that something had come between her and her sons . ` Boys , ' she went on solemnly , ' I suspect that the change we talk about is not altogether the effect of growing up , as we say . It strikes me that Ted has been in mischief and Rob has got him out of some scrape ; hence the lovely mood of my bad boy and the sober one of my conscientious son , who never hides anything from his mother . ' Rob was as red as Ted now , but after a moment 's hesitation he looked up and answered with an air of relief : ` Yes , mother , that 's it ; but it 's all over and no harm done , and I think we 'd better let it be , for a while at least . I did feel guilty to keep anything from you , but now you know so much I shall not worry and you need n't either . Ted 's sorry , I do n't mind , and it has done us both good . ' Mrs Jo looked at Ted , who winked hard but bore the look like a man ; then she turned to Rob , who smiled at her so cheerfully that she felt reassured ; but something in his face struck her , and she saw what it was that made him seem older , graver , yet more lovable than ever . It was the look pain of mind , as well as body , brings , and the patience of a sweet submission to some inevitable trial . Like a flash she guessed that some danger had been near her boy , and the glances she had caught between the two lads and Nan confirmed her fears . ` Rob , dear , you have been ill , hurt , or seriously troubled by Ted ? Tell me at once ; I will not have any secrets now . Boys sometimes suffer all their lives from neglected accidents or carelessness . Fritz , make them speak out ! '
Mr Bhaer put down his papers and came to stand before them , saying in a tone that quieted Mrs XXXXX , and gave the boys courage : ` My sons , give us the truth .
Bob Bobby Fritz Jo Nan Rob Ted accidents mischief son