He brought it back , and as she took it she held the big , brown hand a minute , saying , with a look that showed the words cost her something , `` Well , Dan , run if you must , but do n't run very far ; and come back to me soon , for I want you very much . '' He was rather taken aback by this unexpected permission to play truant , and somehow it seemed to lessen his desire to go . He did not understand why , but Mrs. Jo did , and , knowing the natural perversity of the human mind , counted on it to help her now . She felt instinctively that the more the boy was restrained the more he would fret against it ; but leave him free , and the mere sense of liberty would content him , joined to the knowledge that his presence was dear to those whom he loved best . It was a little experiment , but it succeeded , for Dan stood silent a moment , unconsciously picking the fan to pieces and turning the matter over in his mind . He felt that she appealed to his heart and his honor , and owned that he understood it by saying presently , with a mixture of regret and resolution in his face , `` I wo n't go yet awhile , and I 'll give you fair warning before I bolt . That 's fair , is n't it ? '' `` Yes , we will let it stand so . Now , I want to see if I ca n't find some way for you to work off your steam better than running about the place like a mad dog , spoiling my fans , or fighting with the boys . What can we invent ? '' and while Dan tried to repair the mischief he had done , Mrs. Jo racked her brain for some new device to keep her truant safe until he had learned to love his lessons better . `` How would you like to be my express-man ? '' she said , as a sudden thought popped into her head . `` Go into town , and do the errands ? '' asked Dan , looking interested at once . `` Yes ; Franz is tired of it , Silas can not be spared just now , and Mr. Bhaer has no time . Old Andy is a safe horse , you are a good driver , and know your way about the city as well as a postman . Suppose you try it , and see if it wo n't do most as well to drive away two or three times a week as to run away once a month . '' `` I 'd like it ever so much , only I must go alone and do it all myself . I do n't want any of the other fellows bothering round , '' said Dan , taking to the new idea so kindly that he began to put on business airs already .
`` If Mr. XXXXX does not object you shall have it all your own way .
Andy Bhaer Dan Jo errands express-man minute month perversity week