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 Jo , and gave the boys courage : ` My sons , give us the truth . We can bear it ; do not hold it back to spare us . Ted knows we forgive much because we love him , so be frank , all two . ' Ted instantly dived among the sofa pillows and kept there , with only a pair of scarlet ears visible , while Rob in a few words told the little story , truthfully , but as gently as he could , hastening to add the comfortable assurance that Don was not mad , the wound nearly well , and no danger would ever come of it . But Mrs Jo grew so pale he had to put his arms about her , and his father turned and walked away , exclaiming : ` Ach Himmel ! ' in a tone of such mingled pain , relief , and gratitude , that Ted pulled an extra pillow over his head to smother the sound . They were all right in a minute ; but such news is always a shock , even if the peril is past , and Mrs Jo hugged her boy close till his father came and took him away , saying with a strong shake of both hands and a quiver in his voice : ` To be in danger of one 's life tries a man 's mettle , and you bear it well ; but I can not spare my good boy yet ; thank Gott , we keep him safe ! ' A smothered sound , between a choke and a groan , came from under the pillows , and the writhing of Ted 's long legs so plainly expressed despair that his mother relented towards him , and burrowing till she found a tousled yellow head , pulled it out and smoothed it , exclaiming with an irrepressible laugh , though her cheeks were wet with tears : ` Come and be forgiven , poor sinner ! I know you have suffered enough , and I wo n't say a word ; only if harm had come to Rob you would have made me more miserable than yourself . Oh , Teddy , Teddy , do try to cure that wilful spirit of yours before it is too late ! ' ` Oh , Mum , I do try ! I never can forget this -- I hope it 's cured me ; if it has n't , I am afraid I ai n't worth saving , ' answered Ted , pulling his own hair as the only way of expressing his deep remorse . ` Yes , you are , my dear ; I felt just so at fifteen when Amy was nearly drowned , and Marmee helped me as I 'll help you . Come to me , Teddy , when the evil one gets hold of you , and together we 'll rout him . Ah , me ! I 've had many a tussle with that old Apollyon , and often got worsted , but not always . Come under my shield , and we 'll fight till we win . ' No one spoke for a minute as Ted and his mother laughed and cried in one handkerchief , and Rob stood with his father 's arm round him so happy that all was told and forgiven , though never to be forgotten ; for such experiences do one good , and knit hearts that love more closely together .
Presently XXXXX rose straight up and going to his father , said bravely and humbly : ' I ought to be punished .
Amy Apollyon Don Fritz Gott Rob Ted minute quiver rout