Now , of all things , Mr. Bhaer hated drinking , gambling , and swearing ; smoking he had given up that the lads might not be tempted to try it , and it grieved and angered him deeply to find that the boy , with whom he had tried to be most forbearing , should take advantage of his absence to introduce these forbidden vices , and teach his innocent little lads to think it manly and pleasant to indulge in them . He talked long and earnestly to the assembled boys , and ended by saying , with an air of mingled firmness and regret , `` I think Tommy is punished enough , and that scar on his arm will remind him for a long time to let these things alone . Nat 's fright will do for him , for he is really sorry , and does try to obey me . But you , Dan , have been many times forgiven , and yet it does no good . I can not have my boys hurt by your bad example , nor my time wasted in talking to deaf ears , so you can say good-bye to them all , and tell Nursey to put up your things in my little black bag . '' `` Oh ! sir , where is he going ? '' cried Nat . `` To a pleasant place up in the country , where I sometimes send boys when they do n't do well here . Mr. Page is a kind man , and Dan will be happy there if he chooses to do his best . '' `` Will he ever come back ? '' asked Demi . `` That will depend on himself ; I hope so . '' As he spoke , Mr. Bhaer left the room to write his letter to Mr. Page , and the boys crowded round Dan very much as people do about a man who is going on a long and perilous journey to unknown regions . `` I wonder if you 'll like it , '' began Jack . `` Sha n't stay if I do n't , '' said Dan coolly . `` Where will you go ? '' asked Nat . `` I may go to sea , or out west , or take a look at California , '' answered Dan , with a reckless air that quite took away the breath of the little boys . `` Oh , do n't !
stay with Mr. Page awhile and then come back here ; do , XXXXX , '' pleaded Nat , much affected at the whole affair .
Bhaer California Dan Demi Jack Nat Page Tommy left smoking