For an hour the old willow sighed and sung to itself , talked with the brook , and watched the lengthening shadows as the sun went down . The first rosy color was touching its graceful branches when a boy came stealing up the avenue , across the lawn , and , spying Billy by the brook-side , went to him , saying , in a mysterious tone , `` Go and tell Mr. Bhaer I want to see him down here , please . Do n't let any one hear . '' Billy nodded and ran off , while the boy swung himself up into the tree , and sat there looking anxious , yet evidently feeling the charm of the place and hour . In five minutes , Mr. Bhaer appeared , and , stepping up on the fence , leaned into the nest , saying , kindly , `` I am glad to see you , Jack ; but why not come in and meet us all at once ? '' `` I wanted to see you first , please , sir . Uncle made me come back . I know I do n't deserve any thing , but I hope the fellows wo n't be hard upon me . '' Poor Jack did not get on very well , but it was evident that he was sorry and ashamed , and wanted to be received as easily as possible ; for his Uncle had thrashed him well and scolded him soundly for following the example he himself set . Jack had begged not to be sent back , but the school was cheap , and Mr. Ford insisted , so the boy returned as quietly as possible , and took refuge behind Mr. Bhaer . `` I hope not , but I ca n't answer for them , though I will see that they are not unjust . I think , as Dan and Nat have suffered so much , being innocent , you should suffer something , being guilty . Do n't you ? '' asked Mr. Bhaer , pitying Jack , yet feeling he deserved punishment for a fault which had so little excuse . `` I suppose so , but I sent Tommy 's money back , and I said I was sorry , is n't that enough ? '' said Jack , rather sullenly ; for the boy who could do so mean a thing was not brave enough to bear the consequences well . `` No ; I think you should ask pardon of all three boys , openly and honestly . You can not expect them to respect and trust you for a time , but you can live down this disgrace if you try , and I will help you . Stealing and lying are detestable sins , and I hope this will be a lesson to you . I am glad you are ashamed , it is a good sign ; bear it patiently , and do your best to earn a better reputation . ''
`` I 'll have an auction , and sell off all my goods dirt cheap , '' said XXXXX , showing his repentance in the most characteristic way .
Dan Ford Jack Nat Tommy brook-side first hour minutes stealing