Join Host Bree Carlile as she reads the twelfth chapter of Little Men.

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Today we'll be continuing little Men by Louisa May Alcott.

Chapter Twelve.

Huckleberries.

There was a great clashing of tin pails, much running to and fro, and frequent demands for something to eat on August afternoon, for the boys were going huckleberrying.

And made as much stir about it as if they were setting out to find the Northwest Passage.

Now, my lads, get off as quietly.

As you can, for Rob is safely.

Out of the way and won't see.

You, said Mrs.

Bear, as she tied Daisy's Broad brimmed hat and settled the great blue pinafore in which she had enveloped NAN.

But the plan did not succeed, for Rob had heard the bustle, decided to go, and prepared himself without a thought of disappointment.

The troop was just getting underway when the little man came marching downstairs with his best hat on, a bright tin pale in his hand and a face beaming with satisfaction.

Oh dear, now we shall have a scene, sighed Mrs.

Bear, who found her eldest son very hard to manage at times.

I'm all ready, said Rob, and took his place in the ranks with such perfect unconsciousness of his mistake that it really was very hard to undeceive him.

It's too far for you, my love.

Stay and take care of me, for I shall be all alone, began his mother.

You've got Teddy.

I'm a big boy, so I can go.

You said I might when I was bigger.

And I am now, persisted Rob, with a cloud beginning to dim the brightness of his happy face.

We're going up to the great pasture.

And it's ever so far.

We don't want you tagging on.

Cried Jack, who did not admire the little boys.

I won't tag.

I'll run and keep up.

Oh, mama.

Let me go.

I want to fill my new pail and I'll bring them all to you.

Please.

Please.

I'll be good.

Prayed Robbie, looking up at his mother, so grieved and disappointed that her heart began to fail her.

But, my dearie, you'll get so tired.

And hot you won't have a good time.

Wait till I go and then we.

Will stay all day and pick as many berries as you want.

You never do go.

You're so busy and I'm tired of waiting.

I'd rather go and get the berries for you all myself.

I love to pick them.

And I want to fill my new pail dressly, sobbed Rob.

The pathetic sight of great tears tinkled into the dear new pail and threatened to fill it with salt water instead of huckleberries touched all the ladies present.

His mother patted the weeper on his back.

Daisy offered to stay home with him, and NAN said in her decided way.

Let him come, I'll take care of him.

If Franz was going, I wouldn't mind.

For he is very careful.

But he is hanging with the father and I'm not sure about the rest.

Of you, began Mrs.

Bear.

It's so far, put in Jack.

I'd carry him if I was going.

Wish I was, said Dan with a sigh.

Thank you, dear, but you must take care of your foot.

I wish I could go.

Stop a minute.

I think I can manage it after all.

And Mrs.

Bear ran out to the steps, waving her apron wildly.

Silas was just driving away in the hay cart, but turned back and agreed at once when Mrs.

Joe proposed that he should take the whole party to the pasture and go for them at 05:00.

It will delay your work a little, but never mind.

We will pay you in huckleberry pies, said Mrs.

Joe, knowing Silas's weak point.

His rough brown face brightened up, and he said with the cheery ha ha.

Well now, Miss Bear, if you go to briben of me, I shall give in right away.

Now boys, I've arranged it so that.

You can all go, said Mrs.

Bear, running back again, much relieved, for she loved to make them happy and always felt miserable when she disturbed the serenity of her little sons.

For she believed that the small hopes and plans and pleasures of children should be tenderly respected by grown up people and never rudely thwarted or ridiculed.

Can I go?

Said Dan.

Delighted.

I thought especially of you.

Be careful and never mind the berries, but sit about and enjoy the lovely things which you know how to find all about you.

Answered Mrs.

Bear, who remembered his kind offer to her boy.

Me too.

Me too, sung Rob, dancing with joy and clapping his precious pail and cover like castanettes.

Yes, and Daisy and NAN must take good care of you.

Be at the bars at 05:00, and Silas will come for you all.

Robbie cast himself upon his mother in a burst of gratitude, promising to bring her every berry he picked and not eat one.

And they were all packed into the hay cart and went rattling away, the brightest face among the dozen being that of Rob as he sat between his two temporary little mothers, beaming upon the whole world and waving his best hat for his indulgent.

Mama had not the heart to bereave him of it, since this was a galladay to him, such a happy afternoon as they had, in spite of the mishaps which usually occur on such expeditions, of course.

Tommy came to Grieve, tumbled upon a hornet's nest and got stung, but being used to woe, he bore the smart manfully till Dan suggested the application of damp earth, which must assuage the pain.

Daisy saw a snake, and flying from it, lost half her berries.

Demi helped her to fill up again and discussed reptiles.

Most learnedly the while Ned fell out of a tree and split his jacket down the back, but suffered no other fracture.

Emile and Jack established rival claims to a certain thick patch, and while they were squabbling about it, stuffy quickly and quietly stripped the bushes and fled to the protection of Dan, who was enjoying himself immensely.

The crutch was no longer necessary, and he was delighted to see how strong his foot felt as he roamed about the great pasture full of interesting rocks and stumps, with the familiar little creatures in the grass and well known insects dancing in the air.

But of all the adventures that happened on this afternoon, that which befell NAN and Rob was the most exciting.

And it long remained one of the favorite histories of the household.

Having explored the country pretty generally, torn three rinse in her frock and scratched her face in a barberry bush, NAN began to pick the berries that shone like big black beads on the low green bushes.

Her nimble fingers flew, but still her basket did not fill up as rapidly as she desired, so she kept wandering here and there to search for better places.

Instead of picking contentedly and steadily, as Daisy did, rob followed NAN, for her energy suited him better than his cousin's patience, and he too was anxious to have the biggest and best berries for marmar.

I keep putting them in, but it don't fill up.

And I'm so tired, said Rob, pausing a moment to rest his short legs and beginning to think huckleberrying was not all his fancy painted it, for the sun blazed.

NAN skipped hither and thither like a grasshopper, and the berries fell out of his pail almost as fast as he put them in, because in his struggles with the bushes it was often upside down.

Last time we came, they were ever.

So much thicker over that wall.

Great bouncers.

And there's a cave there where the.

Boys made a fire.

Let's go and fill our things quick.

And then hide in the cave and.

Let the others find us, proposed NAN, thirsting for adventures.

Rob consented, and away they went, scrambling over the wall and running down the sloping fields on the other side till they were hidden among the rocks and underbrush.

The berries were thick, and at last the pails were actually full.

It was shady and cool down there, and a little spring gave the thirsty children a refreshing drink out of its mossy cup.

Now we'll go and rest in the.

Cave and eat our lunch, said NAN, well satisfied with her success so far.

You know the way?

Asked Rob.

Of course I do.

I've been once and I always remember, didn't I?

Go and get my box.

All right.

That convinced Rob, and he followed blindly as NAN led him over stock in stone and brought him, after much meandering, to a small recess in the rock where the blackened stones showed that fires had been made.

Now, isn't it nice?

Asked NAN as she took out a bit of bread and butter rather damaged by being mixed up with nails, fish hooks, stones and other foreign substances in the young lady's pocket.

Yes.

Do you think they'll find us soon?

Asked Rob, who found the shadowy glen rather dull and began to long for more society.

No, I don't, because if I hear them, I shall hide and have fun making them find me.

Perhaps they won't come.

Don't care.

I can get home by myself.

Is it a great way?

Asked Rob, looking at his little stubby boots, scratched and wet with his long wandering.

It's 6 miles.

I guess.

Man's ideas of distance were vague, and her faith in her own power is great.

I think we better go now, suggested Rob presently.

I shant till I've picked over my berries.

Anan began what seemed to Rob an endless task.

Oh, dear, you said you'd take good.

Care of me, he sighed as the sun seemed to drop behind the hill all of a sudden.

Well, I am taking good care of you as hard as I can.

Don't be cross, child.

I'll go in a minute, said NAN, who considered five year old Robbie a mere infant compared to herself.

So little.

Rob sat looking anxiously about him and waiting patiently for spite of some misgivings.

He felt great confidence in NAN.

I guess it's going to be a night pretty soon, he observed as if.

To himself as a mosquito bit him, and the frogs in a neighboring marsh began to pipe up for the evening concert.

My goodness me.

So it is.

Come right away this minute, or they'll be gone.

Cried NAN, looking up from her work and suddenly perceiving that the sun was down.

I heard a horn about an hour ago.

Maybe they were blowing for us, said.

Rob, trudging after his guide as she scrambled up the steep hill.

Where was it?

Asked NAN stopping short.

Over that way.

He pointed with a dirty little finger in an entirely wrong direction.

Let's go that way and meet them.

Anan wheeled about and began to trot through the bushes, feeling a trifle anxious, for there were so many cowpaths all about she could not remember which way they came.

On they went over stock and stone again pausing now and then to listen for the horn, which did not blow anymore, for it was only the moo of a cow on her way home.

I don't remember seeing that pile of stones, do you?

Asked NAN as she sat on a wall to rest a moment and take an observation.

I don't remember anything, but I want to go home.

And Rob's voice had a little tremble in it that made NAN put her arms round him and lift him gently down, saying in her most capable way.

I'm going just as fast as I can, dear.

Don't cry.

And when we come to the road, I'll carry you.

Where is the road?

And Robbie wiped his eyes to look for it.

Over by that big tree.

Don't you know?

That's the one Ned tumbled out of.

So it is.

Maybe they waited for us.

I'd like to ride home, wouldn't you?

And Robbie brightened up as he plodded along toward the end of the great pasture.

No, I'd rather walk, answered NAN, feeling.

Quite sure that she would be obliged to do so and preparing her mind for it.

Another long trudge through the fast, deepening twilight, and another disappointment, for when they reached the tree, they found their dismay that it was not the one Ned climbed.

No road anywhere appeared.

Are we lost?

Quavered Rob, clasping his pail in despair.

Not much.

I don't just see which way to go.

And I guess we'd better call.

So they both shouted till they were whores, yet nothing answered but the frogs in full chorus.

There's another tall tree over there.

Perhaps that's the one, said NAN, whose heart sunk within her, though she still spoke bravely.

I don't think I can go anymore.

My boots are so heavy I can't pull them.

And Robbie sat down on a stone, quite worn out.

Then we must stay here all night.

I don't care much if snakes don't come.

I'm frightened of snakes.

I can't stay all night.

Oh, dear, I don't like to be lost.

And Rob puckered up his face to cry, when suddenly a thought occurred to him, and he said in a tone.

Of perfect confidence, marmar will come and find me.

She always does.

I ain't afraid now.

She won't know where we are.

She didn't know I was shut up in the ice house, but she found me.

I know she'll come, returned Robbie, so.

Trustfully that NAN felt relieved and sat down by him, saying with a remorseful sigh, I wish we hadn't run away.

You made me, but I don't mind much.

Marmar will love me just the same.

Answered Rob, clinging to his sheet anchor when all other hope was gone.

I'm so hungry.

Let's eat our berries.

Proposed NAN, after a pause, during which Rob began to nod.

So am I, but I can't eat mine because I told Marmar I'd keep.

Them all for her.

You'll have to eat them if no.

One comes for us, said NAN, who felt like contradicting everything just then.

If we stay here a great many days, we shall eat up all the berries in the field and then we.

Shall starve, she added grimly.

I shall eat sassafras.

I know a big tree of it.

And Dan told me how squirrels dig up the roots and eat them.

And I love to dig, returned Rob.

Undaunted by the prospect of starvation.

Yes, and we can catch frogs and cook them.

My father ate some once and he.

Said they were nice put in.

NAN beginning to find a spice of romance even in being lost in a huckleberry pasture.

How could we cook frogs?

We haven't got any fire.

I don't know.

Next time I'll have matches in my.

Pocket, said NAN, rather depressed by this obstacle to the experiment in frog cookery.

Couldn't we light a fire with a firefly?

Asked Rob hopefully as he watched them flitting to and fro like winged sparks.

Let's try.

And several minutes were pleasantly spent in catching the flies and trying to make them kindle a green twig or two.

It's a lie to call them fireflies.

When there isn't a fire in them, NAN said, throwing one unhappy insect away with scorn, though it's shown its best, and obligingly walked up and down the twigs to please the innocent little experimenters.

Marmar's a good while coming, said Rob.

After another pause, during which they watched the stars overhead smelt the sweet fern crushed underfoot, and listened to the cricket's serenade.

I don't see why God made any.

Night day is so much pleasanter, said NAN thoughtfully.

It's to sleep in, answered Rob with a yawn.

Then do go to sleep, said NAN pettishly.

I want my own bed.

Oh, I wish I could see Teddy.

Cried Rob, painfully reminded of home by the soft chirp of birds safe in their little nests.

I don't believe your mother will ever.

Find us, said NAN, who was becoming desperate, for she hated patient waiting of any sort.

It's so dark she won't see us.

It was all black in the ice house, and I was so scared I didn't call her, but she saw me, and she will see me now, no.

Matter how dark it is, returned confiding Rob, standing up to peer into the gloom for the help which never failed him.

I see her.

I see her.

He cried, and ran as fast as his tired legs would take him toward a dark figure slowly approaching.

Suddenly he stopped, then turned about and came stumbling back, screaming in a great.

Panic, no, it's a bear, a big black one.

And hid his face in Nan's skirts for a moment.

NAN quailed ever her courage gave out at the thought of a real bear, and she was about to turn and flee in great disorder when a mild moo changed her fear to merriment, and she said, laughing, It's a cow, Robbie.

The nice black cow we saw this afternoon.

The cow seemed to feel that it was not just the thing to meet two little people in her pasture after dark, and the amiable beast paused to inquire into the case.

She let them stroke her and stood regarding them with her soft eyes so mildly that NAN, who feared no animal but a bear, was fired with a desire to milk her.

Silas taught me how.

And berries and milk would be so nice, she said, emptying the contents of her pail into her hat and boldly beginning her new task, while Rob stood by and repeated at her command the poem from Mother Goose.

Cushy cow Bonnie, let down your milk let down your milk to me and I will give you a gown of silk a gown of silk and a silver tea.

But the immortal rhyme had little effect, for the benevolent cow had already been milked and had only half a gill to give the thirsty children.

Shoo.

Go away, you're an old cross patch.

Cried NAN ungratefully as she gave up the attempt in despair, and poor Molly walked on with a gentle gurgle of surprise and reproof.

Each can have a sip and then we must take a walk.

We shall go to sleep if we don't.

And lost people mustn't sleep.

Do you know how Hannah Lee in the pretty story slept under the snow and died?

But there isn't any snow now, and it's nice and warm, said Rob, who.

Was not blessed with as lively a fancy as NAN.

No matter.

We will poke about a little and.

Call some more, and then if nobody comes, we will hide under the bushes.

Like hopping my thumb and his brothers.

It was a very short walk, however, for Rob was so sleepy he could not get on, and tumbled down so often that NAN entirely lost patience, being half distracted by the responsibility she had taken upon herself.

If you tumble down again, I'll shake.

You, she said, lifting the poor little man up very kindly as she spoke, for Nan's bark was much worse than her bite.

Please don't.

It's my boots.

They keep slipping so.

And Rob manfully checked the sob just ready to break out, adding with a plaintive patience that touched Nan's heart, if.

The skeeters didn't bite me so, I could go to sleep till Marmar comes put your head on my lap and I'll cover you up with my apron.

I'm not afraid of the night, said NAN, sitting down and trying to persuade herself that she did not mind the shadow nor the mysterious rustlings all about her.

Wake me up when she comes, said.

Rob, and was fast asleep in five minutes with his head in Nan's lap under the pinafore.

The little girl sat for some 15 minutes, staring about her with anxious eyes and feeling as if each second was an hour.

Then a pale light began to glimmer over the hilltop, and she said to.

Herself, I guess the night is over.

And morning is coming.

I'd like to see the sunrise, so.

I'll watch, and when it comes up.

We can find our way right home.

But before the moon's round face peeped above the hill to destroy her hope.

NAN had fallen asleep leaning back in a little bower of tall ferns and was deep in a midsummer night's dream of fireflies and blue aprons mountains, of Huckleberries and Robbie wiping away the tears of a black cow who sobbed I want to go home.

I want to go home.

While the children were sleeping peacefully, lulled by the drowsy of many neighborly mosquitoes, the family at home were in a great state of agitation.

The hay cart came at five, and all but Jack, Emile, NAN and Rob were at the bars, ready for it.

Franz drove instead of Silas, and when the boys told him that the others were going home through the wood, he said, looking ill pleased, they ought to have left Rob to ride.

He'll be tired out by the long walk.

It's shorter that way, and they will.

Carry him, said Stuffy, who was in a hurry for his supper.

You're sure NAN and Rob went with him?

Of course they did.

I saw them getting over the wall and sung out that it was most.

Five, and Jack called back that they were going the other way, explained Tommy Mary.

Well, pile in then.

And away rattled the hay cart with the tired children and the full pails.

Mrs.

Jo looked sober when she heard the division of the party and sent Franz back with Toby to find and bring the little ones home.

Supper was over, and the family sitting about in the cool hall as usual, when Franz came trotting back, hot, dusty and anxious.

Have they come?

He called out, when halfway up the avenue.

No.

Mrs.

Jo flew out of her chair, looking so alarmed that everyone jumped up and gathered round Fronds.

I can't find them anywhere, he began, but the words were hardly spoken when a loud hello startled them all, and the next minute Jack and Emile came round the house.

Where are NAN and Rob?

Cried Mrs.

Joe, clutching a mule in a way that caused him to think his aunt had suddenly lost her wits.

I don't know.

They came home with the others, didn't they?

He answered quickly.

No.

George and Tommy said they went with you.

Well, they didn't.

Haven't seen them.

We took a swim in the pond.

And came by the wood, said Jack, looking alarmed as well as he might.

Call Mr Bear, get the lanterns and tell Silas I want him.

That was all Mrs Joe said, but they knew what she meant and flew to obey her orders.

In ten minutes, Mr Bear and Silas were off to the wood, and Franz tearing down the road on Old Andy to search the great pasture.

Mrs Jo caught up some food from the table.

A little bottle of brandy from the medicine closet took a lantern and bidding Jack and Emil come with her, and the rest not stir.

She trotted away on Toby, never stopping for hat or shawl.

She heard someone running after her, but said not a word, till as she paused to call and listen, the light of her lantern shone on Dan's face.

You here.

I told Jack to come, she said, half inclined to send him back.

Much as she needed help, I wouldn't let him.

He and Emile hadn't had any supper, and I wanted to come more than they did, he said, taking the lantern from her and smiling up in her face with the steady look in his eyes that made her feel as if, boy though he was, she had someone to depend on.

Off she jumped and ordered him on to Toby, in spite of his pleading to walk.

Then they went on again along the dusty, solitary road, stopping every now and then to call and hearken breathlessly for little voices to reply.

When they came to the great pasture, other lights were already flitting to and fro like willow.

The wisps and Mr Bear's voice was heard shouting, NAN.

Rob.

Rob.

NAN.

In every part of the field, Silas whistled and roared.

Dan plunged here and there on Toby, who seemed to understand the case, and went over the roughest places with unusual docility.

Often Mrs Jo hushed them all, saying with a sob in her throat, the noise may frighten them.

Let me call.

Robbie will know my voice.

And then she would cry out the beloved little name in every tone of tenderness, till the very echoes whispered it softly, and the winds seemed to waft it willingly.

But still no answer came.

The sky was overcast now, and only brief glimpses of the moon were seen.

Heat lightning darted out of the dark clouds now and then, and a faint, far off rumble as of thunder told that a summer storm was brewing.

Oh, my Robbie, my Robbie mourned poor.

Mrs Jo, wandering up and down like a pale ghost, while Dan kept beside her like a faithful firefly.

What shall I say to Nan's, Father, if she comes to harm?

Why did I ever trust my darling so far away?

Fritz, do you hear anything?

And when a Mournful no came back.

She wrung her hands so despairingly that Dan sprung down from Toby's back, tied the bridle to the bars and said in his decided way, name may have gone down the spring.

I'm going to look.

He was over the wall and away so fast that she could hardly follow him.

But when she reached the spot, he lowered the lantern and showed her with joy the barks of little feet and the soft ground about the spring.

She fell down on her knees to examine the tracks and then sprung up, saying eagerly, yes, that is the mark of my Robbie's little boots.

Come this way.

They must have gone on such a weary search, but now some inexplicable instinct seemed to lead the anxious mother, for presently Dan uttered a cry and caught up a little shining object lying in the path.

It was the COVID of the new tin pail, dropped in the first alarm of being lost.

Mrs Joe hugged and kissed it as if it were a living thing, and when Dan was about to utter a glad shout to bring the others to the spot, she stopped him, saying as she hurried on, no, let me find them.

I let Rob go, and I want to give him back to his father all myself.

A little farther on, Nan's hat appeared, and after passing the place more than once, they came at last upon the babes in the wood, both sound asleep.

Dan never forgot the little picture on which the light of his lantern shone that night.

He thought Mrs Jo would cry out, but she only whispered Hush.

She softly lifted away the apron and saw the little ruddy face below.

The berry stained lips were half open as the breath came and went.

The yellow hair laid damp on the hot forehead, and both the chubby hands held fast, the little pail still full.

The sight of the childish harvest treasured through all the troubles of that night for her seemed to touch Mrs Jo to the heart.

For suddenly she gathered up her boy and began to cry over him so tenderly yet so heartily, that he woke up and at first seemed bewildered.

Then he remembered and hugged her close.

Saying with a laugh of triumph, I knew you'd come.

Oh, Mar, mar, I did want you.

So for a moment they kissed and clung to one another, quite forgetting all the world.

For no matter how lost and soiled and worn out wandering sons may be, mothers can forgive and forget everything as they fold them in their fostering arms.

Happy the son whose faith in his mother remains unchanged, and who through all his wanderings has kept some filial token to repay her brave and tender love.

Dan, meantime, picked NAN out of her bush and with a gentleness none but Teddy ever saw in him before.

He soothed her first alarm at the sudden waking and wiped away her tears.

For NAN also began.

To cry for joy.

It was so good to see a kind face and feel a strong arm round her after what seemed to her ages of loneliness and fear.

My poor little girl, don't cry.

You are all safe now and no one shall say a word of blame tonight, said Mrs.

Jo, taking NAN in her capacious embrace and cuddling both children as a hen might gather her lost chickens under her motherly wings.

It was my fault, but I'm sorry.

I tried to take care of him and I covered him up and let.

Him sleep and didn't touch his berries.

I was so hungry and I never will do it again.

Truly never.

Never.

Sobbed NAN, quite lost in a sea of penitence and thankfulness.

Call them now and let us get.

Home, said Mrs.

Jo and Dan, getting upon the waltz into Joyful, word found ring over the field.

How the wandering lights came dancing from all sides, and gathered round the little group among the sweet fern bushes.

Such a hugging and kissing and talking.

And crying as went on must have amazed the glow worms and evidently delighted the mosquitoes, for they hummed frantically while the little moths came in flocks to the party and the frogs croaked as if they could not express their satisfaction loudly enough.

Then they set out for home a queer party, for Franz rode on to tell the news.

Dan and Toby led the way.

Then came NAN in the strong arms of Silas, who considered her the smartest little baggage he ever saw, and teased her all the way home about her pranks.

Mrs.

Bear would let no one carry Rob but himself.

And the little fellow, refreshed by sleep, sat up and chattered gaily, feeling himself a hero while his mother went beside him, holding on to any pad of his precious little body that came handy and never tired of hearing.

Him say, I knew Marmar would come.

Or seeing him lean down to kiss her and put a plump berry into her mouth cause he picked them all for her.

The moon shone out just as they reached the avenue, and all the boys came shouting to meet them.

So the lost lambs were born in triumph and safety, and landed in the dining room, where the unromantic little things demanded supper.

Instead of preferring kisses and cresses, they were set down to bread and milk, while the entire household stood round to gaze upon them.

NAN soon recovered her spirits and recounted her perils with a relish.

Now that they were all over, Rob seemed absorbed in his food, but put down his spoon all of a sudden and set up a doleful roar.

My precious, why do you cry?

Asked his mother, who still hung over him.

I'm crying because I was lost balled.

Rob, trying to squeeze out a tear and failing entirely.

But you are found now.

NAN says you didn't cry out in the field, and I was glad you were such a brave boy.

I was so busy being frightened, I didn't have any time then.

But I want to cry now because I don't like to be lost, explained.

Rob, struggling with sleep, emotion and a mouthful of bread and milk.

The boys set up such a laugh at this funny way of making up for lost time that Rob stopped to look at them.

And the merriment was so infectious that after a surprised stare, he burst out into a merry ha ha and beat his spoon upon the table as if he enjoyed the joke immensely.

It is 10:00.

Into bed, every man of you, said Mr.

Bear, looking at his watch.

And thank heaven there'll be no empty ones tonight, added Mrs.

Bear, watching with full eyes, Robbie going up into his father's arms, and NAN escorted by Daisy and Demi, who considered her the most interesting heroine of their collection.

Poor Aunt Jo is so tired, she ought to be carried up herself, said gentle Fronds, putting his arm round her as she paused at the Stairfoot, looking quite exhausted by her fright and long walk.

Let's make an armchair, proposed Tommy.

No, thank you, my lads, but somebody.

May lend me a shoulder to lean on, answered Mrs.

Jo.

Me.

Me and half a dozen Jostled one another, all eager to be chosen, for there was something in the pale motherly face that touched the warm hearts under the round jackets.

Seeing that they considered it an honor, mrs.

Jo gave it to the one who had earned it.

Nobody grumbled when she put her arm on Dan's broad shoulder, sang with a look that made him color up with pride and pleasure.

He found the children, so I think he must help me up.

Dan felt richly rewarded for his evening's work.

Not only that he was chosen from all the rest to go proudly up bearing the lamp, but because Mrs.

Jo said heartily good night, my boy.

God bless you, as he left her at her door.

I wish I was your boy, said.

Dan, who felt as if danger and trouble had somehow brought him nearer than ever to her.

You shall be my oldest son.

And she sealed her promise with a kiss that made Dan hers entirely.

Little Rob was all right next day, but NAN had a headache and lay on Mother Bear's sofa with cold cream upon her scratched face.

Her remorse was quite gone, and she evidently thought being lost rather a fine amusement.

Mrs.

Jo was not pleased with this state of things and had no desire to have her children led from the paths of virtue or her pupils lying round loose in huckleberry fields.

So she talked soberly to NAN and tried to impress upon her mind the difference between liberty and license, telling several tales to enforce her lecture.

She had not decided how to punish NAN, but one of these stories suggested a way, and as Mrs.

Jo liked OD penalties.

She tried it all.

Children run away, pleaded NAN, as if it was as natural and necessary a thing as measles or Hooping cough.

Not all, and some who do run away don't get found again, answered Mrs.

Jo.

Didn't you do it yourself?

Asked NAN, whose keen little eyes saw some traces of a kindred spirit, and the serious lady who was sowing so morally before her.

Mrs.

Jo laughed and owned that she did.

Tell about it, demanded NAN, feeling that she was getting the upper hand in the discussion.

Mrs.

Jo saw that, and sobered down at once, saying with a remorseful shake of the head I did it a good many times, and led my poor mother rather a hard life with my pranks till she cured me.

How Anan sat up with a face full of interest.

I had a new pair of shoes once and wanted to show them so though I was told not to leave the garden, I ran away and was wandering about all day.

It was in the city, and why I wasn't killed, I don't know.

Such a time as I had, I frolicked in the park with dogs, sailed boats in the back bay with strange boys, dined with a little Irish beggar girl on salt fish and potatoes, and was found at last fast asleep on a doorstep with my arms round a great dog.

It was late in the evening and.

I was dirty as a little pig.

And the new shoes were worn out.

I had traveled so far.

How nice.

Cried NAN, looking all ready to go and do it herself.

It was not nice.

Next day Mrs.

Jo tried to keep her eyes from betraying how much she enjoyed the memory of her early capers.

Did your mother whip you?

Asked NAN curiously.

She never whipped me but once, and then she begged my pardon.

I don't think I ever should have forgiven her, it hurt my feelings so much.

Why did she beg your pardon?

My father don't.

Because when she had done it, I.

Turned round and said well, you are.

Mad yourself and ought to be whipped as much as me.

She looked at me a minute, then her anger all died out, and she said as if ashamed you're right, Joe, I am angry.

And why should I punish you for being in a passion when I set you such a bad example?

Forgive me, dear, and let us try to help one another in a better way.

I never forgot it, and it did me more good than a dozen rods.

NAN sat thoughtfully, turning the little cold cream jar for a minute, and Mrs.

Jo said nothing but let that idea get well into the busy little mind that was so quick to see and feel what went on about her.

I like that, said Naan presently, and her face looked less elfish with its sharp eyes, inquisitive nose and mischievous mouth.

What did your mother do to you.

When you ran away that time?

She tied me to the bedpost with a long string so that I could not go out of the room.

And there I sat all day with the little worn out shoes hanging up before me to remind me of my fault.

I should think that would cure anybody.

Cried NAN, who loved her liberty above all things.

It did cure me, and I think it will you, so I'm going to try it, said Mrs.

Jo, suddenly taking a ball of strong twine out of a drawer in her work table.

NAN looked as if she was decidedly getting the worst of the argument now and sat feeling much crestfallen while Mrs.

Jo tied one end round her waist and the other to the arm of the sofa.

Sang as she finished.

I don't like to tie you up.

Like a naughty little dog, but if you don't remember any better than a dog, I must treat you like one.

I just as leaf to be tied up is not.

I like to play dog.

And NAN put on a don't care face and began to growl and grovel on the floor.

Mrs.

Jo took no notice but leaving a book or two and a handkerchief to him, she went away and left Miss NAN to her own devices.

This was not agreeable, and after sitting a moment she tried to untie the cord, but it was fastened in the belt of her apron behind, so she began on the knot at the other end.

It soon came loose, and gathering it up, NAN was about to get out of the window when she heard Mrs.

Jose to somebody as she passed through the hall.

No, I don't think she'll run away now.

She's an honorable little girl and knows that I do it to help her.

In a minute.

NAN whisked back, tied herself up and began to sew violently.

Rob came in a moment after and was so charmed with the new punishment that he got a jump rope and tethered himself to the other arm of the sofa in the most sociable manner.

I got lost too, so I ought to be tied up as much as.

NAN, he explained to his mother when she saw the new captive.

I'm not sure that you don't deserve a little punishment, for you knew it was wrong to go far away from the rest.

NAN took me, began Rob, willing to enjoy the novel penalty but not willing to take the blame.

You needn't have gone.

You have got a conscience, though you are a little boy and you must learn to mind it.

Well, my conscience didn't p**** me a bit when she said let's get over.

The wall, answered Rob, quoting one of Demi's expressions.

Did you stop to see if it did?

No.

Then you cannot tell.

I guess it's such a little conscience that it don't p**** hard enough for.

Me to feel it, added Rob after thinking the matter over for a minute.

We must sharpen it up.

It's bad to have a dull conscience, so you may stay here till dinner time and talk about it with NAN.

I trust you both not to untie yourselves till I say the word.

No, we won't, said both, feeling a certain sense of virtue in helping to punish themselves.

For an hour they were very good then.

They grew tired of one room and longed to get out.

Never had the hall seemed so inviting.

Even the little bedroom acquired a sudden interest, and they would gladly have gone in and played tent with the curtains of the best bed.

The open windows drove them wild because they could not reach them, and the outer world seemed so beautiful, they wondered how they ever found the heart to say it was dull.

NAN pined for a race round the lawn, and Rob remembered with dismay that he had not fed his dog that morning and wondered what poor Pollocks would do.

They watched the clock, and NAN did some nice calculations in minutes and seconds, while Rob learned to tell all the hours between eight and one so well that he never forgot them.

It was maddening to smell the dinner, to know that there was to be a succatash and huckleberry pudding, and to feel that they would not be on the spot to secure good helps of both.

When Mary Anne began to set the table, they nearly cut themselves in two, trying to see what meat there was to be, and NAN offered to help.

Her make the beds if she would.

Only see that she had lots of sauce on her pudding.

When the boys came bursting out of school, they found the children tugging at their halters like a pair of restive little colts, and were much edified as well as amused by the sequel to the exciting adventures of the night.

Untimely now, Marmar, my conscience will p**** like a pin next time.

I know it will, said Rob, as the bell rang and Teddy came to look at him with sorrowful surprise.

We shall see, answered its mother, setting him free.

He took a good run down the hall, back through the dining room, and brought up beside NAN, quite beaming with virtuous satisfaction.

I'll bring her dinner to her, may I?

He asked, pitying his fellow captive.

That's my kind little son.

Yes.

Pull out the table and get a chair.

Mrs Jo hurried away to quell the ardor of the others, who were always in a raging state of hunger.

At noon, NAN ate alone and spent a long afternoon attached to the sofa.

Mrs Bear lengthened her bonds so that she could look out of the window, and there she stood, watching the boys play and all the little summer creatures enjoying their liberty.

Daisy had a picnic for the dolls on the lawn so that NAN might see the fun if she could not join in it.

Tommy turned his best somersaults to console her.

Demi sat on the steps, reading aloud to himself, which amused NAN a good deal, and Dan brought a little tree toad to show her as the most delicate attention in his power, but nothing atoned for the loss of freedom, and a few hours of confinement taught NAN how precious it was.

Good.

Many thoughts went through the little head that lay on the windowsill during the last quiet hour when all the children went to the brook to see Emile's new ship launched.

She was to have christened it and had depended on smashing a tiny bottle of current wine over the prow as it was named Josephine in honor of Mrs.

Bear.

Now she had lost her chance, and Daisy wouldn't do it half so well.

Tears rose to her eyes as she remembered that it was all her own fault, and she said aloud, dressing a fat bee who was rolling about in the yellow heart of a rose just under the window, if you've run away.

You'D better go right home and tell your mother you're sorry and never do so anymore.

I'm glad to hear you give him such good advice.

And I think he has taken it, said Mrs.

Jo, smiling as the bee spread his dusty wings and flew away.

NAN brushed off a bright drop or two that shone on the windowsill and nestled against her friend as she took her on her knee, adding kindly, for she had seen the little drops and knew what they meant.

Do you think my mother's cure for running away a good one?

Yes, ma'am, answered NAN, quite subdued by her quiet day.

I hope I shall not have to try it again.

I guess not.

And NAN looked up with such an earnest little face that Mrs.

Jo felt satisfied and said no more, for she liked to have her penalties do their own work and did not spoil the effect by too much moralizing.

Here Rob appeared, bearing with infinite care what Asia called a saucer pie, meaning one baked in a saucer.

It's made out of some of my berries, and I'm going to give you.

Half at supper time, he announced with a flourish.

What makes you when I'm so naughty?

Asked NAN Meekly.

Because we got lost together.

You ain't going to be naughty again, are you?

Never, said NAN with great decision.

Oh, goody.

Now let's go and get Marianne to cut this for us.

All ready to eat it's most tea time.

And Rob beckoned with the delicious little pie.

NAN started to follow, then stopped and said, I forgot.

I can't go try and see, said Mrs.

Bear, who had quietly untied the cord sash while she had been talking.

NAN saw that she was free, and with one tempestuous kiss to Mrs.

Joe, she was off like a hummingbird, followed by Robbie dribling huckleberry juice as he ran.

Thank you for joining Bite at a Time books today while we read a bite of one of your favorite classics.

Again, my name is Brie Carlyle and.

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