`` Jack went home early this morning , but he left this behind him ; '' and in the silence Mr. Bhaer read the note which he had found tied to his door-handle when he rose . `` I took Tommy 's dollar . I was peeking in through a crack and saw him put it there . I was afraid to tell before , though I wanted to . I did n't care so much about Nat , but Dan is a trump , and I ca n't stand it any longer . I never spent the money ; it 's under the carpet in my room , right behind the washstand . I 'm awful sorry . I am going home , and do n't think I shall ever come back , so Dan may have my things . `` JACK '' It was not an elegant confession , being badly written , much blotted , and very short ; but it was a precious paper to Dan ; and , when Mr. Bhaer paused , the boy went to him , saying , in a rather broken voice , but with clear eyes , and the frank , respectful manner they had tried to teach him , `` I 'll say I 'm sorry now , and ask you to forgive me , sir . '' `` It was a kind lie , Dan , and I ca n't help forgiving it ; but you see it did no good , '' said Mr. Bhaer , with a hand on either shoulder , and a face full of relief and affection . `` It kept the boys from plaguing Nat . That 's what I did it for . It made him right down miserable . I did n't care so much , '' explained Dan , as if glad to speak out after his hard silence . `` How could you do it ? You are always so kind to me , '' faltered Nat , feeling a strong desire to hug his friend and cry . Two girlish performances , which would have scandalized Dan to the last degree . `` It 's all right now , old fellow , so do n't be a fool , '' he said , swallowing the lump in his throat , and laughing out as he had not done for weeks . `` Does Mrs. Bhaer know ? '' he asked , eagerly .
`` Yes ; and she is so happy I do n't know what she will do to you , '' began Mr. Bhaer , but got no farther , for here the XXXXX came crowding about Dan in a tumult of pleasure and curiosity ; but before he had answered more than a dozen questions , a voice cried out , `` Three cheers for Dan ! ''
Mrs. boys carpet degree dollar lump performances sir throat trump