He felt that he had friends now and a place in the world , something to live and work for , and , though he said little , all that was best and bravest in a character made old by a hard experience responded to the love and faith bestowed on him , and Dan 's salvation was assured . Their quiet talk was interrupted by a shout of delight from Teddy , who , to the surprise of every one , did actually catch a trout where no trout had been seen for years . He was so enchanted with his splendid success that he insisted on showing his prize to the family before Asia cooked it for supper ; so the three descended and went happily away together , all satisfied with the work of that half hour . Ned was the next visitor to the tree , but he only made a short stay , sitting there at his ease while Dick and Dolly caught a pailful of grasshoppers and crickets for him . He wanted to play a joke on Tommy , and intended to tuck up a few dozen of the lively creatures in his bed , so that when Bangs got in he would speedily tumble out again , and pass a portion of the night in chasing `` hopper-grasses '' round the room . The hunt was soon over , and having paid the hunters with a few peppermints apiece Ned retired to make Tommy 's bed . 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 XXXXX I was sorry , is n't that enough ? ''
Do felt lengthening nodded returned said sung talked touching went