Poor Mother Bhaer ! she tried to help me , but it 's no use ; the firebrand ca n't be saved . ' And dropping his head in his hands as he sat on his low bed , Dan would mourn over all he had lost in tearless misery , till merciful sleep would comfort him with dreams of the happy days when the boys played together , or those still later and happier ones when all smiled on him , and Plumfield seemed to have gained a new and curious charm . There was one poor fellow in Dan 's shop whose fate was harder than his , for his sentence expired in the spring , but there was little hope of his living till that time ; and the coldest-hearted man pitied poor Mason as he sat coughing his life away in that close place and counting the weary days yet to pass before he could see his wife and little child again . There was some hope that he might be pardoned out , but he had no friends to bestir themselves in the matter , and it was evident that the great Judge 's pardon would soon end his patient pain for ever . Dan pitied him more than he dared to show , and this one tender emotion in that dark time was like the little flower that sprung up between the stones of the prison yard and saved the captive from despair , in the beautiful old story . Dan helped Mason with his work when he was too feeble to finish his task , and the grateful look that thanked him was a ray of sunshine to cheer his cell when he was alone . Mason envied the splendid health of his neighbour , and mourned to see it wasting there . He was a peaceful soul and tried , as far as a whispered word or warning glance could do it , to deter Dan from joining the ` bad lot ' , as the rebels were called . But having turned his face from the light , Dan found the downward way easy , and took a grim satisfaction in the prospect of a general outbreak during which he might revenge himself upon the tyrannical warden , and strike a blow for his own liberty , feeling that an hour of insurrection would be a welcome vent for the pent-up passions that tormented him . He had tamed many a wild animal , but his own lawless spirit was too much for him , till he found the curb that made him master of himself . The Sunday before Thanksgiving , as he sat in chapel , Dan observed several guests in the seats reserved for them , and looked anxiously to see if any familiar face was there ; for he had a mortal fear that someone from home would suddenly confront him . No , all were strangers , and he soon forgot them in listening to the chaplain 's cheerful words , and the sad singing of many heavy hearts . People often spoke to the convicts , so it caused no surprise when , on being invited to address them , one of the ladies rose and said she would tell them a little story ; which announcement caused the younger listeners to pack up their ears , and even the older ones to look interested ; for any change in their monotonous life was welcome . The speaker was a middle-aged woman in black , with a sympathetic face , eyes full of compassion , and a voice that seemed to warm the heart , because of certain motherly tones in it . She reminded Dan of Mrs Jo , and he listened intently to every word , feeling that each was meant for him , because by chance , they came at the moment when he needed a softening memory to break up the ice of despair which was blighting all the good impulses of his nature . It was a very simple little story , but it caught the men 's attention at once , being about two soldiers in a hospital during the late war , both badly wounded in the right arm , and both anxious to save these breadwinners and go home unmaimed . One was patient , docile , and cheerfully obeyed orders , even when told that the arm must go . He submitted and after much suffering recovered , grateful for life , though he could fight no more . The other rebelled , would listen to no advice , and having delayed too long , died a lingering death , bitterly regretting his folly when it was too late .
` Now , as all stories should have a little moral , let me tell you mine , ' added the lady , with a smile , as she XXXXX at the row of young men before her , sadly wondering what brought them there .
bestir fight helped living looked lost observed tamed told warning