`` Who ? Dan ? '' `` Yes , Teddy saw him at the window , and he called to him , but he went away and hid behind the hay-cocks on the lawn . I found him there just now fast asleep , and half dead with weariness and pain . He ran away from Page a month ago , and has been making his way to us ever since . He pretends that he did not mean to let us see him , but go on to the city , and his old work , after a look at us . It is evident , however , that the hope of being taken in has led him here through every thing , and there he is waiting to know if you will forgive and take him back . '' `` Did he say so ? '' `` His eyes did , and when I waked him , he said , like a lost child , ` Mother Bhaer , I 've come home . ' I had n't the heart to scold him , and just took him in like a poor little black sheep come back to the fold . I may keep him , Fritz ? '' `` Of course you may ! This proves to me that we have a hold on the boy 's heart , and I would no more send him away now than I would my own Rob . '' Dan heard a soft little sound , as if Mrs. Jo thanked her husband without words , and , in the instant 's silence that followed , two great tears that had slowly gathered in the boy 's eyes brimmed over and rolled down his dusty cheeks . No one saw them , for he brushed them hastily away ; but in that little pause I think Dan 's old distrust for these good people vanished for ever , the soft spot in his heart was touched , and he felt an impetuous desire to prove himself worthy of the love and pity that was so patient and forgiving . He said nothing , he only wished the wish with all his might , resolved to try in his blind boyish way , and sealed his resolution with the tears which neither pain , fatigue , nor loneliness could wring from him . `` Come and see his foot . I am afraid it is badly hurt , for he has kept on three days through heat and dust , with nothing but water and an old jacket to bind it up with . I tell you , Fritz , that boy is a brave lad , and will make a fine man yet . '' `` I hope so , for your sake , enthusiastic woman , your faith deserves success .
Now , I will go and XXXXX your little Spartan .
Come followed hope hurt making prove ran scold see thanked