said Ned , collaring Emil in a fit of righteous wrath . `` It was ever so long ago . I 'd rather have my head cut off than do it now , '' and Emil mildly laid Ned on his back instead of cuffing him , as he would have felt it his duty to do on any less solemn occasion . `` How could you ? '' said Demi , appalled at the idea . `` I was hopping mad at the time , and thought I should n't mind a bit , rather like it perhaps . But when I 'd hit uncle one good crack , everything he had ever done for me came into my head all at once somehow , and I could n't go on . No sir ! If he 'd laid me down and walked on me , I would n't have minded , I felt so mean , '' and Emil gave himself a good thump in the chest to express his sense of remorse for the past . `` Nat 's crying like anything , and feels no end sorry , so do n't let 's say a word about it ; will we ? '' said tender-hearted Tommy . `` Of course we wo n't , but it 's awful to tell lies , '' and Demi looked as if he found the awfulness much increased when the punishment fell not upon the sinner , but his best Uncle Fritz . `` Suppose we all clear out , so Nat can cut upstairs if he wants to , '' proposed Franz , and led the way to the barn , their refuge in troublous times . Nat did not come to dinner , but Mrs. Jo took some up to him , and said a tender word , which did him good , though he could not look at her . By and by the lads playing outside heard the violin , and said among themselves : `` He 's all right now . '' He was all right , but felt shy about going down , till opening his door to slip away into the woods , he found Daisy sitting on the stairs with neither work nor doll , only her little handkerchief in her hand , as if she had been mourning for her captive friend . `` I 'm going to walk ; want to come ? '' asked Nat , trying to look as if nothing was the matter , yet feeling very grateful for her silent sympathy , because he fancied everyone must look upon him as a wretch . `` Oh yes ! '' and Daisy ran for her hat , proud to be chosen as a companion by one of the big boys .
The others saw them go , but no one followed , for boys have a great deal more delicacy than they get credit for , and the lads instinctively XXXXX that , when in disgrace , gentle little Daisy was their most congenial friend .
asked came felt found hit hopping led slip took walked