When the boys were gone a lull fell upon Plumfield, and the familyscattered to various places for brief outings, as August had come andall felt the need of change. The Professor took Mrs Jo to themountains. The Laurences were at the seashore, and there Meg's familyand the Bhaer boys took turns to visit, as someone must always be athome to keep things in order.

Mrs Meg, with Daisy, was in office when the events occurred which weare about to relate. Rob and Ted were just up from Rocky Nook, andNan was passing a week with her friend as the only relaxation sheallowed herself. Demi was off on a run with Tom, so Rob was man ofthe house, with old Silas as general overseer. The sea air seemed tohave gone to Ted's head, for he was unusually freakish, and led hisgentle aunt and poor Rob a life of it with his pranks. Octoo was wornout with the wild rides he took, and Don openly rebelled when orderedto leap and show off his accomplishments; while the girls at collegewere both amused and worried by the ghosts who haunted the grounds atnight, the unearthly melodies that disturbed their studious hours,and the hairbreadth escapes of this restless boy by flood and fieldand fire. Something happened at length which effectually sobered Tedand made a lasting impression on both the boys; for sudden danger anda haunting fear turned the Lion into a lamb and the Lamb into a lion,as far as courage went.

On the first of September - the boys never forgot the date - after apleasant tramp and good luck with their fishing, the brothers werelounging in the barn; for Daisy had company, and the lads kept out ofthe way.

'I tell you what it is, Bobby, that dog is sick. He won't play, noreat, nor drink, and acts queerly. Dan will kill us if anythinghappens to him,' said Ted, looking at Don, who lay near his kennelresting a moment after one of the restless wanderings which kept himvibrating between the door of Dan's room and the shady corner of theyard, where his master had settled him with an old cap to guard tillhe came back.

'It's the hot weather, perhaps. But I sometimes think he's pining forDan. Dogs do, you know, and the poor fellow has been low in his mindever since the boys went. Maybe something has happened to Dan. Donhowled last night and can't rest. I've heard of such things,'answered Rob thoughtfully.

'Pooh! he can't know. He's cross. I'll stir him up and take him for arun. Always makes me feel better. Hi, boy! wake up and be jolly'; andTed snapped his fingers at the dog, who only looked at him with grimindifference.

'Better let him alone. If he isn't right tomorrow, we'll take him toDr Watkins and see what he says.' And Rob went on watching theswallows as he lay in the hay polishing up some Latin verses he hadmade.

The spirit of perversity entered into Ted, and merely because he wastold not to tease Don he went on doing it, pretending that it was forthe dog's good. Don took no heed of his pats, commands, reproaches,or insults, till Ted's patience gave out; and seeing a convenientswitch near by he could not resist the temptation to conquer thegreat hound by force, since gentleness failed to win obedience. Hehad the wisdom to chain Don up first; for a blow from any hand buthis master's made him savage, and Ted had more than once tried theexperiment, as the dog remembered. This indignity roused Don and hesat up with a growl. Rob heard it, and seeing Ted raise the switch,ran to interfere, exclaiming:

'Don't touch him! Dan forbade it! Leave the poor thing in peace; Iwon't allow it.'

Rob seldom commanded, but when he did Master Ted had to give in. Histemper was up, and Rob's masterful tone made it impossible to resistone cut at the rebellious dog before he submitted. Only a singleblow, but it was a costly one; for as it fell, the dog sprang at Tedwith a snarl, and Rob, rushing between the two, felt the sharp teethpierce his leg. A word made Don let go and drop remorsefully at Rob'sfeet, for he loved him and was evidently sorry to have hurt hisfriend by mistake. With a forgiving pat Rob left him, to limp to thebarn followed by Ted, whose wrath was changed to shame and sorrowwhen he saw the red drops on Rob's sock and the little wounds in hisleg.

'I'm awfully sorry. Why did you get in the way? Here, wash it up, andI'll get a rag to tie on it,' he said quickly filling a sponge withwater and pulling out a very demoralized handkerchief. Rob usuallymade light of his own mishaps and was over ready to forgive if otherswere to blame; but now he sat quite still, looking at the purplemarks with such a strange expression on his white face that Ted wastroubled, though he added with a laugh: 'Why, you're not afraid of alittle dig like that, are you, Bobby?'

'I am afraid of hydrophobia. But if Don is mad I'd rather be the oneto have it,' answered Rob, with a smile and a shiver.

At that dreadful word Ted turned whiter than his brother, and,dropping sponge and handkerchief, stared at him with a frightenedface, whispering in a tone of despair:

'Oh, Rob, don't say it! What shall we do, what shall we do?'

'Call Nan; she will know. Don't scare Aunty, or tell a soul but Nan;she's on the back piazza; get her out here as quick as you can. I'llwash it till she comes. Maybe it's nothing; don't look so staggered, Ted. I only thought it might be, as Don is queer.'

Rob tried to speak bravely; but Ted's long legs felt strangely weakas he hurried away, and it was lucky he met no one, for his facewould have betrayed him. Nan was swinging luxuriously in a hammock,amusing herself with a lively treatise on croup, when an agitated boysuddenly clutched her, whispering, as he nearly pulled her overboard:

'Come to Rob in the barn! Don's mad and he's bitten him, and we don'tknow what to do; it's all my fault; no one must know. Oh, do bequick!'

Nan was on her feet at once, startled, but with her wits about her,and both were off without more words as they dodged round the housewhere unconscious Daisy chatted with her friends in the parlour andAunt Meg peacefully took her afternoon nap upstairs.

Rob was braced up, and was as calm and steady as ever when they foundhim in the harness-room, whither he had wisely retired, to escapeobservation. The story was soon told, and after a look at Don, now inhis kennel, sad and surly, Nan said slowly, with her eye on the fullwater-pan:

'Rob, there is one thing to do for the sake of safety, and it must bedone at once. We can't wait to see if Don is - sick - or to go for adoctor. I can do it, and I will; but it is very painful, and I hateto hurt you, dear.'

A most unprofessional quiver got into Nan's voice as she spoke, andher keen eyes dimmed as she looked at the two anxious young facesturned so confidingly to her for help.

'I know, burn it; well, do it, please; I can bear it. But Ted bettergo away,' said Rob, with a firm setting of his lips, and a nod at hisafflicted brother.

'I won't stir; I can stand it if he can, only it ought to be me!'cried Ted, with a desperate effort not to cry, so full of grief andfear and shame was he that it seemed as if he couldn't bear it like aman.

'He'd better stay and help; do him good,' answered

Nan sternly, because, her heart was faint within her, knowing as shedid all that might be in store for both poor boys. 'Keep quiet; I'llbe back in a minute,' she added, going towards the house, while herquick mind hastily planned what was best to be done.

It was ironing day, and a hot fire still burned in the empty kitchen,for the maids were upstairs resting. Nan put a slender poker to heat,and as she sat waiting for it, covered her face with her hands,asking help in this sudden need for strength, courage, and wisdom;for there was no one else to call upon, and young as she was, sheknew what was to be done if she only had the nerve to do it. Anyother patient would have been calmly interesting, but dear, goodRobin, his father's pride, his mother's comfort, everyone's favouriteand friend, that he should be in danger was very terrible; and a fewhot tears dropped on the well-scoured table as Nan tried to calm hertrouble by remembering how very likely it was to be all a mistake, anatural but vain alarm.

'I must make light of it, or the boys will break down, and then therewill be a panic. Why afflict and frighten everyone when all is indoubt? I won't. I'll take Rob to Dr Morrison at once, and have thedog man see Don. Then, having done all we can, we will either laughat our scare - if it is one - or be ready for whatever comes. Now formy poor boy.'

Armed with the red-hot poker, a pitcher of ice-water, and severalhandkerchiefs from the clotheshorse, Nan went back to the barn readyto do her best in this her most serious 'emergency case'. The boyssat like statues, one of despair, the other of resignation; and ittook all Nan's boasted nerve to do her work quickly and well.

'Now, Rob, only a minute, then we are safe. Stand by, Ted; he may bea bit faintish.'

Rob shut his eyes, clinched his hands, and sat like a hero. Ted kneltbeside him, white as a sheet, and as weak as a girl; for the pangs ofremorse were rending him, and his heart failed at the thought of allthis pain because of his wilfulness. It was all over in a moment,with only one little groan; but when Nan looked to her assistant tohand the water, poor Ted needed it the most, for he had fainted away,and lay on the floor in a pathetic heap of arms and legs.

Rob laughed, and, cheered by that unexpected sound, Nan bound up thewound with hands that never trembled, though great drops stood on herforehead; and she shared the water with patient number one before sheturned to patient number two. Ted was much ashamed, and quite brokenin spirit, when he found how he had failed at the critical moment,and begged them not to tell, as he really could not help it; then byway of finishing his utter humiliation, a burst of hysterical tearsdisgraced his manly soul, and did him a world of good.

'Never mind, never mind, we are all right now, and no one need be thewiser,' said Nan briskly, as poor Ted hiccoughed on Rob's shoulder,laughing and crying in the most tempestuous manner, while his brothersoothed him, and the young doctor fanned both with Silas's old strawhat.

'Now, boys, listen to me and remember what I say. We won't alarmanyone yet, for I've made up my mind our scare is all nonsense. Donwas out lapping the water as I came by, and I don't believe he's madany more than I am. Still, to ease our minds and compose our spirits,and get our guilty faces out of sight for a while, I think we hadbetter drive into town to my old friend Dr Morrison, and let him justtake a look at my work, and give us some quieting little dose; for weare all rather shaken by this flurry. Sit still, Rob; and Ted, youharness up while I run and get my hat and tell Aunty to excuse me toDaisy. I don't know those Penniman girls, and she will be glad of ourroom at tea, and we'll have a cosy bite at my house, and come home asgay as larks.'

Nan talked on as a vent for the hidden emotions which professionalpride would not allow her to show, and the boys approved her plan atonce; for action is always easier than quiet waiting. Ted wentstaggering away to wash his face at the pump, and rub some colourinto his cheeks before he harnessed the horse. Rob lay tranquilly onthe hay, looking up at the swallows again as he lived through somevery memorable moments. Boy as he was, the thought of death comingsuddenly to him, and in this way, might well make him sober; for itis a very solemn thing to be arrested in the midst of busy life bythe possibility of the great change. There were no sins to berepented of, few faults, and many happy, dutiful years to rememberwith infinite comfort. So Rob had no fears to daunt him, no regretsto sadden, and best of all, a very strong and simple piety to sustainand cheer him.

'Mein Vater,' was his first thought; for Rob was very near theProfessor's heart, and the loss of his eldest would have been abitter blow. These words, whispered with a tremble of the lips thathad been so firm when the hot iron burned, recalled that other Fatherwho is always near, always tender and helpful; and, folding hishands, Rob said the heartiest little prayer he ever prayed, there onthe hay, to the soft twitter of the brooding birds. It did him good;and wisely laying all his fear and doubt and trouble in God's hand,the boy felt ready for whatever was to come, and from that hour keptsteadily before him the one duty that was plain - to be brave andcheerful, keep silent, and hope for the best.

Nan stole her hat, and left a note on Daisy's pincushion, saying shehad taken the boys to drive, and all would be out of the way tillafter tea. Then she hurried back and found her patients much better,the one for work, the other for rest. In they got, and, putting Robon the back seat with his leg up drove away, looking as gay andcare-free as if nothing had happened.

Dr Morrison made light of the affair, but told Nan she had doneright; and as the much-relieved lads went downstairs, he added in awhisper: 'Send the dog off for a while, and keep your eye on the boy.Don't let him know it, and report to me if anything seems wrong. Onenever knows in these cases. No harm to be careful.'

Nan nodded, and feeling much relieved now that the responsibility wasoff her shoulders, took the lads to Dr Watkins, who promised to comeout later and examine Don. A merry tea at Nan's house, which was keptopen for her all summer, did them good, and by the time they got homein the cool of the evening no sign of the panic remained but Ted'sheavy eyes, and a slight limp when Rob walked. As the guests werestill chattering on the front piazza they retired to the back, andTed soothed his remorseful soul by swinging Rob in the hammock, whileNan told stories till the dog man arrived.

He said Don was a little under the weather, but no more mad than thegrey kitten that purred round his legs while the examination went on.

'He wants his master, and feels the heat. Fed too well, perhaps. I'llkeep him a few weeks and send him home all right,' said Dr Watkins,as Don laid his great head in his hand, and kept his intelligent eyeson his face, evidently feeling that this man understood his trials,and knew what to do for him.

So Don departed without a murmur, and our three conspirators tookcounsel together how to spare the family all anxiety, and give Robthe rest his leg demanded. Fortunately, he always spent many hours inhis little study, so he could lie on the sofa with a book in his handas long as he liked, without exciting any remark. Being of a quiettemperament, he did not worry himself or Nan with useless fears, butbelieved what was told him, and dismissing all dark possibilities,went cheerfully on his way, soon recovering from the shock of what hecalled 'our scare'.

But excitable Ted was harder to manage, and it took all Nan's wit andwisdom to keep him from betraying the secret; for it was best to saynothing and spare all discussion of the subject for Rob's sake. Ted'sremorse preyed upon him, and having no 'Mum' to confide in, he wasvery miserable. By day he devoted himself to Rob, waiting on him,talking to him, gazing anxiously at him, and worrying the good fellowvery much; though he wouldn't own it, since Ted found comfort in it.But at night, when all was quiet, Ted's lively imagination and heavyheart got the better of him, and kept him awake, or set him walkingin his sleep. Nan had her eye on him, and more than once administereda little dose to give him a rest, read to him, scolded him, and whenshe caught him haunting the house in the watches of the night,threatened to lock him up if he did not stay in his bed. This woreoff after a while; but a change came over the freakish boy, andeveryone observed it, even before his mother returned to ask whatthey had done to quench the Lion's spirits. He was gay, but not soheedless; and often when the old wilfulness beset him, he would checkit sharply, look at Rob, and give up, or stalk away to have his sulkout alone. He no longer made fun of his brother's old-fashioned waysand bookish tastes, but treated him with a new and very markedrespect, which touched and pleased modest Rob, and much amazed allobservers. It seemed as if he felt that he owed him reparation forthe foolish act that might have cost him his life; and love beingstronger than will, Ted forgot his pride, and paid his debt like anhonest boy.

'I don't understand it,' said Mrs Jo, after a week of home life, muchimpressed by the good behaviour of her younger son. 'Ted is such asaint, I'm afraid we are going to lose him. Is it Meg's sweetinfluence, or Daisy's fine cooking, or the pellets I catch Nan givinghim on the sly? Some witchcraft has been at work during my absence,and this will-o'-the-wisp is so amiable, quiet, and obedient, I don'tknow him.'

'He is growing up, heart's-dearest, and being a precocious plant, hebegins to bloom early. I also see a change in my Robchen. He is moremanly and serious than ever, and is seldom far from me, as if hislove for the old papa was growing with his growth. Our boys willoften surprise us in this way, Jo, and we can only rejoice over themand leave them to become what Gott pleases.'

As the Professor spoke, his eyes rested proudly on the brothers, whocame walking up the steps together, Ted's arm over Rob's shoulder ashe listened attentively to some geological remarks Rob was making ona stone he held. Usually, Ted made fun of such tastes, and loved tolay boulders in the student's path, put brickbats under his pillow,gravel in his shoes, or send parcels of dirt by express to 'Prof. R.M. Bhaer'. Lately, he had treated Rob's hobbies respectfully, and hadbegun to appreciate the good qualities of this quiet brother whom hehad always loved but rather undervalued, till his courage under firewon Ted's admiration, and made it impossible to forget a fault, theconsequences of which might have been so terrible. The leg was stilllame, though doing well, and Ted was always offering an arm assupport, gazing anxiously at his brother, and trying to guess hiswants; for regret was still keen in Ted's soul, and Rob's forgivenessonly made it deeper. A fortunate slip on the stairs gave Rob anexcuse for limping, and no one but Nan and Ted saw the wound; so thesecret was safe up to this time.

'We are talking about you, my lads. Come in and tell us what goodfairy has been at work while we were gone. Or is it because absencesharpens our eyes, that we find such pleasant changes when we comeback?' said Mrs Jo, patting the sofa on either side, while theProfessor forgot his piles of letters to admire the pleasing prospectof his wife in a bower of arms, as the boys sat down beside her,smiling affectionately, but feeling a little guilty; for till now'Mum' and 'Vater' knew every event in their boyish lives.

'Oh, it's only because Bobby and I have been alone so much; we aresort of twins. I stir him up a bit, and he steadies me a great deal.You and father do the same, you know. Nice plan. I like it'; and Tedfelt that he had settled the matter capitally.

'Mother won't thank you for comparing yourself to her, Ted. I'mflattered at being like father in any way. I try to be,' answeredRob, as they laughed at Ted's compliment.

'I do thank him, for it's true; and if you, Robin, do half as muchfor your brother as Papa has for me, your life won't be a failure,'said Mrs Jo heartily. 'I'm very glad to see you helping one another.It's the right way, and we can't begin too soon to try to understandthe needs, virtues, and failings of those nearest us. Love should notmake us blind to faults, nor familiarity make us too ready to blamethe shortcomings we see. So work away, my sonnies, and give us moresurprises of this sort as often as you like.'

'The liebe Mutter has said all. I too am well pleased at the friendlybrother-warmth I find. It is good for everyone; long may it last!'and Professor Bhaer nodded at the boys, who looked gratified, butrather at a loss how to respond to these flattering remarks.

Rob wisely kept silent, fearing to say too much; but Ted burst out,finding it impossible to help telling something:

'The fact is I've been finding out what a brave good chap Bobby is,and I'm trying to make up for all the bother I've been to him. I knewhe was awfully wise, but I thought him rather soft, because he likedbooks better than larks, and was always fussing about his conscience.But I begin to see that it isn't the fellows who talk the loudest andshow off best that are the manliest. No, sir! quiet old Bob is a heroand a trump, and I'm proud of him; so would you be if you knew allabout it.'

Here a look from Rob brought Ted up with a round turn; he stoppedshort, grew red, and clapped his hand on his mouth in dismay.

'Well, are we not to "know all about it"?' asked Mrs Jo quickly; forher sharp eye saw signs of danger and her maternal heart felt thatsomething had come between her and her sons. 'Boys,' she went onsolemnly, 'I suspect that the change we talk about is not altogetherthe effect of growing up, as we say. It strikes me that Ted has beenin mischief and Rob has got him out of some scrape; hence the lovelymood of my bad boy and the sober one of my conscientious son, whonever hides anything from his mother.'

Rob was as red as Ted now, but after a moment's hesitation he lookedup and answered with an air of relief:

'Yes, mother, that's it; but it's all over and no harm done, and Ithink we'd better let it be, for a while at least. I did feel guiltyto keep anything from you, but now you know so much I shall not worryand you needn't either. Ted's sorry, I don't mind, and it has done usboth good.'

Mrs Jo looked at Ted, who winked hard but bore the look like a man;then she turned to Rob, who smiled at her so cheerfully that she feltreassured; but something in his face struck her, and she saw what itwas that made him seem older, graver, yet more lovable than ever. Itwas the look pain of mind, as well as body, brings, and the patienceof a sweet submission to some inevitable trial. Like a flash sheguessed that some danger had been near her boy, and the glances shehad caught between the two lads and Nan confirmed her fears.

'Rob, dear, you have been ill, hurt, or seriously troubled by Ted?Tell me at once; I will not have any secrets now. Boys sometimessuffer all their lives from neglected accidents or carelessness.Fritz, make them speak out!'

Mr Bhaer put down his papers and came to stand before them, saying ina tone that quieted Mrs Jo, and gave the boys courage:

'My sons, give us the truth. We can bear it; do not hold it back tospare us. Ted knows we forgive much because we love him, so be frank,all two.'

Ted instantly dived among the sofa pillows and kept there, with onlya pair of scarlet ears visible, while Rob in a few words told thelittle story, truthfully, but as gently as he could, hastening to addthe comfortable assurance that Don was not mad, the wound nearlywell, and no danger would ever come of it.

But Mrs Jo grew so pale he had to put his arms about her, and hisfather turned and walked away, exclaiming: 'Ach Himmel!' in a tone ofsuch mingled pain, relief, and gratitude, that Ted pulled an extrapillow over his head to smother the sound. They were all right in aminute; but such news is always a shock, even if the peril is past,and Mrs Jo hugged her boy close till his father came and took himaway, saying with a strong shake of both hands and a quiver in hisvoice:

'To be in danger of one's life tries a man's mettle, and you bear itwell; but I cannot spare my good boy yet; thank Gott, we keep himsafe!'

A smothered sound, between a choke and a groan, came from under thepillows, and the writhing of Ted's long legs so plainly expresseddespair that his mother relented towards him, and burrowing till shefound a tousled yellow head, pulled it out and smoothed it,exclaiming with an irrepressible laugh, though her cheeks were wetwith tears:

'Come and be forgiven, poor sinner! I know you have suffered enough,and I won't say a word; only if harm had come to Rob you would havemade me more miserable than yourself. Oh, Teddy, Teddy, do try tocure that wilful spirit of yours before it is too late!'

'Oh, Mum, I do try! I never can forget this - I hope it's cured me; ifit hasn't, I am afraid I ain't worth saving,' answered Ted, pullinghis own hair as the only way of expressing his deep remorse.

'Yes, you are, my dear; I felt just so at fifteen when Amy was nearlydrowned, and Marmee helped me as I'll help you. Come to me, Teddy,when the evil one gets hold of you, and together we'll rout him. Ah,me! I've had many a tussle with that old Apollyon, and often gotworsted, but not always. Come under my shield, and we'll fight tillwe win.'

No one spoke for a minute as Ted and his mother laughed and cried inone handkerchief, and Rob stood with his father's arm round him sohappy that all was told and forgiven, though never to be forgotten;for such experiences do one good, and knit hearts that love moreclosely together.

Presently Ted rose straight up and going to his father, said bravelyand humbly:

'I ought to be punished. Please do it; but first say you forgive me,as Rob does.'

'Always that, mein Sohn, seventy time seven, if needs be, else I amnot worthy the name you give me. The punishment has come; I can giveno greater. Let it not be in vain. It will not with the help of themother and the All Father. Room here for both, always!'

The good Professor opened his arms and embraced his boys like a trueGerman, not ashamed to express by gesture or by word the fatherlyemotions an American would have compressed into a slap on theshoulder and a brief 'All right'.

Mrs Jo sat and enjoyed the prospect like a romantic soul as she was,and then they had a quiet talk together, saying freely all that wasin their hearts, and finding much comfort in the confidence whichcomes when love casts out fear. It was agreed that nothing be saidexcept to Nan, who was to be thanked and rewarded for her courage,discretion, and fidelity.

'I always knew that girl had the making of a fine woman in her, andthis proves it. No panics and shrieks and faintings and fuss, butcalm sense and energetic skill. Dear child, what can I give or do toshow my gratitude?' said Mrs Jo enthusiastically.

'Make Tom clear out and leave her in peace,' suggested Ted, almosthimself again, though a pensive haze still partially obscured hisnative gaiety.

'Yes, do! he frets her like a mosquito. She forbade him to come outhere while she stayed, and packed him off with Demi. I like old Tom,but he is a regular noodle about Nan,' added Rob, as he went away tohelp his father with the accumulated letters.

'I'll do it!' said Mrs Jo decidedly. 'That girl's career shall not behampered by a foolish boy's fancy. In a moment of weariness she maygive in, and then it's all over. Wiser women have done so andregretted it all their lives. Nan shall earn her place first, andprove that she can fill it; then she may marry if she likes, and canfind a man worthy of her.'

But Mrs Jo's help was not needed; for love and gratitude can workmiracles, and when youth, beauty, accident, and photography areadded, success is sure; as was proved in the case of the unsuspectingbut too susceptible Thomas.