The summer days that followed were full of rest and pleasure foryoung and old, as they did the honours of Plumfield to their happyguests. While Franz and Emil were busy with the affairs of UncleHermann and Captain Hardy, Mary and Ludmilla made friends everywhere;for, though very unlike, both were excellent and charming girls. MrsMeg and Daisy found the German bride a Hausfrau after their ownhearts, and had delightful times learning new dishes, hearing aboutthe semi-yearly washes and the splendid linen-room at Hamburg, ordiscussing domestic life in all its branches. Ludmilla not onlytaught, but learned, many things, and went home with many new anduseful ideas in her blonde head.

Mary had seen so much of the world that she was unusually lively foran English girl; while her various accomplishments made her a mostagreeable companion. Much good sense gave her ballast; and the lateexperiences of danger and happiness added a sweet gravity at times,which contrasted well with her natural gaiety. Mrs Jo was quitesatisfied with Emil's choice, and felt sure this true and tenderpilot would bring him safe to port through fair or stormy weather.She had feared that Franz would settle down into a comfortable,moneymaking burgher, and be content with that; but she soon saw thathis love of music and his placid Ludmilla put much poetry into hisbusy life, and kept it from being too prosaic. So she felt at restabout these boys, and enjoyed their visit with real, maternalsatisfaction; parting with them in September most regretfully, yethopefully, as they sailed away to the new life that lay before them.

Demi's engagement was confided to the immediate family only, as bothwere pronounced too young to do anything but love and wait. Theywere so happy that time seemed to stand still for them, and after ablissful week they parted bravely - Alice to home duties, with a hopethat sustained and cheered her through many trials; and John to hisbusiness, full of a new ardour which made all things possible whensuch a reward was offered.

Daisy rejoiced over them, and was never tired of hearing herbrother's plans for the future. Her own hope soon made her what sheused to be - a cheery, busy creature, with a smile, kind word, andhelping hand for all; and as she went singing about the house again,her mother felt that the right remedy for past sadness had beenfound. The dear Pelican still had doubts and fears, but kept themwisely to herself, preparing sundry searching tests to be appliedwhen Nat came home, and keeping a sharp eye on the letters fromLondon; for some mysterious hint had flown across the sea, andDaisy's content seemed reflected in Nat's present cheerful state ofmind.

Having passed through the Werther period, and tried a little Faust - of which experience he spoke to his Marguerite as if it had includedan acquaintance with Mephistopheles, Blocksburg, and Auerbach'swine-cellar - he now felt that he was a Wilhelm Meister, serving hisapprenticeship to the great masters of life. As she knew the truth ofhis small sins and honest repentance, Daisy only smiled at themixture of love and philosophy he sent her, knowing that it wasimpossible for a young man to live in Germany without catching theGerman spirit.

'His heart is all right; and his head will soon grow clear when hegets out of the fog of tobacco, beer, and metaphysics he's beenliving in. England will wake up his common sense, and good salt airblow his little follies all away,' said Mrs Jo, much pleased with thegood prospects of her violinist - whose return was delayed tillspring, to his private regret, but professional advancement.

Josie had a month with Miss Cameron at the seaside, and threw herselfso heartily into the lesson given her that her energy, promise, andpatience laid the foundation of a friendship which was of infinitevalue to her in the busy, brilliant years to come; for little Jo'sinstincts were right; and the dramatic talent of the Marches was toblossom by and by into an actress, virtuous, and beloved.

Tom and his Dora were peacefully ambling altar-ward; for Bangs seniorwas so afraid his son would change his mind again and try a thirdprofession, that he gladly consented to an early marriage, as a sortof anchor to hold the mercurial Thomas fast. Aforesaid Thomas couldnot complain of cold shoulders now; for Dora was a most devoted andadoring little mate, and made life so pleasant to him that his giftfor getting into scrapes seemed lost, and he bade fair to become athriving man, with undeniable talent for the business he had chosen.

'We shall be married in the autumn, and live with my father for awhile. The governor is getting on, you know, and my wife and I mustlook after him. Later we shall have an establishment of our own,' wasa favourite speech of his about this time, and usually received withsmiles; for the idea of Tommy Bangs at the head of an 'establishment'was irresistibly funny to all who knew him.

Things were in this flourishing condition, and Mrs Jo was beginningto think her trials were over for that year, when a new excitementcame. Several postal cards had arrived at long intervals from Dan,who gave them 'Care of M. Mason, etc.', as his address. By thismeans he was able to gratify his longing for home news, and to sendbrief messages to quiet their surprise at his delay in settling. Thelast one, which came in September, was dated 'Montana', and simplysaid:

Here at last, trying mining again; but not going to stay long. Allsorts of luck. Gave up the farm idea. Tell plans soon. Well, busy,and very happy. D. K.

If they had known what the heavy dash under 'happy' meant, thatpostal would have been a very eloquent bit of pasteboard; for Dan wasfree, and had gone straight away to the liberty he panted for.Meeting an old friend by accident, he obliged him at a pinch byacting as overseer for a time, finding the society even of roughminers very sweet, and something in the muscular work wonderfullypleasant, after being cooped up in the brush-shop so long. He lovedto take a pick and wrestle with rock and earth till he wasweary - which was very soon; for that year of captivity had told uponhis splendid physique. He longed to go home, but waited week afterweek to get the prison taint off him and the haggard look out of hisface. Meanwhile he made friends of masters and men; and as no oneknew his story, he took his place again in the world gratefully andgladly - with little pride now, and no plans but to do some goodsomewhere, and efface the past.

Mrs Jo was having a grand clearing-out of her desk one October day,while the rain poured outside, and peace reigned in her mansion.Coming across the postals, she pondered over them, and then put themcarefully away in the drawer labelled 'Boys' Letters', saying toherself, as she bundled eleven requests for autographs into thewaste-paper basket:

'It is quite time for another card, unless he is coming to tell hisplans. I'm really curious to know what he has been about all thisyear, and how he's getting on now.'

That last wish was granted within an hour; for Ted came rushing in,with a newspaper in one hand, a collapsed umbrella in the other, anda face full of excitement, announcing, all in one breathless jumble:

'Mine caved in - twenty men shut up - no way out - wives crying - waterrising - Dan knew the old shaft - risked his life - got 'em out - mostkilled - papers full of it - I knew he'd be a hero - hurray for oldDan!'

'What? Where? When? Who? Stop roaring, and let me read!' commandedhis mother, entirely bewildered.

Relinquishing the paper, Ted allowed her to read for herself, withfrequent interruptions from him - and Rob, who soon followed, eagerfor the tale. It was nothing new; but courage and devotion alwaysstir generous hearts, and win admiration; so the account was bothgraphic and enthusiastic; and the name of Daniel Kean, the brave manwho saved the lives of others at the risk of his own, was on manylips that day. Very proud were the faces of these friends as theyread how their Dan was the only one who, in the first panic of theaccident, remembered the old shaft that led into the mine - walled up,but the only hope of escape, if the men could be got out before therising water drowned them; how he was lowered down alone, telling theothers to keep back till he saw if it was safe; how he heard the poorfellows picking desperately for their lives on the other side, and byknocks and calls guided them to the right spot; then headed therescue party, and working like a hero, got the men out in time. Onbeing drawn up last of all, the worn rope broke, and he had aterrible fall, being much hurt, but was still alive. How the gratefulwomen kissed his blackened face and bloody hands, as the men bore himaway in triumph, and the owners of the mine promised a handsomereward, if he lived to receive it!

'He must live; he shall, and come home to be nursed as soon as he canstir, if I go and bring him myself! I always knew he'd do somethingfine and brave, if he didn't get shot or hung for some wild prankinstead,' cried Mrs Jo, much excited.

'Do go, and take me with you, Mum. I ought to be the one, Dan's sofond of me and I of him,' began Ted, feeling that this would be anexpedition after his own heart.

Before his mother could reply, Mr Laurie came in, with almost as muchnoise and flurry as Teddy the second, exclaiming as he waved theevening paper:

'Seen the news, Jo? What do you think? Shall I go off at once, andsee after that brave boy?'

'I wish you would. But the thing may not be all true - rumour lies so.Perhaps a few hours will bring an entirely new version of the story.'

'I've telephoned to Demi for all he can find out; and if it's true,I'll go at once. Should like the trip. If he's able, I'll bring himhome; if not, I'll stay and see to him. He'll pull through. Dan willnever die of a fall on his head. He's got nine lives, and not losthalf of them yet.'

'If you go, uncle, mayn't I go with you? I'm just spoiling for ajourney; and it would be such larks to go out there with you, and seethe mines and Dan, and hear all about it, and help. I can nurse.Can't I, Rob?' cried Teddy, in his most wheedlesome tones.

'Pretty well. But if mother can't spare you, I'm ready if uncle needsanyone,' answered Rob, in his quiet way, looking much fitter for thetrip than excitable Ted.

'I can't spare either of you. My boys get into trouble, unless I keepthem close at home. I've no right to hold the others; but I won't letyou out of my sight, or something will happen. Never saw such a year,with wrecks and weddings and floods and engagements, and every sortof catastrophe!' exclaimed Mrs Jo.

'If you deal in girls and boys, you must expect this sort of thing,ma'am. The worst is over, I hope, till these lads begin to go off.Then I'll stand by you; for you'll need every kind of support andcomfort, specially if Ted bolts early,' laughed Mr Laurie, enjoyingher lamentations.

'I don't think anything can surprise me now; but I am anxious aboutDan, and feel that someone had better go to him. It's a rough placeout there, and he may need careful nursing. Poor lad, he seems to geta good many hard knocks! But perhaps he needs them as "a mellerin'process", as Hannah used to say.'

'We shall hear from Demi before long, and then I'll be off.' Withwhich cheerful promise Mr Laurie departed; and Ted, finding hismother firm, soon followed, to coax his uncle to take him.

Further inquiry confirmed and added interest to the news. Mr Lauriewas off at once; and Ted went into town with him, still vainlyimploring to be taken to his Dan. He was absent all day; but hismother said, calmly:

'Only a fit of the sulks because he is thwarted. He's safe with Tomor Demi, and will come home hungry and meek at night. I know him.'

But she soon found that she could still be surprised; for eveningbrought no Ted, and no one had seen him. Mr Bhaer was just settingoff to find his lost son, when a telegram arrived, dated at one ofthe way-stations on Mr Laurie's route:

'Ted bolted sooner than you expected, mother. Never mind - uncle willtake good care of him, and Dan be very glad to see him,' said Rob, asMrs Jo sat, trying to realize that her youngest was actually on hisway to the wild West.

'Disobedient boy! He shall be severely punished, if I ever get himagain. Laurie winked at this prank; I know he did. Just like him.Won't the two rascals have a splendid time? Wish I was with them!Don't believe that crazy boy took even a night-gown with him, or anovercoat. Well, there will be two patients for us to nurse when theyget back, if they ever do. Those reckless express trains always godown precipices, and burn up, or telescope. Oh! my Ted, my preciousboy, how can I let him go so far away from me?'

And mother-like, Mrs Jo forgot the threatened chastisement in tenderlamentations over the happy scapegrace, now whizzing across thecontinent in high feather at the success of his first revolt. MrLaurie was much amused at his insisting that those words, 'when Tedbolts', put the idea into his head; and therefore the responsibilityrested upon his shoulders. He assumed it kindly from the moment hecame upon the runaway asleep in a car, with no visible luggage but abottle of wine for Dan and a blacking-brush for himself; and as MrsJo suspected, the 'two rascals' did have a splendid time. Penitentletters arrived in due season, and the irate parents soon forgot tochide in their anxiety about Dan, who was very ill, and did not knowhis friends for several days. Then he began to mend; and everyoneforgave the bad boy when he proudly reported that the first consciouswords Dan said were: 'Hallo, Ted!' with a smile of pleasure at seeinga familiar face bent over him.

'Glad he went, and I won't scold any more. Now, what shall we put inthe box for Dan?' And Mrs Jo worked off her impatience to get hold ofthe invalid by sending comforts enough for a hospital.

Cheering accounts soon began to come, and at length Dan waspronounced able to travel, but seemed in no haste to go home, thoughnever tired of hearing his nurses talk of it.

'Dan is strangely altered,' wrote Laurie to Jo; 'not by this illnessalone, but by something which has evidently gone before. I don't knowwhat, and leave you to ask; but from his ravings when delirious Ifear he has been in some serious trouble the past year. He seems tenyears older, but improved, quieter, and so grateful to us. It ispathetic to see the hunger in his eyes as they rest on Ted, as if hecouldn't see enough of him. He says Kansas was a failure, but can'ttalk much; so I bide my time. The people here love him very much, andhe cares for that sort of thing now; used to scorn any show ofemotion, you know; now he wants everyone to think well of him, andcan't do enough to win affection and respect. I may be all wrong. Youwill soon find out. Ted is in clover, and the trip has done him aworld of good. Let me take him to Europe when we go? Apron-stringsdon't agree with him any better than they did with me when I proposedto run away to Washington with you some century ago. Aren't you sorryyou didn't?'

This private letter set Mrs Jo's lively fancy in a ferment, and sheimagined every known crime, affliction, and complication which couldpossibly have befallen Dan. He was too feeble to be worried withquestions now, but she promised herself most interesting revelationswhen she got him safe at home; for the 'firebrand' was her mostinteresting boy. She begged him to come, and spent more time incomposing a letter that should bring him, than she did over the mostthrilling episodes in her 'works'.

No one but Dan saw the letter; but it did bring him, and one Novemberday Mr Laurie helped a feeble man out of a carriage at the door ofPlumfield, and Mother Bhaer received the wanderer like a recoveredson; while Ted, in a disreputable-looking hat and an astonishing pairof boots, performed a sort of war-dance round the interesting group.

'Right upstairs and rest; I'm nurse now, and this ghost must eatbefore he talks to anyone,' commanded Mrs Jo, trying not to show howshocked she was at this shorn and shaven, gaunt and pallid shadow ofthe stalwart man she parted with.

He was quite content to obey, and lay on the long lounge in the roomprepared for him, looking about as tranquilly as a sick childrestored to its own nursery and mother's arms, while his new nursefed and refreshed him, bravely controlling the questions that burnedupon her tongue. Being weak and weary, he soon fell asleep; and thenshe stole away to enjoy the society of the 'rascals', whom shescolded and petted, pumped and praised, to her heart's content.

'Jo, I think Dan has committed some crime and suffered for it,' saidMr Laurie, when Ted had departed to show his boots and tell glowingtales of the dangers and delights of the miners' life to his mates.'Some terrible experience has come to the lad, and broken his spirit.He was quite out of his head when we arrived, and I took thewatching, so I heard more of those sad wanderings than anyone else.He talked of the "warden", some trail, a dead man, and Blair andMason, and would keep offering me his hand, asking me if I would takeit and forgive him. Once, when he was very wild, I held his arms, andhe quieted in a moment, imploring me not to "put the handcuffs on". Ideclare, it was quite awful sometimes to hear him in the night talkof old Plum and you, and beg to be let out and go home to die.'

'He isn't going to die, but live to repent of anything he may havedone; so don't harrow me up with these dark hints, Teddy. I don'tcare if he's broken the Ten Commandments, I'll stand by him, and sowill you, and we'll set him on his feet and make a good man of himyet. I know he's not spoilt, by the look in his poor face. Don't saya word to anyone, and I'll have the truth before long,' answered MrsJo, still loyal to her bad boy, though much afflicted by what she hadheard.

For some days Dan rested, and saw few people; then good care,cheerful surroundings, and the comfort of being at home began totell, and he seemed more like himself, though still very silent as tohis late experiences, pleading the doctor's orders not to talk much.Everyone wanted to see him; but he shrank from any but old friends,and 'wouldn't lionize worth a cent', Ted said, much disappointed thathe could not show off his brave Dan.

'Wasn't a man there who wouldn't have done the same, so why make arow over me?' asked the hero, feeling more ashamed than proud of thebroken arm, which looked so interesting in a sling.

'But isn't it pleasant to think that you saved twenty lives, Dan, andgave husbands, sons, and fathers back to the women who loved them?'asked Mrs Jo one evening as they were alone together after severalcallers had been sent away.

'Pleasant! it's all that kept me alive, I do believe; yes, I'd ratherhave done it than be made president or any other big bug in theworld. No one knows what a comfort it is to think I've saved twentymen to more than pay for - ' There Dan stopped short, having evidentlyspoken out of some strong emotion to which his hearer had no key.

'I thought you'd feel so. It is a splendid thing to save life at therisk of one's own, as you did, and nearly lose it,' began Mrs Jo,wishing he had gone on with that impulsive speech which was so likehis old manner.

'"He that loseth his life shall gain it",' muttered Dan, staring atthe cheerful fire which lighted the room, and shone on his thin facewith a ruddy glow.

Mrs Jo was so startled at hearing such words from his lips that sheexclaimed joyfully:

'Then you did read the little book I gave you, and kept yourpromise?'

'I read it a good deal after a while. I don't know much yet, but I'mready to learn; and that's something.'

'It's everything. Oh, my dear, tell me about it! I know somethinglies heavy on your heart; let me help you bear it, and so make theburden lighter.'

'I know it would; I want to tell; but some things even you couldn'tforgive; and if you let go of me, I'm afraid I can't keep afloat.'

'Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I willnever let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.'

Mrs Jo took one of the big wasted hands in both of hers and held itfast, waiting silently till that sustaining touch warmed poor Dan'sheart, and gave him courage to speak. Sitting in his old attitude,with his head in his hands, he slowly told it all, never once lookingup till the last words left his lips.

'Now you know; can you forgive a murderer, and keep a jail-bird inyour house?'

Her only answer was to put her arms about him, and lay the shorn headon her breast, with eyes so full of tears they could but dimly seethe hope and fear that made his own so tragical.

That was better than any words; and poor Dan clung to her inspeechless gratitude, feeling the blessedness of mother love - thatdivine gift which comforts, purifies, and strengthens all who seekit. Two or three great, bitter drops were hidden in the littlewoollen shawl where Dan's cheek rested, and no one ever knew how softand comfortable it felt to him after the hard pillows he had known solong. Suffering of both mind and body had broken will and pride, andthe lifted burden brought such a sense of relief that he paused amoment to enjoy it in dumb delight.

'My poor boy, how you have suffered all this year, when we thoughtyou free as air! Why didn't you tell us, Dan, and let us help you?Did you doubt your friends?' asked Mrs Jo, forgetting all otheremotions in sympathy, as she lifted up the hidden face, and lookedreproachfully into the great hollow eyes that met her own franklynow.

'I was ashamed. I tried to bear it alone rather than shock anddisappoint you, as I know I have, though you try not to show it.Don't mind; I must get used to it'; and Dan's eyes dropped again asif they could not bear to see the trouble and dismay his confessionpainted on his best friend's face.

'I am shocked and disappointed by the sin, but I am also very gladand proud and grateful that my sinner has repented, atoned, and isready to profit by the bitter lesson. No one but Fritz and Laurieneed ever know the truth; we owe it to them, and they will feel as Ido,' answered Mrs Jo, wisely thinking that entire frankness would bea better tonic than too much sympathy.

'No, they won't; men never forgive like women. But it's right.Please tell 'em for me, and get it over. Mr Laurence knows it, Iguess. I blabbed when my wits were gone; but he was very kind all thesame. I can bear their knowing; but oh, not Ted and the girls!' Danclutched her arm with such an imploring face that she hastened toassure him no one should know except the two old friends, and hecalmed down as if ashamed of his sudden panic.

'It wasn't murder, mind you, it was in self-defence; he drew first,and I had to hit him. Didn't mean to kill him; but it doesn't worryme as much as it ought, I'm afraid. I've more than paid for it, andsuch a rascal is better out of the world than in it, showing boys theway to hell. Yes, I know you think that's awful in me; but I can'thelp it. I hate a scamp as I do a skulking coyote, and always want toget a shot at 'em. Perhaps it would have been better if he had killedme; my life is spoilt.'

All the old prison gloom seemed to settle like a black cloud on Dan'sface as he spoke, and Mrs Jo was frightened at the glimpse it gaveher of the fire through which he had passed to come out alive, butscarred for life. Hoping to turn his mind to happier things, she saidcheerfully:

'No, it isn't; you have learned to value it more and use it betterfor this trial. It is not a lost year, but one that may prove themost helpful of any you ever know. Try to think so, and begin again;we will help, and have all the more confidence in you for thisfailure. We all do the same and struggle on.'

'I never can be what I was. I feel about sixty, and don't care foranything now I've got here. Let me stay till I'm on my legs, thenI'll clear out and never trouble you any more,' said Dandespondently.

'You are weak and low in your mind; that will pass, and by and by youwill go to your missionary work among the Indians with all the oldenergy and the new patience, self-control, and knowledge you havegained. Tell me more about that good chaplain and Mary Mason and thelady whose chance word helped you so much. I want to know all aboutthe trials of my poor boy.'

Won by her tender interest, Dan brightened up and talked on till hehad poured out all the story of that bitter year, and felt better forthe load he lifted off.

If he had known how it weighed upon his hearer's heart, he would haveheld his peace; but she hid her sorrow till she had sent him to bed,comforted and calm; then she cried her heart out, to the great dismayof Fritz and Laurie, till they heard the tale and could mourn withher; after which they all cheered up and took counsel together howbest to help this worst of all the 'catastrophes' the year hadbrought them.