Don't say a word to anyone, and I'll have the truth before long,' answered Mrs Jo, still loyal to her bad boy, though much afflicted by what she had heard.
For some days Dan rested, and saw few people; then good care, cheerful surroundings, and the comfort of being at home began to tell, and he seemed more like himself, though still very silent as to his 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 that he could not show off his brave Dan.
'Wasn't a man there who wouldn't have done the same, so why make a row over me ?' asked the hero, feeling more ashamed than proud of the broken arm, which looked so interesting in a sling.
'But isn't it pleasant to think that you saved twenty lives, Dan, and gave husbands, sons, and fathers back to the women who loved them ?' asked Mrs Jo one evening as they were alone together after several callers had been sent away.
'Pleasant! it's all that kept me alive, I do believe; yes, I'd rather have done it than be made president or any other big bug in the world.
No one knows what a comfort it is to think I've saved twenty men to more than pay for--' There Dan stopped short, having evidently spoken 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 the risk 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 like his old manner.
'"He that loseth his life shall gain it",' muttered Dan, staring at the cheerful fire which lighted the room, and shone on his thin face with a ruddy glow.
Mrs Jo was so startled at hearing such words from his lips that she exclaimed joyfully: 'Then you did read the little book I gave you, and kept your promise ?' 'I read it a good deal after a while.

I don't know much yet, but I'm ready to learn; and that's something.' 'It's everything.

Oh, my dear, tell me about it! I know something lies heavy on your heart; let me help you bear it, and so make the burden lighter.' 'I know it would; I want to tell; but some things even you couldn't forgive; 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 will never 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 it fast, waiting silently till that sustaining touch warmed poor Dan's heart, and gave him courage to speak.