Then he added gravely, "But one of the first and most important of our few laws is the law of kindness to every dumb creature on the place.

I want everybody and everything to be happy here, to love and trust, and serve us, as we try to love and trust and serve them faithfully and willingly.

I have often said that you were kinder to the animals than any of the other boys, and Mrs.Bhaer liked that trait in you very much, because she thought it showed a good heart.

But you have disappointed us in that, and we are sorry, for we hoped to make you quite one of us.

Shall we try again ?" Dan's eyes had been on the floor, and his hands nervously picking at the bit of wood he had been whittling as Mr.Bhaer came in, but when he heard the kind voice ask that question, he looked up quickly, and said in a more respectful tone than he had ever used before, "Yes, please." "Very well, then, we will say no more, only you will stay at home from the walk to-morrow, as the other boys will and all of you must wait on poor Buttercup till she is well again." "I will." "Now, go down to supper, and do your best, my boy, more for your own sake than for ours." Then Mr.Bhaer shook hands with him, and Dan went down more tamed by kindness than he would have been by the good whipping which Asia had strongly recommended.
Dan did try for a day or two, but not being used to it, he soon tired and relapsed into his old wilful ways.