were all standing about in the hall, and Mr. Bhaer had just set
down on the straw settee to enjoy his frolic with Teddy; but when
he heard Tommy and saw Nat turn scarlet, and look at him with a
frightened face, he put the little boy down, saying, "Go to thy
mother, bbchen, I will come soon," and taking Nat by the hand
led him into the school and shut the door.

The boys looked at one another in silence for a minute, then
Tommy slipped out and peeping in at the half-closed blinds,
beheld a sight that quite bewildered him. Mr. Bhaer had just taken
down the long rule that hung over his desk, so seldom used that it
was covered with dust.

"My eye! He's going to come down heavy on Nat this time. Wish I
hadn't told," thought good-natured Tommy, for to be feruled was
the deepest disgrace at this school.

"You remember what I told you last time?" said Mr. Bhaer,
sorrowfully, not angrily.

"Yes; but please don't make me, I can't bear it," cried Nat, backing
up against the door with both hands behind him, and a face full of
distress.

"Why don't he up and take it like a man? I would," thought
Tommy, though his heart beat fast at the sight.

"I shall keep my word, and you must remember to tell the truth.
Obey me, Nat, take this and give me six good strokes."