He thought no one would find it out, but Tommy happened to see him, and when Emil spoke of it a day or two later, Tommy gave his evidence, and Mr. Bhaer heard it. School was over, and they were all standing about in the hall, and Mr. Bhaer had just sat 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, biibchen, 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 had n’t told,” thought goodnatured Tommy, for to be feruled was the deepest disgrace at this school.
He watched as Mr. Bhaer took Nat by the ear and led him to the front of the classroom. Tommy's heart sank as he anticipated the punishment that was about to be inflicted on his friend. Mr. Bhaer's usually kind face was stern and serious.
Nat stood before him, his eyes downcast and his shoulders hunched in anticipation of the pain that was to come. Mr. Bhaer raised the ruler, and for a split second, Tommy closed his eyes, unable to watch. But when he opened them again, he saw something he never expected.
Instead of bringing the ruler down on Nat's outstretched hand, Mr. Bhaer gently laid it aside. He then knelt down in front of Nat and spoke to him in a gentle, understanding voice. Tommy couldn't hear what was being said, but he saw Mr. Bhaer's hand on Nat's shoulder, offering comfort instead of punishment.
Tommy's confusion grew as he realized that Mr. Bhaer wasn't angry at Nat, but rather concerned. After a few moments, Nat's tense shoulders relaxed, and he nodded, tears streaming down his face. Mr. Bhaer stood up and embraced Nat, a gesture of forgiveness and acceptance.
Tommy couldn't help but feel relieved and grateful. He had expected Nat to be punished severely, but instead, Mr. Bhaer had shown him compassion and understanding. It was a valuable lesson for Tommy, one that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
As Tommy left his hiding spot and rejoined the other boys, he felt a newfound respect and admiration for Mr. Bhaer. He realized that discipline didn't always have to be harsh and punitive. Sometimes, forgiveness and understanding were the greatest lessons one could learn.
From that day on, Tommy vowed to be more observant and understanding of others. He understood the power of his words and actions, and he knew that sometimes, what seemed like a harmless secret could have unintended consequences. Tommy had learned a valuable lesson about trust, honesty, and compassion, all thanks to the unexpected mercy of Mr. Bhaer.