Hhhhhh
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 good natured Tommy, for to be feruled was the deepest disgrace at this school.
Tommy watched nervously as Mr. Bhaer gestured for Nat to bend over the desk. He held his breath, expecting to hear the loud crack of the ruler against Nat's palm. But instead, he heard Mr. Bhaer speaking softly to Nat. Tommy strained to listen, but the words were too quiet for him to make out.
After a few moments, Mr. Bhaer stood up and walked over to a shelf. Tommy saw him take something down, but he couldn't quite see what it was. Mr. Bhaer then walked back to Nat and handed him a small book.
Tommy's confusion grew as he watched Nat's face change from fear to relief. What was going on? He couldn't understand why Mr. Bhaer had reached for the ruler only to give Nat a book.
Mr. Bhaer said something to Nat, and they both turned to leave the room. Tommy quickly pulled away from the window, not wanting to be caught spying. He rejoined the other boys in the hall, his mind buzzing with questions.
A few minutes later, Mr. Bhaer emerged from the schoolroom with a smile on his face. He called the boys together and explained that Nat had made a mistake, but he had chosen a different punishment for him.
"He will not be feruled," Mr. Bhaer said, causing a collective sigh of relief from the boys. "Instead, Nat will read this book and write a short essay about its themes and lessons. I believe this will be a more effective way for him to learn from his mistake."
Tommy's eyes widened in surprise. Mr. Bhaer had chosen a different approach, one that focused on understanding and growth rather than punishment. It was a lesson in itself, one that Tommy would not soon forget.
As the boys dispersed, Tommy approached Nat, who looked both relieved and grateful. Tommy smiled and said, "I'm sorry I told on you, Nat. But I'm glad Mr. Bhaer didn't give you the ruler."
Nat nodded, still processing what had just happened. "Yeah, me too. Thanks for looking out for me, Tommy."
Tommy patted Nat on the back and replied, "That's what friends are for, Nat. Let's remember this and help each other out, okay?"
They walked away together, ready to face whatever challenges came their way, knowing they had a teacher who believed in them and friends who had each other's backs. And in that moment, Tommy realized that sometimes, the punishment we fear isn't always the one we receive, and that there are teachers who choose growth and understanding over harsh discipline.