`` I 'm crying 'cause I was lost , '' bawled Rob , trying to squeeze out a tear , and failing entirely . `` But you are found now . Nan says you did n't cry out in the field , and I was glad you were such a brave boy . '' `` I was so busy being frightened I did n't have any time then . But I want to cry now , 'cause I do n't like to be lost , '' explained Rob , struggling with sleep , emotion , and a mouthful of bread and milk . The boys set up such a laugh at this funny way of making up for lost time , that Rob stopped to look at them , and the merriment was so infectious , that after a surprised stare he burst out into a merry , `` Ha , ha ! '' and beat his spoon upon the table as if he enjoyed the joke immensely . `` It is ten o'clock ; into bed , every man of you , '' said Mr. Bhaer , looking at his watch . `` And , thank Heaven ! there will be no empty ones to-night , '' added Mrs. Bhaer , watching , with full eyes , Robby going up in his father 's arms , and Nan escorted by Daisy and Demi , who considered her the most interesting heroine of their collection . `` Poor Aunt Jo is so tired she ought to be carried up herself , '' said gentle Franz , putting his arm round her as she paused at the stair-foot , looking quite exhausted by her fright and long walk . `` Let 's make an arm-chair , '' proposed Tommy . `` No , thank you , my lads ; but somebody may lend me a shoulder to lean on , '' answered Mrs. Jo . `` Me ! me ! '' and half-a-dozen jostled one another , all eager to be chosen , for there was something in the pale motherly face that touched the warm hearts under the round jackets . Seeing that they considered it an honor , Mrs. Jo gave it to the one who had earned it , and nobody grumbled when she put her arm on Dan 's broad shoulder , saying , with a look that made him color up with pride and pleasure , `` He found the children ; so I think he must help me up . '' Dan felt richly rewarded for his evening 's work , not only that he was chosen from all the rest to go proudly up bearing the lamp , but because Mrs. Jo said heartily , `` Good-night , my boy ! God bless you ! '' as he left her at her door .
`` I wish I was your boy , '' said XXXXX , who felt as if danger and trouble had somehow brought him nearer than ever to her .
'cause Dan Demi Franz Jo Nan Rob Tommy left to-night