A shovel was heated , and the chestnuts danced merrily upon it , while the corn popped wildly in its wire prison . Dan cracked his best walnuts , and every one chattered and laughed , while the rain beat on the window-pane and the wind howled round the house . `` Why is Billy like this nut ? '' asked Emil , who was frequently inspired with bad conundrums . `` Because he is cracked , '' answered Ned . `` That 's not fair ; you must n't make fun of Billy , because he ca n't hit back again . It 's mean , '' cried Dan , smashing a nut wrathfully . `` To what family of insects does Blake belong ? '' asked peacemaker Franz , seeing that Emil looked ashamed and Dan lowering . `` Gnats , '' answered Jack . `` Why is Daisy like a bee ? '' cried Nat , who had been wrapt in thought for several minutes . `` Because she is queen of the hive , '' said Dan . `` No . '' `` Because she is sweet . '' `` Bees are not sweet . '' `` Give it up . '' `` Because she makes sweet things , is always busy , and likes flowers , '' said Nat , piling up his boyish compliments till Daisy blushed like a rosy clover . `` Why is Nan like a hornet ? '' demanded Tommy , glowering at her , and adding , without giving any one time to answer , `` Because she is n't sweet , makes a great buzzing about nothing , and stings like fury . ''
`` XXXXX 's mad , and I 'm glad , '' cried Ned , as Nan tossed her head and answered quickly , `` What thing in the china-closet is Tom like ? ''
Blake Daisy Dan Emil Gnats Nat Tommy hornet minutes window-pane