`` The boys had all gathered round , and at these words they felt much ashamed , and begged Lewis ' pardon so heartily that he could not refuse to give it . Miss Crane presented the knife to him , and he kept it many years to remind him of the fault that had brought him so much trouble . '' `` I wonder why it is that things you eat on the sly hurt you , and do n't when you eat them at table , '' observed Stuffy , thoughtfully . `` Perhaps your conscience affects your stomach , '' said Mrs. Jo , smiling at his speech . `` He is thinking of the cucumbers , '' said Ned , and a gale of merriment followed the words , for Stuffy 's last mishap had been a funny one . He ate two large cucumbers in private , felt very ill , and confided his anguish to Ned , imploring him to do something . Ned good-naturedly recommended a mustard plaster and a hot flat iron to the feet ; only in applying these remedies he reversed the order of things , and put the plaster on the feet , the flat iron on the stomach , and poor Stuffy was found in the barn with blistered soles and a scorched jacket . `` Suppose you tell another story , that was such an interesting one , '' said Nat , as the laughter subsided . Before Mrs. Jo could refuse these insatiable Oliver Twists , Rob walked into the room trailing his little bed-cover after him , and wearing an expression of great sweetness as he said , steering straight to his mother as a sure haven of refuge , `` I heard a great noise , and I thought sumfin dreffle might have happened , so I came to see . '' `` Did you think I would forget you , naughty boy ? '' asked his mother , trying to look stern . `` No ; but I thought you 'd feel better to see me right here , '' responded the insinuating little party . `` I had much rather see you in bed , so march straight up again , Robin . '' `` Everybody that comes in here has to tell a story , and you ca n't so you 'd better cut and run , '' said Emil . `` Yes , I can ! I tell Teddy lots of ones , all about bears and moons , and little flies that say things when they buzz , '' protested Rob , bound to stay at any price . `` Tell one now , then , right away , '' said Dan , preparing to shoulder and bear him off . `` Well , I will ; let me fink a minute , '' and Rob climbed into his mother 's lap , where he was cuddled , with the remark `` It is a family failing , this getting out of bed at wrong times . Demi used to do it ; and as for me , I was hopping in and out all night long . Meg used to think the house was on fire , and send me down to see , and I used to stay and enjoy myself , as you mean to , my bad son . ''
`` I 've finked now , '' observed XXXXX , quite at his ease , and eager to win the entree into this delightful circle .
Jo Nat Ned Rob Robin Stuffy cucumbers dreffle minute years