No one dreamed how much was to happen before Dan came to take his money back , nor how nearly that act was his last will and testament ; and while Mr Laurie was explaining how he would invest it , a cheery voice was heard singing : ` Oh , Peggy was a jolly lass , Ye heave ho , boys , ye heave ho ! She never grudged her Jack a glass , Ye heave ho , boys , ye heave ho ! And when he sailed the raging main , She faithful was unto her swain , Ye heave ho , boys , ye heave ho ! ' Emil always announced his arrival in that fashion , and in a moment he came hurrying in with Nat , who had been giving lessons in town all day . It was good to see the latter beam at his friend as he nearly shook his hand off ; better still to see how Dan gratefully remembered all he owed Nat , and tried to pay the debt in his rough way ; and best of all to hear the two travellers compare notes and reel off yarns to dazzle the land-lubbers and home-keepers . After this addition the house would not contain the gay youngsters , so they migrated to the piazza and settled on the steps , like a flock of night-loving birds . Mr March and the Professor retired to the study , Meg and Amy went to look after the little refection of fruit and cake which was to come , and Mrs Jo and Mr Laurie sat in the long window listening to the chat that went on outside . ` There they are , the flower of our flock ! ' she said , pointing to the group before them . ` The others are dead or scattered , but these seven boys and four girls are my especial comfort and pride . Counting Alice Heath , my dozen is made up , and my hands are full trying to guide these young lives as far as human skill can do it . ' ` When we remember how different they are , from what some of them came , and the home influences about others , I think we may feel pretty well satisfied so far , ' answered Mr Laurie soberly , as his eyes rested on one bright head among the black and brown ones , for the young moon shone alike on all . ' I do n't worry about the girls ; Meg sees to them , and is so wise and patient and tender they ca n't help doing well ; but my boys are more care every year , and seem to drift farther away from me each time they go , ' sighed Mrs Jo . ` They will grow up , and I can only hold them by one little thread , which may snap at any time , as it has with Jack and Ned . Dolly and George still like to come back , and I can say my word to them ; and dear old Franz is too true ever to forget his own . But the three who are soon going out into the world again I ca n't help worrying about . Emil 's good heart will keep him straight , I hope , and ' `` A sweet little cherub sits up aloft , To look out for the life of poor Jack . '' ' Nat is to make his first flight , and he 's weak in spite of your strengthening influence ; and Dan is still untamed . I fear it will take some hard lesson to do that . ' ` He 's a fine fellow , Jo , and I almost regret this farming project .
A little polish would make a gentleman of him , and who knows what he might become here among us , ' answered Mr XXXXX , leaning over Mrs Bhaer 's chair , just as he used to do years ago when they had mischievous secrets together .
Dan Emil Franz Heath Laurie cherub day first home-keepers land-lubbers