`` Run down and tell him it is all right , Franz , or old Dodd will think it is stolen , '' said Mr. Bhaer , joining in the shout of laughter at Nan 's coolness . `` I told you we would send for it if it did not come . Another time you must wait , for you will get into trouble if you run away . Promise me this , or I shall not dare to trust you out of my sight , '' said Mrs. Bhaer , wiping the dust off Nan 's little hot face . `` Well , I wo n't , only papa tells me not to put off doing things , so I do n't . '' `` That is rather a poser ; I think you had better give her some supper now , and a private lecture by and by , '' said Mr. Bhaer , too much amused to be angry at the young lady 's exploit . The boys thought it `` great fun , '' and Nan entertained them all supper-time with an account of her adventures ; for a big dog had barked at her , a man had laughed at her , a woman had given her a doughnut , and her hat had fallen into the brook when she stopped to drink , exhausted with her exertion . `` I fancy you will have your hands full now , my dear ; Tommy and Nan are quite enough for one woman , '' said Mr. Bhaer , half an hour later . `` I know it will take some time to tame the child , but she is such a generous , warm-hearted little thing , I should love her even if she were twice as naughty , '' answered Mrs. Jo , pointing to the merry group , in the middle of which stood Nan , giving away her things right and left , as lavishly as if the big band-box had no bottom . It was those good traits that soon made little `` Giddygaddy , '' as they called her , a favorite with every one . Daisy never complained of being dull again , for Nan invented the most delightful plays , and her pranks rivalled Tommy 's , to the amusement of the whole school . She buried her big doll and forgot it for a week , and found it well mildewed when she dragged it up . Daisy was in despair , but Nan took it to the painter who as at work about the house , got him to paint it brick red , with staring black eyes , then she dressed it up with feathers , and scarlet flannel , and one of Ned 's leaden hatchets ; and in the character of an Indian chief , the late Poppydilla tomahawked all the other dolls , and caused the nursery to run red with imaginary gore . She gave away her new shoes to a beggar child , hoping to be allowed to go barefoot , but found it impossible to combine charity and comfort , and was ordered to ask leave before disposing of her clothes . She delighted the boys by making a fire-ship out of a shingle with two large sails wet with turpentine , which she lighted , and then sent the little vessel floating down the brook at dusk . She harnessed the old turkey-cock to a straw wagon , and made him trot round the house at a tremendous pace . She gave her coral necklace for four unhappy kittens , which had been tormented by some heartless lads , and tended them for days as gently as a mother , dressing their wounds with cold cream , feeding them with a doll 's spoon , and mourning over them when they died , till she was consoled by one of Demi 's best turtles . She made Silas tattoo an anchor on her arm like his , and begged hard to have a blue star on each cheek , but he dared not do it , though she coaxed and scolded till the soft-hearted fellow longed to give in . She rode every animal on the place , from the big horse Andy to the cross pig , from whom she was rescued with difficulty . Whatever the boys dared her to do she instantly attempted , no matter how dangerous it might be , and they were never tired of testing her courage .
Mr. XXXXX suggested that they should see who would study best , and Nan found as much pleasure in using her quick wits and fine memory as her active feet and merry tongue , while the lads had to do their best to keep their places , for Nan showed them that girls could do most things as well as boys , and some things better .
Andy Bhaer Daisy Demi Dodd Silas hatchets right shingle turkey-cock