said Demi , feeling as if a new means of earning money for his mother was suggested by the story . `` Tell about a bad boy . I like them best , '' said Nan . `` You 'd better tell about a naughty cross-patch of a girl , '' said Tommy , whose evening had been spoilt by Nan 's unkindness . It made his apple taste bitter , his pop-corn was insipid , his nuts were hard to crack , and the sight of Ned and Nan on one bench made him feel his life a burden . But there were no more stories from Mrs. Jo , for on looking down at Rob he was discovered to be fast asleep with his last corn firmly clasped in his chubby hand . Bundling him up in his coverlet , his mother carried him away and tucked him up with no fear of his popping out again . `` Now let 's see who will come next , '' said Emil , setting the door temptingly ajar . Mary Ann passed first , and he called out to her , but Silas had warned her , and she only laughed and hurried on in spite of their enticements . Presently a door opened , and a strong voice was heard humming in the hall , `` Ich weiss nicht was soll es bedeuten Dass ich so traurig bin . '' `` It 's Uncle Fritz ; all laugh loud and he will be sure to come in , '' said Emil . A wild burst of laughter followed , and in came Uncle Fritz , asking , `` What is the joke , my lads ? '' `` Caught ! caught ! you ca n't go out till you 've told a story , '' cried the boys , slamming the door . `` So ! that is the joke then ? Well , I have no wish to go , it is so pleasant here , and I pay my forfeit at once , '' which he did by sitting down and beginning instantly , `` A long time ago your Grandfather , Demi , went to lecture in a great town , hoping to get some money for a home for little orphans that some good people were getting up . His lecture did well , and he put a considerable sum of money in his pocket , feeling very happy about it . As he was driving in a chaise to another town , he came to a lonely bit of road , late in the afternoon , and was just thinking what a good place it was for robbers when he saw a bad-looking man come out of the woods in front of him and go slowly along as if waiting till he came up .
The thought of the money made Grandfather rather anxious , and at XXXXX he had a mind to turn round and drive away .
Dass Emil Fritz Nan Silas Tommy afternoon cross-patch first unkindness