Now , I want to see if I ca n't find some way for you to work off your steam better than running about the place like a mad dog , spoiling my fans , or fighting with the boys . What can we invent ? '' and while Dan tried to repair the mischief he had done , Mrs. Jo racked her brain for some new device to keep her truant safe until he had learned to love his lessons better . `` How would you like to be my express-man ? '' she said , as a sudden thought popped into her head . `` Go into town , and do the errands ? '' asked Dan , looking interested at once . `` Yes ; Franz is tired of it , Silas can not be spared just now , and Mr. Bhaer has no time . Old Andy is a safe horse , you are a good driver , and know your way about the city as well as a postman . Suppose you try it , and see if it wo n't do most as well to drive away two or three times a week as to run away once a month . '' `` I 'd like it ever so much , only I must go alone and do it all myself . I do n't want any of the other fellows bothering round , '' said Dan , taking to the new idea so kindly that he began to put on business airs already . `` If Mr. Bhaer does not object you shall have it all your own way . I suppose Emil will growl , but he can not be trusted with horses , and you can . By the way , to-morrow is market-day , and I must make out my list . You had better see that the wagon is in order , and tell Silas to have the fruit and vegetables ready for mother . You will have to be up early and get back in time for school , can you do that ? '' `` I 'm always an early bird , so I do n't mind , '' and Dan slung on his jacket with despatch . `` The early bird got the worm this time , I 'm sure , '' said Mrs. Jo , merrily . `` And a jolly good worm it is , '' answered Dan , as he went laughing away to put a new lash to the whip , wash the wagon , and order Silas about with all the importance of a young express-man .
`` Before he is tired of this I will find something else and have it ready when the next restless fit comes on , '' said Mrs. XXXXX to herself , as she wrote her list with a deep sense of gratitude that all her boys were not Dans .
Andy Bhaer Franz Jo Silas despatch errands express-man month week