`` That 's a first rater ! '' cried Dan , who enjoyed a simple matter-of-face story better than the finest fairy tale ; `` I like that fellow after all . '' `` I could saw wood for you , Aunt Jo ! '' 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 , XXXXX , 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 .
Dass Demi Fritz Ned Tommy es matter-of-face nicht pop-corn unkindness