Another pause after the long word to enjoy the smothered laugh that went round the room . `` Some boys do not get up when called , and Mary Ann squeezes the water out of a wet sponge on their faces , and it makes them so mad they wake up . '' Here the laugh broke out , and Emil said , as if he had been hit , `` Seems to me you are wandering from the subject . '' `` No , I ai n't ; we are to write about vegetables or animals , and I 'm doing both : for boys are animals , are n't they ? '' cried Nan ; and , undaunted by the indignant `` No ! '' shouted at her , she calmly proceeded , `` One more interesting thing is done with sponges , and this is when doctors put ether on it , and hold it to people 's noses when they have teeth out . I shall do this when I am bigger , and give ether to the sick , so they will go to sleep and not feel me cut off their legs and arms . '' `` I know somebody who killed cats with it , '' called out Demi , but was promptly crushed by Dan , who upset his camp-stool and put a hat over his face . `` I will not be interruckted , '' said Nan , frowning upon the unseemly scrimmagers . Order was instantly restored , and the young lady closed her remarks as follows : `` My composition has three morals , my friends . '' Somebody groaned , but no notice was taken of the insult . `` First , is keep your faces clean second , get up early third , when the ether sponge is put over your nose , breathe hard and do n't kick , and your teeth will come out easy . I have no more to say . '' And Miss Nan sat down amid tumultuous applause . `` That is a very remarkable composition ; its tone is high , and there is a good deal of humor in it . Very well done , Nan . Now , Daisy , '' and Mr. Bhaer smiled at one young lady as he beckoned the other . Daisy colored prettily as she took her place , and said , in her modest little voice , `` I 'm afraid you wo n't like mine ; it is n't nice and funny like Nan 's . But I could n't do any better . '' `` We always like yours , Posy , '' said Uncle Fritz , and a gentle murmur from the boys seemed to confirm the remark .
Thus encouraged , XXXXX read her little paper , which was listened to with respectful attention .
Bhaer Daisy Dan Demi Emil First Fritz Posy second third