The Bhaers did their best to have the lads behave well at meal times , and generally succeeded pretty well , for their rules were few and sensible , and the boys , knowing that they tried to make things easy and happy , did their best to obey . But there are times when hungry boys can not be repressed without real cruelty , and Saturday evening , after a half-holiday , was one of those times . `` Dear little souls , do let them have one day in which they can howl and racket and frolic to their hearts ' content . A holiday is n't a holiday without plenty of freedom and fun ; and they shall have full swing once a week , '' Mrs. Bhaer used to say , when prim people wondered why banister-sliding , pillow-fights , and all manner of jovial games were allowed under the once decorous roof of Plumfield . It did seem at times as if the aforesaid roof was in danger of flying off , but it never did , for a word from Father Bhaer could at any time produce a lull , and the lads had learned that liberty must not be abused . So , in spite of many dark predictions , the school flourished , and manners and morals were insinuated , without the pupils exactly knowing how it was done . Nat found himself very well off behind the tall pitchers , with Tommy Bangs just around the corner , and Mrs. Bhaer close by to fill up plate and mug as fast as he could empty them . `` Who is that boy next the girl down at the other end ? '' whispered Nat to his young neighbor under cover of a general laugh . `` That 's Demi Brooke . Mr. Bhaer is his uncle . '' `` What a queer name ! '' `` His real name is John , but they call him Demi-John , because his father is John too . That 's a joke , do n't you see ? '' said Tommy , kindly explaining . Nat did not see , but politely smiled , and asked , with interest : `` Is n't he a very nice boy ? '' `` I bet you he is ; knows lots and reads like any thing . '' `` Who is the fat one next him ? '' `` Oh , that 's Stuffy Cole . His name is George , but we call him Stuffy 'cause he eats so much .
The little fellow next Father XXXXX is his boy Rob , and then there 's big Franz his nephew ; he teaches some , and kind of sees to us . ''
Bangs Bhaer Bhaers Brooke George John banister-sliding evening pillow-fights week