There are such lots of nuts we shall have a plenty . '' `` There ai n't many more to come down , and they have cleared the ground pretty well , see if they hai n't . '' Robby ran to look , and was alarmed to find how few remained . He called Teddy , and they worked hard all one afternoon , while the squirrels sat on the fence and scolded . `` Now , Ted , we must keep watch , and pick up just as fast as they fall , or we sha n't have more than a bushel , and every one will laugh at us if we do n't . '' `` The naughty quillies tar n't have 'em . I 'll pick fast and run and put 'em in the barn twick , '' said Teddy , frowning at little Frisky , who chattered and whisked his tail indignantly . That night a high wind blew down hundreds of nuts , and when Mrs. Jo came to wake her little sons , she said , briskly , `` Come , my laddies , the squirrels are hard at it , and you will have to work well to-day , or they will have every nut on the ground . '' `` No , they wo n't , '' and Robby tumbled up in a great hurry , gobbled his breakfast , and rushed out to save his property . Teddy went too , and worked like a little beaver , trotting to and fro with full and empty baskets . Another bushel was soon put away in the corn-barn , and they were scrambling among the leaves for more nuts when the bell rang for school . `` O father ! let me stay out and pick . Those horrid squirrels will have my nuts if you do n't . I 'll do my lessons by and by , '' cried Rob , running into the school-room , flushed and tousled by the fresh cold wind and his eager work . `` If you had been up early and done a little every morning there would be no hurry now . I told you that , Rob , and you never minded . I can not have the lessons neglected as the work has been . The squirrels will get more than their share this year , and they deserve it , for they have worked best . You may go an hour earlier , but that is all , '' and Mr. Bhaer led Rob to his place where the little man dashed at his books as if bent on making sure of the precious hour promised him .
It was almost maddening to sit still and see the wind shaking down the last nuts , and the lively thieves flying about , pausing now and then to eat one in his face , and flirt their tails , as if they said , saucily , `` We 'll have them in spite of you , lazy XXXXX . ''
Frisky Rob Robby Teddy corn-barn fall fro laddies quillies school-room