`` I ca n't find them anywhere , '' he began ; but the words were hardly spoken when a loud `` Hullo ! '' startled them all , and the next minute Jack and Emil came round the house . `` Where are Nan and Rob ? '' cried Mrs. Jo , clutching Emil in a way that caused him to think his aunt had suddenly lost her wits . `` I do n't know . They came home with the others , did n't they ? '' he answered , quickly . `` No ; George and Tommy said they went with you . '' `` Well , they did n't . Have n't seen them . We took a swim in the pond , and came by the wood , '' said Jack , looking alarmed , as well he might . `` Call Mr. Bhaer , get the lanterns , and tell Silas I want him . '' That was all Mrs. Jo said , but they knew what she meant , and flew to obey her orders . In ten minutes , Mr. Bhaer and Silas were off to the wood , and Franz tearing down the road on old Andy to search the great pasture . Mrs. Jo caught up some food from the table , a little bottle of brandy from the medicine-closet , took a lantern , and bidding Jack and Emil come with her , and the rest not stir , she trotted away on Toby , never stopping for hat or shawl . She heard some one running after her , but said not a word till , as she paused to call and listen , the light of her lantern shone on Dan 's face . `` You here ! I told Jack to come , '' she said , half-inclined to send him back , much as she needed help . `` I would n't let him ; he and Emil had n't had any supper , and I wanted to come more than they did , '' he said , taking the lantern from her and smiling up in her face with the steady look in his eyes that made her feel as if , boy though he was , she had some one to depend on . Off she jumped , and ordered him on to Toby , in spite of his pleading to walk ; then they went on again along the dusty , solitary road , stopping every now and then to call and hearken breathlessly for little voices to reply .
When they came to the great pasture , other lights were already flitting to and fro like will-o ' - the-wisps , and Mr. XXXXX 's voice was heard shouting , `` Nan !
Bhaer Dan Emil Franz Jack Rob Toby Tommy medicine-closet minutes