They were a stupid set , from dandified Paris to Achilles sulking in his ships , and I wo n't change my opinion for all the Hectors and Agamemnons in Greece , ' said Josie , still unconquered . ` You can fight like a Trojan , that 's evident ; and we will be the two obedient armies looking on while you and Ted have it out , ' began Uncle Laurie , assuming the attitude of a warrior leaning on his spear . ' I fear we must give it up , for Pallas is about to descend and carry off our Hector , ' said Mr March , smiling , as Jo came to remind her son that suppertime was near . ` We will fight it out later when there are no goddesses to interfere , ' said Teddy , as he turned away with unusual alacrity , remembering the treat in store . ` Conquered by a muffin , by Jove ! ' called Josie after him , exulting in an opportunity to use the classical exclamation forbidden to her sex . But Ted shot a Parthian arrow as he retired in good order by replying , with a highly virtuous expression : ` Obedience is a soldier 's first duty . ' Bent on her woman 's privilege of having the last word , Josie ran after him , but never uttered the scathing speech upon her lips , for a very brown young man in a blue suit came leaping up the steps with a cheery ` Ahoy ! ahoy ! where is everybody ? ' 'Em il ! Emil ! ' cried Josie , and in a moment Ted was upon him , and the late enemies ended their fray in a joyful welcome to the newcomer . Muffins were forgotten , and towing their cousin like two fussy little tugs with a fine merchantman , the children returned to the parlour , where Emil kissed all the women and shook hands with all the men except his uncle ; him he embraced in the good old German style , to the great delight of the observers . ` Did n't think I could get off today , but found I could , and steered straight for old Plum . Not a soul there , so I luffed and bore away for Parnassus , and here is every man Jack of you . Bless your hearts , how glad I am to see you all ! ' exclaimed the sailor boy , beaming at them , as he stood with his legs apart as if he still felt the rocking deck under his feet . ` You ought to `` shiver your timbers '' , not `` bless our hearts '' , Emil ; it 's not nautical at all . Oh , how nice and shippy and tarry you do smell ! '
said XXXXX , sniffing at him with great enjoyment of the fresh sea odours he brought with him .
German Jack Josie Parnassus Parthian Teddy ahoy first parlour tugs