asked Mrs. Bhaer , as she rummaged in her big basket for a strip of flannel . `` All winter . I got cold , and it would n't get better , somehow . '' `` No wonder , living in that damp cellar with hardly a rag to his poor dear back ! '' said Mrs. Bhaer , in a low tone to her husband , who was looking at the boy with a skillful pair of eyes that marked the thin temples and feverish lips , as well as the hoarse voice and frequent fits of coughing that shook the bent shoulders under the patched jacket . `` Robin , my man , trot up to Nursey , and tell her to give thee the cough-bottle and the liniment , '' said Mr. Bhaer , after his eyes had exchanged telegrams with his wife 's . Nat looked a little anxious at the preparations , but forgot his fears in a hearty laugh , when Mrs. Bhaer whispered to him , with a droll look : `` Hear my rogue Teddy try to cough . The syrup I 'm going to give you has honey in it ; and he wants some . '' Little Ted was red in the face with his exertions by the time the bottle came , and was allowed to suck the spoon after Nat had manfully taken a dose and had the bit of flannel put about his throat . These first steps toward a cure were hardly completed when a great bell rang , and a loud tramping through the hall announced supper . Bashful Nat quaked at the thought of meeting many strange boys , but Mrs. Bhaer held out her hand to him , and Rob said , patronizingly , `` Do n't be ` fraid ; I 'll take care of you . '' Twelve boys , six on a side , stood behind their chairs , prancing with impatience to begin , while the tall flute-playing youth was trying to curb their ardor . But no one sat down till Mrs. Bhaer was in her place behind the teapot , with Teddy on her left , and Nat on her right . `` This is our new boy , Nat Blake . After supper you can say how do you do ? Gently , boys , gently . '' As she spoke every one stared at Nat , and then whisked into their seats , trying to be orderly and failing utterly . 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. XXXXX 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 .
Bhaer Nat Rob Robin Teddy cough-bottle evening first half-holiday teapot