He was up and away very early the next morning , heroically resisting the temptation to race with the milkmen going into town . Once there , he did his errands carefully , to Mr. Bhaer 's surprise and Mrs. Jo 's great satisfaction . The Commodore did growl at Dan 's promotion , but was pacified by a superior padlock to his new boat-house , and the thought that seamen were meant for higher honors than driving market-wagons and doing family errands . So Dan filled his new office well and contentedly for weeks , and said no more about bolting . But one day Mr. Bhaer found him pummelling Jack , who was roaring for mercy under his knee . `` Why , Dan , I thought you had given up fighting , '' he said , as he went to the rescue . `` We ai n't fighting , we are only wrestling , '' answered Dan , leaving off reluctantly . `` It looks very much like it , and feels like it , hey , Jack ? '' said Mr. Bhaer , as the defeated gentleman got upon his legs with difficulty . `` Catch me wrestling with him again . He 's most knocked my head off , '' snarled Jack , holding on to that portion of his frame as if it really was loose upon his shoulders . `` The fact is , we began in fun , but when I got him down I could n't help pounding him . Sorry I hurt you , old fellow , '' explained Dan , looking rather ashamed of himself . `` I understand . The longing to pitch into somebody was so strong you could n't resist . You are a sort of Berserker , Dan , and something to tussle with is as necessary to you as music is to Nat , '' said Mr. Bhaer , who knew all about the conversation between the boy and Mrs. Jo . `` Ca n't help it . So if you do n't want to be pounded you 'd better keep out of the way , '' answered Dan , with a warning look in his black eyes that made Jack sheer off in haste . `` If you want something to wrestle with , I will give you a tougher specimen than Jack , '' said Mr. Bhaer ; and , leading the way to the wood-yard , he pointed out certain roots of trees that had been grubbed up in the spring , and had been lying there waiting to be split . `` There , when you feel inclined to maltreat the boys , just come and work off your energies here , and I 'll thank you for it . ''
`` So I will ; '' and , seizing the axe that lay near XXXXX hauled out a tough root , and went at it so vigorously , that the chips flew far and wide , and Mr. Bhaer fled for his life .
Bhaer Dan Jack Jo Nat boat-house market-wagons milkmen weeks wood-yard