`` Come on , come on , I ai n't thrashed yet ! '' cried Emil , who had been down five times , but did not know when he was beaten . `` They are playing be gladdy what-you-call - 'em s , like the Romans , Uncle Fritz , '' called out Demi , whose eyes were bigger than ever with the excitement of this new pastime . `` They were a fine set of brutes ; but we have learned something since then , I hope , and I can not have you make my barn a Colosseum . Who proposed this ? '' asked Mr. Bhaer . `` Dan , '' answered several voices . `` Do n't you know that it is forbidden ? '' `` Yes , '' growled Dan , sullenly . `` Then why break the rule ? '' `` They 'll all be molly-coddles , if they do n't know how to fight . '' `` Have you found Emil a molly-coddle ? He does n't look much like one , '' and Mr. Bhaer brought the two face to face . Dan had a black eye , and his jacket was torn to rags , but Emil 's face was covered with blood from a cut lip and a bruised nose , while a bump on his forehead was already as purple as a plum . In spite of his wounds however , he still glared upon his foe , and evidently panted to renew the fight . `` He 'd make a first-rater if he was taught , '' said Dan , unable to withhold the praise from the boy who made it necessary for him to do his best . `` He 'll be taught to fence and box by and by , and till then I think he will do very well without any lessons in mauling . Go and wash your faces ; and remember , Dan , if you break any more of the rules again , you will be sent away . That was the bargain ; do your part and we will do ours . '' The lads went off , and after a few more words to the spectators , Mr. Bhaer followed to bind up the wounds of the young gladiators .
Emil went to bed sick , and XXXXX was an unpleasant spectacle for a week .
Bhaer Dan Emil Fritz brutes first-rater gladiators molly-coddle molly-coddles what-you-call