The performance closed with making the bird angry , and seeing him cling to a handkerchief upside down , pecking and `` clucking , '' as Rob called it . He was allowed to fly after that , and settled himself on the bunch of pine-cones over the door , where he sat staring down at the company with an air of sleepy dignity that amused them very much . `` Have you anything for us , George ? '' asked Mr. Bhaer , when the room was still again . `` Well , I read and learned ever so much about moles , but I declare I 've forgotten every bit of it , except that they dig holes to live in , that you catch them by pouring water down , and that they ca n't possibly live without eating very often ; '' and Stuffy sat down , wishing he had not been too lazy to write out his valuable observations , for a general smile went round when he mentioned the last of the three facts which lingered in his memory . `` Then we are done for to-day , '' began Mr. Bhaer , but Tommy called out in a great hurry , `` No we ai n't . Do n't you know ? We must give the thing ; '' and he winked violently as he made an eye-glass of his fingers . `` Bless my heart , I forgot ! Now is your time , Tom ; '' and Mr. Bhaer dropped into his seat again , while all the boys but Dan looked mightily tickled at something . Nat , Tommy , and Demi left the room , and speedily returned with a little red morocco box set forth in state on Mrs. Jo 's best silver salver . Tommy bore it , and , still escorted by Nat and Demi , marched up to unsuspecting Dan , who stared at them as if he thought they were going to make fun of him . Tommy had prepared an elegant and impressive speech for the occasion , but when the minute came , it all went out of his head , and he just said , straight from his kindly boyish heart , `` Here , old fellow , we all wanted to give you something to kind of pay for what happened awhile ago , and to show how much we liked you for being such a trump . Please take it , and have a jolly good time with it . '' Dan was so surprised he could only get as red as the little box , and mutter , `` Thanky , boys ! '' as he fumbled to open it . But when he saw what was inside , his face lighted up , and he seized the long desired treasure , saying so enthusiastically that every one was satisfied , though is language was anything but polished , `` What a stunner ! I say , you fellows are regular bricks to give me this ; it 's just what I wanted . Give us your paw , Tommy . '' Many paws were given , and heartily shaken , for the boys were charmed with Dan 's pleasure , and crowded round him to shake hands and expatiate on the beauties of their gift .
In the midst of this pleasant chatter , Dan 's eye went to Mrs. XXXXX , who stood outside the group enjoying the scene with all her heart .
George Jo Nat Rob Tom Tommy eye-glass left moles salver