It 's mean , '' cried Dan , smashing a nut wrathfully . `` To what family of insects does Blake belong ? '' asked peacemaker Franz , seeing that Emil looked ashamed and Dan lowering . `` Gnats , '' answered Jack . `` Why is Daisy like a bee ? '' cried Nat , who had been wrapt in thought for several minutes . `` Because she is queen of the hive , '' said Dan . `` No . '' `` Because she is sweet . '' `` Bees are not sweet . '' `` Give it up . '' `` Because she makes sweet things , is always busy , and likes flowers , '' said Nat , piling up his boyish compliments till Daisy blushed like a rosy clover . `` Why is Nan like a hornet ? '' demanded Tommy , glowering at her , and adding , without giving any one time to answer , `` Because she is n't sweet , makes a great buzzing about nothing , and stings like fury . '' `` Tommy 's mad , and I 'm glad , '' cried Ned , as Nan tossed her head and answered quickly , `` What thing in the china-closet is Tom like ? '' `` A pepper pot , '' answered Ned , giving Nan a nut meat with a tantalizing laugh that made Tommy feel as if he would like to bounce up like a hot chestnut and hit somebody . Seeing that ill-humor was getting the better of the small supply of wit in the company , Franz cast himself into the breach again . `` Let 's make a law that the first person who comes into the room shall tell us a story . No matter who it is , he must do it , and it will be fun to see who comes first . '' The others agreed , and did not have to wait long , for a heavy step soon came clumping through the hall , and Silas appeared , bearing an armful of wood .
He was greeted by a general shout , and stood staring about him with a bewildered grin on his big red face , till XXXXX explained the joke .
Blake Daisy Dan Franz Nan Ned Silas Tommy hornet ill-humor