These were the boys and they lived together as happy as twelve lads could , studying and playing , working and squabbling , fighting faults and cultivating virtues in the good old-fashioned way . Boys at other schools probably learned more from books , but less of that better wisdom which makes good men . Latin , Greek , and mathematics were all very well , but in Professor Bhaer 's opinion , self knowledge , self-help , and self-control were more important , and he tried to teach them carefully . People shook their heads sometimes at his ideas , even while they owned that the boys improved wonderfully in manners and morals . But then , as Mrs. Jo said to Nat , `` it was an odd school . '' CHAPTER III . SUNDAY The moment the bell rang next morning Nat flew out of bed , and dressed himself with great satisfaction in the suit of clothes he found on the chair . They were not new , being half-worn garments of one of the well-to-do boys ; but Mrs. Bhaer kept all such cast-off feathers for the picked robins who strayed into her nest . They were hardly on when Tommy appeared in a high state of clean collar , and escorted Nat down to breakfast . The sun was shining into the dining-room on the well-spread table , and the flock of hungry , hearty lads who gathered round it . Nat observed that they were much more orderly than they had been the night before , and every one stood silently behind his chair while little Rob , standing beside his father at the head of the table , folded his hands , reverently bent his curly head , and softly repeated a short grace in the devout German fashion , which Mr. Bhaer loved and taught his little son to honor . Then they all sat down to enjoy the Sunday-morning breakfast of coffee , steak , and baked potatoes , instead of the bread and milk fare with which they usually satisfied their young appetites . There was much pleasant talk while the knives and forks rattled briskly , for certain Sunday lessons were to be learned , the Sunday walk settled , and plans for the week discussed . As he listened , Nat thought it seemed as if this day must be a very pleasant one , for he loved quiet , and there was a cheerful sort of hush over every thing that pleased him very much ; because , in spite of his rough life , the boy possessed the sensitive nerves which belong to a music-loving nature . `` Now , my lads , get your morning jobs done , and let me find you ready for church when the ` bus comes round , '' said Father Bhaer , and set the example by going into the school-room to get books ready for the morrow . Every one scattered to his or her task , for each had some little daily duty , and was expected to perform it faithfully . Some brought wood and water , brushed the steps , or ran errands for Mrs. Bhaer . Others fed the pet animals , and did chores about the barn with Franz . Daisy washed the cups , and Demi wiped them , for the twins liked to work together , and Demi had been taught to make himself useful in the little house at home . Even Baby Teddy had his small job to do , and trotted to and fro , putting napkins away , and pushing chairs into their places .
For half and hour the lads buzzed about like a hive of bees , then the ` bus drove round , Father XXXXX and Franz with the eight older boys piled in , and away they went for a three-mile drive to church in town .
Bhaer Daisy Demi Franz Teddy Tommy fro morning robins school-room