`` I 'll be moderate , but do let me amuse myself . I get desperately tired of business sometimes , and nothing freshens me up like a good frolic with your boys . I like that Dan very much , Jo . He is n't demonstrative ; but he has the eye of a hawk , and when you have tamed him a little he will do you credit . '' `` I 'm so glad you think so . Thank you very much for your kindness to him , especially for this museum affair ; it will keep him happy while he is lame , give me a chance to soften and smooth this poor , rough lad , and make him love us . What did inspire you with such a beautiful , helpful idea , Teddy ? '' asked Mrs. Bhaer , glancing back at the pleasant room , as she turned to leave it . Laurie took both her hands in his , and answered , with a look that made her eyes fill with happy tears , `` Dear Jo ! I have known what it is to be a motherless boy , and I never can forget how much you and yours have done for me all these years . '' CHAPTER XII . HUCKLEBERRIES There was a great clashing of tin pails , much running to and fro , and frequent demands for something to eat , one August afternoon , for the boys were going huckleberrying , and made as much stir about it as if they were setting out to find the North West Passage . `` Now , my lads , get off as quietly as you can , for Rob is safely out of the way , and wo n't see you , '' said Mrs. Bhaer , as she tied Daisy 's broad-brimmed hat , and settled the great blue pinafore in which she had enveloped Nan . But the plan did not succeed , for Rob had heard the bustle , decided to go , and prepared himself , without a thought of disappointment . The troop was just getting under way when the little man came marching downstairs with his best hat on , a bright tin pail in his hand , and a face beaming with satisfaction . `` Oh , dear ! now we shall have a scene , '' sighed Mrs. Bhaer , who found her eldest son very hard to manage at times . `` I 'm all ready , '' said Rob , and took his place in the ranks with such perfect unconsciousness of his mistake , that it really was very hard to undeceive him . `` It 's too far for you , my love ; stay and take care of me , for I shall be all alone , '' began his mother . `` You 've got Teddy .
I 'm a big boy , so I can go ; you said I might when I was bigger , and I am now , '' persisted XXXXX , with a cloud beginning to dim the brightness of his happy face .
Bhaer Dan HUCKLEBERRIES Laurie Rob XII clashing pinafore unconsciousness years