Then they set out for home , a queer party , for Franz rode on to tell the news ; Dan and Toby led the way ; then came Nan in the strong arms of Silas , who considered her `` the smartest little baggage he ever saw , '' and teased her all the way home about her pranks . Mrs. Bhaer would let no one carry Rob but himself , and the little fellow , refreshed by sleep , sat up , and chattered gayly , feeling himself a hero , while his mother went beside him holding on to any pat of his precious little body that came handy , and never tired of hearing him say , `` I knew Marmar would come , '' or seeing him lean down to kiss her , and put a plump berry into her mouth , '' 'Cause he picked 'em all for her . '' The moon shone out just as they reached the avenue , and all the boys came shouting to meet them , so the lost lambs were borne in triumph and safety , and landed in the dining-room , where the unromantic little things demanded supper instead of preferring kisses and caresses . They were set down to bread and milk , while the entire household stood round to gaze upon them . Nan soon recovered her spirits , and recounted her perils with a relish now that they were all over . Rob seemed absorbed in his food , but put down his spoon all of a sudden , and set up a doleful roar . `` My precious , why do you cry ? '' asked his mother , who still hung over him . `` I 'm crying 'cause I was lost , '' bawled Rob , trying to squeeze out a tear , and failing entirely . `` But you are found now . Nan says you did n't cry out in the field , and I was glad you were such a brave boy . '' `` I was so busy being frightened I did n't have any time then . But I want to cry now , 'cause I do n't like to be lost , '' explained Rob , struggling with sleep , emotion , and a mouthful of bread and milk . The boys set up such a laugh at this funny way of making up for lost time , that Rob stopped to look at them , and the merriment was so infectious , that after a surprised stare he burst out into a merry , `` Ha , ha ! '' and beat his spoon upon the table as if he enjoyed the joke immensely . `` It is ten o'clock ; into bed , every man of you , '' said Mr. Bhaer , looking at his watch . `` And , thank Heaven ! there will be no empty ones to-night , '' added Mrs. Bhaer , watching , with full eyes , Robby going up in his father 's arms , and Nan escorted by Daisy and Demi , who considered her the most interesting heroine of their collection . `` Poor Aunt Jo is so tired she ought to be carried up herself , '' said gentle Franz , putting his arm round her as she paused at the stair-foot , looking quite exhausted by her fright and long walk . `` Let 's make an arm-chair , '' proposed Tommy .
`` No , thank you , my lads ; but somebody may lend me a shoulder to lean on , '' answered Mrs. XXXXX .
'cause Bhaer Demi Jo Nan Robby Silas o'clock stair-foot to-night