`` That is impossible , she does not know the way , and if she found it , she could never carry the box a mile , '' said Mrs. Bhaer , beginning to think that her new idea might be rather a hard one to carry out . `` It would be like her , '' and Mr. Bhaer caught up his hat to go and find the child , when a shout from Jack , who was at the window , made everyone hurry to the door . There was Miss Nan , to be sure , tugging along a very large band-box tied up in linen bag . Very hot and dusty and tired did she look , but marched stoutly along , and came puffing up to the steps , where she dropped her load with a sigh of relief , and sat down upon it , observed as she crossed her tired arms , `` I could n't wait any longer , so I went and got it . '' `` But you did not know the way , '' said Tommy , while the rest stood round enjoying the joke . `` Oh , I found it , I never get lost . '' `` It 's a mile , how could you go so far ? '' `` Well , it was pretty far , but I rested a good deal . '' `` Was n't that thing very heavy ? '' `` It 's so round , I could n't get hold of it good , and I thought my arms would break right off . '' `` I do n't see how the station-master let you have it , '' said Tommy . `` I did n't say anything to him . He was in the little ticket place , and did n't see me , so I just took it off the platform . '' `` Run down and tell him it is all right , Franz , or old Dodd will think it is stolen , '' said Mr. Bhaer , joining in the shout of laughter at Nan 's coolness . `` I told you we would send for it if it did not come . Another time you must wait , for you will get into trouble if you run away . Promise me this , or I shall not dare to trust you out of my sight , '' said Mrs. Bhaer , wiping the dust off Nan 's little hot face . `` Well , I wo n't , only papa tells me not to put off doing things , so I do n't . '' `` That is rather a poser ; I think you had better give her some supper now , and a private lecture by and by , '' said Mr. Bhaer , too much amused to be angry at the young lady 's exploit . The boys thought it `` great fun , '' and Nan entertained them all supper-time with an account of her adventures ; for a big dog had barked at her , a man had laughed at her , a woman had given her a doughnut , and her hat had fallen into the brook when she stopped to drink , exhausted with her exertion .
`` I fancy you will have your hands full now , my dear ; XXXXX and Nan are quite enough for one woman , '' said Mr. Bhaer , half an hour later .
Bhaer Dodd Franz Nan Tommy band-box doughnut poser right station-master