All at once , Franz got up , and said , in his persuasive way , `` Look here , boys ! let 's go into school and do our lessons just as if Uncle was here . It will make the day go faster , and will please him , I know . '' `` But who will hear us say them ? '' asked Jack . `` I will ; I do n't know much more than you do , but I 'm the oldest here , and I 'll try to fill Uncle 's place till he comes , if you do n't mind . '' Something in the modest , serious way Franz said this impressed the boys , for , though the poor lad 's eyes were red with quiet crying for Uncle John in that long sad night , there was a new manliness about him , as if he had already begun to feel the cares and troubles of life , and tried to take them bravely . `` I will , for one , '' and Emil went to his seat , remembering that obedience to his superior officer is a seaman 's first duty . The others followed ; Franz took his uncle 's seat , and for an hour order reigned . Lessons were learned and said , and Franz made a patient , pleasant teacher , wisely omitting such lessons as he was not equal to , and keeping order more by the unconscious dignity that sorrow gave him than by any words of his own . The little boys were reading when a step was heard in the hall , and every one looked up to read the news in Mr. Bhaer 's face as he came in . The kind face told them instantly that Demi had no father now , for it was worn and pale , and full of tender grief , which left him no words with which to answer Rob , as he ran to him , saying , reproachfully , `` What made you go and leave me in the night , papa ? '' The memory of the other father who had left his children in the night , never to return , made Mr. Bhaer hold his own boy close , and , for a minute , hide his face in Robby 's curly hair . Emil laid his head down on his arms , Franz , went to put his hand on his uncle 's shoulder , his boyish face pale with sympathy and sorrow , and the others sat so still that the soft rustle of the falling leaves outside was distinctly heard . Rob did not clearly understand what had happened , but he hated to see papa unhappy , so he lifted up the bent head , and said , in his chirpy little voice , `` Do n't cry , mein Vater ! we were all so good , we did our lessons , without you , and Franz was the master . '' Mr. Bhaer looked up then , tried to smile , and said in a grateful tone that made the lads feel like saints , `` I thank you very much , my boys . It was a beautiful way to help and comfort me . I shall not forget it , I assure you . '' `` Franz proposed it , and was a first-rate master , too , '' said Nat ; and the others gave a murmur of assent most gratifying to the young dominie .
Mr. Bhaer put XXXXX down , and , standing up , put his arm round his tall nephew 's shoulder , as he said , with a look of genuine pleasure , `` This makes my hard day easier , and gives me confidence in you all .
Demi Emil Franz John Rob dominie first hour left night