Who proposed this ? '' asked Mr. Bhaer . `` Dan , '' answered several voices . `` Do n't you know that it is forbidden ? '' `` Yes , '' growled Dan , sullenly . `` Then why break the rule ? '' `` They 'll all be molly-coddles , if they do n't know how to fight . '' `` Have you found Emil a molly-coddle ? He does n't look much like one , '' and Mr. Bhaer brought the two face to face . Dan had a black eye , and his jacket was torn to rags , but Emil 's face was covered with blood from a cut lip and a bruised nose , while a bump on his forehead was already as purple as a plum . In spite of his wounds however , he still glared upon his foe , and evidently panted to renew the fight . `` He 'd make a first-rater if he was taught , '' said Dan , unable to withhold the praise from the boy who made it necessary for him to do his best . `` He 'll be taught to fence and box by and by , and till then I think he will do very well without any lessons in mauling . Go and wash your faces ; and remember , Dan , if you break any more of the rules again , you will be sent away . That was the bargain ; do your part and we will do ours . '' The lads went off , and after a few more words to the spectators , Mr. Bhaer followed to bind up the wounds of the young gladiators . Emil went to bed sick , and Dan was an unpleasant spectacle for a week . But the lawless lad had no thought of obeying , and soon transgressed again . One Saturday afternoon as a party of the boys went out to play , Tommy said , `` Let 's go down to the river , and cut a lot of new fish-poles . '' `` Take Toby to drag them back , and one of us can ride him down , '' proposed Stuffy , who hated to walk .
`` That means you , I suppose ; well , hurry up , lazy-bones , '' XXXXX Dan .
answered covered face fight found play proposed said went withhold