So I made an agreement with them : I was to allow a fifteen-minute pillow-fight every Saturday night ; and they promised to go properly to bed every other night . I tried it , and it worked well . If they do n't keep their word , no frolic ; if they do , I just turn the glasses round , put the lamps in safe places , and let them rampage as much as they like . '' `` It 's a beautiful plan , '' said Nat , feeling that he should like to join in the fray , but not venturing to propose it the first night . So he lay enjoying the spectacle , which certainly was a lively one . Tommy Bangs led the assailing party , and Demi defended his own room with a dogged courage fine to see , collecting pillows behind him as fast as they were thrown , till the besiegers were out of ammunition , when they would charge upon him in a body , and recover their arms . A few slight accidents occurred , but nobody minded , and gave and took sounding thwacks with perfect good humor , while pillows flew like big snowflakes , till Mrs. Bhaer looked at her watch , and called out : `` Time is up , boys . Into bed , every man jack , or pay the forfeit ! '' `` What is the forfeit ? '' asked Nat , sitting up in his eagerness to know what happened to those wretches who disobeyed this most peculiar , but public-spirited school-ma ` am . `` Lose their fun next time , '' answered Mrs. Bhaer . `` I give them five minutes to settle down , then put out the lights , and expect order . They are honorable lads , and they keep their word . '' That was evident , for the battle ended as abruptly as it began a parting shot or two , a final cheer , as Demi fired the seventh pillow at the retiring foe , a few challenges for next time , then order prevailed . And nothing but an occasional giggle or a suppressed whisper broke the quiet which followed the Saturday-night frolic , as Mother Bhaer kissed her new boy and left him to happy dreams of life at Plumfield . CHAPTER II . THE BOYS While Nat takes a good long sleep , I will tell my little readers something about the boys , among whom he found himself when he woke up . To begin with our old friends . Franz was a tall lad , of sixteen now , a regular German , big , blond , and bookish , also very domestic , amiable , and musical . His uncle was fitting him for college , and his aunt for a happy home of his own hereafter , because she carefully fostered in him gentle manners , love of children , respect for women , old and young , and helpful ways about the house .
He was her right-hand man on all occasions , steady , kind , and patient ; and he loved his merry aunt like a mother , for such she had XXXXX to be to him .
answered begin forfeit put retiring see settle takes tried turn