The children looked at it silently , as it lay in the broad palm , and no one found any thing to ridicule in the love Silas bore his good horse Major . `` That is a sweet story , and I like it , though it did make me cry . Thank you very much , Si , '' and Daisy helped him fold and put away his little relic ; while Nan stuffed a handful of pop-corn into his pocket , and the boys loudly expressed their flattering opinions of his story , feeling that there had been two heroes in it . He departed , quite overcome by his honors , and the little conspirators talked the tale over , while they waited for their next victim . It was Mrs. Jo , who came in to measure Nan for some new pinafores she was making for her . They let her get well in , and then pounced upon her , telling her the law , and demanding the story . Mrs. Jo was very much amused at the new trap , and consented at once , for the sound of happy voices had been coming across the hall so pleasantly that she quite longed to join them , and forget her own anxious thoughts of Sister Meg . `` Am I the first mouse you have caught , you sly pussies-in-boots ? '' she asked , as she was conducted to the big chair , supplied with refreshments , and surrounded by a flock of merry-faced listeners . They told her about Silas and his contribution , and she slapped her forehead in despair , for she was quite at her wits ' end , being called upon so unexpectedly for a bran new tale . `` What shall I tell about ? '' she said . `` Boys , '' was the general answer . `` Have a party in it , '' said Daisy . `` And something good to eat , '' added Stuffy . `` That reminds me of a story , written years ago , by a dear old lady . I used to be very fond of it , and I fancy you will like it , for it has both boys , and ` something good to eat ' in it . '' `` What is it called ? '' asked Demi . '' ` The Suspected Boy . ' ''
Nat XXXXX up from the nuts he was picking , and Mrs. Jo smiled at him , guessing what was in his mind .
Thank amused coming looked overcome slapped stuffed supplied surrounded waited