uscle with dumb-bells,
clubs, and weights, keeping time to the music of the piano, played by
Mrs. Jo behind the scenes. Dan was so energetic in this exercise, that
there was some danger of his knocking down his neighbors, like so many
nine-pins, or sending his bean-bags whizzing among the audience; for he
was excited by Mr. Hyde's presence, and a burning desire to do honor to
his teachers.

"A fine, strong lad. If I go on my trip to South America, in a year or
two, I shall be tempted to ask you to lend him to me, Mr. Bhaer," said
Mr. Hyde, whose interest in Dan was much increased by the report he had
just heard of him.

"You shall have him, and welcome, though we shall miss our young
Hercules very much. It would do him a world of good, and I am sure he
would serve his friend faithfully."

Dan heard both question and answer, and his heart leaped with joy at the
thought of travelling in a new country with Mr. Hyde, and swelled with
gratitude for the kindly commendation which rewarded his efforts to be
all these friends desired to see him.

After the gymnastics, Demi and Tommy spoke the old school dialogue,
"Money makes the mare go." Demi did very well, but Tommy was capital
as the old farmer; for he imitated Silas in a way that convulsed the
audience, and caused Silas himself to laugh so hard that Asia had
to slap him on the back, as they stood in the hall enjoying the fun
immensely.

Then Emil, who had got his breath by this time, gave them a sea-song
in costume, with a great deal about "stormy winds," "lee shores," and
a rousing chorus of "Luff, boys, luff," which made the room ring; after
which Ned performed a funny Chinese dance, and hopped about like a large
frog in a pagoda hat. As this was the only public exhibition ever held
at Plumfield, a few exercises in lightning-arithmetic, spelling,
and reading were given. Jack quite amazed the public by his rapid
calculations on the blackboard. Tommy won in the spelling match, and
Demi read a little French fable so well that Uncle Teddy was charmed.

"Where are the other children?" asked every one as the curtain fell, and
none of the little ones appeared.

"Oh, that is the surprise. It's so lovely, I pity you because you don't
know it," said Demi, who had gone to get his mother's kiss, and stayed
by her to explain the mystery when it should be revealed.

Goldilocks had been carried off by Aunt Jo, to the great amazement of
her papa, who quite outdid Mr. Bhaer in a