Ah , Joe 's getting it now ! I thought Gus and Ed would do that little job for me , '' added Frank , running to the window as the sound of stifled cries and laughter reached him . The red ear heard also , and Jack popped up his head to ask , with interest , -- `` What are they doing to him ? '' `` Rolling him in the snow , and he 's howling like fun . '' `` Serves him right , '' muttered Jack , with a frown . Then , as a wail arose suggestive of an unpleasant mixture of snow in the mouth and thumps on the back , he burst out laughing , and said , good-naturedly , `` Go and stop them , Frank ; I wo n't mind , only tell him it was a mean trick . Hurry ! Gus is so strong he does n't know how his pounding hurts . '' Off ran Frank , and Jack told his wrongs to his mother . She sympathized heartily , and saw no harm in the affectionate little note , which would please Jill , and help her to bear her trials patiently . `` It is n't silly to be fond of her , is it ? She is so nice and funny , and tries to be good , and likes me , and I wo n't be ashamed of my friends , if folks do laugh , '' protested Jack , with a rap of his teaspoon . `` No , dear , it is quite kind and proper , and I 'd rather have you play with a merry little girl than with rough boys till you are big enough to hold your own , '' answered Mamma , putting the cup to his lips that the reclining lad might take his broma without spilling . `` Pooh ! I do n't mean that ; I 'm strong enough now to take care of myself , '' cried Jack , stoutly . `` I can thrash Joe any day , if I like . Just look at my arm ; there 's muscle for you ! '' and up went a sleeve , to the great danger of overturning the tray , as the boy proudly displayed his biceps and expanded his chest , both of which were very fine for a lad of his years . `` If I 'd been on my legs , he would n't have dared to insult me , and it was cowardly to hit a fellow when he was down . '' Mrs. Minot wanted to laugh at Jack 's indignation , but the bell rang , and she had to go and pull in the basket , much amused at the new game .
Burning to distinguish herself in the eyes of the big boys , XXXXX had sent over a tall , red flannel night-cap , which she had been making for some proposed Christmas plays , and added the following verse , for she was considered a gifted rhymester at the game parties : -- `` When it comes night , We put out the light .
Ed Frank Gus Jack Jill Joe Pooh broma day right