With these characteristic greetings , the gentlemen cast away their hats and sat down , all grinning cheerfully , and all with eyes irresistibly fixed upon the dainties , which proved too much for the politeness of ever-hungry boys . `` Help yourselves , '' said Jack , with a hospitable wave . `` All the dear old ladies in town have been sending in nice things , and I ca n't begin to eat them up . Lend a hand and clear away this lot , or we shall have to throw them out of the window . Bring on the doughnuts and the tarts and the shaky stuff in the entry closet , Frank , and let 's have a lark . '' No sooner said than done . Gus took the tarts , Joe the doughnuts , Ed the jelly , and Frank suggested `` spoons all round '' for the Italian cream . A few trifles in the way of custard , fruit , and wafer biscuits were not worth mentioning ; but every dish was soon emptied , and Jack said , as he surveyed the scene of devastation with great satisfaction , -- `` Call again to-morrow , gentlemen , and we will have another bout . Free lunches at 5 P.M. till further notice . Now tell me all the news . '' For half an hour , five tongues went like mill clappers , and there is no knowing when they would have stopped if the little bell had not suddenly rung with a violence that made them jump . `` That 's Jill ; see what she wants , Frank ; '' and while his brother sent off the basket , Jack told about the new invention , and invited his mates to examine and admire . They did so , and shouted with merriment when the next despatch from Jill arrived . A pasteboard jumping-jack , with one leg done up in cotton-wool to preserve the likeness , and a great lump of molasses candy in a brown paper , with accompanying note : -- `` Dear Sir , -- I saw the boys go in , and know you are having a nice time , so I send over the candy Molly Loo and Merry brought me . Mammy says I ca n't eat it , and it will all melt away if I keep it . Also a picture of Jack Minot , who will dance on one leg and waggle the other , and make you laugh . I wish I could come , too . Do n't you hate grewel ? I do . -- In haste , `` J.P. '' `` Let 's all send her a letter , '' proposed Jack , and out came pens , ink , paper , and the lamp , and every one fell to scribbling .
A droll collection was the result , for Frank drew a picture of the fatal fall with broken rails flying in every direction , Jack with his head swollen to the size of a balloon , and Jill in two pieces , while the various boys and girls were hit off with a sly skill that gave Gus legs like a stork , Molly XXXXX hair several yards long , and Boo a series of visible howls coming out of an immense mouth in the shape of o 's .
Ed Jack Joe Loo P.M. cotton-wool custard grewel hour wafer