`` I 'd rather have a red nose than legs like a grasshopper ; so you need n't twit , Daddy , '' growled Joe , quite unconscious that a blot actually did adorn his nose , as he labored over a brief despatch . The boys enjoyed the joke , and one after the other read out his message to the captive lady : -- `` Dear Jill , -- Sorry you ai n't here . Great fun . Jack pretty lively . Laura and Lot would send love if they knew of the chance . Fly round and get well . `` Gus '' `` Dear Gilliflower , -- Hope you are pretty comfortable in your ` dungeon cell . ' Would you like a serenade when the moon comes ? Hope you will soon be up again , for we miss you very much . Shall be very happy to help in any way I can . Love to your mother . Your true friend , `` E.D. '' `` Miss Pecq . '' Dear Madam , -- I am happy to tell you that we are all well , and hope you are the same . I gave Jem Cox a licking because he went to your desk . You had better send for your books . You wo n't have to pay for the sled or the fence . Jack says he will see to it . We have been having a spread over here . First-rate things . I would n't mind breaking a leg , if I had such good grub and no chores to do .
No more now , from yours , with esteem , `` Joseph P. Flint '' XXXXX thought that an elegant epistle , having copied portions of it from the `` Letter Writer , '' and proudly read it off to the boys , who assured him that Jill would be much impressed .
E.D. Gilliflower Jack Jill Joe Laura Pecq despatch grasshopper sled