`` All of us . Frank invited the whole set , and we shall have a tip-top time . We always do at the Minots ' , '' cried Sue , the timid trembler . `` Jack said there was a barrel of molasses in the house , so there would be enough for all to eat and some to carry away . They know how to do things handsomely ; '' and the speaker licked his lips , as if already tasting the feast in store for him . `` Mrs. Minot is a mother worth having , '' said Molly Loo , coming up with Boo on the sled ; and she knew what it was to need a mother , for she had none , and tried to care for the little brother with maternal love and patience . `` She is just as sweet as she can be ! '' declared Merry , enthusiastically . `` Especially when she has a candy-scrape , '' said Joe , trying to be amiable , lest he should be left out of the party . Whereat they all laughed , and went gayly away for a farewell frolic , as the sun was setting and the keen wind nipped fingers and toes as well as noses . Down they went , one after another , on the various coasts , -- solemn Frank , long Gus , gallant Ed , fly-away Molly Loo , pretty Laura and Lotty , grumpy Joe , sweet-faced Merry with Sue shrieking wildly behind her , gay Jack and gypsy Jill , always together , -- one and all bubbling over with the innocent jollity born of healthful exercise . People passing in the road below looked up and smiled involuntarily at the red-cheeked lads and lasses , filling the frosty air with peals of laughter and cries of triumph as they flew by in every conceivable attitude ; for the fun was at its height now , and the oldest and gravest observers felt a glow of pleasure as they looked , remembering their own young days . `` Jack , take me down that coast . Joe said I would n't dare to do it , so I must , '' commanded Jill , as they paused for breath after the long trudge up hill . Jill , of course , was not her real name , but had been given because of her friendship with Jack , who so admired Janey Pecq 's spirit and fun . `` I guess I would n't . It is very bumpy and ends in a big drift ; not half so nice as this one . Hop on and we 'll have a good spin across the pond ; '' and Jack brought `` Thunderbolt '' round with a skilful swing and an engaging air that would have won obedience from anybody but wilful Jill . `` It is very nice , but I wo n't be told I do n't ` dare ' by any boy in the world . If you are afraid , I 'll go alone . ''
And , before he could speak , she had snatched the rope from his hand , thrown herself upon the XXXXX , and was off , helter-skelter , down the most dangerous coast on the hill-side .
Frank Jack Joe Loo Lotty Minots Thunderbolt candy-scrape days sled