They thought it was a good joke , and told me to see what I could do . I thought it over , and got up the nicest little affair you ever saw . It went over the mouth , and had a tube to fit the ear , so when the lady snored she woke herself up and stopped it . It suited exactly . I think of taking out a patent , '' concluded Ralph , joining in the boys ' laugh at the droll idea . `` What was the pad ? '' asked Frank , returning to the small model of an engine he was making . `` Oh , that was a mere trifle for a man who had a tender elbow-joint and wanted something to protect it . I made a little pad to fit on , and his crazy-bone was safe . '' `` I planned to have you make me a new leg if this one was spoilt , '' said Jack , sure that his friend could invent anything under the sun . `` I 'd do my best for you . I made a hand for a fellow once , and that got me my place , you know , '' answered Ralph , who thought little of such mechanical trifles , and longed to be painting portraits or modelling busts , being an artist as well as an inventor . Here Gus , Ed , and several other boys came in , and the conversation became general . Grif , Chick , and Brickbat were three young gentlemen whose own respectable names were usually ignored , and they cheerfully answered to these nicknames . As the clock struck seven , Frank , who ruled the club with a rod of iron when Chairman , took his place behind the study table . Seats stood about it , and a large , shabby book lay before Gus , who was Secretary , and kept the records with a lavish expenditure of ink , to judge by the blots . The members took their seats , and nearly all tilted back their chairs and put their hands in their pockets , to keep them out of mischief ; for , as every one knows , it is impossible for two lads to be near each other and refrain from tickling or pinching . Frank gave three raps with an old croquet-mallet set on a short handle , and with much dignity opened the meeting . `` Gentlemen , the business of the club will be attended to , and then we will discuss the question , ` Shall girls go to our colleges ? ' The Secretary will now read the report of the last meeting . ''
Clearing his throat , XXXXX read the following brief and elegant report : -- `` Club met , December 18th , at the house of G. Burton , Esq. .
Chick Ed Frank Grif Gus Jack Ralph crazy-bone elbow-joint raps