`` Only teasing Jack a bit . Do n't be mad , old boy , Joe did n't mean any harm , and it was rather soft , now was n't it ? '' asked Frank , trying to appease the wounded feelings of his brother . `` I charged you not to worry him . Those boys were too much for the poor dear , and I ought not to have left him , '' said Mamma , as she vainly endeavored to find and caress the yellow head burrowed so far out of sight that nothing but one red ear was visible . `` He liked it , and we got on capitally till Joe roughed him about Jill . 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 XXXXX , stoutly .
Ed Frank Gus Jack Jill Joe Mamma Pooh broma left