`` No , I do n't ; and if I did , you could n't do it ; '' with which taunt he was off and Frank after him , having made a futile dive at the impertinent little nose which was turned up at him and his sweetheart . `` Boys , boys , not through the parlor ! '' implored Mamma , resigned to skirmishes , but trembling for her piano legs as the four stout boots pranced about the table and then went thundering down the hall , through the kitchen where the fat cook cheered them on , and Mary , the maid , tried to head off Frank as Jack rushed out into the garden . But the pursuer ducked under her arm and gave chase with all speed . Then there was a glorious race all over the place ; for both were good runners , and , being as full of spring vigor as frisky calves , they did astonishing things in the way of leaping fences , dodging round corners , and making good time down the wide walks . But Jack 's leg was not quite strong yet , and he felt that his round nose was in danger of a vengeful tweak as his breath began to give out and Frank 's long arms drew nearer and nearer to the threatened feature . Just when he was about to give up and meet his fate like a man , old Bunny , who had been much excited by the race , came scampering across the path with such a droll skip into the air and shake of the hind legs that Frank had to dodge to avoid stepping on him , and to laugh in spite of himself . This momentary check gave Jack a chance to bolt up the back stairs and take refuge in the Bird Room , from the window of which Jill had been watching the race with great interest . No romping was allowed there , so a truce was made by locking little fingers , and both sat down to get their breath . `` I am to go on the piazza , for an hour , by and by , Doctor said . Would you mind carrying me down before you go to school , you do it so nicely , I 'm not a bit afraid , '' said Jill , as eager for the little change as if it had been a long and varied journey . `` Yes , indeed ! Come on , Princess , '' answered Jack , glad to see her so well and happy . The boys made an arm-chair , and away she went , for a pleasant day downstairs . She thanked Frank with a posy for his buttonhole , well knowing that it would soon pass into other hands , and he departed to join Annette . Having told Jill about Bob , and set her to work on the `` Observer , '' Jack kissed his mother , and went whistling down the street , a gay little bachelor , with a nod and smile for all he met , and no turned-up hat or jaunty turban bobbing along beside him to delay his steps or trouble his peace of mind . At noon they worked on their paper , which was a collection of items , cut from other papers , concerning temperance , a few anecdotes , a bit of poetry , a story , and , if possible , an original article by the editor . Many hands make light work , and nothing remained but a little copying , which Jill promised to do before night . So the boys had time for a game of football after school in the afternoon , which they much enjoyed . As they sat resting on the posts , Gus said , -- `` Uncle Fred says he will give us a hay-cart ride to-night , as it is moony , and after it you are all to come to our house and have games .
`` Ca n't do it , '' answered XXXXX , sadly .
Bob Doctor Frank Jill Mary Princess afternoon noon posy to-night