The oxen were particularly good , for their horns branched like those of the moose , and Mr. Grant had a patriarchal beard which waved in the breeze as he bore the wounded girl to a sled very like a funeral pyre , the stakes being crowned with big mittens like torches . `` You ought to be an artist . I never saw such a dabster as you are . That 's the very moral of Joe , all in a bunch on the fence , with a blot to show how purple his nose was , '' said Gus , holding up the sketch for general criticism and admiration . `` 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 .
XXXXX says he will see to it .
Cox Gilliflower Grant Jack Jill Laura Pecq despatch grasshopper sled