and also held it up for inspection.

"Let us see," said Ben, taking it up.

"It's after, 'boneset's good for colds,'" said Polly, puckering up her
face again at the thought.

"We most of us knew you were sick--I'm Polly now--because you
didn't come; and we liked your letter telling us so, -- "Oh, Polly!
we weren't glad to hear he was sick!" cried Ben, in horror.

"I didn't say so!" cried Polly, starting up. "Why, Ben Pepper, I
never said so!" and she looked ready to cry.

"It sounds something like it, don't it, mainmy?" said Ben, unwilling
to give her pain, but appealing to Mrs. Pepper.

"You needn't said that, Ben," said Polly, dissatisfied; "we all baked
'em, I'm sure. 'And just as soon as you get well we do want you to
come over and have the baking. We're real sorry you're
sick--boneset's good for colds."

"Oh, Ben!" said Mrs. Pepper, "I guess his father knows what to
give him."

"And oh! the bitter stuff!" cried Polly, with a wry face. "Well, it's
hard work to write," said Ben, yawning. "I'd rather chop wood."

"I wish! knew how," exclaimed Joel, longingly.