"Well, let's say from Ben and Polly then," said Polly; "only all the
others want to be in the letter."

"Well, they can't write," said Ben.

"We might sign their names for 'em," suggested Polly.

"Here's mine," said Ben, putting under the "From all of us" a big,
bold "Ben."

"And here's mine," echoed Polly, setting a slightly crooked "Polly"
by its side.

"Now Joe, you better let Ben hold your hand," said Polly,
warningly. But Joel declaring he could write had already begun, so
there was no hope for it; and a big drop of ink falling from the pen,
he spattered the "J" so that no one could tell what it was. The
children looked at each other in despair.

"Can we ever get it out, mammy?" said Polly, running to Mrs.
Pepper with it.

"I don't know," said her mother. "How could you try it, Joe?"

"I didn't mean to," said Joel, looking very downcast and ashamed.
"The ugly old pen did it!"

"Well," said Polly, "it's got to go; we can't help it." But she looked
so sorrowful over it that half the pleasure was gone for Ben; for