"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
needn'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 ain'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