Page:Nid and Nod (IA nidnod00barb).pdf/98

 *utes after that the three boys were busy concocting a telegram to send to Mr. Goupil in Sioux City, Iowa. It was decided that each should compose what he considered the proper message and that they would subsequently write a fourth draft comprised of the best points of each. So they each set to work with pencil and paper and furrowed brows, and for several minutes all was very still in No. 16, East Hall. Having given the matter some previous thought, Laurie naturally finished first. Then Bob's composition was laid on the desk, and finally, considerably later, Ned's.

Laurie read them aloud, Bob's first. Bob's was as follows:

"A. G. Goupil, "Goupil Machinery Co., "Sioux City, Iowa.

"What's the big idea turning your sister-in-law into street at her age? You ought to be ashamed."

"Gee," laughed Laurie, "you don't mind how many words you use, do you?"

"You do it in less," challenged Bob indignantly.