there!"

"I know," said little Davie, "where we'll get it; it's upstairs;" and
without another word he flew out of the room, and in another
minute he put into Polly's hand an old leather boottop, one of his
most treasured possessions. "You can chip it," he said, "real fine,
and then 'twill go in."

"So we can," said Polly; "and you're a real good boy, Davie, to give
it; that's a splendid present to help celebrate for mamsic!"

"I'd a-given a boot-top," said Joel, looking grimly at the precious
bit of leather which Polly was rapidly stripping into little bits, "if
I'd a-hed it; I don't have anything!"

"I know you would, Joey," said Polly, kindly; "there now, you'll
stay, I guess!" as with the united efforts of the two boys, cheered
on by Phronsie's enthusiastic little crow of delight, the leather was
crowded into place, and the fire began to burn.

"Now, boys," said Polly, getting up, and drawing a long breath,
"I'm going over to Grandma Bascom's to get her to tell me how to
make the cake; and you must stay and keep house."

"I'm going to nail," said Joel; "I've got lots to do."

"All right," said Polly, tying on her hood; "Phronsie'll love to watch
you; I won't be gone long," and she was off.

"Grandma Bascom," wasn't really the children's grandmother; only