ain't a-disobeying her and I ain't neither, Run get the apron
hanging behind the door, Susie, and I'll fix him."

"Sister Mayberry," said the Deacon with a delighted smile in his
kind eyes, but a twinkle in their corners, "your decision involves
the interpretation of both the letter and the spirit of the law. I
am glad it, in this case, rested with you."

"Well," answered Mother Mayberry, as she took the apron from Susie
and started across the Road on her rescue mission, "a woman have got
to cut her conscience kinder bias in the dealing with children. If
they're stuffed full of food and kindness they will mostly forget
to be bad, and oughtent to be made to remember they CAN be by being
punished too long. Now, sonny, I'll get you fixed up so stylish with
these pins and this apron that the circus will want to carry you
off. Start on, Deacon, he's a-coming."

"I've got to get the baby's bonnet," said Eliza as the whole party
started away in a trail after the Deacon, who led Martin Luther by
one hand and little Bettie by the other. Over by the store they
could see Mrs. Pratt waiting to marshal the forces on down the Road
and Mr. Hoover stood ready as outstanding escort. He had brought the
news of the passing of the circus train and she had promptly
consented to taking the children and the Deacon over for a view.

"Please, Eliza, please don't take the baby! Leave him with me," said
Miss Wingate and as she spoke she stretched out her arms to Teether.
Teether was looking worn with the excitement of the day and his
sympathetic friend felt the journey would be too much for him. He
smiled and fell over on her shoulder with a sigh of contentment.