way at his brother--"the Cap'n says--"

But Bet put her hand across the eager little mouth.

"Never mind what Thady says now, Nat; we'll have plenty of time to go
into that by-and-bye. Now we have a deal to do, and very little time
to do it in. But first you two boys ha' got to give me a promise."

"Promises is like pie-crusts," said the Cap'n, drawing himself up to
his full tiny height, "I don't mind, nor do the Gen'ral there. Promises
is made to be broke."

Bet shook the little speaker impatiently.

"Look here, boys, there's no one loves you two, but me; and I do--yes,
I do--with all my heart. There, boys, don't strangle me," for they
both fell upon her, covering her face and neck and lips with childish,
most affectionate kisses.

"Hurrah for Bet! There, Bet--we'll make no pie-crust promises to you.
We'll promise, and we'll keep our words. We'd die afore we broke 'em!"
concluded the Cap'n, stamping his small newly-shod foot with great
effect on the floor.

"There's no one loves you but me," continued Bet. "Mother did, but
she's with God--that is ef--ef--oh, yes, mother's with God. He's keeping
her comfortable now, and she have forgot us all. Mother's no good from
this out; and father--you know what father is, boys. Look me in the
face--you know what father is."