shavers, your mothers did for you more than any one else in the
world would do. They did things that a father would do about
once. Then he would be ready to give up his job. But your
mothers went right on day after day, year after year, doing hard,
thankless, disagreeable things. I bet you get this preached to
you a lot, boys, but I want to say it to you, too. If you are
away from them, write a letter, a real letter once each week. It
is not much to do. Do it, boys! And don't forget the kisses.
If you kiss your mother every time you come into the house or
leave it, you will still have all you want for your sweethearts
when you get 'em. Begin to-night when you go home. Will you?"

"Yes, sir," promised the Potter twins huskily.

No word came from Asa. The Colonel looked at him. "And you?" he
said.

Asa swallowed convulsively. A tear glistened on the tip of his
pale, thin nose. He nodded violently; then the words came.

"Oh, yes!" he said.





CHAPTER VII

HOME AGAIN