"Mr. Long, I promised Mother long ago that I would never touch a drop of
liquor," said Austin, knowing well what the man meant.

"Good for you, Austin; stand by that decision as long as you live, and it
will be well with you."

Uncle John and Aunt Tillie were true to their promise about helping the
children prepare for the journey. They spent much of the time with the
children, and when the little house was empty of its furniture, they took
them to their own home till time for them to go. Every day they heaped
Austin with advice and counsel. The children heard them talking to him
telling him just how to make the changes on their journey and how to
arrange the baggage, and how to conduct themselves, and it filled them with
respect for their brother. They felt safe in his care and certain that he
would bring them safely to their father once more.

"Austin," said his uncle one day, "there is one promise I wish you to make
me. You are a good boy and have started out the right way to make a noble
man. I want you to say that you will not follow in your father's footsteps.
He is not the man he would have been without drink. He caused your mother
many heartaches. You will promise?"

"I promised Mama that before she died, and I will always keep it," answered
Austin with feeling.

"I do not know how things will go when you are gone from here, but I tell
you now, boy, that if you ever need a friend or find yourself out of a
home, let me know, and I will send you money to come to us. I am sorry you
are going so far away. I want to see that you have a chance to make good in
life."