"Good-by, Hercules," said Gideon.
"God bless you, my son," said Mrs. Foot. And she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"Good-by, father! good-by, mother!" said Hercules. And then he rushed to one of the carriages, and putting in his head, exclaimed, "Good-by, sisters! good-by, little brothers!"
The three brides kissed Hercules and wept, while their husbands shook him by the hand. After many fond embraces and wishes for his welfare the carriages were driven off, leaving Hercules standing in the street, with Wiggins and Pate gazing up at him with looks of perplexity.
"Are you going to California?" asked Pate.
"I am," said the giant, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"And Love, Dove, and Bliss are not going?" said Wiggins.
"No; they have married my sisters, and are going home to be happy," said Hercules. And he wiped away some more tears that came into his eyes.
"What made them marry your sisters?" asked Pate.