"I'll do what aunt Dorcas says, though it comes mighty hard after what you threatened yesterday, Dan. We're friends now; but I'll wipe the floor up with you, if you don't walk pretty near straight."
The little woman was not particularly well pleased at this evidence of friendliness; but she professed to be satisfied, and the three boys glared at each other like so many pugnacious cats until the evening devotions were begun.
Then aunt Dorcas read, with great fervour, the first chapter of the Sermon on the Mount, and afterwards prayed so earnestly for those "within her gates," that Joe resolved then and there to treat Dan as he had done before the princess was found,—at least, during such time as the amateur detective behaved himself in what he considered a proper manner.
"Joseph and George are to sleep in the spare-room to-night, and Daniel will occupy the chamber over the kitchen," aunt Dorcas announced, when the devotions were brought to a close.
"Did you take off the best sheets?" Master Potter asked.
"Of course not, Joseph."
"Why don't you do it? Plums an' me would be snug enough if there wasn't any clothes at all on the bed."
"We will leave it as it is, dear. Perhaps I was wrong in not letting you occupy it before."
"How could that be?" Joe asked, in astonishment.
"I have allowed myself to be proud of the chamber, and the Book particularly warns us against pride. It is better that I accustom myself to seeing it used."