"I'll lay thee a penny he's at the same game now.

Gie him a licking when he comes in, son Matt." "Nay, but Matt wont," said Jennie Denton, with a quiet decision.

She stood at her big wheel, spinning busily, though it was nine o'clock; and though her words were few and quiet, the men knew from her face and manner that Davie's licking would not be easily accomplished.

In fact, Jennie habitually stood between Davie and his father and brothers.

She had nursed him through a motherless babyhood, and had always sympathized in his eager efforts to rise above the sordid life that encompassed him.