“Ye are true grit, Larry, but ye shall never get on to yer feet till ye hev promised to do as I want ye to after this, or else go away from Break o’ Day. Are ye ready to answer?” Another squeeze, and the head of Larry nodded slightly. “Hev ye got yer answer ready, Tom?” The latter nodded quickly. Then, as Little Hickory loosened simultaneously his holds on the throats of his assailants, he said: “Mind ye, boys, no treachery. I hev asked ye a square question: Are you going away from Break o’ Day or stay?” “I’m going to stay,” muttered Larry. “And do as I say?” “I knuckle, Little Hickory. I thought I could whup ye, but ye are too menny for us all.” “And ye, Tom and Jerry?” “I’m with ye, Rob,” replied both. “Good,” said Little Hickory, though there was no sign of triumph in his manner as he stepped back. “I’m glad you are going to stay.” “So am I,” said Joe, taking Larry’s hand. “You made a good fight, Larry, and I like you better for it, now that you are all right. It is only right Little Hickory should be at our head. We’ll agree to mind him in all he says.” Larry made no reply, though the others knew well enough the victory had been fully won by Little Hickory. Chick would have given three cheers and a tiger or two, but the conqueror stopped him. CHAPTER XX. A SHOWER OF BULLETS. Little Hickory had no further trouble among his companions at Break o’ Day. If reluctant at first, Larry went to work beside him in spading up the ground, and that very afternoon they planted their first seed. To these foundlings of the great city this was an event, little to be appreciated by those brought up in the country. All but Mrs. Willet and Mr. Joe Little joined the planters, Joe having the honor of dropping the first seed into the “hills.” That evening Dr. Menter paid them a short visit, and when he found how the garden had been begun, he promised to arrange so that a man with a pair of horses and a plow should come up the first of the following week to help out the boys in their spading. He had also found a situation for Larry, which the latter accepted after a little hesitation. The visit of the genial doctor lent additional inspiration to the hearts of the members of the young republic, and when he had gone, the three families met together, at Larry’s suggestion, and there in the presence of them all he took the hand of Rob, saying: “Little Hickory, you deserve your name, and I was a fool for trying to lick ye. Now if ye’ll let thet be fergot I’ll stand by ye after this.” “I do,” replied Rob, fervently. “You have got the right stuff in you, Larry, and I know we shall get along first-rate.” “I’ll do my part, Little Hickory, and you know I never fergit.” Larry was noted among his friends for his wonderful memory, and though he did not realize it then, it was a gift that was going to help him in times to come. Joe took his hand cordially, and thanked him for his generosity. And Joe’s thanks were worth all of the others to him.