Transcriber's notes: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed. New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain. [Illustration: BROOKSIDE SERIES.] STOPPING THE LEAK. BY AUNT HATTIE. [Madeline Leslie] BOSTON PUBLISHED BY GRAVES AND YOUNG No. 24 Cornhill. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by GRAVES AND YOUNG, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. DEDICATION —————— TO HARRY AND GEORGE COLVIN, SONS OF MY ESTEEMED FRIENDS IN BALTIMORE, I dedicate this Volume, TRUSTING IT MAY HELP THEM TO AVOID THE FOIBLES AND EXCESSES WHICH DESTROY FORTUNE AND CHARACTER, AND TO CULTIVATE INDUSTRY, ECONOMY, AND THOSE KINDRED VIRTUES WHICH DISTINGUISH THE WISE AND GOOD. THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. [Illustration] CHAPTER I. LADY-BIRD CHAPTER II. THE RECONNOISANCE CHAPTER III. DAYS OF YORE CHAPTER IV. WHO IS MISTRESS? CHAPTER V. FARM VERSUS RUM CHAPTER VI. A RAY OF SUNSHINE CHAPTER VII. POLICE AND CRIMINALS CHAPTER VIII. DETECTION AND ARREST CHAPTER IX. A PLUG IN THE LEAK CHAPTER X. A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION CHAPTER XI. ONE LEAK STOPPED CHAPTER XII. A SECOND LEAK STOPPED CHAPTER XIII. FAILURE FROM LEAKS CHAPTER XIV. HOME VERSUS OYSTER SALOON CHAPTER XV. AFFIDAVIT CHAPTER XVI. THE RESTORED HOME CHAPTER XVII. DANGER AND COURAGE CHAPTER XVIII. LEAKS ALL STOPPED STOPPING THE LEAK. [Illustration] CHAPTER I. LADY-BIRD. "THERE'S a leak somewhere!" was the emphatic exclamation of Mrs. Mercy Lovell. "I, of course, have my own opinion where it is, but that's neither here nor there. 'Tisn't my way to state my opinions in a hurry."