`` Sheer off , fellows . We are no end obliged , ma'am , and I 'll see that Briggs is n't put upon by sneaks . '' Then the boys ran off , and the old lady retired to her parlor to sink into her easy-chair , as much excited by this little feat as if she had led a forlorn hope to storm a battery . `` I 'll fill both those big tins to-morrow , and treat every one of the small boys , if I 'm spared , '' she panted , with a decided nod , as she settled her cap and composed her neat black skirts , with which the wind had taken liberties , as she stood on the steps . `` I 'm not sure it is n't our duty to make and sell good , wholesome lunches to those boys . We can afford to do it cheap , and it would n't be much trouble . Just put the long table across the front entry for half an hour every day , and let them come and get a bun , a cookie , or a buttered biscuit . It could be done , sister , '' said Miss Jerusha , longing to distinguish herself in some way also . `` It shall be done , sister ! '' And Miss Hetty made up her mind at that moment to devote some of her time and skill to rescuing those blessed boys from the unprincipled Peck and his cockroach pies . It was pleasant , as well as droll , to see how heartily the good souls threw themselves into the new enterprise , how bravely they kept each other up when courage showed signs of failing , and how rapidly they became convinced that it was a duty to provide better food for the future defenders and rulers of their native land . `` You ca n't expect the dears to study with clear heads if they are not fed properly , and half the women in the world never think that what goes into children 's stomachs affects their brains , '' declared Miss Hetty , as she rolled out vast sheets of dough next day , emphasizing her remarks with vigorous flourishes of the rolling-pin . `` Our blessed mother understood how to feed a family . Fourteen stout boys and girls , all alive and well , and you and I as smart at seventy one and two , as most folks at forty . Good , plain victuals and plenty of 'em is the secret of firm health , '' responded Miss Jerusha , rattling a pan of buns briskly into the oven . `` We 'd better make some Brighton Rock . It is gone out of fashion , but our brothers used to be dreadful fond of it , and boys are about alike all the world over . Ma 's resate never fails , and it will be a new treat for the little dears . '' `` S'pose we have an extra can of milk left and give 'em a good mugful ? Some of those poor things look as if they never got a drop .
XXXXX sells beer , and milk is a deal better .
Briggs Jerusha Ma Peck Rock S'pose cockroach day mugful tins