I once made a rule that I would have no slang in the house . I give it up now , for I can not keep it ; but I will not have rubbishy books ; so , Archie , please send these two after your cigars . '' Mrs. Jessie held both the small boys fast with an arm round each neck , and when she took this base advantage of them they could only squirm with dismay . `` Yes , right behind the back log , '' she continued , energetically . `` There , my hearties -LRB- you like sea slang , so I 'll give you a bit -RRB- now , I want you to promise not to read any more stuff for a month , and I 'll agree to supply you with wholesome fare . '' `` Oh , mother , not a single one ? '' cried Will . `` Could n't we just finish those ? '' pleaded Geordie . `` The boys threw away half-smoked cigars ; and your books must go after them . Surely you would not be outdone by the ` old fellows , ' as you call them , or be less obedient to little Mum than they were to Rose . '' `` Course not ! Come on , Geordie , '' and Will took the vow like a hero . His brother sighed and obeyed , but privately resolved to finish his story the minute the month was over . `` You have laid out a hard task for yourself , Jessie , in trying to provide good reading for boys who have been living on sensation stories . It will be like going from raspberry tarts to plain bread and butter ; but you will probably save them from a bilious fever , '' said Dr. Alec , much amused at the proceedings . `` I remember hearing grandpa say that a love for good books was one of the best safeguards a man could have , '' began Archie , staring thoughtfully at the fine library before him . `` Yes , but there 's no time to read nowadays ; a fellow has to keep scratching round to make money or he 's nobody , '' cut in Charlie , trying to look worldly-wise . `` This love of money is the curse of America , and for the sake of it men will sell honour and honesty , till we do n't know whom to trust , and it is only a genius like Agassiz who dares to say , ' I can not waste my time in getting rich , ' '' said Mrs. Jessie sadly . `` Do you want us to be poor , mother ? ''
asked XXXXX , wondering .
Alec Archie Geordie Jessie Will grandpa hearties month right tarts