`` Oh , I 'll be good to her , never you fear , '' assured Jimmy , squatting comfortably down on the little fur rug before the stove -- the skin of the coyote his father had killed four years ago . `` I believe in being good to your mother when you 've only got the one . Now tell us a story , Theodora -- a real jolly story , you know , with lots of fighting in it . Only please do n't kill anybody . I like to hear about fighting , but I like to have all the people come out alive . '' Theodora laughed , and began a story about the Riel Rebellion of ' 85 -- a story which had the double merit of being true and exciting at the same time . It was quite dark when she finished , and the twins were nodding , but Jimmy 's eyes were wide open and sparkling . `` That was great , '' he said , drawing a long breath . `` Tell us another . '' `` No , it 's bedtime for you all , '' said Theodora firmly . `` One story at a time is my rule , you know . '' `` But I want to sit up till Mother comes home , '' objected Jimmy . `` You ca n't . She may be very late , for she would have to wait to see Mr. Porter . Besides , you do n't know what time Santa Claus might come -- if he comes at all . If he were to drive along and see you children up instead of being sound asleep in bed , he might go right on and never call at all . '' This argument was too much for Jimmy . `` All right , we 'll go . But we have to hang up our stockings first . Twins , get yours . ''
The twins toddled off XXXXX great excitement , and brought back their Sunday stockings , which Jimmy proceeded to hang along the edge of the mantel shelf .
Besides about at for if in of till to up