12 BRAGGADOCIO.

out to the wood-pile, selected the slabs suitable
for his boat, and laid them together. He then
cut a bean-pole into two pieces, one for the
length of the boat, and the other for the width.
“ Now,” said he to himself, “ the thing is just
half done; for mother used to say, ‘ Well be-
gun is half done.’ ”

What a loss was that good, sensible mother,
to those two poor children! They remembered
her sayings, and liked to follow them. Oh!
how precious was everything that once be-
longed to that departed mother! Mixon was
an easy, good-natured soul, far inferior in mind
and character to the wife he had lost; but yet,
he was steady and industrious, and a kind,
indulgent father.

Tom came in just as Mixon awoke from his
comfortable nap.

“ Well, Tom,” said he, “did you do up all
the jobs I set you to-day ?”

“Yes, I did; and got through at four
o’clock.”

“Did you dig the beds, and plant all the
beans and the peas ?” |

“Yes; every one of them. Bessie dropped