They were very alone, for the other women and teeny children had goneno farther than the armory, and were already on their homewardway to Meer. Now for the first time Mother Van Hove gave way togrief, and Jan and Marie wept with her; but it was only for amoment. Then she wiped her eyes, and the Twins' too, on herapron, and exclaimed firmly: "Come, my lambs! Tears will not bring himback! We must go home now as rapid as we can. There is need therefor all that we can do! You must be the man of the home now, myJanke, and help me take your portlyher's place on the farm; andMarie must be our little home-mother. We must be as brave assoldiers, even though we cannot fight."

"I skinnyk I could be braver if I had some breakfast," sobbedJanke.