[Illustration: The Blue Birds and Bobolinks were deep in the work ofconstructing a magazine. (Page 259) ("The Blue Birds' Winter Nest. ")]

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THE BLUE BIRDS' WINTER NEST

ByLILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY

Author Of"The Blue Birds of Happy Times Nest, " "The Blue Birds' Uncle Ben, ""The Blue Birds at Happy Hills, " "The Five Little Starrs Series, ""The Girl Scouts' Country Life Series, " etc. 

A. L. BURT COMPANYPublishers--New York

Printed in U. S. A. 

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Copyright, 1916, byTHE PLATT & PECK COMPANY

Printed in U. S. A. 

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 CONTENTS

 CHAPTER PAGE

 I. How Aunt Selina Flew 7 II. A Sunday Walk and Its Results 26 III. The Blue Birds' Inspiration 45 IV. The Bobolink Boys Founded 62 V. Uncle Ben's Business Talk 81 VI. Beginning the Winter Work 96 VII. Blue Bird Wisdom and Bobolink Work 114 VIII. Aunt Selina's Civil War Story 135 IX. How the Yankees Took Possession 160 X. Beginning To Spell Success 179 XI. The Winter Nest Council 199 XII. The Story of an Alaskan Trip 219 XIII. A Winter in the Frozen North 238 XIV. The B. B. & B. B. Magazine 259 XV. How the Magazine Went Out 285

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THE BLUE BIRDS' WINTER NEST

CHAPTER I

HOW AUNT SELINA FLEW

"Sally! I say, Sally! Come here!" cried a peevish voice, belonging to aquerulous old lady who was huddled up on a couch in the bright morningroom of her fine old mansion. 

"I'se here, Miss S'lina--comin' straight an' fas' as mah laigs kinbrings me!" replied a cheerful colored woman, bustling around, andmoving some toast so it would not scorch. 

"Are you quite sure you told Abe to meet the eleven-thirty train atGreenfields station? Just fancy how dreadful it would be to have MissRuth get off the train and not find anyone there to meet her!"complained Miss Selina, her face twitching with pain as she raised herhands to emphasize her remark. 

"Laws'ee, Miss S'lina! Don' you be 'fraid dat I han't tended toeberyt'ing for little Miss Rufie's welcome! Leave it to ole Sally, whatlikes dat chile like her own kin!"

"Well, then, Sally, hurry with my toast and tea--and for goodness' sake, don't you bring scorched toast again! There, I can smell it burning thisvery minute! How many times must I tell you that I will not trust thoseelectric toasters? The old-fashioned coal fire is good enough forme--and it would be for you, too, if it were not for your ridiculousideas of being progressive and having all these electric fol-de-rols putup in the house. My house, too! Think of it! A servant to order thesecontraptions and use them in my very own home and make me pay for them, when I prefer the ways of my forefathers. " Then utterly wearied with herlong complaint, Miss Selina collapsed, and closed her eyes. 

Sally, the old family servant who had lived all her days with theTalmage family at Happy Hills, had been a playmate of Miss Selina's; infact, she had grown up with all the children of the "big house. " Shesmiled indulgently at her mistress' words, as she bent over a freshpiece of toast. 

"Pore chile--Sally knows a heap of time is saved 'twixt 'lectricity an'coal, an' she's goin' to cleave to the bestes' way ever foun' yit--an'she knows what dem old rheumaticks is a-doin' to your temper, "soliloquized the astute servant. 

The toast was nicely browned, and the tea brewed perfectly, and Sallyplaced them on a dainty tray which she carried over to the couch. 

"Want I should leave you alone, or he'p you break the bread?" askedSally, soothingly. 

Miss Selina opened her eyes and answered, "If I were sure you had MissRuth's room all ready, and everything else as it should be, I would letyou pour that tea for me; but I suppose you have neglected half yourwork to be in here with me. "

Sally's broad grin wrinkled the corners of her mouth, as she took theteapot and poured the fragrant beverage into a Japanese cup. At the sametime her mind seemed to dwell upon a pleasant subject. 

"Does you 'member, Miss S'lina, de las' time little Rufie visited us?Dat's de time she was all full of a plan for havin' some kin' of abird's nest at home. I wonder ef she ever did fix it up?"

Miss Selina forgot to find fault for a few moments, as Sally's wordscaused her to remember the plan her grand-niece had talked over. 

"Seems to me, her mother wrote something in a letter about a Blue BirdNest they were going to start. But I haven't the slightest idea what itis. I should think they would build nests for robins and birds who areplentiful in our country places. Blue Birds are not very numerous in ourwoods. "

"T'wan't for real birds--don' you recomember? It was jus' de name deywas goin' to use fer a li'l 'sociation like!" corrected Sally, as sheheld the plate of toast within reach of the invalid's hand. 

"No, I don't remember! How should I?--with all this pain forever tyingme into knots!" mumbled Miss Selina, as a toothsome morsel of toastentered her mouth. 

Suddenly, the crunching of wheels on the gravel drive was heard, andSally craned her neck to look from the window. 

"There goes Abe now, " she said. 

The same day the Blue Birds of Happy Times Nest, at Oakdale, had become"Fliers, " little Ruth Talmage, the favorite of the Nest, had received aninvitation to spend a week at her Aunt Selina's house, and Abe was nowon his way to the station to meet her. 

Aunt Selina was an unpleasant old lady, and few of her relatives caredto visit her; so, when she had her attacks of rheumatism she generallyhad to spend her time on the couch with no one to amuse her. She hadinvited Ruth the previous Spring, and had enjoyed the little girl'svisit so much, that she had sent for her now when helpless with anotherattack. 

Of course, when the telegram came to Ruth's home, asking the little girlto visit Aunt Selina, the Blue Birds felt sorry for her, knowing what amiserable time Ruth would have. Then, too, Ruth's father was expectedhome that Saturday, and Ruth had not seen him for almost a year. 

Ruth, however, was willing to sacrifice her own pleasure to help AuntSelina--as every Blue Bird tries to follow the Golden Rule--so she lefther playmates Saturday morning, with promises to write every day untilshe returned, and they, in turn, earnestly promised to explain to herfather just why she went away the day he was expected home. 

Now, Happy Hills, Aunt Selina's home, was several miles from GreenfieldsStation, and the country about this section of Pennsylvania was sobeautiful and healthful that city people gradually settled upon estatesand spent their summers there. Beautiful carriages and automobiles dailypassed over the fine old road that divided Happy Hills in half. But noone had much of an opportunity to admire the place as high board fenceshad been built on either side of the road as far as the property frontedit. 

Happy Hills was an old family estate comprising more than two thousandacres, half woodland and half cultivated fields and green pastures. Aspring of clear water, hidden among the rocks of the highest hill at theback of the farm, furnished plenty of water for the noisy brook thattumbled from rock to rock on the hillside, and, after splashing in andout among the trees, ran like a broad ribbon through the green meadows. 

The entire property was enclosed with a high fence, even the woodlandbeing carefully hemmed in so no little children could get in to play inthe brook, or pick wild berries and flowers that decayed in profusionyear after year. 

Sally was a trusted old housekeeper who had her mistress' confidence;Abe was her husband who had driven the Talmage coupé ever since he cameNorth at the time of the Civil War. 

Miss Selina had not always been so disagreeable. She had old-fashionedpictures of herself at the age of eighteen when hoop-skirts were thefashion, and the young women wore their hair in "water-falls. " At thattime a handsome young man was in love with her, but he was shot in thewar, and she brooded over her loss so long that she lost all thesweetness of living. The older she grew the more disagreeable shebecame, until, not one of her relatives wanted to be with her, butmanaged to keep far from her complaining voice. 

And for this old lady, Ruth had waived the anticipated home coming ofher dear father!

Breakfast over, Sally propped Miss Selina up on the cushions and lefther for a time. 

After wondering how long it would take Abe to drive back from theeleven-thirty train, Miss Selina started to think of something she hadbeen pondering the last few days. What should she do with her vastestate if she died? She had never made a will, for she abhorred the ideaof dying and having any strangers in her home. But she couldn't take itwith her, and she was nearing seventy years of age with all the signs ofold age breaking over her defenceless head. 

She tried to think of someone to whom she really wanted to leave herhome, but there was no one. She generally sighed at this point anddropped the unpleasant thought. To-day, however, she wondered if hernephew and his wife could be plotting to get her property by having Ruthvisit whenever she was invited. This idea seemed to take hold of her, and she frowned as she made up her mind to ask Ruth questions about hermother's intentions and opinions regarding Aunt Selina and Happy Hills. 

Miss Selina had been so engrossed in her thoughts that the sound ofcarriage wheels on the drive failed to reach her. Therefore, it was witha start of surprise that she heard the door flung open and a happychild's voice cry:

"Aunt Selina! I'm here! Are you glad to have me?" while a pair of softlittle arms were gently placed about her withered old neck and freshlittle lips pressed her cheek. 

The caress was such an unusual experience that Miss Selina forgot towince or complain, and before she did remember, Ruth was bubbling overwith news. 

"What do you think is to happen to-day?--Oh! Aunt Selina, we all havenew names at home; even mother is now called Mother Wings and I amFluff. The other Blue Birds have names they chose for themselves, andNed is an Owl, and prints our weekly paper called the _Chirp_. Now, instead of Aunt Selina, I want to call you a bird-name, too. May I?"

Aunt Selina smiled sympathetically at Ruth's words, but, recalled to hercondition by a twinge of pain, she moaned, "Child, poor old Aunt Selinawould make a wretched specimen of a bird nowadays. The only kind I feelthat I could represent truly is a raven--for it always croaks. "

Ruth laughed consolingly, but cried, "Oh, Aunt Selina, that is justbecause you feel blue with those old rheumatics. Mother says we alwayslook at life through dark spectacles when we're in pain, and we b'lievethe lovely world has lost all its brightness. Now, I've come to make youforget your blues and I _must_ have a new name to say, because there isso _much_ to tell you that I would lose time if I had to say 'AuntSelina' every time. Besides, a new name will make you forget yourself. "

"What could you call me?" questioned her aunt, trying to fall in withthe child's whim. 

"We'll have to think! It isn't as easy as it may sound to find a name tosuit. We had a dreadful hard time to do it. "

"'Fluff' suits you beautifully. Who found it?" said the old ladyinterestedly. 

"I chose two, but we can only have one. One was 'Flutey' the other'Fluff'; Ned and the Blue Birds liked 'Fluff' best, and they have calledme by that name ever since we were christened in the Nest. "

"When I was a little girl like you I used to enjoy whistling about theplace so much that father called me his little flute. I can still seethe shocked expression of my aunt who visited us, when she heard merunning about whistling like a boy. She was a grand dame of society inNew York, and _her_ girls were doing embroidery and being taught how tocurtsey and behave in the drawing-room. " And Miss Selina smiled at Ruthwho fully understood the remark and clapped her hands delightedly at heraunt who had been a hoyden so long ago. 

"I just love to whistle, too. Ned says I can pipe higher and carry atune better than anyone he knows!" declared Ruth, and aunt andgrand-niece felt a common bond of unity. 

Ruth was about to demonstrate her accomplishment to Aunt Selina, whenher face puckered into a funny expression and her shoulders hunched upabout her ears as they usually did when some secret thought gave her asurprise. She leaned over the couch and confidentially whispered, "AuntSelina, I'll tell you what! We both love to whistle, don't we? Then, youshall be christened with my other name! You shall be 'Flutey, ' eh?"

"Oh, dear child, it would be sarcasm to name me that now! Why, the onlyclaim I have to that name would be because of my fluted skin. Just lookat my neck and face!" said Aunt Selina. 

"No such thing!" retorted Ruth. "I never saw any flutes on your faceuntil this very minute when you made me see some little wrinkles. Yourskin is soft and white, so don't you ever tell folks what you said tome, 'cause they won't see anything but a nice face. "

Of course, Aunt Selina felt elated to hear such comforting words, butRuth gave her no time to meditate. 

"Do you like the name I, as your god-mother, give you?" laughed themerry little girl. 

"Yes, indeed, it is fine, but we must keep it a secret. Just fancy Sallyor Abe, or any of the servants, calling me 'Miss Flutey!'" And AuntSelina laughed aloud just as the door opened and Sally popped her headthrough the aperture. Seeing the happy faces and hearing the unusuallaughter, she immediately closed the door, without having been seen orheard. Out in the wide hall she lifted both arms high toward the ceilingand rolled her eyes devoutly upward as she murmured, "Praise be to theLud, dat dat little tree is come wif healin' in its leaves. " After thisstrange remark, Sally hurried out to tell Abe of the miracle. 

Aunt Selina, in spite of her age, felt a childish delight in having asecret with Ruth, and after a few moments said, "I shall have to callyou Fluff, and you must call me Flutey, I suppose, if we are to belongto the same Nest. "

"Yes, that's the way, " replied Ruth, clapping her hands softly. "Now, let me tell you all the wonderful things we did this summer. "

Then began a recital of how the Blue Birds of Happy Times Nest started;about each member and her name; the nest in the old cherry-tree; howthey had earned money to bring some poor children from the city to spendthe hot weeks in the country; and, best of all, how they had interestedall of the citizens of Oakdale in helping a hundred poor city childrento spend a few weeks in the beautiful village of Oakdale. 

At this moment a loud knock at the door caused Aunt Selina to sit up andcall out, "Come in!"

"Shall you hab lunch in de dinin' room, or serbed here?" said Sally. 

"Lunch! Why, is it time--is it one o'clock?" gasped Miss Selina. 

"Ya'as'm--pas dat hour, too, " replied Sally, smiling broadly at Ruth, who returned the good-natured feeling. 

"Well, well; I feel much better, Sally, " admitted Aunt Selina. "Nothinglike having young folks around when one feels blue, eh? I guess you'dbetter bring the lunch tray here, and Miss Ruth and I will picnic thisnoon. "

In a few moments the waitress brought in a huge tray while Sallyfollowed with a folding table which she placed by the side of the couch. 

A joysome hour passed in "picnicking" the lunch, then Sally rang for themaid to remove the dishes. After she had gone, Sally turned to hermistress and, with the familiarity of an old servant, said, "Miss Rufieshore is de bestes tonic you ebber took. You'se et more lunch, MissSelina, dan I'se seen yo' et in six mont!"

Then whisking a few tiny crumbs from the couch afghan, Sally gathered upthe doilies and went out, smiling contentedly. 

That afternoon worked a remarkable change in Aunt Selina. She forgot allabout herself and her misery while listening to her grand-niece's storyof sacrifice for others. 

She listened attentively to every word, until Ruth concluded with thewords, "Now, we are planning some great work for our winter nest, butwe don't know just what we will choose. "

So impressed was Aunt Selina with the movement started by the New YorkOrganization, that she determined to help the cause in every way shecould. 

In the evening with the help of a cane and Sally, Aunt Selina managed toreach the dining-room for dinner. "For, " said she, "it is a shame tokeep Ruth cooped up in my morning room all day long. "

During dinner she marveled at the improvement in her physical conditionand worried lest her ailments return suddenly. But Ruth reassured her. 

"No, indeed, Flutey, we have so much to do and plan while I am here, that you won't have time to think of getting sick again. "

Aunt Selina looked dumbfounded for a moment. 

"Ruth, do you suppose that's what ails me--nothing to do but think ofmyself all of the time?" said she. 

"Flutey, not only with you, but with lots of folks!" replied Ruth, wisely. "You see, anyone who is busy and has something to do all thetime never gets sick, because they haven't time to worry 'boutthemselves if they feel a bit of pain. Why, this summer I saw lots ofbeginnings of sickness stopped just because everyone had to get throughtheir work for the city children. Even me: when mother told me thatfather--oh, oh--oh!" and Ruth doubled over her plate and giggledimmoderately. 

"Now what ails you, child?" inquired Aunt Selina, smiling in sympathywith her guest's merry laugh. 

"Oh, Aunt Selina, this goes to prove what I just said! Here I have beenwith you all day, so full of the story of our Nest and all we did, thatI forgot to feel sorry for myself. Why, think of it! Father is expectedhome to-night, and I'm not there! When your telegram came asking me tocome here, and mother told me father was expected the same day, I feltdreadfully bad about it, but mother said I might help the winter nest agreat deal by coming to show you how to fly, so I really made up my mindnot to feel sorry about not seeing father. And here I am all this time, forgetting my disappointment about leaving home to-day, and now, laughing over it. Don't you see?"

Aunt Selina nodded her head comprehendingly as she said, "Yes, I see!Yes, I see what has been my undoing all these years. Child, you havedone something for me that all my years have failed in showing me. Godbless you, Ruth, for coming, and when I tell your father about it hewill be proud of his little Blue Bird that brought such peace to me. "

As she concluded, Aunt Selina's eyes were brimful of tears, but theywere tears of gratitude, and such tears always wash away much of ourstubborn selfishness. 

Sally hovered about the table to be on hand to assist her querulousmistress if necessary and she, too, felt the effect of Ruth's words andsilently praised God for the blessing. 

After Aunt Selina and Ruth were comfortably seated in the softeasy-chairs of the former's bedroom, Ruth asked permission to write theletters she had promised the Blue Birds at home. Aunt Selina noddedcheerfully, and sat watching the little girl write until her eyelidsdrowsed slowly over her eyes. 

The first and most important letter was written to Ruth's dear fatherand mother. The next to Ned, and the third to all of the Blue Birds ofHappy Times Nest. Here, she wrote as she pleased and told them about hertrip, how interested Aunt Selina seemed to be, about the secret name shehad given the new Blue Bird and all of the fine things Aunt Selina wasgoing to do just as soon as plans could be talked over. As the letterdrew to a close, Ruth begged her friends to write every day and notundertake any important work until she came home. 

The last letter took a long time to write and Aunt Selina was fullyawake before Ruth had finished. 

"Laws, Child! Do you know the time? What would your mother say if sheknew I kept her daughter out of bed until after nine o'clock? If theletters are finished you must go straight to your room. " And Aunt Selinarang for Sally. 

That night as Ruth slept soundly, Aunt Selina lay thinking over all hergrand-niece had told her. As she thought of all her wasted years and ofall the wonderful good she might have done with her leisure time andwealth, she turned her face to the wall and shed bitter tears of regret. 

Then recalling Ruth's advice to fill her mind with something good andhelpful, the old lady vowed to pick up the frayed ends of her life andask Ruth how to use her money and time to create some lasting good forothers. As she smiled contentedly over the idea of her grand-niece oftender years advising and helping her, an old lady of three score andten, the Bible text flashed into her mind--"And a little child shalllead them. "

Then Aunt Selina fell into a restful, health-giving sleep such as shehad not had in years. 

CHAPTER II

A SUNDAY WALK AND ITS RESULTS

Ruth was out-of-doors early the following morning, enjoying the sweet, crisp breeze with its odor of dew-laden meadows. After sniffingdelightedly for a few moments, she skipped up and down the long veranda, calling to the birds and snapping her fingers at some curious squirrels. Sally heard the joyous child and came out to bid her a good-morning. 

"Sally, what a beautiful farm Aunt Selina has! It looks lovelier thismorning than ever, but it makes me sad when I think that no one canenjoy it except the folks that live here, " said Ruth, in a tone ofregret. 

"Ya'as, Chile, I feels sorry dat Miss S'lina had dem high board fencesput up to keep anjoyin' eyes from de propaty. An' den agin, I kin s'cusede little chillern dat sneak fru de back fences jus' to pick wilets an'paddle in de brok up dere;" and Sally looked toward the invitingwoodland, whence came the sound of running water. 

"If Aunt Selina is to be a really truly Blue Bird she will removewhatever keeps others from enjoying what she has, " commented Ruth, seriously. 

A bell, tinkling from an upper room, summoned Sally hurriedly indoors, so Ruth sat down in a large wicker rocker to await her aunt's coming. 

Sally soon came and told Ruth breakfast was ready and there sat MissSelina welcoming her with a cheery smile!

"Do you feel as happy and free as a Blue Bird, Flutey?" asked Ruth, giving Aunt Selina a hearty embrace. 

Unaccustomed to such healthy demonstrations of affection, she sufferedher lace cap to be pulled over one ear while her other was uncomfortablydoubled under Ruth's plump little arm. 

"Yes, Fluff, I feel unusually well this morning. I slept like a babe allnight, " replied her aunt. 

"That's the way all Blue Birds sleep. Not one of us would stay in bed aminute just because something tried to make us feel too tired or sick toget up early in the morning! You know, the Camp Fire Girls receivehonors for keeping free from illness, and some day the Blue Birds expectto join the bigger girls in their Camp Fires. So we begin to practicegood health now, " explained Ruth. 

The breakfast passed quickly with not a sound or sigh from Aunt Selinaabout rheumatism. Sally was the most astonished of all, for it hadbecome second nature with her mistress to talk about her pains and woesat all times. 

"While I was waiting on the piazza, this morning, I planned to take youfor a nice long walk, " said Ruth. 

"Why, my dear, I simply cannot walk out of doors. I could hardly hobbleabout the house this morning. "

"Oh, I s'pose you couldn't walk very well, but I can walk and you canride in the wheel-chair. I will push it, and we will go down the meadowpath toward the summer-house, " said Ruth. 

Aunt Selina looked dubiously at Sally, but the latter was very busyplacing some of the family silver in the chest, and her back was turned. 

After a few moments' hesitation she said, "I never take that chair offof the porch, and I am afraid you are too little to push it. "

"Oh, no, indeed I'm not. It won't hurt the chair, and even if it did, your pleasure just now is better than ten chairs!" decided Ruth. 

After several weak attempts to turn Ruth from her purpose, Aunt Selinasurrendered with a sigh. 

As Sally left the room just then she chuckled to herself, "Dat chilewill shorely 'juvenate Miss S'lina!"

After breakfast aunt and grand-niece went out on the veranda and Ruthsoon had the chair down the steps and waiting for her aunt. 

Aunt Selina felt a bit conscious at being wheeled like a baby, but Ruthwas too merry to permit anything but joy to prevail. 

Ruth turned the chair into a path that ran along the brook, and chattedmerrily until Aunt Selina forgot herself in listening. At the end of thepath stood a rustic summer-house from which could be seen the wideexpanse of meadow and woodland. Having reached this spot, Ruth placedthe chair so her aunt could look about and admire her beautiful lands. 

"Flutey, don't you ever go to church on Sunday mornings?" asked Ruth. 

"The only church is so far away that I would have to drive for half anhour to reach it; then, too, it is not a denomination that I approveof, " she replied, coolly. 

But a little thing like a cold reply or a curt tone never daunted Ruthwhen she was after any particular information. 

"What is the difference between one denomination and another? I don'texactly know the meaning of that word, but I know it means somethingabout churches. "

"Well, some churches believe in worshipping God one way and some inanother. These different beliefs are called 'denominations. ' Now, all ofour family were brought up to believe the Baptist manner of worship tobe the only true one, and this church at Greenfields is Presbyterian. Ofcourse, everyone knows that pre-destination is all wrong, " said AuntSelina emphatically. 

Ruth's eyes opened wider and wider as she listened, for she had beentaught a very simple faith. She had been told that to live and followthe "Golden Rule" was the highest form of obedience, and that it wastrue worship. So she answered quietly:

"I love Jesus, and I believe he taught everyone the same way, and Ibelieve he just loved everybody the same way. "

"We will not discuss religion, Ruth. Just keep on thinking and doing asMother has taught you. "

"Well, I was only going to say, that as we cannot go to church such alovely morning, we might sit here and thank God for all these fields, "explained Ruth. 

Aunt Selina looked about the land in the light of a new revelation. 

"I was thinking, " continued Ruth, "how I should love to have this farmnear Oakdale. I could come over so often to tell you what we are doing, and then, too, you could use all of that wonderful woodland for BlueBirds' Camps in the summer. "

Aunt Selina looked across the fields and woods but said nothing, so Ruthcontinued. 

"When the two Ferris children came out to Mrs. Mason's farm, they wereso happy to see real flowers and grass that they soon got well andstrong. That made me wish that I had hundreds of farms just like itwhere sick children could go and get well. That was one thing that madethe Oakdale folks help get the hundred city poor children out to ourcountry for a few weeks in August and the lovely time the children hadmade everyone wish to do bigger things this next summer. Nothing hasreally been planned yet, but everyone is trying to think of some way todo something. This morning when I saw this wonderful farm and so fewfolks to live on it, I just wished it was near Oakdale so a big crowd ofpoor children could enjoy it next summer. "

As Ruth concluded and looked wistfully over the fertile land, her auntsat thinking for a time, then answered. 

"Fluff, I determined to be a Blue Bird with all of my heart and soul. Now, we can't move this farm over to Oakdale, but the city children canbe moved out to this farm! You can do the planning from Oakdale, and Ican look after them when they get here. "

Ruth gasped in amazement at the splendid idea, then jumped up and downwith delight while she shouted aloud. 

"Oh, oh! Flutey! that is great! Why, just think of all the streets fullof poor children who can enjoy these wonderful woods!"

Aunt Selina winced at the word "street children, " but she spoke withdetermination. 

"I suppose we would have to build some sort of little houses, ortemporary camps for them to sleep in, and a long shed in which to servethe meals. It will need a lot of planning. "

"Dear me, I wish we could run and ask mother about it, " murmured Ruth, impatiently. "Now, if you were only visiting me instead of me being herewith _you_!"

"If I had gone to you, you might never have had the idea of using thesewoods for the children, " ventured her aunt. 

"No, that's so, " admitted Ruth. "And we can go back to the house andwrite all our plans down on paper and send them to mother, can't we?"

Aunt Selina consenting, Ruth wheeled the chair back to the house. Whenthey reached the steps the invalid felt so strong that she liftedherself out of the chair and climbed up the low steps with only Ruth tolean upon. 

"Why, I never felt a twinge in my joints all this time! I never knewrheumatism to disappear so quickly as it has this time, " she said, asshe sank down in a low chair. 

"Let's hope it won't come back again, " added Ruth. "If it stays awayyou could pack up and go to Oakdale with me, couldn't you?"

Aunt Selina, who never visited and seldom left her home, lookedhorrified for a moment. But Ruth continued innocently, "We could get all of mother's advice for the farm plans besides seeingfather and being home with him!"

Sally, who had seen Miss Selina coming up the steps without a cane, thought some miracle had been performed. So, wishing to hear all aboutit, she hurried out with the announcement that dinner was almost ready. 

"Dinner! Why, Sally, we just finished breakfast. I'm sure I don't wantanything to eat so soon, " replied Miss Selina. 

"It's pas' one o'clock, Miss S'lina, an' you allus likes de meals to beon time, " ventured Sally. 

"I'm sure I feel as if it was dinner time, 'cause I'm so hungry, " addedRuth, who always had a healthy appetite. 

Aunt Selina laughed indulgently as she rose and limped slowly indoors. 

Immediately after dinner Ruth hurried to the library and brought fortha pencil and paper. Meeting her aunt in the hall she said, "Now, we'llsit down and put all of our plans on paper. "

The greater part of the afternoon was passed in this engrossing work. 

That night Aunt Selina again sought her bed with a great sense ofgratitude that she could enjoy the rest without any pain. She slept allthrough the night and awoke in the morning feeling strong and energetic. Almost every trace of her lameness had disappeared. 

The mail lay upon a silver tray beside her plate, and she smiled as shehanded two letters to Ruth. 

"May I read them, Flutey?" asked Ruth, as soon as she had peeped at thepost marks. 

Aunt Selina nodded, and Ruth tore open the one from the Blue Birdsfirst, saying in an explanatory tone, "I like to leave the best for thelast. "

The Blue Birds had written her because they promised to do so, but therehad not been time for anything of importance to happen, so Ruth laidaside their short note and took up her mother's letter. The firstsentence made her gasp, and at the second, she giggled outright. AuntSelina waited patiently to hear the news. 

"Just think, Flutey, I didn't miss father, anyway--and just see all wehave accomplished by my coming here to you! Mother writes that she had atelegram from father late Saturday night, saying the steamer wasdetained at quarantine on account of some suspects in the steerage whoseemed to have symptoms of yellow fever. He is not sure when they willget off, but he will wire mother each day they are detained. "

Aunt Selina nodded understandingly, and Ruth continued: "Wish you and Icould be there to welcome father when he comes! Flutey, you are so wellthis morning, _don't_ you think you could go with me in our automobile, if we traveled very carefully?"

Her aunt was so aghast at the proposition that she failed to answer, andRuth continued, believing that she was thinking it over. 

"You see, Flutey, we really need to get to the Blue Birds and mother totalk over this fine farm plan, and I am sure the visit will do you aheap of good, for I have heard folks say that a change is a great thingwhen you have been sick and tired of the same things about you. "

Still Aunt Selina said not a word, so Ruth returned to her letter toread it aloud. As she did so, her aunt sent a covert glance at Sally'sdirection to see what effect Ruth's invitation had had upon the oldservant. But Sally, the wise, appeared not to have overheard a word. 

Later, as Ruth stood beside her aunt's rocker on the veranda, she againbroached the subject. 

"Flutey, the air is so warm and balmy like it always is in Indiansummer, and our car is so comfy, you wouldn't know but what you were inan easy chair. I don't see why you can't come home with me. "

"Fluff, do you know, that I could almost say 'Yes, I will go, ' for Ithink I would like to see all of your little friends, but I reallywouldn't know what to do with the house if I went away on a visit, " saidAunt Selina. 

"Goodness me! The house won't run away. What does it do when you aresick in bed and can't walk about to look after it? It can go on just thesame when you are in Oakdale as when you are in bed, " replied practicalRuth. 

Never before had Aunt Selina been brought face to face with the factthat Sally was the actual manager. She began to feel a certainresentment against her faithful old servant, and then she thought what arelief it was to have someone upon whom she could depend. 

"I never did ride in one of those machines, dearie. I have said that Inever would. I always use my victoria, or coupé, " she observed. 

"You never rode in an automobile! Why, Flutey, you have the treat ofyour life waiting, then, " exclaimed Ruth, surprised. "It only goes toshow how careful we should be about saying things we are not sure of;now, you see, you are going to ride in an auto and so prove to yourselfthat you were wrong. "

Ruth took for granted that the visit and method of traveling had beendecided upon, and, after some more futile excuses, Aunt Selina was wonover to considering going the next day if it were clear. 

"But the sky looks cloudy, Fluff, and your mother may not spare the carto-morrow, " she objected, making a last brave stand against thepersistent little girl. 

"Oh, no, those clouds are not rain clouds--they are wind and motherwould borrow Mrs. Catlin's car if she had to go anywhere rather thandisappoint me by not sending Ike with ours, " replied Ruth, very certainof her mother's loving coöperation. 

"Well, I shall have to break the news to Sally and see if she can spareme for a few days, " sighed her aunt, tingling with anticipation at theunusual event, but loath to forego the hope that her presence wasnecessary at home. 

"I'll run and ask her to come here at once, so we can telegraph motherabout the car, " said Ruth, as she ran to call Sally. 

One never had to go far to find Sally, for wherever Miss Selina was, there would Sally be found hovering about, also. Ruth caught hold of theplump brown hand and dragged her out to the piazza. 

When the important question was put before her, Sally was diplomaticenough to stand considering whether the household could possibly bemanaged without the mistress. After some time, she said, "If it t'wantdat dis wisit is jus' what you need to put you on yer feet, I wouldsay, 'I don' see how we'all kin manage. ' But, seein' dat all de fruitis dun up an' de fall house-cleanin' not yet due, I adwise you to beshore an' go an' fin' healin' in de change of air. "

Aunt Selina was so pleased at Sally's answer that she told her to helpRuth telegraph at once for the car. Sally bowed and hurried away to thetelephone where the message was sent to Greenfields to be wired to Mrs. Talmage. 

The rest of the day was spent in pleasant excitement, with Ruth and heraunt wondering what to pack in the small steamer trunk, while the wholehousehold felt the unusual stir of their mistress' going away for avisit. 

That evening an answering telegram came saying that Ike would leaveOakdale at dawn in the morning so as to get to Happy Hills by noon. Ifthey were ready to start back at once they could arrive at Mossy Glenbefore night set in. 

Ruth was so joyous over the happy termination of her visit that shecould hardly stand still long enough for Sally to tie her hair ribbon. As for Aunt Selina, she looked from her bedroom windows before retiring, anxiously scanning the sky for any possible rain clouds. She felt asexcited as a child over its first journey away from home. Seeing thesky a deep blue with myriads of stars gleaming down at her, she smiledand turned out the light. 

Ike arrived earlier than expected, for he made record time from Oakdale. 

"Ike, do the Blue Birds know I'm coming?" she asked. 

"Sure thing, Miss Ruth, " replied Ike. 

"And Ned--did he miss me?" queried the little girl. 

"Master Ned, he went 'round like a bear wid a sore head. He was justlost without the head of the Blue Birds, " grinned Ike. 

"And mother--and Ike, father? Did father wonder why I left withoutseeing him, " half-whispered Ruth. 

Ike dropped his wrench and stood up. 

"Why, Miss Ruth, I forgot to tell you! Mr. Ta'mage ain't home yet. Awire came late last night saying he expected to get off the boat to-day, so they are looking for him this noon. "

"Oh, oh, Ike! how could you keep such grand news from me all this time!"exclaimed Ruth, racing indoors to tell her aunt. 

When Ike said he was ready to start, Aunt Selina and Ruth were helpedto the comfortable seat and robes were tucked in about them, while theservants stood in a semi-circle about the car, smiling and noddinggood-byes. 

Ike honked the siren for the benefit of the servants, then started theeasy-running machine. 

Aunt Selina felt so very comfortable that she admitted the fact to Ruth. 

"I never knew these cars were so easy-riding. "

After passing a stretch of bad road Ike put on more speed and AuntSelina leaned forward to admonish him. 

"Don't go fast enough to be dangerous! Are we going about eight miles anhour?"

Ike smiled to himself as he heard the question. 

"We're travelin' a bit more than eight, ma'am. I s'pose you are'customed to that speed from drivin' horses?"

"Yes, that's it. I never like to go faster than that rate, but you arenot going too fast, yet. Be sure to slow up going around corners--wemight run into someone, " she returned, settling herself comfortably backin the robes. 

Ike promised to be most careful, but dared not hint at the actual speedthey were traveling, and would have to keep up, to enable them to reachOakdale before night. 

With the sun shining brightly, and the beautiful autumn coloring in thefoliage, the journey was most enjoyable. 

About six o'clock the car reached Mason's farm and Ruth told her auntthat there the first little city children lived all summer. Next, thecar passed Betty's home, but no one was in sight, although Ruth watchedfor Betty to appear. Mrs. Catlin's beautiful home on the hill waspointed out to the interested old lady, and then Ike turned off of themain road and drove along the woodland road that ran by the swimmingpool. Ruth told all about it, and hoped the Nest in the cherry-treecould be seen in the twilight. 

Ike stopped under the old tree and Ruth spied all of the Blue Birds inthe Nest. She jumped out to greet them and they ran down the steps tocrowd about her. Aunt Selina was introduced and received a quaint littlecurtsey from each child. Then the children said good-night and Ike droveon to the house. 

There, on the lower step, stood the long-looked-for father, and themoment Ruth saw him, she gave a cry of joy. Mrs. Talmage and Ned stoodback in the shadow to enjoy Ruth's first sight of her father. 

After the greetings were over, Aunt Selina was made to feel quite athome in the cheery library until dinner was announced. The travelerswere too tired to dress for dinner, so they were soon seated about thetable and the conversation naturally turned to Blue Bird talk. 

Ruth went to bed soon after dinner, for the day had been tiresome, andAunt Selina also felt the need of rest. She admitted that she enjoyedthe trip very much, but her old bones felt the strain of the long day. 

CHAPTER III

THE BLUE BIRDS' INSPIRATION

School was to re-open on Thursday, and the Blue Birds had but one daymore of vacation in which to meet and plan for the Winter Nest. Ofcourse, they could meet after school, or Saturdays, but it seemed morelike a meeting to be able to have the whole day for planning. 

By nine o'clock on Wednesday, therefore, they gathered in their Nestwhile Mrs. Talmage entertained Aunt Selina on the veranda with pastdoings of the children. 

Mr. Talmage had to go to the city, and he said that Uncle Ben might comeback with him for a few days' visit. Uncle Ben was his only brother, theone who had given Ned the printing outfit for a Christmas gift. 

Ruth told the Blue Birds all about Happy Hills and Aunt Selina's planfor the city children. 

"Now, how shall we manage to find the children that will need thecountry next summer?" asked Ruth. 

"Did your aunt say who would look after so many children?" asked Norma. 

"No, that is one of the things we shall have to talk over. We only gotas far as deciding that the farm was great!" said Ruth. 

"Indeed, it is a fine offer, " said several little girls. 

"I think we will have to get the opinion of the grown-ups about thewhole plan, " ventured Betty. 

"Mrs. Talmage and Miss Selina are on the porch now--let's run over andask them what they have thought of, " suggested Edith. 

As the others were of the same mind the Nest was deserted. Upon reachingthe veranda, the Blue Birds were pleased to see that Mrs. Catlin wassitting there with the other ladies. As Mrs. Catlin was a powerful ally, she was always welcome when planning was to be done. 

While the group on the piazza was deeply concerned talking over winterwork and next summer's plans, Ned came out of the house and went downthe woodland path toward the Starrs' home. 

Meredith Starr and his chum, Jinks, were under an old apple-tree in thegarden orchard, and Ned joined them. 

"Aunt Selina's at the house, and what do you think?"

Meredith and Jinks shook their heads and Ned continued solemnly, "She'sgiven Happy Hills to the Blue Birds for their poor children nextsummer. "

"She has! My goodness, but they will have more than they can look afterif they ever accepted such a place, " cried Jinks. 

"Oh, they accepted it, all right! They're just crazy about it. But thegrown-ups will have to help it along. I suppose they'll have to have somuch printing done that we'll be out of it after this winter, "complained Ned. 

"If you think that why can't we have some organization of our own?"asked Meredith. 

"Yes! why wait to be invited out of the way by the Blue Birds? Get someclub of our own going, and surprise them if they find us in the way, "added Jinks. 

"Oh, it takes a grown-up to help along such things?" objected Ned. "Why, where do you suppose these girls would have been if it hadn't been formother's ideas and help?"

"I guess you're right, " admitted the other boys, rolling over in thegrass again, whence they had popped up their heads at Meredith'ssuggestion. 

After a few moments' silence, however, Meredith sat up again and saidtenaciously: "I don't see why we can't! Daddum would help us with hisadvice and your father, too, Ned. Jinks hasn't any grown-ups, but he canget some of the fathers of the Blue Birds interested in us. "

"What could we do, or where would we start?" asked Ned. 

"Well, first of all, don't let's call it 'The Owls!' That name may beall right for the editor of a paper, but I don't like it for a club, "complained Meredith. 

"We need a name that will sound so respectable that every mother willconsent to having her boy join us, " said Ned. 

"We might call it 'Junior Boy Scouts, '" suggested Jinks. 

"Then everyone'll expect us to do just as the Boy Scouts do, and thefact is we won't! We will have a sort of club for boys under twelve forthe purpose of having a nice time, and helping them with their work orsuggesting plans for outdoor sports, " said Ned. 

"If we could think of some name that would appeal to the mothers who areso interested in the Blue Birds!" said Jinks. 

After many names had been laughed down, Meredith said, "Why not callourselves 'The B. B. Club. ' Everyone likes a secret society and themothers can believe we are so fond of the Blue Birds that we wanted tokeep their name for ourselves. "

"Oh, but they will think we had to steal their name for want of findingone for ourselves, " scorned Ned. 

"Well, if you can find anything better, tell it!" exclaimed Meredith, vexed at his friend's laughter. 

Just then, Jim, the handy man about Oakwood, joined the boys. He sawsome signs of trouble and asked what they were doing. 

Ned explained about Miss Selina and the Blue Birds, and his plan for theyounger boys. Jim pondered for a few moments and then muttered, "Isthere any bird you know that goes by those same initials--'B. B. '?"

Ned thought rapidly for a few minutes, then said, "Blue Jay, no, notthat--Black Bird!"

"Bull Finch!" replied Jinks, laughing. 

"Neither! What bird whistles like this?" and Jim imitated so naturallythe notes of the Bobolink that the boys knew. 

"Ho! Bobolink, eh?" shouted Ned, slapping Jim on the back. 

"Where would the 'B. B. ' come in on that?" asked Jinks. 

"Would you divide it like 'Bo-Bolink'?" asked Meredith. 

"Sure not! Just plain 'Bobolink Boys' to offset the Blue Bird Girls, "answered Jim, as he rose to go on toward the barns. 

"Hurrah, Jim! I think you're a life-saver, " cried Ned. 

"Three cheers for the god-father of the Bobolink Boys!" shouted Jinks, while the others cheered Jim. 

"There's Don and another little chap--try the name on them and see whatthey say, " suggested Jim, pointing toward the front driveway where twoboys of about ten years could be seen. 

"That's right. We'll see what they think of it all, " returned Meredith, rising to whistle through his fingers to attract the boys' attention. 

Immediately upon hearing the shrill call from his brother, Don turnedin the direction of the apple orchard. As the two lads ran up, Nedconstituted himself chief counsel. 

"Don, how old are you?" was the first question. 

"Nine, goin' on ten. Why?" answered Don. 

"How old is your friend?" was the next question. 

"I'm ten next month, " replied the little fellow. 

"What's your name?" asked Ned. 

"Tuck. That is what everyone calls me, but the name they gave me when Iwas too little to know better, was awful--it's Reuben Wales. Justbecause my great grandfather had it, they made me take it, too. " Andpoor little Tuck felt very much abused. 

"Never mind, Tuck, " laughed Ned, while the other boys rolled over in thegrass to smother their laughter. 

"I don't most of the time, but when someone has to know the real end ofmy name, I feel dreadful about it. "

"Well, Tuck, we are planning a club for you boys and you can choose anew name if you join, " consoled Jinks. 

"What's the game, Jinks?" asked Don, eagerly. 

"We hope to form an organization for boys under twelve to be known asBobolink Boys, " explained Meredith. 

"What for--to build nests and then sew doll clothes, or make paperfurniture?" growled Don, who had been greatly offended to think that histwin sister Dot would leave him for the Blue Birds. 

The older boys who understood his attitude and its cause, laughed, butMeredith explained more fully. 

"Just for the sake of having fine times and getting something going forthe boys so the girls won't run the whole town. If we start a movementcalled Bobolinks we can demand help from the grown-ups just as the girlshave done. We can manage to do something as big as the Blue Birds everdid, besides having our outings and games at a club-room. "

"That sounds fine, " ventured Tuck. 

"Fine! Why, there's my hand on it, Mete!" declared Don, as he thrust agrimy little hand under his brother's nose. 

Ned and Jinks laughed as Meredith looked doubtfully at Don's hand beforeaccepting it as a pledge. 

"What'll we do first?" asked Don, eager to begin. 

"Tuck and you must ask as many nice boys as you know if they would liketo join a club, and tell them what for, " replied Ned. 

"How many can we ask?" questioned Tuck. 

"Oh, about thirty, I guess. I can take charge of one Nest, Jinks ofanother, and Mete of another, " said Ned. 

"All right, we're in for it, " cried Don. 

"We'll report to-morrow afternoon--where?" asked Tuck. 

"Better say at Jim's cottage--up by the barn. "

The two younger boys ran away to seek members and the other boys lookedat each other. 

"Quick work, eh? We're in for it now, so we'd better get some plansgoing, " laughed Meredith. 

"We'd better go to your room and figure things out on paper, " advisedNed. 

So the three boys who started the Bobolink Boys went to the house andlocked themselves in Meredith's den to make plans for the organization. 

In the meantime, the Blue Birds had joined the ladies on the Talmageveranda and their conversation turned to the work to be done thatwinter. 

"I wonder where Ned went, " said Mrs. Talmage as Ruth drew a low stool toher mother's side. 

"He went over to my house to see Mete, " replied Dot Starr. "Shall I goand bring him back?"

"Oh, no, it can wait. I just wanted him to hear some of our plans so hecould print it in the next paper, " said Mrs. Talmage. Then she turned tothe others. 

"You see, Blue Birds, since Aunt Selina joined our ranks and profferedHappy Hills for next summer's use, it gives us an entirely new incentivefor work. We had rather expected to take matters easy this winter, forschool does not leave much time for other work. But we have afternoonsand Saturdays. "

"And Wednesdays, too, Mrs. Talmage! We all get out at two o'clockWednesdays, you know, " added Norma. 

"If I could skip music that day, I could have a long afternoon withyou, " said May, hopefully. 

"Well, if anyone who has studies at home for Wednesdays, could arrangeto attend to them at another time, we could have every Wednesdayafternoon for a regular meeting, too, " admitted Mrs. Talmage. 

Miss Selina was so interested in the children that she smiled when theydid, and puckered her brow into a frown when they did. Mrs. Catlinamused herself watching the old lady and almost rocked off the steps inher enjoyment. 

"One thing we must discuss to-day is a suitable nest for winter. Wecannot occupy the one in the cherry tree much longer, for it is growingwindy and cool. Then, too, there must be some home-work planned for eachone to report at our meetings, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

"Won't there be any benefits or bazaars?" asked Ruth, who had visionsof fun in the school-house assembly room. 

"We will have to earn money in some manner to help the poor children, but that will have to be discussed later, " replied Mrs. Talmage. 

After an hour's discussion, Mrs. Catlin left with the partinginjunction, "Call upon me for anything--I will be on hand. "

Late in the afternoon Mr. Talmage returned with his brother who was theeditor of a prominent magazine in New York. The Blue Birds had gone, andRuth welcomed her uncle whose visits were always a source of pleasure toNed and herself. 

He sat down on the steps beside her and listened to her story of thewonderful work Ned's printing press had done that summer, and of thework required of it for the coming summer. Uncle Ben smiled as helistened. 

"Ned will be walking in my footsteps soon, won't he?" said Uncle Ben, asRuth concluded. 

Before Ruth could reply her mother came out to welcome the visitor andtell him of Aunt Selina's presence. 

"Aunt Selina! You don't say so! Why, I haven't seen her since mygraduation from college, " remarked Uncle Ben, in pleased surprise. 

"She is in her room dressing for dinner, " said Mrs. Talmage. "You willfind a great change working in her. Why, just think of her offer ofHappy Hills for the poor children next summer. " And she proceeded totell the story of Aunt Selina's desire to help the Blue Bird work. 

"Now that Uncle Ben is here, maybe he can help us plan some way to earnthe money for next summer, " suggested Ruth. 

"I believe you can! What we need is to find some way of reaching theright children, and then to start some work that will bring us in aregular income during the winter, for it will take a heap of money torun a large place like Happy Hills with several hundred starved littlechildren living there, " admitted Mrs. Talmage. 

"As a man who is so mixed up in publishing, you would naturally expectme to know some way out of your troubles, eh?" laughed Uncle Ben. "Well, well, let me think it out. "

At that moment the dinner bell rang and no further opportunity was givenfor discussing ways and means. 

So absorbing was the theme, however, that talk soon drifted around tothe subject of farms, work and plans. 

"You can get a list of names of poor children at the Bureau of Charity, "said Uncle Ben. 

"That only records names of families who will apply for assistance; butthe ones like the Ferris family, never are heard from in this way. Thoseare the children we want, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

"When I return to the city I will see if there is any way of getting alist like you want. As for institutions--you can find all of the asylumsand homes in the New York Directory. From them you can select numbers ofcrippled or sick children, " suggested Uncle Ben. 

"Ben, do you believe circulars are a good means of letting people knowwhat you want?" asked Mrs. Talmage. 

"I can't say that I do. In my experience I have found that a circularletter meets the same end as an undesirable advertisement. Most of themare thrown into the waste basket. "

"We need philanthropic women to help us next summer. Mrs. Starr offeredme her woods at Oakwood if her family goes to Maine, and Mrs. Catlinwishes to rent the Mason farm for children. So now, with Happy Hills onour list, we will need just the right kind who will love the work withus, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

"Better send someone to visit the women you hear about, " advised Mr. Talmage. 

"But I need to find the women first, " returned Mrs. Talmage, plaintively. 

"What's the matter with the _Chirp_? Can't we print a story in that andmail it to a list of folks in New York?" asked Ned. 

"That sounds good to me! I should say the _Chirp_ would do the workbetter than a letter or circular, " said Uncle Ben. 

"Yes, it does seem like a fine suggestion, " admitted Mrs. Talmage. "Wewill talk it over this evening, Ned. "

"Why, when the _Chirp_ comes to my office, " said Uncle Ben, "I generallydrop all of my important work until I see what new scheme the childrenhave worked up. I sit back and enjoy every word there. "

"Maybe that is because your nephew edits it--sort of family pride in onewho is following in your footsteps, " teased Mr. Talmage. 

"Not a bit of it! It is because the lad is original enough to fill agap, and persistent enough to keep a good thing going. I haven't theleast idea but that the Blue Birds would never have been heard ofoutside of their little Nest if it hadn't been for Ned and his _Chirp_, "commended Uncle Ben. 

"We are all certain of that, " assented Mrs. Talmage. 

"And we are very grateful to Ned for all he has done to help us along, "added Ruth, smiling at her proud brother. 

"Mother, you said you wanted to speak to Uncle Ben after dinner, but mayI have him alone for a few moments before you get hold of him?" askedNed, in a worried manner, as if Uncle Ben would be used up if the ladiestalked to him first. 

Everyone laughed, and Mrs. Talmage said, "Why, certainly, Son, if UncleBen is courageous enough to trust himself to your hands. "

"I'm shaking in my boots already, " said Uncle Ben, "for I'm sure somedark plot will be uncovered. "

"Just wait and see!" laughed Ned, as he excused himself and ran to hisden. 

As the rest of the family rose to leave the table, Uncle Ben said in anaside to Mr. Talmage, "I believe that this farm idea will require aregular organization to take proper charge of its affairs. Just a fewladies and children cannot handle so important a task. "

"I think you are right, Ben, " said Mr. Talmage. 

Ned was waiting for his uncle as he came down the hall, and catchinghold of his hand, dragged him into his sanctum where the _Chirp_ wasprinted each week. 

Uncle Ben sat down in the one arm-chair and waited while Ned locked thedoor and pulled down every window shade. 

"This is a great secret, you know, " explained Ned. 

CHAPTER IV

THE BOBOLINK BOYS FOUNDED

"Now, Uncle Ben, we can make ourselves at home, " said Ned, as he satupon a box in front of his uncle. 

"Oh, maybe you'd like to smoke, Uncle Ben?" continued Ned, recallingthat most men liked an after-dinner smoke. "I shall never use tobaccomyself, because I have studied just what effects it has on one's system, but I won't object to your smoking if you wish. "

Uncle Ben threw back his head and laughed uproariously. 

"Does that mean that you will sit calmly by and see me ruin my healthwith tobacco, and not interfere?" laughed he. 

"Oh, no, you know I didn't mean it that way, although it did soundfunny, didn't it?" replied Ned. 

"Well, Son, I never smoke, either. I believe a man is a better thinkerand cooler business man without it, " said Uncle Ben. "But, tell me, what is the tremendous secret that made you lock the door and pull theblinds?"

"Here it is, " whispered Ned, leaning over toward his uncle. "You see, when the Blue Birds started, I hadn't a thing to do, because the Starrboys were at camp and many of the other boys away with their families;so I undertook to print the _Chirp_ for the girls. I liked it, too. Butthey are planning so much for next summer that it will take a regularprinter to turn out their work. Their organization freezes out the boys, yet we helped in every way this summer. "

Uncle Ben nodded comprehendingly. 

"Well, this afternoon, we boys got together and said, 'What's to hinderus from getting up a club for boys under twelve?' We all thought itwould be great, so we started, and have the name, but not the plans. What do you think of it?" asked Ned. 

"You haven't told me enough about it to judge, " replied Uncle Ben. "Haveyou founded the club for any purpose?"

"Oh, yes! We will gather all the little chaps under twelve years of ageinto one organization, and take them on hikes, teach them work, playgames, and do other things, " said Ned. 

"And the name of this?"

"We thought that Bobolink Boys--B. B. , you see--would be great as theinitials stand for Blue Birds, too. Of course, we won't sew dolls'clothes, or bake cakes, but we will help the Blue Birds whenever we can, or be independent if we wish. The girls wear bird uniforms, but the boyswill wear jumpers of a certain color, with stripes for grade. We haven'tgone any further. Our first meeting was held in Starr's orchard thisafternoon, " grinned Ned. 

Uncle Ben sat thinking very seriously for a long time, then he asked, "What about the _Chirp_? Drop it?"

"Oh, no! That's one reason we want something of our own to back us up. We can all help print the _Chirp_, and with the little boys to deliverthem, or run errands, it will be easier for all of us. Then, if thegirls get up some bazaar, or entertainment and we have to print cards, etc. , it will be much easier. "

"Then your plan is more for coöperation than competition?" asked UncleBen. 

"Cooperation in everything a boy can help in, but not to belong to aNest that has to do things the Blue Birds do, " explained Ned. 

Uncle Ben sat wrapped in thought, and Ned wondered what he was thinkingof. Suddenly, the older man slapped his knee and chuckled with delight. 

"Now what, Uncle? I know it is something good, from your face!"exclaimed Ned, eagerly. 

"Yes, sir. I believe we can pull it off--we'll try, at any rate!"declared Uncle Ben, half to himself. 

"Do tell me!" begged Ned. 

"Ned, did you ever see our magazine come out? I mean did I ever show youover the whole plant, and show you what work it takes to produce a nicelittle paper book each month?"

"Once, when father and I were at your office, you took me over theplace. I told you then that I wanted to be a publisher, and you laughedand promised to start me on the right track when I was a man. Lastwinter you sent me the printing press and told me to practice, " saidNed. 

"Yes, I know, but I wanted to see if you remembered. Now, I think I havea plan that will go a long way toward giving you elementary experiencein publishing, and at the same time provide just what your Bobolinkswould like to do. It will help the Blue Birds along for next summer, andkeep them busy to prevent the Bobolinks from making all the music. " AndUncle Ben slapped his knee again, laughing as he thought of how the boyswould unconsciously start a race between the two--Blue Birds andBobolinks. 

"I wish you'd tell me your idea!" coaxed Ned, impatiently. 

"I haven't it all in shape to explain, yet, but I will hammer ittogether in some way to tell you to-morrow. Where do you boys expect tomeet at your weekly, or daily meetings?" asked Uncle Ben. 

"If there are but a few, I thought we could meet in this den of mine. But later, if there is a crowd, we might secure the Y. M. C. A. Boys'room, or the reception room of the school, " replied Ned. 

"By Thanksgiving time you ought to be in working trim to assume anylarge work I might think of, eh?" asked Uncle Ben. 

"Oh, surely! Long before Thanksgiving, I should think. "

"Now, don't be too sure. Boys are just as hard to muster and understandas girls, and the plan that suddenly suggested itself for you boys totry out is a secret ambition that I have nursed ever since I went intothe publishing business--and that was over twenty-five years ago. I havenever had time to take it up alone, and never found anyone to whom Icould trust so precious a hobby. I see how this combination of BlueBirds and Bobolinks might bring the idea to success, but I shall have tothink it over before speaking further, " explained Uncle Ben. 

"Uncle, I surely am grateful for your confidence, and I shall be glad toknow when you can tell us all, " said Ned. 

"I wish to talk the matter over with your father first, but you may calltogether some of the boys to-morrow afternoon and I will talk with themto see how many are willing and able to help. "

"Well, I suppose I must wait, but I did hope we could organize our boysto-morrow at recess, " said Ned, with an air of disappointment. 

"What's to hinder your doing it?" asked Uncle Ben. 

"How--until we know what we're going to do?"

"Oh, just make your plans broad enough to take in any ideas that comealong, " responded Uncle Ben, rising to go. 

That night after everyone had retired, Uncle Ben took Mr. Talmage downthe drive toward the woods. As they walked slowly along in the brightmoonlight, they discussed various plans suggested by the ladies of theBlue Bird society. Uncle Ben led up, quite naturally, to the neworganization of Bobolinks. 

"Al, those boys are wide awake, all right! If we were to give them aboost now and then, there is no saying how great a philanthropic successthis undertaking may be. It may grow so far out of Oakdale limits thatthe whole world may take part in it. I, for one, have decided to lend mysupport and see what comes of it, " said Uncle Ben, seriously. 

"Great Scott! Ben; you _must_ be interested; I haven't seen you soenthusiastic over anything in years, " laughed Mr. Talmage. 

"You know how interested I have always been in the publishingwork--even as a boy, like Ned is now. Well, one thing you, and no oneelse, ever did know, was the hope of being able some day to circulate amodel magazine for children. I have known for years that the littlesouls craved something more than the wishy-washy stuff that is giventhem in the name of 'juvenile reading'--Heaven forgive the criminals!Why, our little ones of to-day are as wide awake as grown-ups, and theydemand--unconsciously, perhaps--the same strong quality of bread andmeat reading as adults have been digesting of late years. Educational, adventurous, interesting, work-a-day reading! But the books andmagazines in the main have not advanced to meet the demand for betterchildren's literature. I have long dreamed of just what I would like togive the children of to-day. " And Uncle Ben lapsed into silence. 

"I never gave the subject much thought, but I suppose you are right, Ben, " admitted Mr. Talmage. 

"That's just it!" cried Uncle Ben, excitedly. "No one ever stops tothink about it, but keeps right on filling the minds of their childrenwith stuff that never benefits them a particle. How many boys of to-daywant to read 'Mother's Brave Little Man, ' or 'Jerry the Newsboy'? Bosh!Boys of to-day want 'True Tales of an Indian Trapper, ' or 'Boy ScoutAdventures, ' or good clean stories--school life, or outdoor sports. It's LIFE and HEALTH they want. "

"Guess you're right, Ben, " said Mr. Talmage, smiling at his brother'sdenunciation of present-day literature for children. 

"All right, then! Help me bring about a reform in this line. I havestudied this problem from every point of view and I really believe thatthe growing youth of to-day would not acquire bad habits so readily ifthey were given some occupation that would thoroughly interest them. It's worth trying, at any rate. Let's fill them with some great plan orambition and see how many children will fall into the snares andpitfalls of the past!"

Uncle Ben so inspired his brother with his enthusiasm that he, too, declared he would do all he could to help. 

"Here's a few women who accomplished wonders this summer with the littlegirls. We have a crowd of boys wasting their time day by day for wantof something interesting to do. Let the fathers follow the mothers'example and help their boys band together for some good cause!" saidUncle Ben. 

"We'll get the men together and propose it--they'll see the value of thesuggestion, just as I have, " promised Mr. Talmage. 

"Well, Al, now that you're interested, I have an especially fine plum todrop into your hands. Your own son was the one to start an organizationof boys and name it Bobolink Boys. "

"My Ned!" exclaimed Mr. Talmage, joyfully. "That makes me very happy!"

"That is what he wished to tell me when we went to his den. He hasorganized a club for boys under twelve, just as the Blue Birds have donefor girls, and the initials are the same--B. B. ;--also, they wish tocooperate with the girls, whenever possible, " explained Uncle Ben. 

"Well, well!" ejaculated Mr. Talmage, smiling to himself. 

"When I heard Ned outline his plan I decided to encourage the movementif possible by confiding my pet plan to them to experiment on, " saidUncle Ben. 

"When the fathers hear of this they will be as happy as I am. Theproblem of keeping a boy actively engaged in some uplifting work is asufficient one. Ned and you seem to have solved it for Oakdale, "admitted Mr. Talmage. 

"Think so! Then you get busy and gather the fathers together to-morrownight for a conference. We will see how many will agree to help alongthe work. I will donate all of my ideas accumulated during the pastyears. "

"I'll telephone everyone I know the first thing in the morning. Whereshall we meet--in the library?" asked Mr. Talmage. 

"Yes, and if there are too many of us we will have to adjourn to alarger place, " said Uncle Ben. 

Before breakfast the next morning the Starrs' telephone rang, and Mr. Starr was informed that he was wanted at a meeting to be held inTalmage's library that night. Meredith and Donald knew nothing of UncleBen's talk with Mr. Talmage, but they felt sure the meeting hadsomething to do with their plans. 

Mr. Wells and Mr. Stevens were the next ones to be invited to themeeting, and after that a score or more of fathers were invited. 

Uncle Ben, who had hoped to take a few days' rest in his brother's quietcountry home, found himself very busy in working out his idea so that itcould be simply presented to the meeting of boys and men. He spent theentire morning in jotting down ideas as they came to him. 

Luncheon over, Ned caught Uncle Ben's hand and said, "You haven'tforgotten the date we made, have you?"

"You wouldn't think so if you had seen me working all morning, "complained Uncle Ben. 

"That's all right then; we boys will meet you in the big empty carriagehouse this afternoon at three-thirty, " nodded Ned. 

"I'll be there!" laughed Uncle Ben, as Ned ran off. 

The big room in the carriage house had not been used since the garagehad been built. 

Ned and Ike found some chairs in the store-room, and Simon providedseveral empty boxes. Long planks were placed across the boxes, makingvery good benches for the boys to sit upon. A large packing case stooda few feet in front of the benches to be used as the speaker's stand. 

At three-thirty every boy who had expressed a desire to join theBobolinks was there with expectant looks. Uncle Ben soon arrived andtook a seat by the large box. He spread his papers out in front of himin a very business-like way. 

"Boys, I will go straight to the business under consideration thisafternoon, " said Uncle Ben, standing up the better to impress hisaudience. 

"I think the first thing to do is to appoint a secretary. "

Ned was selected, so he sat down behind the packing case to jot down hisnotes. 

"Have you boys formed any kind of an organization?" asked Uncle Ben, turning to Ned. 

"No, sir, not yet, " replied Ned. 

"Then let us attend to that now. You must have officers, and rules andby-laws for governing the boys and meetings. Now, I should suggest thatwe begin properly, and hold an election of officers. "

Uncle Ben then told them the proper way to proceed, and the boys weregreatly impressed with the importance of what they were doing. When theelection was completed, Ned had been chosen President, MeredithTreasurer and Jinks Secretary. 

"Now, " said Uncle Ben, "with your permission I will preside at thismeeting, instead of your new President. I will read to you what I havewritten on this paper:

"First: The undersigned have met together to form an organization to beknown as Bobolink Boys. 

"Second: The purpose of this organization is to provide a club for boysunder twelve years of age, that will plan healthful sport, socialmeetings, and assist the Blue Birds in their work and play. 

"Third: Meetings shall be arranged for by vote of members, and all otherimportant matters shall be discussed and decided upon at these meetings. 

"Fourth: An initiation fee of ten cents shall be charged each boydesiring to become a member of the Bobolinks, and dues of five cents amonth shall be collected from every member. Should any member find itimpossible to pay these costs he may be discharged from the obligationby filing an acceptable excuse with the treasurer. 

"Fifth: A bank account shall be opened at the Oakdale National Bank andall funds deposited there. All bills must be paid by check signed by thetreasurer and secretary. 

"Sixth: Any member found deliberately breaking any of the rules andby-laws shall be expelled from the organization, after a meeting held toinvestigate the misdemeanor. "

Uncle Ben looked up from the paper and said, "Is that the plan of organization that you boys feel will cover what youwant?"

"Oh, yes, that's fine!" cried several boys. 

The others still felt too over-awed at the business-like terms justheard, to make any sign, favorable or otherwise. 

"Well, if this paper is acceptable a motion to make it official will bereceived. I want to get to the principal thing for which we havegathered, " said Uncle Ben. 

"Now, I shall make some suggestions, " continued Uncle Ben, after theoutline had been accepted by a vote. "Are there any boys here who do notwish to become members?"

All of the twenty-three boys wished to become Bobolinks. 

"Are there any boys present who cannot pay the initial fee and regulardues?" continued Uncle Ben. 

None thought this impossible. 

"After this you write down the names and addresses of every boy whoapplies for membership. "

Ned made a note of it in his book. 

"Now for a catechism: This is very important, " said Uncle Ben, lookingabout at the boys. "And answer truthfully!"

"Ever smoke?"

"Ever drink?"

"Ever gamble?"

"Ever swear?"

"Ever steal?"

"Ever fight?"

"Ever play hookey?"

"Ever strike anyone weaker than yourself?"

"I noticed that most of the boys smiled when I said 'hookey, '" venturedUncle Ben, critically. "But let me tell you! 'Hookey' is aninnocent-looking vice that leads to great trouble. It is the seed ofbeing unreliable. A man who is unreliable is a failure in the beginning. So, boys, beware of 'hookey'!"

The boys felt the serious import of the words and each vowed to foregothe delight in playing hookey when fishing was good, or when baseballwas being played in town ten miles away. 

"Have any of you boys ever been in a printing plant and watched theprocess of turning out papers?" asked Uncle Ben. 

Almost every boy raised his hand instantly in answer to this question, for what boy had not stood at the village printer's yearning to set typeor run one of the fascinating presses?

"Fine!" smiled Uncle Ben. "And now how many can set type or do smalljobs on the press?"

Very few could do this, but the Starr boys and Jinks often helped Nedwith printing the _Chirp_ on his small press, and a few other boys knewsomething of the work. 

"Well, I'll have to explain to you what kind of work is required of afirm that prints papers or publishes a magazine. You may think this hasnothing to do with your organization, but you will soon see, " said UncleBen. 

As the speaker turned to take up several sheets of paper, a noisychatter was heard outside the house and in another moment all of theBlue Birds, accompanied by Mr. And Mrs. Talmage, Mrs. Catlin, and MissSelina, entered the room. 

"In passing, we heard the harangue going on in here, and found out fromMr. Talmage that a secret meeting was under way. We would love to hearthe motive and perhaps suggest an idea now and then, " laughingly saidMrs. Talmage. 

The Bobolinks looked at each other, and Uncle Ben said, "Members, shallthese intruders be ejected, or shall this organization extend the firstcourtesy to one we hope to assist in the future?"

The boys giggled, for the manner of presenting the case appealed toevery one of them, and eliminated any feeling of intrusion from the BlueBirds. 

"One item to be written in our by-laws must be: 'Consider the ladiesfirst, '" announced Ned, standing. 

"The visitors are welcome!" said Uncle Ben, making a ceremonious bow. 

"But please remember, visitors, this is a business meeting, not a socialfunction, so I must ask the ladies to find their own seats and notdisturb the gentlemen, " said Mr. Talmage. 

The ladies were soon seated in a corner where Ike placed some boxes, andthe Blue Birds squatted upon carriage robes spread out on the floor bySimon. When all was orderly again, Uncle Ben proceeded with hisdiscourse. 

CHAPTER V

UNCLE BEN'S BUSINESS TALK

"Ladies and gentlemen!" said Uncle Ben, bowing politely to each group;"You may not know that I have always had one hobby--something like mynephew here--and that is still, printing. My present position as editorof a magazine does not satisfy my craving for the printer's workshop, but it is as near as I can come to it, so I have bided my time until anopportunity like the present one offers. 

"Before I confide to you what the present offer is, I wish to explainsomewhat the working of a magazine plant. I believe it is necessary totell you how much hard work is attached to the business, and some of theenjoyments when the magazine is ready to go out. 

"The first thing is to have the right kind of a story, or article. Tofind this it is necessary to read many, many manuscripts. We employ'readers' for this work of selecting what we can use. The manuscriptswe cannot use are returned to the writers. After the first reader passeson a story, another reader goes over it, and if it seems suitable, it ishanded to the editor. The editor decides whether or not to accept it. Ifaccepted, he has to go over it very carefully. Sometimes words arechanged, lines inserted, or whole paragraphs cut out. 

"If the story needs illustrating an artist is sent for. If a soft-tonedillustration is desired, the artist makes a 'wash drawing'--meaning ablack and white painting done with brushes, as in a water color. The'wash drawing' is then sent to the engravers and a 'half-tone' platemade for use in the magazine. 'Half-tones' are made of copper sheetswith the picture photographed upon them. 

"Sometimes we want an outline to illustrate the story. A pen and inksketch is required for this, and is made about twice as large as it willappear in the magazine. This is reproduced on a zinc plate, and iscalled a 'line cut. '

"Then the story is given to the linotypers. A linotype machine is veryinteresting. It has a key-board almost like a typewriter. When a letteris struck on the board, a piece of brass containing the impression ofthat letter moves into place just like a soldier starting to form aline. When the next letter is struck, the corresponding brass soldierhurries into place beside the first one. This continues until a wholeline has been 'set. ' Then the operator touches a lever, the line ofbrass pieces moves to a new position, and molten type-metal is pouredinto the mold which the brass pieces help to form. The lead at oncehardens, and the whole line is ready for printing, in one solid piece. All of this is done very fast--much faster than I can tell you about it. It is hard to believe that a machine can do all these things so quicklyand so accurately. 

"When the linotype work is completed the printer places the lines oftype on a 'galley. ' Then the type is covered with ink, a piece of paperis laid on, and a heavy roller passed over it. This impression is calledthe 'galley proof. ' If the linotyper has made any mistakes in spellingor printing, they have to be corrected. 

"After the 'galley proofs' are corrected, the dummy--a blank-page bookjust the size the magazine will be--is made. 

"Before us, are all the pictures and reading matter to be used. Theseare arranged and pasted into the dummy in the order in which they are tobe printed. Sometimes a page has a little space left at the bottom, andthis must be filled with a neat ornament or a verse. Sometimes anarticle is too long, and then it must be cut down and made to fit theallotted space. 

"Thus, the whole magazine is 'dummied' with pages of cut-up galleyproofs and picture proofs, until it looks more like a child's scrap bookthan a magazine model. 

"This dummy goes back to the printer, who picks out the galley-type andmeasures it off to compare with the pages of the dummy. This done, heplaces the type in a form the size of the page, places the numeral ofthe page at the top or bottom, with the name of the magazine at thetop--this is known as the 'running head, ' as it runs along the top ofeach page throughout the book. 

"The printer next makes a page proof. That is, he makes a proof of eachpage. These pages are sent into the editorial room again, and are goneover carefully and compared with the galley proofs; if everything iscorrect each page is 'O. K'd. ' If, however, there are errors, note ismade of it in the margin on the page proof. 

"When all the pages are 'O. K'd. ' the page forms are 'locked up'together, sixteen, thirty-two or sixty-four, in one big form, andarranged so that when the sheet of paper is printed and folded, thepages will come in the right order. "

So Uncle Ben continued his talk about magazine making. He explained theworkings of different kinds of printing presses, how some print directlyfrom the type "made ready" on a flat bed, the paper being fed into thepress in flat sheets, and how some of the big presses print from curvedplates that fit around a big roller, the paper running into the presscontinuously from an immense big roll as wide as the press. He toldabout the wonderful folding and stitching machines, and many otherinteresting things. 

During Uncle Ben's talk, everyone had been so interested that not asound was heard. When he concluded, however, the tension relaxed and hisaudience began asking questions. 

"This is most instructive, but I can't see where it helps the BobolinkBoys in their organization, " said Mr. Talmage, quizzically. 

At mention of the name "Bobolink Boys" the Blue Birds looked at eachother, and then at their elders for information. 

Uncle Ben saw their wonderment, and laughingly explained the plot. Thegirls were delighted, and had so much to say to one another that itseemed as if no further business could be attended to that day. 

Uncle Ben, however, rapped loudly upon the box. 

"We have many important things to attend to, " he said, "and all arerequested to sit still and listen. I am going back to New York in a fewdays, and in the meantime I should like to help start the boys on theright road to success. Now, what you all want to know is, 'How does mytalk about magazines help the Bobolink Boys?'

"Well, this is the way: For the past half-score of years or more, I havelonged to issue a magazine for young folks that could reach out intoevery plane of life; for the poor children in institutions; for the slumchildren; for rich children, for children in the city and children inthe country--for every one of them!

"I would like to give so much instructive reading matter on its pagesthat the schools will circulate it among the pupils; I would like tohave the pictures of the very best; I would like it to inspire boys andgirls to read better books, and make them ambitious to make the most oftheir chances; I would like it to teach them to make things and dothings for themselves; in fact, I would like to make it the best andfinest magazine ever published! But I haven't had time to experimentwith my hobby and being an old bachelor I am afraid I do not understandchildren well enough to know how to write for them. The plan that I havebeen figuring out seems to fit most beautifully with the Blue Birds' andBobolinks' work. "

Uncle Ben hesitated a second, but not a sound was heard. Then hecontinued:

"Mother Talmage asked me last night about how much it would cost to sendcirculars to people who might be interested in the farms next summer. Ipropose that we start a children's magazine and use its pages wheneverthere is an announcement of importance. If you want donations of moneyor help of other kinds, ask for them through the pages of the magazine. 

"With the Blue Birds to write articles each month telling other childrenwhat they are doing, or how to make the things they are being taught tomake, and the Bobolink Boys to write the experiences of their daily workand play, and some of the grown-ups to contribute poems and stories, ofcourse it would be necessary to have contributions also from some of ourbest writers, and I know I can get them for you. "

The idea of such a stupendous undertaking made the children gasp, butMr. Talmage said, "All you have said is fine, Uncle Ben, but who willset type, buy paper, print, bind and circulate such a magazine?"

"That's just the thing! Don't you see? My very great interest in thisplan will compel me to help in every way and all the time, and the boyswill be kept busy at profitable and interesting work. When all themanuscript is in, and turned over to me I will see that it is set, andthe proofs sent back to the children. The Blue Birds will enjoy makingthe dummies, pasting in the pictures, and arranging the pages; and theBobolinks can proceed to print the magazines. If you don't expect to usethis carriage house for anything it may as well be turned into aprint-shop. With all these boys to work, the printing ought to be greatsport and not much trouble to get out a magazine. "

The Blue Birds were clapping their hands in excitement while theBobolinks jumped up, and in their eagerness, crowded about Uncle Ben, overwhelming him with so many questions that he was quite overcome. 

Then Miss Selina stood up in the road-wagon, and after silencing thenoisy crowd, made an announcement. 

"I'll pay for the paper that will be needed for the experiment the firstmonth!"

"Hurrah, hurrah! for Aunt Selina!" shouted Uncle Ben, and the restjoined in with such good will that Aunt Selina sat down and held herhands over her ears. 

"I'll pay postage on a sample issue!" called Mrs. Catlin. 

Again the joyous young publishers-to-be burst forth into cheers. 

"What can I pay for?" laughed Mrs. Talmage. 

"You'll soon find that you are paying the heaviest tax of all inoverseeing the publishers, " replied Uncle Ben. 

"How soon can we start?" demanded the Bobolinks. 

"What shall we write?" asked the Blue Birds. 

Uncle Ben raised both hands for silence, and as soon as order wasrestored again, he spoke. 

"We have just installed new machines in our printing plant in New Yorkand intend selling the old ones to some small job printer who can usesecond-hand machines. Now, I can pick out a small press, stitcher, andother things that you will need, and ship them out here. You haveelectricity here, and a small motor will furnish the power. When you areready to go to press, I will send out an experienced man from our shopto direct the work and see that everything is done properly. Theaddressing and wrapping can be done by all of you. Of course, as far aswe have gone, it all sounds like great sport, but there is another sideto this plan that must be thoroughly agreed upon before we go anyfurther. If you start this undertaking, you will have to keep on withit. At a certain date each month your periodical must be ready formailing. You will have to write and edit, and print, whether the skatingis fine, or the gymnasium is at your disposal, or whether Thanksgivingdinner makes you feel lazy, or a toothache keeps you awake all night. Publishing work is very interesting, most instructive, and profitable, but it is work, work, work, and not all play!"

"Oh, we know that, Uncle Ben, " said Ned. "And we'll promise to take allof the consequences that go with the game. "

The other boys seconded Ned's statement, and the Blue Birds eagerlyagreed to the plan, so Uncle Ben really had no further objections tomake. 

"Oh, I can hardly wait to begin my page, " cried Ruth. 

"I'd rather see the magazine--maybe it will be a home-made lookingthing!" exclaimed Dot Starr. 

"It will not! Not with us boys to boss the plant!" bragged Don, hertwin. 

"If it is home-made, you'll have to do it all again, " commented UncleBen. 

"That is where Mrs. Talmage's work comes in, " laughed Mr. Talmage. 

"It will be a regular magazine, all right!" exclaimed Mrs. Talmageemphatically. 

"We boys will see to it that no magazine is mailed that will make folkslaugh at us, " guaranteed Ned. 

"I'm sure I placed my hobby in the right hands, for you children seem totake a pride in doing things well, " commended Uncle Ben. 

"And with a nephew stepping right in his uncle's footprints, whyshouldn't things be done right?" laughed Mr. Talmage. 

"Say, Uncle Ben, how long must we wait before we can begin?" asked DonStarr. 

"Get as busy as you like to-morrow after school, " replied Uncle Ben. "I'll run into town and attend to having the things shipped here as longas you have agreed to my plans; you boys may start making benches, tables, or whatever will be needed in the plant. "

"They'll need a desk, some chairs, a table and a few other things, "suggested Mr. Talmage, looking around. "It might be advisable for themto partition off a corner of this room for an office. "

"I have a good roll-top desk in the store-room at home; it has never hadany use since Mr. Catlin passed away. The boys shall have that, " offeredMrs. Catlin. 

"And I can spare that long table we used to have in the dairy before weinstalled the patent butter machines, " added Mrs. Talmage. 

"In case I find any other pieces of Mr. Catlin's office furniture I willsend them over with the desk, " said Mrs. Catlin. 

"About those machines, Ben! How much will they cost the boys?" asked Mr. Talmage. 

"I thought of assuming the cost, and any time the publishers give up thework I can easily sell them in the city. The children can pay thefreight charges, which will not be very heavy, " replied Uncle Ben. 

"Then, there will really be no heavy expense to start with, will there?"asked Mrs. Talmage. 

"No, but a tax of application and interest will be necessary, " smiledUncle Ben. 

"We will agree to pay all of that you want, " promised several of theboys. 

The Blue Birds did not have much to say about the machines and workshop, but each felt that it was to be their very own magazine, so that theirinterest and pleasure in every new development were keyed to the toppitch. 

"Betty, what page do you want to take charge of?" asked Norma, eagerly, as they left the carriage house. 

"I think we had better defer discussing that part of the work until wecan all sit down quietly and talk it over, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

The men and boys remained with Ike to decide what boards and lumberwould be needed for the morrow, so work could begin on their workrooms. 

"Let's have a sign for the front over the door, " suggested Jinks. "I'llpaint it at home. "

"Call it 'Bobolink Boys Publishing Company, '" ventured Meredith. 

"Oh, that wouldn't be fair to the Blue Birds if they are going to helpin the work, " said Ned. 

"Name it 'Blue Bird & Bobolink Company, '" said Uncle Ben. 

This last suggestion struck everyone as being just right, but Mr. Talmage made a good amendment. 

"Why not have a mysterious combination? Every mortal is interested infinding out a puzzle, or secret. The more elusive a thing is the morethey chase it. Now, get folks guessing over your name and they will notforget you so soon. I just thought of the name of 'B. B. & B. B. Company. '"

"That's great, father, but we haven't thought of a name for themagazine, " cried Ned. 

"Add a few more 'B's' to the others, " laughed Uncle Ben. "We'll name itthe 'B. B. B. B. , ' published by the 'B. B. & B. B. Co. '"

"What does 'B. B. B. B. ' stand for?" asked Mr. Talmage. 

"'Blue Bird Bobolink Bulletin, '" replied Uncle Ben. 

"That's mystery enough, I'm sure, " laughed Mr. Talmage. 

After a few more remarks, the first meeting of the organization whoseinfluence was to be far greater than had been hoped for by Uncle Ben, orthe boys who had started it, was dismissed. 

CHAPTER VI

BEGINNING THE WINTER WORK

It is needless to say that the moment school was dismissed the followingafternoon every boy and girl who was interested in the new PublishingCompany, ran toward the carriage house at Mossy Glen. The teachers, pupils, and even some of the members of the Board of Education had heardof the plans made the day before--for in a small community like Oakdale, news travels rapidly--and the men on the school board were as muchinterested in the success of the children's work as if it had been theirown undertaking. 

Ike had found some splendid pine boards, a number of two-by-four joists, plenty of odds and ends of railing, posts, moulding, and other trim thatwould make a boy delight in amateur carpentry work. 

Nails, screws, hammers, saw, and tools of all kinds were provided, sothat each boy could work without delaying or inconveniencing the others. Ike and Simon were to superintend the construction and show the boyshow to put things together properly. 

Uncle Ben and Mr. Talmage, who went to the city early in the morning toattend to the shipping of the machinery, had not yet returned. 

The Blue Birds gathered merrily in their Nest in the cherry tree, withseveral little girls who had been away during the summer and were eagerto join the Nest. 

Miss Selina insisted upon walking along the path from the house whenMrs. Talmage started for the Nest and, upon arriving at the foot of thesteps that led up to the Nest, looked up imploringly. 

"Flutey, I believe you can get up here if I help you!" exclaimed Ruth, seeing her aunt's expression. 

"Oh, no, dearie! What about the rheumatism in my ankles?" groaned MissSelina. 

"Leave it behind!" laughed Ruth, gayly hopping down from the Nest. 

"I wish I could!" declared Aunt Selina, taking a firm hold on thehandrail and trying to lift up her foot. 

"Ouch! that hurt my knee-joint!" cried she. 

"Flutey! That's no way to leave that rheumatism behind!" reprimandedRuth. "Now, make up your mind to walk right up and forget the nastylittle pain. "

Mrs. Talmage and the Blue Birds were hovering over the railing of theNest to advise the two at the foot of the steps. Dot Starr, with herusual bluntness and funny way of expressing herself, called down to MissSelina:

"Flutey, you just feel those twinges in your joints because you'respoiled. Mumzie says I am always sicker if I let myself be fussed overand spoiled. _She_ just says, 'Try to forget it. ' Now, if you were me, you never would be down there a second, but you'd jump here two steps ata time. So, I say like Mumzie would, forget you're not me, and we'll seeyou pop up here like magic!"

Aunt Selina felt like rebuking Dot, but the children smiledsympathetically and knew Dot was sincere in her desire to help the oldlady, so the invalid replied instead, "Dot, that is just the trouble! I can't forget the habits of seventyyears. I wish I could make-believe I was as young and spry as you are. "

"If you wish, then you can! Remember the story of Sarah Crewe?" criedRuth, helping Miss Selina to the next step. 

"I saw an old lady up in Casco Bay town last summer who was older thanyou and she never had time to remember her age, because she had to workall day for other folks. She said she slept like a baby every night. Daddum said one reason she looked so young was that she hadn't time toworry about growing old, " said Dot. 

"If I had had to work for others instead of being pampered until Icouldn't do a thing for myself, maybe I would feel as young as anyone, "admitted Aunt Selina. 

Meantime, without being conscious of the act, the old lady was beinghelped up the steps by Ruth, until, at the last words, she reached thetop. 

"Why, I'm up and never knew it!" she laughed. 

"That's just the way to forget!" cried Dot, clapping her hands. 

"And you've left your troubles behind as I told you to, " added Ruth. 

A chair was placed for Aunt Selina who looked about the Nest with keeninterest. 

"Mary Talmage, I just wager this was all your idea, wasn't it?" shecommented, as she noted the sides of the Nest covered with strawmatting, and the cute wicker table and chairs. 

"Yes, Flutey, it was. But listen until we tell you how we found thisNest and the furniture, " said Ruth, and all the Blue Birds chirped in totell the story about the Nest and how the furniture was found hidden inunexpected places about the lawn and in the shrubbery. 

Aunt Selina chuckled, but Mrs. Talmage spoke with some seriousness. 

"Blue Birds, time is flying, and we must talk about our magazine. "

Ruth then explained the presence of the children who wished to join theNest. Mrs. Talmage looked sorry. 

"Dearies, I would like to have you with us, but really I cannot takeproper charge of more than I have at present. I want to do the workright and that will be impossible with too many in one Nest. But I havea suggestion to offer. Mrs. Catlin is so interested with us in the workthat I am sure she will gladly start you in a Nest of your own. She hasplenty of time, and a beautiful place, so you will be just as happythere as here. We can all meet when necessary and talk over affairstogether. I will write a note to her and explain, then you can take itover. "

"I know Mrs. Catlin! We live on the same street!" exclaimed one of thechildren. 

"I guess we all know Mrs. Catlin, and like her; if we can't join Ruth'sNest, I'd like to be in one of Mrs. Catlin's, " said another little girl. 

After bidding them good-by as they ran across the lawn, the Blue Birdssettled down to hear the plans for work on the magazine. 

"I have some ideas which I would like to present to save time, " saidMrs. Talmage. 

"I apportioned a page to each one of you to edit and expect you to havethe line of writing that best suits your ability. 

"For instance, " continued Mrs. Talmage: "To Dot Starr, who did thecut-out paper furniture so well at the school-house this summer when wemade the paper doll houses for the city children, I gave a page called, 'What Can Be Made of Paper. '

"To Edith, who always makes such good candy, I gave the 'Candy Kettle. '

"To Betty, who is clever with her pencils, I gave the 'Drawing Lesson. '

"To Ruth, who loves housekeeping, I gave 'Household Hints. '

"To Norma, who likes to sew, I gave the 'Doll's Wardrobe. '

"To May, who takes such good kodak pictures, I gave the 'Camera Corner. '

"To Frances, who is an adept at puzzles and games, I gave 'Puzzledom. '

"There are besides many other pages to edit which I think will have tobe done by the boys, and some grown-ups, so I just jotted down the namesof the boys that I think are capable of doing it. 

"I gave Ned a page for 'Domestic Animals, ' Meredith Starr can have apage on 'Wild Animals, ' and Jinks a page on 'Insects and Reptiles. '

"Then, there will be need for other articles which the other boys cansupply, and they can all help with the publishing. I shall write to anold friend who was judge of the Juvenile Court for years, and mostlikely has very interesting stories to tell. Another well-known writerof children's books lives in Washington, D. C. , and I feel quite sureof her interest when I tell her what our plans are. Besides, Uncle Benknows people who will contribute, as he told us so. "

"Oh, Mrs. Talmage, do you really believe the magazine will be so goodthat folks will subscribe for it?" questioned Norma. 

"Why, of course! Didn't you hear Uncle Ben say that he would be ashamedto send anything less than a real magazine through the mail?--That wewould have to do our work over again if it was poorly done?" said Mrs. Talmage. 

"Just think! My name on a magazine page with my cut-out furniture onit!" cried Dot, hugging her sides. 

"How many folks will get one, do you suppose?" asked Betty. 

"The more the merrier, " laughed Mrs. Talmage. 

"Mother Wings, how do people get a list of names where children want amagazine?" asked Ruth. 

"Oh, different ways. Uncle Ben may have a list of families where thereare children. I know dozens of friends who have children; Mrs. Catlindoes, too. Then, there are the Wells, Stevens, Starrs, and so on: allfamilies who know other families where there are children. Why, friendsof mine in England and Germany will take this magazine if I send them asample copy. And so a list grows when everyone tries to help. "

"If we are only printing this magazine to help along our farms for poorchildren I don't see why anyone in Europe would want to take the paper, "said Dot. 

"Don't you be so sure about that, Miss Dot!" said Aunt Selina. "Afterthis organization gets agoing I believe it will make such a stir thatits light won't 'be hidden under a bushel' very long. Only keep yourmagazine at high-water mark, and you will see a marvel before the yearis over. "

Aunt Selina's remark made such an impression on Mrs. Talmage that shesuddenly realized how important their venture might turn out to be, providing everyone did their best. 

A loud halloo coming from the direction of the carriage house called theBlue Birds' attention to the open door. Mr. Talmage and Uncle Ben werestanding there beckoning for the Blue Birds. 

Aunt Selina found she could get down from the Nest quite nimbly, andall started toward the building which was to be known in the future asthe "Publishing House. "

Inside, about twenty boys were sawing, hammering, and calling to eachother while Ike and Simon bossed the work. At one side of the entrancethe front corner of the large room had been measured off, and apartition about six feet high erected. This office had a wide window infront, and a closet on the side wall. The partition was of oak-stainedceiling boards that had been taken out of an attic chamber of theTalmage residence when that room had been refinished. The partition hada door to match, and the boys' work was exceptionally good. Six boyswere busy completing the nailing of the partition and two more were soengaged upon hanging the door that the visitors were scarcely noticed. 

"Hi, there! Jinks, start that screw, will you?" called Ned, trying tobalance the door on his toes while the hinge insisted upon slipping outof the notch that had been made for it. 

"I will, if you will stop wriggling the old thing!" replied Jinks, whohad pinched his finger several times and had become wary of theunsteady door. 

Ike saw the difficulty the boys were having and, while the Blue Birdsstood watching the struggle, came over and offered to help them. 

"This scene is as good as a vaudeville, Mary, " laughed Uncle Ben. "That's why I wanted you to see it. "

"Oh, I think they have done wonderfully well, " replied Mrs. Talmage, with interest. 

"They have, and Ben is so tickled with the boys' whole-hearted supportof the plan, that he is having the time of his life, " added Mr. Talmage. 

The other boys had made a strong bench to sit upon, and a rude tablewith a board top. 

The whole interior of the place was covered with sawdust, shavings, andpieces of timber. Planes and chisels were in constant demand, andhammers, screw-drivers and saws were all making a veritable bedlam of anoise, when Ike called "Time. "

"Too dark to see what you are doing, " he explained. 

"Turn on the electric lights, Ike, " said Ned. 

"Better not--you boys have done far more than we thought you could andthere is no use in 'driving a willing horse to death, '" advised Mr. Talmage. 

As the boys dropped tools and stretched tired arms, or bent backs, theyrealized that the unusual work had made muscles ache. 

"Get on your caps and coats, Bobolinks, and come out on the lawn to hearof my trip to the city, " said Uncle Ben. 

In a few moments the room was empty and the children crowded about UncleBen who sat cross-legged on the soft grass, while Ike placed chairs forAunt Selina and Mrs. Talmage. 

"Well, to start at the beginning, I took the eight-ten train thismorning, and I was introduced to the Oakdale Commuters as 'Uncle Ben ofthe Blue Birds and Bobolinks. ' That was reference enough for anyone. Iwas looked upon as a man to be envied and I even saw covert glances fromsome jealous eyes that looked me up and down and saw no especial favorto have boosted me in the estimation of the B. B. & B. B. Company. "

"Now, Uncle Ben, stop your fooling and tell us about the trip, " rebukedRuth. 

"I am, Fluff, but I want to begin at the right end of the story, "teased Uncle Ben. 

"Oh, begin anywhere, only get somewhere!" cried Mr. Talmage, laughing. 

With a sigh that indicated that he was misunderstood, Uncle Bencontinued his story. 

"Mr. Wells, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Starr, Mr. Wilson, and many other men youknow promised to advise and assist the boys in every way possible. "

"What did Daddum say?" cried Dot, eagerly. 

"Don't interrupt, Dot!" admonished Meredith, sternly. 

"Well, Mr. Starr offered a series of articles on his experiences inlumber camps, and, besides, he promised to take hold of any part of theplan in which we could use him, " replied Uncle Ben. "Mr. Wells has abook that will prove valuable for our undertaking. It is a directory ofbenevolent institutions and contains the names and addresses of everyasylum or home in the country. "

"Why, Uncle Ben, that is exactly what we need to find our sick childrenfor the farms, isn't it?" said Ruth, happily. 

Uncle Ben nodded his head and continued. 

"Then, Mr. Stevens offered to have his solicitors try to secure someadvertising for the magazine. His agency is one of the best in the cityand I think his offer a fine one. "

At the idea of having advertisements appear in the magazine, the BlueBirds and Bobolinks looked at each other in surprise. 

"We never thought of _that_!" ventured Ned. 

"Sounds like real work, when you hear the words 'solicitors' and'advertisements, ' doesn't it?" commented Jinks. 

"I've been trying to make you understand from the first that this willmean work as well as pleasure, " insisted Uncle Ben. 

"They'll all wake up to that fact soon enough, Ben--go on with yourstory, " laughed Mr. Talmage. 

"Mr. Wilson, who is connected with the Oakdale Paper Mills, then offeredto donate enough paper to get out several months' issues, so I acceptedthat offer with delight, thinking you could make use of Aunt Selina'soffer in some other way. Mr. Wilson is going to bring some samples ofpaper over to the Publishing House soon and let us make our selections. A man whom I just met offered to speak to the Manhattan SubscriptionAgency about taking subscriptions for you and giving the magazine agood position in their next catalogue. "

"So much good luck actually turned Uncle Ben's head, " laughed Mr. Talmage, during a moment's silence. "Why, he hardly knew what he went tothe city for, and I had to guide him by the arm to show him the way tohis office. "

"Of course, my friends here know better than to believe any suchscandalous tales about me!" replied Uncle Ben, looking at his brother asif to dare him to tease any more. 

The children always enjoyed these make-believe quarrels between the twobrothers, and Ned generally egged them on. To-day, however, he was tooeager to hear about the trip to the city and so urged Uncle Ben tofinish the story. 

"We found the machinery that I think you can best use here, and had itprepared for shipment. Just as we were leaving the store-room a man camedown with a load of type. 

"'Where are you taking that?' I asked him. 

"'Boss said to send it off to be melted down, ' replied the man. 

"'Just leave it on top of this packing case--I'll see that it is takencare of, ' I told him, and he did as I said. 

"Now, boys, all of that type is coming out here for you to work with. Ihad it charged to my account at the office, for it was a 'big find' toget hold of some type just at the time we needed it, " concluded UncleBen, taking a long breath of relief. 

"And now, I'll tell you of all the things Uncle Ben forgot to mention, "laughed Mr. Talmage. 

"When we left the stock-room and went to his office, he picked up thetelephone and called up more friends than I ever thought he knew. Two orthree of them were invited to lunch with us, and the others were toldabout the wonderful work the Oakdale children were planning. Every oneof his friends was told to help along or suggest some way to boost themagazine. Of course, they had to promise. "

Uncle Ben chuckled to himself as his brother told about the telephoneexperiences. 

"Now, we come to the time when this crafty uncle of yours met hisfriends at lunch. What do you think his plot was? Well, just listen andI will tell you, " and Mr. Talmage nodded his head warningly at hisbrother. 

"One of his guests was Mr. Connell, the man that owns one of the largestengraving plants in the city. This Uncle Ben told his story in such anengaging way that that business man actually offered to turn out theplates you needed for the magazine at actual cost for several months. Weall know what that means--several hundred dollars on the credit side ofthe ledger. "

All eyes were turned toward Uncle Ben for confirmation of the greatoffer, and he nodded his head smilingly. 

"One of the best business advisers I know in New York said that hethought you children had an unusually good idea for a successfulbusiness investment, and hoped that you would keep it up until you wereadults and saw the financial benefit in it, " said Uncle Ben, seriously. 

The girls were pleased at this news, but the boys were hilarious to findthat a clever business man approved of the plan they were working out. 

"When will the machinery be here, Uncle Ben?" asked Ned. 

"It is coming by freight and will take a few days, but you will be keptbusy until then in finishing the shop-work, " returned Uncle Ben. 

"Yes, indeed, we will have to build some stands for type, too, with theboxful you got for us, " answered Ned. 

"We Blue Birds spent all of our afternoon engaging editors to takecharge of the pages, " ventured Ruth, who thought the Blue Birds had beenquiet too long. 

"You'll have to have all the pages ready to hand over to me by the tenthof October, you know; I'll need about three days for making linotype andthen you can have the proofs back, " said Uncle Ben. 

"Oh, we will have everything ready long before the tenth, " laughed Mrs. Talmage. 

"From the way the Blue Birds are working, I should say that each onewill have about five hundred pages written by that time, " added AuntSelina, smilingly. 

"In that case, we will have to have each page add a notice at thebottom: 'To be continued in our Nest. '"

CHAPTER VII

BLUE BIRD WISDOM AND BOBOLINK WORK

"There! my page is all done!" exclaimed Ruth, holding a sheet of paperaway to admire the neatly written notes for "Household Hints. "

"Mine's done, too, but I'm going to copy it over to-night to make itlook neat as a pin, " said Norma. 

"Did you get any new candy recipes?" asked Dot eagerly. 

The little Blue Bird who took charge of the "Candy Kettle" smacked herlips emphatically. 

"I haven't started to ink the pencil lines of my cut-out paperfurniture, but that won't take long, " explained Dot. "I started with thekitchen because Mumzie said no good housekeeper would furnish a parlorif she had no kitchen equipment. "

"I did my drawing lesson, but I haven't written the lesson telling thechildren how to make the picture, " said Betty, with a worried looktoward Mrs. Talmage. 

"Plenty of time, dear, " soothed Mrs. Talmage. "You know Uncle Ben saidwe would have until the tenth of the month. "

The Blue Birds were gathered in the cherry-tree Nest after school, oneday, waiting for the signal from the Publishing House which would tellthem they might run over and inspect the huge pieces of machinery thathad arrived that day from New York. Ike and Simon had to help the threetruckmen as they placed rollers under the press and rolled it from thetruck and into the room. The stitcher, cutter and other pieces were notso unwieldy to move and place. At noon, Ned saw the men struggling withthe press and so refrained from going near the house, but he told theother Bobolinks, and immediately after school was dismissed a crowd ofboys ran to their shop. 

The Blue Birds had been enjoined to keep out of the way while the boyscleared things up and investigated the various pieces of machinery. Itwas a strain on their patience, however, to remain in their Nest andlisten to the laughs, exultant shouts, and sounds of satisfaction comingfrom the carriage house. 

All things have an end, so Uncle Ben soon appeared at the wide doorwayof the Publishing House and gave a shrill whistle for the Blue Birds. Instantly, seven little girls took flight down the steps and across thelawn, leaving Mrs. Talmage to assist Aunt Selina. 

The Blue Birds ran in and looked about. The great, ugly, black machineswith wheels, rollers and arms everywhere, did not impress them veryfavorably. 

"Can't make head or tail of the thing!" scorned Dot. 

"No one expects a girl to understand, " replied her brother Don. 

"I would be afraid of that dreadful looking knife!" shuddered Betty, standing at a safe distance and pointing to the wide blade of the papercutter. 

Then the children crowded about the stitcher while Uncle Ben showed thewonderful work the machine did. 

The electric attachments had not yet been completed, so thedemonstration of the machines had to be by gestures. But Uncle Ben wasequal to it, and the children felt that they could almost _see_ themachines running as they listened to his explanations. 

"Well, Uncle Ben, I don't see how we can start this work without yousuperintending us, " ventured Meredith. 

"It all seemed simple enough when we were talking about printing amagazine, but this job is more than I can do, " admitted Jinks. 

"I am at home with my little press, Uncle Ben, but these big fellowsmake me want to run away from the contract we made with you, " added Ned, seriously. 

The Blue Birds and younger Bobolinks heard the older boys with anxiousconcern lest the entire plan should fail. 

"I thought of just such a contingency and provided for it, " repliedUncle Ben, with his optimistic manner. "I realize that you all go toschool and afternoons after school do not give you much time toexperiment on these machines, so I found two young men who used to dogood work for us who were pleased to come out here for a few weeks andshow you boys how to do things. They won't come until the galley proofsarrive, but then, they will help you get out the first issue and teachyou everything there is to know about these machines. They will takethem all apart and teach you how to put them together again. A machineis like a man's valuable animal--if you pay no attention to its welfare, it does not last long enough to pay you for its keep. "

"We'll look after our machinery all right, Uncle Ben, " agreed Ned, withthe look of the workman who truly loves his tools. 

"I'm sure you will, and I hope the Blue Birds will have as much pride inturning out commendable articles for us to print, " added Uncle Ben, looking at Mrs. Talmage. 

"Oh, Uncle Ben, there's one question I want to ask--may we each sign ourown name to our page or must we make up a pretend name?" asked Ruth. 

"Why, sign your very own name, of course; that is one way of making youkeep up to the mark. If you only had a pretend name on your page youmight get careless and say, 'Oh, no one knows who it is, anyway, so Idon't care if this story isn't as good as it ought to be. '"

Mrs. Talmage and Aunt Selina smiled, for they could see the wisdom ofthe remark. 

"I guess my father will be proud to see my name in a magazine, " boastedDot Starr. 

"All depends on what you tack your name to, Dot, " laughed Meredith. 

"It'll be fine, all right!" exclaimed Dot, nodding her heademphatically. 

"Shall we have our names at the top or at the bottom of the pages, Ben?"asked Mrs. Talmage. 

"Oh, please, Uncle Ben, do put them at the _top_! I am afraid no onewill stop to read our names if you have them at the bottom, " worriedlittle Betty. 

Everyone laughed, but Uncle Ben assured her that the name would beplaced directly under the name of the article. 

Then, while the Blue Birds watched the boys placing type in the cases, Uncle Ben sat down beside Mrs. Talmage and had a quiet talk aboutaffairs in general. 

In concluding he said, "Now don't you worry if the children shouldneglect a page now and then, for I can turn in heaps of good stories andarticles any time we may need them. "

"Oh, these children are so reliable that they would rather do withoutfood or sleep than neglect anything that promises funds for nextsummer's farms, " returned Mrs. Talmage. 

"Glad to hear it, and hope they keep it up. Now, what pages have youprovided for each month--and have you any to spare for some prominentwriters who are friends of mine and feel deeply interested in thisventure?" asked Uncle Ben. 

"Oh, yes!" replied Mrs. Talmage. "We have seven pages taken by the BlueBirds and four by the Bobolinks. Then there is a story Aunt Selina hasbeen thinking of writing, and a page for music that her friend in NewYork will contribute. Mrs. Catlin promised to give us some tale ofadventure each month and that will take two pages. So, let me see--thattakes up, in all, sixteen pages. How many pages shall we have in themagazine?"

"About forty-eight is the usual size for such a paper, " replied UncleBen, figuring out Mrs. Talmage's number of pages and making a memorandumof the balance remaining for use. 

"Gracious! then we will have to find much more manuscript than Ithought, " worried Mrs Talmage. 

"No, I do not think so--that is what I want to find out to-day. A verygood friend of mine who had charge of Field's Museum for four years, soheartily endorsed this plan that he offered to supply a page article onplant life each month. His name alone is valuable to a paper, and itwill certainly give weight to our magazine. Then, besides him, a veryclose friend, who has been connected with a prominent book concern formore than twenty years, called me up to say that this idea was just whathe has been hoping for. Both he and his wife are eager to assist in someway. I suggested that they supply a page on bird life and give us somevaluable hints about our feathered friends. This man has publishednumerous books on the subject of birds and is just the one to speak withauthority. The moment I mentioned it, he accepted my invitation; so wehave two renowned writers for most interesting and instructive pageseach month, " said Uncle Ben. 

"Why, how wonderful!" exclaimed Aunt Selina, who had been silent duringthe conversation. "I don't see how you ever accomplish such miracles!"

Mrs. Talmage looked at Uncle Ben and said, laughingly, "Maybe it'sbecause we never take 'no' for an answer. We keep at an idea until it ishammered into everyone's heart and mind. "

"And the moment our friends have it well hammered in they get sointerested in succeeding that others are sought by them and the samestory hammered into another head and heart, " added Uncle Ben. 

"Well, I'm hammered and rooted in the work, and am anxious to havefriends in it, too. Is that the way you do?" asked Aunt Selina. 

"That's just it! and before anyone else knows what's going on, dozens offolks are working on the same idea, " replied Mrs. Talmage. 

"Mary said something about a story that you wished to contribute, AuntSelina--what is it?" asked Uncle Ben. 

"An experience I had in the Civil War when I was visiting my old schoolchum, Rebecca Crudup. You have never heard any of my tales of thatvisit, but I assure you they are exciting. "

"And you were there! Why, Aunt Selina, your manuscript would be valuableto any magazine! I wish you would let me read it before you turn it overto the Blue Birds, " said Uncle Ben eagerly, the business instinct fornew material for his magazine pushing the Blue Birds' magazine into thebackground. 

"You may see it after it is published in the children's paper, " quietlyreplied Aunt Selina. 

Uncle Ben took the rebuke in the right spirit, and said, "Is your friendalive to-day?"

"She was until last year, but her daughter is the musician I wish to get'rooted' in this work for a music page. I haven't her studio address, orI would have written to her about this. "

"Give me her name and the last address you knew of, and I will locateher as soon as I get back to the city, " offered Uncle Ben. 

Uncle Ben wrote the name and late address in a book then turned to theladies with a suggestion. 

"Aunt Selina's story will surely take more than the two pages you spokeof, so why not make a serial story of her Civil War experience?"

"Splendid! That is just the thing, " cried Mrs. Talmage. 

"I could make it as long as you wanted it to run, for Rebecca visited meafter the war and told me plenty of her wild adventures after I returnedhome from the South. Why, my coachman, Abe, was one of the Crudupslaves. He says they all stuck close to the family, for they loved themand wanted to remain, but Mr. Crudup lost most of his wealth in the warand had no place or means for so many servants, " related Miss Selina. 

The children had made a thorough inspection of the machinery and type bythis time and had joined the grown-ups. 

"What was that you were telling mother, Aunt Selina?" asked Ned, whooverheard the word "war" and was interested. 

"Why, we just discovered that Aunt Selina had a very exciting time inthe South during the Civil War and she is going to write it up for yourmagazine, " explained Uncle Ben. 

"Oh, goody, goody!" exclaimed a chorus of voices. 

"It's strange that you never told us any of those stories, Aunt Selina, "ventured Mrs. Talmage. 

"Oh, it all happened so long ago, dearie, that I never thought anyonewould be interested. Besides, it turns to a page of my life that Ialways wanted to keep closed, " sighed Aunt Selina. 

The others, respecting her reticence, changed the subject. Uncle Bensmiled at her and made a comforting remark. 

"Aunt Selina, when we finish our first year's work I am going to write amost interesting treatise and call it, 'Aunt Selina's Recipes forYouth. '"

"What do you mean?" she questioned. 

"Just what I said, " replied he, laughing. "Since you have taken aninterest in this work you have grown years and years younger in looksand actions. "

"Ben, you're making fun of me!" declared Aunt Selina. 

"No, he's not, Aunt Selina; you really are looking fine, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

"Aunt Selina, isn't that what I prescribed for you at Happy Hills?"cried Ruth, exultantly. 

"Yes, Fluffy, you did, and all the glory of this old conquest belongs toyou, " admitted Aunt Selina, patting the little girl upon the head. 

Just then, an expressman drove up and spoke to Ike. 

"Right to the front door--that is the B. B. & B. B. PublishingCompany's shop, " replied Ike with pride. 

Uncle Ben signed for the safe delivery of a large flat box and thechildren crowded about to watch Ned and Jinks open it. 

The box was marked "Glass" and "Handle with Care, " so Ruth ran over toher uncle to inquire about it. 

"Do you know what is in it?" asked she. 

"I believe it is the box that failed to arrive with the other things, "he replied, smiling. 

"Do tell what it is, " persisted Ruth. 

"Why? You'll soon see, and it would spoil the surprise if I told you, "said Uncle Ben. 

Ruth skipped back to the circle formed about the case watching Ned takeout the nails very carefully. Soon Jinks and he had the top boards offand then started to lift out the excelsior. This disposed of, a flatpaper parcel was seen. Ned lifted it out, and seeing another oneunderneath, Jinks took it out also. Meredith and Don looked to see ifthere were any more, but excelsior seemed to fill the bottom of the box. 

"Who has a knife?" asked Ned, not finding his own in his pocket. 

"Here, here! hurry up and cut the twine!" shouted Don. 

Ned took Don's knife with the broken blade and rusty handle, and smiledas he hacked away at the twine. After several vigorous efforts thestring parted and several hands hurried to tear off the heavy paper. 

A large picture of Benjamin Franklin, in a heavy oak frame, came outfrom its wrappings. 

"Oh, isn't that fine!" cried several voices. 

"Just our man, isn't he?" laughed Ned, pleased as could be. 

"If I had a head like that I could invent machines, too, " grumbled Don, feeling of his round little head in disgust. 

While the others laughed at the remark, Meredith turned to the otherparcel which Jinks held on the floor. The twine was soon cut and thepapers taken off to reveal the strong features of Abraham Lincoln. 

"Ho, that's best yet!" cried the boys who felt a deep admiration for theman whose picture stood before them. 

Mr. Talmage and Mrs. Catlin came in during the exhibition of pictures, and the former said, "Just what you needed to complete the officeappearance. "

"Yes, indeed, Uncle Ben, and we thank you heaps and heaps!" exclaimedNed, carrying his picture into the office. 

Jinks followed and Don started to drag away the box that stood in themidst of the circle of children. 

"Better see if there are any more!" called Uncle Ben, warningly. 

Don dropped upon his knees and sought in the excelsior. 

"Oh! here's some more and I almost threw them away!" he cried, as hedragged forth several small packages. 

Upon being opened they proved to be a number of pictures of famouspublishers and inventors of printing machinery. 

"Won't they look just great, though!" came from several pleased boys. 

"Why, come to think of it, " said Mrs. Catlin, "my husband has a numberof fine plates of machines and things of that kind. He was connectedwith the Vivla Machine Company, you know, and they manufactured pressesand printers' tools. They might look well if added to this collection. "

Everyone agreed that the more the better, and then Dot remembered thatMrs. Catlin had not seen the office and machinery. 

"Walk right over and see how officey our office looks with your desk andtable, " she cried. 

"And Mrs. Talmage sent in the chairs, " added Betty. 

"And my mother sent the carpet, " added Norma, pointing to the green rug. 

"And father says we may have his typewriting machine and table here whenhe's away from home, " said Ruth, eagerly. 

Mrs. Catlin praised the arrangement, and then asked to be shown thewonderful machinery that was to do such great work. 

"Dear me, I heartily regret that I am not a little girl so that I mightglory in this office and work, " sighed Mrs. Catlin, coming back to thegrown-ups. 

"You don't have to be 'little, ' Therese, " laughed Mrs. Talmage. "You areone of this juvenile club as surely as if you were but ten. Why, youcouldn't pass the place without coming in to ask for news. "

"To tell the truth, I was going to the village, but I heard the happyshouts away out on the road and so I just wanted to know the cause, "confessed Mrs. Catlin, smiling. 

"I hope I may live a few years longer to see the results of this work, "sighed Aunt Selina. 

"You will, Flutey, you will!" cried Dot, enthusiastically. "What UncleBen told you was really truly true!"

"And just think, Mrs. Catlin, Flutey is going to write a long seriousstory for our magazine all about the war that she was in!" cried BettyStevens. 

The grown-ups smiled at Betty's idea of a "serial" story, but Mrs. Catlin looked surprised. 

"Why, I never knew you were from the South?"

"I'm not, but I was visiting there during an exciting time, and Benthinks my experience will make a readable story, " replied Aunt Selina. 

Mrs. Catlin looked at the aged lady with interest and said how much shewould like to hear the tale. Suddenly, however, she slapped her glovedhands together and spoke. 

"Now, what reason is there that I should not have some pages in thismagazine?" she asked. 

"Show us any good reason for taking our space and you may have it, "teased Mrs. Talmage. 

"Then put me down for another serial. I have a collection of shortstories that Mr. Catlin wrote of his adventures in Alaska. It does notseem much like an adventure to go to Alaska nowadays, but forty yearsago it was as if one were leaving this hemisphere for the unknown. Someof his tales are intensely interesting, " said Mrs. Catlin. 

"Why, friends, we are getting so many notable articles and writerstogether that we will soon have to raise the subscription price, "laughed Mr. Talmage. 

"That reminds me that we never thought of a charge. We ought to decidewhat subscription price we wish to ask, " said Uncle Ben. 

"Has anyone thought of that?" asked Mrs. Talmage, looking about at BlueBirds and Bobolinks. 

Heads were shaken and Ned asked, "How can we tell how much to chargeuntil we know what the magazine will cost?"

"I can help you figure that out, I think, " offered Uncle Ben, sittingdown at the table and taking paper and pencil from the drawer. 

"Figure how much five hundred--or say, a thousand will cost, " venturedNed. 

"A thousand! Where will you send them?" cried Jinks. 

"I should say, figure on five thousand--or ten, " said Uncle Ben, quietly. 

"What!" gasped several boys. 

"Yes, because ten thousand will not cost much more than three hundred. "

"How's that?" asked the boys. 

"Plates, linotype, lock-up, make-ready, will cost as much for onemagazine as for one thousand. The only extra cost in getting out aquantity is in paper, ink and time. Now, I firmly believe that we willbe able to send out ten thousand by the time you have them ready. "

"Well, Uncle Ben, it sounds _awful_ big to us, particularly as wehaven't one single subscription, yet, " said Ruth. 

"Here--here, Fluff, don't let that bother you!" said Mr. Talmage, throwing a five-dollar bill upon the table. 

"And here's for ten more!" laughed Aunt Selina, taking a twenty-dollarbill from her purse. 

"Here's for five orphan asylums, " added Mrs. Catlin placing a ten-dollarnote on the table. 

"How now, Fluff--where are your blues, eh?" teased Uncle Ben. 

The children saw the crisp notes lying on the table and felt the joy ofa successful start. 

"From what Aunt Selina and Mrs. Talmage offered, it looks as if theprice should be two dollars per year. Now, let us figure out how closewe come to that, " said Uncle Ben. 

After counting up cost of production plus cost of mailing, it wasdecided that two dollars would be a just price, but there would belittle profit unless more money could be gotten for advertising, or somesaving made. 

"Guess we've about completed our business for to-day, " ventured UncleBen, as he noticed the children growing restless. 

"Yes, let us go to the house and have some nice cool lemonade andcookies, " suggested Mr. Talmage. 

Eager looks turned toward Mrs. Talmage, and she laughed. 

"We're always ready for something good to eat, father, so you show usthe way to the picnic. "

It took but a few moments for the children to reach the wide veranda andsettle down comfortably until the maids brought out the refreshments. 

"A day's work always ought to finish like this, " mused Don, munching adelicious piece of cake. 

CHAPTER VIII

AUNT SELINA'S CIVIL WAR STORY

The children thoroughly enjoyed their refreshments. Aunt Selina did notcare for any, so she sat smiling as she watched them. 

"As long as Flutey isn't busy, wouldn't it be nice to have her tell us ateeny-weeny bit of that war story?" ventured Dot Starr. 

"Oh, yes! Please do! Flutey, do tell!" came from various directions. 

"Why, that would be lovely, Aunt Selina, if you will, " added Mrs. Talmage. 

Thus besieged, Aunt Selina decided to yield to the children. 

"Let me see, " she began. "I must have been about eighteen when mydearest friend, Rebecca Crudup, invited me to spend Easter Holidays ather Southern home. We had been chums from the moment we met at MissWyland's Seminary for Young Ladies, and the Christmas before the time Ijust mentioned, Rebecca had visited my home at Happy Hills. Motherliked Rebecca immensely, but she feared the fighting in the South mightcreate trouble for me if I went with Becky. We reassured her, however, and an unwilling consent was written from home. 

"A week before the vacation began, Becky received a letter asking her tostart home as soon as she received the word, as important matters in thefamily had to be looked after. 

"As this would give us an extra week's holiday we hailed the letter withjoy. The girls stood about enviously watching us pack our carpetbags andRebecca's trunk. I packed many of my things in her trunk to save thetrouble of transporting two to Tennessee. We left the next morning'midst shouts reminding us to be sure to be on hand when schoolre-opened. 

"We enjoyed the journey during the first part of the way, but, as thetrain sped on, the country showed signs of the desolation wrought bywar, and we sobered from our happy laughter to serious contemplation. 

"The nearer to Nashville that we came, the deeper the evidence that warwas an awful thing. We saw burned homes, devastated land andforlorn-looking families as we passed by. 

"Rebecca's father met us at the station in Nashville and welcomed mewith a surprised manner. Turning to his daughter, he spoke in a serioustone. 

"'We will endeavor to give your friend an enjoyable visit, daughter, butit doesn't seem promisin'. Evidently you did not receive our telegram?'

"'Only this letter, father, ' replied Becky, showing him the last letterreceived by her. 

"'Hum! well, we will live up to our reputation, Miss Selina, and be thetrue Southern hosts. '

"As we came out of the station and walked toward the carriage-posts, Rebecca looked about for the family equipage. 

"Mr. Crudup led us toward a great spring wagon which was drawn by tworaw-boned farm horses. An old darky sat on the front seat. 

"'Why, father! Surely we are not going home in _this_!' cried Rebeccawith deep chagrin. 

"'Sorry, daughter, but it must be so, ' returned her father in a grievedvoice. 'You will find many changes here since the fightin' began. '

"'Selina, I'm awful sorry you have to ride this way, and I can'tunderstand why it is. Father seems to know, ' said Becky, in anapologetic tone. 

"'I don't mind, Becky. Really and truly, I don't. I love the country so, that I would just as soon ride a plow if we had to, to get to yourhome. '

"'Well, I'm glad your little friend is so sensible, Rebecca, ' commendedMr. Crudup. 

"We climbed into the back seat after the baggage had been stowed away, and the horses started off. 

"'Father, why didn't you drive Jerry and Jim?' asked Rebecca, wonderingly. 

"'Becky, your brothers, I trust, are astride them, showin' the Yankeeshow to fight!'

"'Daddy!' cried Rebecca in dismay. 

"Mr. Crudup looked dreadfully sorry, but said nothing. 

"'Daddy, have Newell and Ed left home?'

"'Yes, child. And I'm mighty sorry to say that most of your friends andcousins are with them. Some will nevah return--but we are prayin'constant, that our boys will win honahs for the South--and come home toenjoy them. '

"Becky and I sat as stiff as sticks as we realized what this meant. 

"'Still, I don't see why _some_ of our carriage horses couldn't havecome for us!' insisted Rebecca. 

"'The horses have been used by some of the boys who had none, and thespring wagon has to come in often with supplies for the troops. Thishappened to be one of the days. So mothaw thought her girl would notmind, particularly as we believed you received the telegram, ' explainedMr. Crudup. 

"I was almost sorry I had come, so unexpected did my appearance seem tobe, but Becky cheered up when she saw me grow uncomfortable, and triedto amuse me by pointing out neighboring plantations. 

"As we drove about a bend in the road, Rebecca's beautiful old homecould be seen situated upon a knoll that commanded a view of thesurrounding country. We entered the grounds by a road that ran through adense wood, and then ascended gradually until we reached theporte-cochère. The house itself, large, solid and in perfect condition, was a landmark from every point of view round-about. 

"Mrs. Crudup and her two older daughters welcomed me to their home andmade me feel more at ease. Rebecca, being the youngest member of thefamily, was petted and made much of, and I came in for my share of itfor being her best friend. 

"After our baggage was placed in our rooms, we were escorted upstairsand left to prepare for dinner, which was generally at noon, but hadbeen delayed for Rebecca's arrival. 

"My, but that was a delicious dinner! I can almost taste the tenderchicken with corn waffles, hot and crisp, this minute!

"Not a word had been said about the reason of calling Rebecca home aweek earlier than usual. Toward evening, however, vehicles of alldescriptions drove to the side yard and were left to the care of thenegro servants. As the neighbors came to the house they went directly toa large room which had been closed and locked since our arrival, untilnow. Rebecca and I were invited to join the sewing meeting, but neitherof us liked sewing, and we had planned to visit the horses before itgrew too dark. However, I saw heaps of flannel garments, half-finishedsocks on knitting needles, warm caps, and clothes of all kinds beingmade up for the Confederate soldiers. 

"Becky and I strolled down toward the stables, but it was too dark toinspect the thoroughbreds I had heard so much about, so we returned tothe house. 

"As we passed the great barn we saw men busily engaged in packing allkinds of produce and supplies in long hemp sacks to be carted toNashville the following day. In the sewing room the ladies were stillplying needles that flashed in and out as if speed would save a life. 

"At eight o'clock a hot supper was served, and at nine the neighborsleft for their homes. 

"That night, after we retired to our rooms, Rebecca came into my roomfor a cozy chat. She looked very pretty as she sat on the corner of thebed hugging her knees up in her arms. 

"'Selina, it's a shame you are dragged into such a vacation! I declare, had I known that all of the boys were away, nothing would have temptedme to bring you. Even the girls are too busy sewing for theirsweethearts to bother with parties or sociables, ' pouted Rebecca. 

"'I came to visit you--not to see the boys or go to parties, and I wantyou to believe that I don't mind a bit having you all to myself, ' Isaid. 

"'You're a good little mouse to say that, but, all the same, I will trotyou all over the country on our saddle horses. You will have plenty offresh air, and that is what Miss Wyland said you needed for yourpaleness, ' replied Becky. 

"Rebecca kissed me good-night, but I felt ill at ease in that Southernhome for being one of the 'detested Yankees. ' Never, by word or sign, was such a thought given out, but I felt that everyone would have beenmore at ease had I never come. 

"Every other afternoon Mr. Crudup went to Nashville with a load of bagsfor the commissary department. One afternoon, about a week after ourarrival, he came back from the city earlier than usual and we noticed atroubled look on his face. 

"'How now, father?' asked sweet Mrs. Crudup. 

"'Reports in Nashville say that the fighting is turned toward this partof the country, ' he said. 

"'Someone has to bear the burden--perhaps the Lord has selected us tocarry a share, ' returned Mrs. Crudup, reverently. 

"'The one thing that worries me is that our place is well known in thispart of the country, and our fertile acres are known to produce thefinest edibles. Then, too, the fact that we raise some of the best-bredhorses in Tennessee may cause the Yanks to come down on us at any timeand raid the stables. In that case, they will carry off everything--noteven a plow-horse will be left. '

"'Father, our boys have had all they could use for this conflict, andwouldn't it be bettah to ship our horses to Nashville fo' the army touse?' asked Mrs. Crudup. 

"'I would rather see every head of cattle dead than in the hands of aYankee!' cried Sally Crudup, bitterly, for her sweetheart had beenkilled in a battle a few weeks previous. 

"'Sally, Sally! let no bittehness feed your sorrow!' reproved the gentlemother, patting me upon the back as if in apology for her daughter'sbreach of etiquette. 

"Mr. And Mrs. Crudup walked away in private converse, and Becky and Istarted for the paddocks which I had not yet visited. 

"'Selina, I'm plannin' a desperate deed!' said Becky, in a whisper, aswe passed down the shady lane that led to the stables and pastures. 

"I looked at her in surprise, for her tone was shaky. 

"'I have not introduced you to Imp. Imp is the most valuable horse onthe place and would bring a high price in Nashville. My only relief isthat no one can ride him, manage, or harness him but Tim and me. WhenImp was born Tim was there, and when Imp's mother died soon after hisbirth, she turned her eyes on Tim and seemed to ask him to look afterher baby. I got there just as she turned back her head and saw me. Itook her head upon my lap and promised that I would adopt her boy, and Ialways felt that she knew what I said and died happier for it. From thatminute, I took charge of Imp and fed him on a bottle until he could eatalone. Tim and I have had sole charge of his training, but he is surelyan Imp when anyone else tries to come near him. ' Becky almost wept asshe told me the story of the poor mother-mare. 

"'Imp understands everything one says to him, but he can't talk;however, his eyes tell you what he wishes to say! Now, if any strangershould raid the stables and spy Imp, they would certainly try to stealhim first, for he is the finest thoroughbred that ever stepped overTennessee soil! But, he will bite, and kick, and bolt with anyone whodares to trifle with him. Then do you know what will happen? They'lleither put a bullet through his heart, or hitch him to an armyambulance, which will break his heart just the same. '

"Rebecca walked along in silence after that, until we reached a stilethat divided the house lands from the pastures. 

"'Selina, there's only one thing to do--take him away and hide him untilthis war is over. From what I gather from the servants about the place, this plantation is in a straight line for Nashville, the point theYankees are making for. So, the sooner Imp is hidden the better!'

"'Becky, ' asked I, in alarm, 'will these slaves desert or sell you outto the Yankees?'

"'Mercy, no, Selina! They are like children to us. It may be that oneor two would like the novelty of going North, but they would soon besquelched if it was found out. Why, father and mother treat their oldslaves like their family--asking advice of Tim, or Martha thehousekeeper, as the case might be. As for our old mammy--and thecook--gracious, Selina! I'd die for either one of them, and so would anyone of us, and they know it. They'd stick to us even if we lost thiswar--which we won't!' cried Rebecca. 

"I felt somewhat piqued, but said nothing, for I was a guest ofRebecca's. She sensed that she had said something difficult to forget, and hugged me laughingly. 

"'You wouldn't give a fig for a friend that could hope anything butsuccess for her country, would you?' she asked. 

"I made no reply, and she continued in a low voice. 

"'Selina, I'm going to take you into a secret that no one but Tim andfather knows about. Father hasn't an idea that I know about it, and Timwon't tell him that I know. I found it myself years ago, and I always gothere when I want to be all alone. I have driven Imp right through andhe knows the cave and has no fear of the water, now. '

"I listened in surprise to the words but knew nothing of what she meant. 

"After we had walked about a mile down the lane, Becky turned off acrossthe field. We came to a lovely little patch of woods where I could hearthe roar of a rushing stream. Rebecca led me by crooked paths until wecame to the brink of this torrent where it tumbled over a ledge of rockabout twenty feet high, and made a most beautiful waterfall. Thecurrent was so swift above the falls that the water shot over making anarch as it fell. The steep banks at either side were mossy and tallferns almost covered them. 

"Rebecca led me straight to the falls. I hesitated as I saw her take astep toward the back-rock under the falls and suddenly disappear in thespray, calling upon me to follow. 

"I was sure she knew what she was doing, so I too went headlong into thespray to find myself behind the arched falls on a huge flat rock whichlay before a deep crevice opening straight into the cliff. Not a drop ofwater penetrated here, but the spray made a thick curtain between thecave and the outer world. 

"Rebecca led me by the hand along a tunnel, and, after we had gone abouttwenty feet, it opened into a high-vaulted cavern. Soon Rebecca foundthe lantern and lighted it. I looked about in surprise; the place wasquite comfortably furnished with a chair, a rough table and a mattresswith bedding upon it. 

"'I made Tim carry these things over here from the store-room and madehim swear never to tell father. Tim is almost seventy years old and hebelieves in an oath as firmly as he does in Heaven. As far as I know, Tim and Daddy are the only ones beside myself who know of this cave. Thereason I am bringing you here--a Yankee, too--is because I feel in mybones that you will have to help me in some danger or need. Here iswhere Imp is going to be hidden and I shall have to see if I can get himto make friends with you, for you may have to claim him some day andtake him North with you. '

"'Oh, Becky, don't talk like this! You frighten me! I wish you were allat Happy Hills with me where you would be safe. '

"'Do you think that one of us would seek another safer home while weare needed here?' asked Rebecca, sternly. 

"I made no reply and Rebecca carried the lantern ahead, bidding mefollow her out. We reached the extreme end of the cave, when Rebeccahanded me the lantern to hold down close to some lichen. I did so andfound that the mass of roots and moss that hung there swayed slowly backand forth in a current of air. This, then, was the cause of the cavebeing so well ventilated. Becky stooped, pushed aside the mossy curtainand crawled into a small tunnel, taking the lantern from me after shehad entered. 

"I followed close behind, upon hands and knees, through an opening thesize of a bushel basket. Finally, we reached a wider opening where wecould stand upon our feet again. We crept through this queer tunnel fora long time and then I felt that we were ascending gradually and thatthe air was growing purer. In a few moments more, we emerged fromanother narrow crevice hidden under the gnarled roots of a live-oak. Moss, lichen and fern covered this opening so completely that no onewould have dreamed there was an entrance there to a secret cave. 

"We were in a grassy dell hemmed in by a thin ribbon of woods whichended in a grove of tall pines upon a knoll. 

"Rebecca extinguished the light and led me toward this grove. Sheselected an old veteran pine and climbed up into its wide branches untila comfortable notch was reached. I did likewise. As we sat thereadmiring the wonderful view of distant mountains, Rebecca clutched myarm, and pointed with one hand toward the low range of mountains aboutfifty miles away. 

"I looked and saw a heavy cloud of smoke hanging low over the crests. Atintervals we heard the echo of a 'boom. '

"'Oh, Selina, there's no time to lose, now! The fighting is so near thatwe can hear the cannon over the mountain!'

"'What shall we do?' I cried helplessly. 

"'Do!' almost screamed Rebecca, as she tore her clothes on the pineboughs in her rapid descent. 'Why, I'll run Imp down to the cave, whileyou race to the house and tell Timothy the news. Order him to bringoats, bedding, blankets, and whatever Imp might need for a long siege. Tell him you know the secret and will help me take care of Imp. Then, onto the house, warning the negroes as you go, and tell the folks at thehouse. If they ask how we know, answer that we were on the ridge and sawit. Don't tell them that we were in the pine tree!'

"Calling these hurried directions as she went, Becky ran back throughthe glade until we reached the woods near the lane. She pointed towardthe house, which could be seen in the distant haze, then ran for theshed where Imp was kept. 

"I did as I was ordered, wondering all the way why I was placed in suchan undesirable position--a Northerner plotting, as it were, against myown people. I cared little about the war at that time, for I knewnothing of war or its toll. 

"However, I reached the outer buildings where the slaves lived and mynews acted like an electric current upon the inmates. Immediately theyran in different directions, seemingly bent upon doing a part of a workthat had been carefully planned and arranged. I found out later, thatsuch was the case. The older slaves, who were trusted implicitly, setto work burying (as I supposed) whatever fruit, vegetables, smokedmeats, and other edibles they could find--in fact, everything stored incellars or store-rooms. 

"I was curious to see how they could prevent the articles from coming incontact with the soil, and found that a chain of bricked cellars hadbeen built a short time before, and the bushes and weeds carefullyreplaced on the dirt that covered the roofs. A door, opening into thefirst of the chain of cellars, was made in a steep bank of earth. It wasmerely a large hole in the ground covered with a flat stone that turnedupon a pivot. About this spot the soil and grass had been very cleverlyarranged to conceal any sign of what lay beneath. 

"By afternoon not a piece of extra linen, bedding, or silver could befound about the house. The jewelry, valuable bits of art and pictures, heirlooms and a valuable library, had disappeared as if by magic. I knewit had all been placed in some safe place and felt relieved at theknowledge. 

"I wandered about feeling lonesome for Rebecca and wishing I mightassist Tim who seemed busy in some undertaking. I watched him tie downa canvas covering over a loaded cart and caught his glance, which seemedto beckon me. I walked over to the mule's side and patted its head whileTim spoke. 

"'Miss Becky, she say you'se come wif me. I'se got'ter take dis loaddown to der paddock!' Tim looked about as he spoke and winked at meknowingly. 

"I walked beside him as he drove the mule along the lane. The cartseemed laden and the mule walked slowly, but we reached the wall thatdivided the gardens from the farm, and then Tim made the beast go asfast as possible, all the while looking covertly about for a run-awaynegro or a Yankee scout. 

"I suspected where we were going, and, sure enough! As we reached thewoods by the lane, Rebecca called softly, 'No further, Tim!' and cameout with several huge market baskets. 

"Tim tied the mule to a tree by the roadside and removed the canvascovering. There was everything one would need for light housekeeping forseveral weeks. Besides the food and clothing, there were bandages, medicine, bedding, lanterns, an oil-stove, dishes, and numerous othernecessities. These were piled in the baskets and carried to the cavewhere they were placed in crannies for some future emergency. 

"'Imp, I want you to be introduced to my best friend, ' said Rebecca, after we had brought in our first basket. 

"I heard a whinny and looked about in the gloom. 

"Rebecca went over to a corner near the spot whence fresh air enteredthe cavern, and held the lantern up for me to see her pet. 

"I stood making friendly advances to the beauty and, to Becky'samazement, he never moved an inch, but wrinkled his nose for sugar. 

"'Witch! that is what you are!' laughed Becky, as Imp poked his noseunder my arm. 'I have never known him to do such a thing. '

"Imp stood listening to his mistress as if he thoroughly understood thesituation. 

"I turned to tell Rebecca what a beauty he was, and he deliberatelypoked his nose out against my face. 

"After all the supplies were stacked away, Rebecca slipped the halterover Imp's head and led him to a ring cemented in the solid rock. 

"'Now, Imp, you will have to be good and not whinny or make a sound. Iknow what is good for you, and you must do just as I tell you, or a badYankee soldier will catch you and then you will see!' warned Rebecca, shaking her finger at him. 

"The horse stood looking at her as if striving to understand what thatstrange word 'Yankee' meant; then he threw up his head and shook itdefiantly. 

"We said good-by to Imp and returned to the cart where Tim waited. Wesent Tim to the barns with the mule and we went back to the house. 

"That was such a busy day that everyone felt weary and glad when the sunshowed its slanting rays over the trees. It must have been about fouro'clock when sounds of approaching cavalry reached the house. It was thecompany Newell and his brother had formed a few months before. They hadbeen driven over the mountainside and decided to spend the night inhiding at home. 

"The sewing room was filled with neighbors whose boys were members ofthe company, so you can imagine the joy of seeing them again. 

"The boys were covered with mire halfway to the waist, and their horseslooked as if they must drop where they stood. Many of the soldiers werehatless, powder smirched, and, oh, so tired!

"Rebecca took me to her room and locked the door. 

"'Selina, did you see that tall dark officer--the one that kept smilingat us? Well, he is my best friend, and I want you to fall in love withhim. He knows all about you and I showed him your picture a long timeago, so he knows you quite well, you see. '

"I laughed merrily at Becky's match-making. 

"'Oh, ' she sighed, as her thought rushed to something else. 'Wasn't itjust like Providence that we got Imp and all of those supplies hiddenaway in time?'

"'Yes, but it is not necessary with the rebels in command of the place, 'I said, using the term 'rebel' quite unconsciously, for the first time. 

"Rebecca noticed it, too, but said nothing at the time. 

"'Well, I showed you just how to get in and out of that cave in case youare the only one who can take care of Imp. One never knows what mayhappen, but you, being my guest, are safe with our friends, and, being aYankee, will be taken care of in case the enemy take the place. But, remember, if Imp is to be taken from me, I would rather you had him thananyone on earth--and you must assert your ownership if necessary to takehim home with you. '

"That was a great reunion, that dinner! Besides all of the youngsoldiers, their families were there, listening to their account of thestruggle. 

"The happy families had finished dinner and were about to have coffeewhen a colored boy raced up the steps of the piazza. His face was graywith fear as he gasped, 'De Yanks am comin'--oh, dey am comin' pell mellfoh dis house! oh, Lud, Lud!'

"'Tell all the folks, Jeremiah, quick!' shouted Becky, as she sprangforward to warn her friends. 

"'The horses--quick, Tim! The horses--rush them to the house!' yelledNewell, as he grabbed his gun and threw on his cap. 

"'Mother, good-by, ' cried Ed, as he caught a kiss from her lips, andNewell hurriedly did the same. 

"The next minute all was confusion as the soldier boys jumped into thesaddle, while still buckling on knapsacks and ammunition belts. 

"Five minutes after Jeremiah had given the alarm, the boys were lost ina cloud of dust galloping on the way to Nashville. But not soon enough!"

Here, Aunt Selina leaned back in her chair and looked away over thelawns as if she saw again the scurrying horses racing for dear life inone direction, while from the opposite direction she saw another pictureshe had not yet mentioned. 

"If you are wearied, Aunt Selina, we will postpone the story for anotherday, " suggested Mrs. Talmage. 

"Oh, no! please don't!" begged the excited children. 

"Oh, Flutey, I simply couldn't wait until to-morrow to find out whathappened, " cried Ruth, beseechingly. 

Aunt Selina smiled at the children, and Uncle Ben added: "They areright! I don't want to wait either!"

"Really! is it as good as that?"

"Good! I should say it is! It's a big 'seller' if it was only in abook!" returned Uncle Ben. 

"Well, then, after the magazine is done with it suppose we sell it to apublisher for the benefit of the children, " ventured Aunt Selina, eagerly. 

"Fine idea! We will try it!" said Uncle Ben. 

Aunt Selina moved her chair to keep the rays of the setting sun from hereyes, and then continued with her story. 

CHAPTER IX

HOW THE YANKEES TOOK POSSESSION

"I think the rest of this story is the most interesting of all, "murmured Aunt Selina, as she permitted her memory to roam in years longgone. 

The children waited patiently for Aunt Selina to begin and, after ashort moment, she sat up erect, looking fearfully out over the lawn, andspoke hurriedly. 

"Right there before our very eyes we saw the Yankee regiment tear downthe lane and swerve toward the road just taken by the Southern boys. They were still to be seen making for the woods just over the slope ofthe hill toward Nashville. 

"We heard the captain shout, 'Halt! Aim! Fire!' and, as a volley rangout, many of the ladies on the piazza screamed or fainted, while Rebeccaand I stood petrified at the result of that happy dinner. 

"Almost at the same time the Yankees fired there came the rattle ofmusketry from the woods which the boys had reached. 

"From the veranda I saw several of the Yankees' horses leap up and twoof them rolled over on the ground. One man threw up his hands, fell overon his horse's neck, and dropped his gun. The horse, frightened, startedgalloping directly toward the house. Tim, who was coming down the sidesteps, ran forward and caught hold of the bridle. Mr. Crudup and some ofhis friends lifted the young soldier from the saddle and carefullycarried him up the piazza steps, and placed him on the floor. 

"While much of my attention was distracted by this incident, the companyof Yankees spurred their horses on toward the patch of woods where theSoutherners were hidden. 

"The firing continued for half an hour, while everyone at the housewaited, fearing the worst and hoping against hope that their boys hadgotten away to Nashville. 

"Rebecca's two brothers, cousins and old friends were all in thathandful of men, and naturally those gathered at the house would waituntil the outcome of the skirmish could be known. 

"They had not long to wait, for, just as twilight deepened into night, the negroes came in with the report that all of the boys had beencaptured and were being taken as prisoners to the old school-house. Inanother half-hour the officers rode up to the door, followed byorderlies and an ambulance corps bringing in the wounded. Slaves weredispatched here and there for hot water, bandages, beds, bedding andmedicine. We all hastened to prepare a place for those who needed ourcare and attention so sorely. 

"As the wounded were carried up the steps and past the neighbors, whostood by watching for their own, Rebecca's mother saw her youngest boylying unconscious with his face white as death and his hair matted withblood that oozed from a wound in his neck. She almost fainted, butRebecca held her firm, saying, 'Mother, now is the time to brace up andtake care of Newell that he may soon recover. '

"Of the Yankees, one was killed outright and five badly wounded, whilethe Southern boys sustained more serious injuries. Two were killed andnine wounded. The house was immediately turned into a hospital, bothsides receiving the same attention. 

"The officers were very considerate but insisted upon having theirrights observed. When it was found that some foraging parties were inthe neighborhood, the captain sent an orderly to say that the CrudupPlantation was well supplied. The Yankees, receiving the message, rodeover, took what was needed, food, cattle and horses, and went away. 

"Mr. Crudup spared his family the harrowing details of the raid, butlooked upon it as the fortune of war and thanked heaven that so much ofhis property was safely buried. 

"When the store-rooms, linen-presses, blanket-trunks, and cellars werefound almost empty, the officer in charged looked surprised and wonderedaloud. 

"'Most unusual to find so large an establishment short of all supplies, and a retinue of servants to feed, to say nothing of the droves ofneighbors always coming in for supper. '

"Mr. Crudup overheard the soliloquy and replied courteously. 

"'Sir, do not forget that your company is not the first to stop hereand demand my hospitality. Naturally, we would lavish our all upon ourown men, you know. '

"The officers were very polite and interesting young men, but Rebeccaand I had to go about the plantation very warily, for we never knew whenwe might be spied upon. Imp had to be cared for daily, so we foundplenty of amusement in eluding the Yankees. 

"The youngest of the officers was a handsome boy and it was not longbefore we became very friendly. When he learned that I was a Yankee andhow I happened to be South, he insisted upon my returning home at once, saying that the neighborhood about Nashville soon would be an impossibleplace to live. 

"When he found that my home was at Happy Hills he was greatly pleased. 

"'Why, I have called at your home many times; my sister and yours areschool friends. ' He described his home and how his sister looked whenshe came to visit us, and I faintly recalled seeing him with the otherswho were some years my senior. 

"From that day he became the sworn ally of Rebecca and myself. Heunderstood there was a secret between us and often managed to screen uswhen we left the house to creep to the cavern to look after Imp. 

"The wounded were getting along beautifully, and nothing exciting hadoccurred for a fortnight. Foraging parties that stopped at the house andfound Yankees in possession moved on. It seemed more like a house-party. 

"But a change soon took place. 

"It was afterward learned that Ed Crudup escaped during the transfer ofthe prisoners from the school-house to the army; he found out from someof the Crudup slaves that the Yankees who shot his brother andimprisoned himself were holding the premises until further orders fromHeadquarters. So he raised a small company at Nashville and drilled themfor a few days, planning to surprise the men at the house and take themprisoners. 

"One day, while some of the Yankees were out foraging, Ed and his mencame upon them suddenly and a skirmish ensued. 

"Ed was shot down and so was our young officer who was in command of theforagers that day. The others fought like madmen, hand to hand, untilthe men at the house, hearing the shots, ran out to their assistance. 

"The Southerners, outnumbered, took flight, but were pursued andcaptured. 

"The two men, Ed and Vernon, lay still as death in the tall grass, andno one missed them at the time of the pursuit. 

"Tim, however, on his way to water Imp, found his young master shotthrough the heart, and the young Yankee unconscious. In his faithfulloyalty to the family, he decided to make a prisoner of the Yankee, sohe dragged Vernon over to the waterfall, carried him through the spray, and laid him down on the mattress in the cave. The cold water which hadfallen upon Vernon's face had partially revived him, and he moaned as ifin pain. 

"Tim lighted the lantern and examined him. He found a clean bullet holein his chest, but very little bleeding. He decided the best thing to dowould be to notify the master. So, after attending to Imp, he crept outof the cave and went over to the remains of the young master. He managedto carry him until he met some of the slaves, then had them improvise astretcher to carry the body to the house. 

"There was great sorrow in the household, and his death changed theattitude of the Crudups toward the Yankee officers. 

"When it was found that young Vernon was missing, with no trace of himanywhere, it was thought that he had been taken captive by a few of theConfederates who got away. Rebecca and I felt dreadfully lonesome afterour friend was missing, and I wished, for the first time since I cameSouth, that I could go home. 

"Then one morning, Rebecca and I decided to go through the hole in thelive-oak tree and crawl to the cave to see Imp. We had not dared tovisit him for some days, as a Yankee sentry was stationed in the woodsby the waterfall. 

"Rebecca hid a small lantern under her cloak and we strolledunconcernedly down the lane toward the dell. We looked carefully aboutto make sure no spies were watching, and in another minute both of usdisappeared. We groped along until we reached the opening into the caveand as we crawled out near Imp's bed, he greeted us with a joyfulwhinny. Rebecca ran over and placed her hand over his mouth, so she didnot see the apparition that stared at me from the mattress. Had I heldthe lantern I would have dropped it. As it was, I almost dropped myself, so frightened was I. 

"I clutched Rebecca's arm and she turned about to see what ailed me. Ina second she recognized Vernon and ran over with the lantern. As hecould not tell us how he came there, but confided that Tim and Mr. Crudup came daily to attend to him, we learned that they knew of hiswhereabouts. Rebecca snapped her teeth close and her eyes blazed at thethought of her father keeping this man a prisoner in such a suffocatingplace. 

"While we were there, Tim and Mr. Crudup crept through the tunnel andfound us talking to the sick man. 

"'Becky, better leave this business to us, ' suggested Mr. Crudup. 

"'Father, how could you keep this man in such a place?' cried Rebecca, unguardedly. 

"'Ssh!' warned Tim, apprehensively. 

"Mr. Crudup told Rebecca how Tim had carried Vernon here to squareaccounts for Ed's death; how he had shown Tim the folly of the deed, and that being done, it had to be made the best of, or disclose thesecret of the cave. Tim was so repentant that he agreed to remain in thecave and nurse the prisoner. 

"After our discovery, Rebecca spent several hours with Vernon each dayreading or talking to him, while Imp began to show his fondness forVernon in every way a horse can. 

"Matters at the house became troublesome, for the larder was empty, andthere was no way to get at the great store-rooms dug out of the groundwithout letting the Yankees into the secret. 

"Tim had been very meek since he found the serious blunder he had madewith Vernon, and he was eager to make amends in any way. 

"From the time that Tim heard of the threatened famine he was seldomseen about the place. Now and then, one of the family would meet himcoming from the basement with his face and hands smeared with black, buthe never confided in anyone as to his work or whereabouts, and being anaged favored man, Mr. Crudup never questioned him. 

"One morning the cook entered the room where the family was gatheredand announced: 'There ain't no aigs fer brekfus. '

"'Have plain ham or bacon, ' suggested Mrs. Crudup. 

"'De ham an' bacon done all et up, too, ' said cook. 

"Mrs. Crudup looked deeply concerned, but said: 'Then we'll have justcoffee and muffins. '

"'Done used all de flour yistiddy--not a smitch lef'. '

"Here, indeed, was a quandary! Nothing to eat!

"This was Tim's opportunity. 

"He came in, bowed with old hat in his hand, and turned to the cook withthe request, 'You please 'scuse yo-se'f fum de room whiles I conflab widde missus?'

"Cook tossed her head and went out, followed by everyone except Mr. AndMrs. Crudup. 

"Tim turned his hat about in his hands for a time and then looked upsmilingly and said: 'I done squared myself wid you all fer makin' datblunner 'bout the Yank. I done gone and dug a tunnel fru fum de coalcellah to the fust storehouse on de fiel'. I fixed a doh to the cellaran' heah's de key to de padlock. '

"'You what!' exclaimed Mr. Crudup, in amazement. 

"'Yas'm, das whad I did!' said Tim. 

"Mr. Crudup threw back his head and laughed while he slapped Tim on theback and said, 'Tim, it will take more than a company of Yankees tostarve us out while you are about!'

"But Mrs. Crudup took Tim's hand and thanked him with tears in her eyes. 

"The supply question was easily solved after that. No one but Tim knewwhere the tunnel was, for Mr. Crudup never allowed anyone to be aboutwhen the old servant started his daily trip to the undergroundstore-rooms. Oftentimes, the officers expressed their wonder as to howSouthern cooks could manage the way they did, with so little on hand tocook with. If they suspected the truth they never hinted at it. 

"The secret of Vernon's prison had been kept, and several weeks afterthe fight that disabled him, his company was ordered to join the mainarmy. The moment the place was entirely freed from the Yankees, Mr. Crudup ordered one of the guest-rooms prepared, and, to the surprise ofMrs. Crudup, told her he had a prisoner to bring in. That night Vernonwas blindfolded, placed upon a stretcher, and taken to the house. 

"As soon as he could sit up and come down upon the veranda, we wonderedwhat to do with him. He was our prisoner but we had no use for him. Everyone liked him and disliked sending him to the dirty barrack-jail inNashville. 

"Suddenly Rebecca was inspired with a brilliant plan. 

"When the Yankee officers left the place they took the convalescentprisoners with them. Now Rebecca suggested that negotiations be startedto exchange Vernon for Newell. 

"Mr. Crudup immediately sent Tim to Nashville to see if this could bedone, and friends there promised to attend to it without delay. Consequently, in a few days, a number of soldiers from Nashville rode tothe Crudup house and carried away the prisoner, giving Mrs. Crudup theslip of paper that stated that Newell's freedom would be granted uponthe return of Vernon. 

"We all felt sorry about losing Vernon, but he promised to visit me atHappy Hills when the war was over. "

Aunt Selina stopped and the children began plying questions. 

"Aunt Selina, what became of Imp?" asked Dot. 

"We kept him in the cave for a few days more, and then, one morning, thenegroes all turned green with fear when they saw Rebecca riding Imp downthe road from the paddock, for they believed Imp to have been taken withthe other horses, and were sure that this was a ghost of the real Imp. "And Aunt Selina laughed as she recalled Rebecca's mad ride down the laneand the high wall Imp vaulted before he stopped stock still in front ofthe quaking, superstitious slaves. 

"Did Newell come back home?" asked Betty, whose sympathy was all for themother who lost one boy and then had the other one taken prisoner. 

"We received word of his transfer from the Yankee army to his own. Hewent into active service again and fought all through the rest of thewar. He won many honors for bravery before the Confederate Army wasdisbanded. "

"Do you know what became of him afterwards?" asked Don, interested insuch a fighter. 

"He married and settled out West upon a large ranch. Now and thenRebecca's daughter has a letter from him, giving news of his children orthe grandchildren. "

"Oh, then, Rebecca married too. Did you know who it was?" asked severalcurious voices. 

"Yes, " smiled Aunt Selina. "She married the very beau she had selectedfor me. "

"I am so anxious to know if that fine old house is still there and if wecould find the cave and underground store-rooms if we ever went there?"asked Norma. 

"No, dear; the beautiful old mansion was entirely destroyed by firestarted from a shell during the time the battle line closed aboutNashville. I was not there at the time, but Rebecca wrote and told me ofthe dreadful scenes. Almost every family for miles about was lefthomeless and destitute. The Pines, Rebecca's home, stood as long as anyand sheltered every homeless Southerner round about. "

"I guess Rebecca liked to remember that, didn't she?" said Ruth. 

"Yes, indeed, Fluff. "

"Aunt Selina, you didn't tell us what became of Imp and Rebecca thatday she rode up to the house, " reminded Ned. 

"Rebecca laughed at the servants' fear and rode Imp over to the steps ofthe piazza. We stood watching her as she jumped off and led Imp right upto the rail. 'Lady, ' said she to me, 'this horse just told me that hewas going North on a little visit. As there is no one here but you whocan take him there, I believe he intends taking you home. ' AlthoughRebecca's eyes filled with tears and her voice trembled, we all laughedand made a great fuss over Imp. 

"Later, she confided to me that she had entrusted Vernon with therequest to secure a passport for Selina Talmage and her horse, Imp, going home to Happy Hills, Pennsylvania. The passport came that day in aletter for Rebecca explaining how I was to go and to whom I was toentrust myself. A note for me was inclosed in the letter, and I read itwith a smile. Vernon said he would demand payment for the favor given meas soon as he reached Happy Hills. Rebecca teased me about that note andsaid that she knew what the favor would be, for Vernon was in love withme. I pooh-poohed the suggestion but felt very glad to pack my clothesfor home. In a few days word came that I was to ride to a certain townwhere an escort would meet me and conduct me to the nearest railroad. And so Imp and I went home. "

"And now tell us, Aunt Selina, did Vernon come home and ask that favor?"wondered Norma, interested in a love-story. 

"Oh, yes! He had leave of absence for several months to fully recoverfrom the wound that had partially punctured a lung. He used to ride overto Happy Hills every day, and I tell you we missed him when he returnedto his regiment. "

"Where is he now, Aunt Selina?" asked Ruth. 

"Gone--his name is carved on the monument at Washington for bravery inthe Battle of Bull Run, " whispered Aunt Selina. 

"Oh, oh, Aunt Selina! Is _he_ the same one you told me about lastspring?" gasped Ruth. 

Aunt Selina dabbed her tear-moistened eyes and tried to smile as shesaid, "The same, Honey. "

"What's that--tell us, Aunt Selina; we never heard about it, " criedseveral children. 

"Well, Vernon came back North about a year after his leave of absenceexpired with important letters for a general in Philadelphia. Afterdelivering the letters he was to have two days' leave in which to gohome and see his folks. He rode over to our house one evening and askedmy father and mother if he might pay court to me when the war was over. My parents were delighted, for they knew him and liked him. Vernon and Iwalked out to the very summer house that Ruth was in when she thought ofthe farm plan, and there he told me what he had said to my parents. Hewould not bind me, for he said he might never come back. But I said itwould make no difference to me--if he never returned I would wait justthe same. We exchanged rings--one which had been given me for mybirthday and one he had received on his twenty-first birthday. When heleft that night mother gave him a paper, but I never knew what was in ituntil later. When news of his bravery and death came home, the lettercontained a ring and a small daguerreotype picture of me. Then mothersaid he had asked for it the night he went away. "

"Oh, Aunt Selina, how lovely of you!" cried several little girls asthey crowded about the old lady and hugged her. 

"Rebecca did not return to school again, but as soon as the war was overwe wrote and invited Mr. And Mrs. Crudup to bring Rebecca North to visitus. The elders were too heart-sore to come to a country they blamed forall their losses, but Rebecca came and stayed a long time. "

CHAPTER X

BEGINNING TO SPELL SUCCESS

Another nest of Blue Birds had been formed under Mrs. Catlin'ssupervision, and these little girls were chosen to act as agents tosecure subscriptions for the forthcoming magazine. They were alsopermitted to donate short stories or pictures to the magazine and, beingso young a branch of the first Nest, felt this was a special privilege. 

Aunt Selina had written her interesting Civil War story and had it readyfor Uncle Ben, but Mrs. Catlin was still busy trying to arrange herchapters so they would make a good serial. 

The Blue Birds had written their pages over and over, and finally Mrs. Talmage said they would lose all sense in the telling if they kept onrewriting. So the pages were taken as they were and corrected by UncleBen. 

As the various short articles came in to the Publishing House, Mrs. Talmage took charge of them. Many a pleased surprise she had as sheread the different articles submitted by the boys, and the suggestionsand hints sent in by the girls. 

The Bobolinks spent every afternoon at their Publishing House, settingtype, trying to run machines, and find out various things aboutbusiness. The two young men promised by Uncle Ben were not expecteduntil actual work on the magazine began. 

So much talk had been heard at various dinner-tables in Oakdale, thatfathers manifested enough curiosity in the work to ask for an invitationto the Publishing House. The habit of "dropping in to watch the boys"grew to be regular meetings, and the men enjoyed the social evenings asmuch as the boys did. Naturally, the work did not lose any of its valueby the suggestions and ideas given by the older, experienced businessmen, but the Blue Birds grew envious over the evident interest shown inthe Bobolinks while they were never about. 

One afternoon the Blue Birds gathered about Mrs. Talmage with acomplaint. 

"Mother Wings, those Bobolinks will be 'way ahead of us in this fun, unless you get the mothers to meet once in a while to suggest things forus to do, " said Ruth, dolefully. 

"And from something I heard Don tell Mete, those fathers have promisedto help the Bobolinks do the _work_, too!" broke in Dot Starr. 

"Since Ned has moved his printing stuff to the carriage house his den isvacant--we might use that for our Winter Nest, until we find somethingbetter, " suggested Mrs. Starr, after thinking seriously of what had justbeen said. 

"That will be all right, but it won't boost our work like the boys arebeing boosted, " fretted Norma. 

"I shall have to think of it, " replied Mrs. Talmage, deeply concernedover the discontent of the Blue Birds; but Aunt Selina, who had been asilent listener of the complaint, spoke. 

"Are those Bobolinks and the men actually helping the success of themagazine?"

"No, not that we can see; they just use paper and fool away everyevening running those machines, " snapped Dot, who generally heard allthe doings from her brothers. 

"Then they are not getting ahead so fast with success as you seem tothink, " replied Aunt Selina, calmly. "The principal things in making amagazine pay are its circulation and the advertising contracts. If theseare not being thought of and tried, the Bobolinks are wasting theirprecious time. "

"But they are so well acquainted with the machines that they say theycan print anything!" said Dot. 

"All right, suppose we take them at their word and ask them to give usproof of some circulars, " laughed Mrs. Talmage. 

"I suppose they would, but where would we use them?" asked Norma. 

"This is what I would suggest--we'll play the game of the 'Tortoise andthe Hare, ' and they'll be left asleep at their work while we win therace, " declared Aunt Selina. 

The Blue Birds gathered closer to Aunt Selina's chair, and she continuedher instruction. 

"We'll have Mother Wings write a letter and ask Mr. Wells to bring downthat Institution Book he promised us, as we wish to use it at once. Thenwe'll count up the number of institutions where we could send a magazineand circular. Some of these will subscribe most likely, while thecircular letter will reach the hands of some of the wealthy patrons ofthe Homes. We'll compose a letter and order those Bobolinks to print tenthousand for us. I guess that will keep them busy for a time and at thesame time make them wonder what _we_ are doing without their knowledgeor consent. "

"Shall we mail the letters when they are printed?" asked Betty. 

"No, I thought we could address large-sized envelopes with the names ofthe institutions and as soon as the magazines are printed we can place aletter and a magazine in each envelope. Of course, we inclose asubscription blank, too; this work of folding and sealing the lettersand magazines is where we will invite the mothers to help. After that wecan send out some samples to other folks, but we will make the Bobolinkswonder why the mothers are here so often. "

The Blue Birds laughed and thought the plan very good, and Dot Starradded, "We're surely glad you're here, Aunt Selina. "

"And we will keep all of our papers and work in the den and no one willsee what is being done, " added Mrs. Talmage. 

"You must keep the key, Mother Wings, " advised Ruth. 

The letter for Mr. Wells was written without delay, for Norma was tohand it to her father that evening. After this was finished theimportant work of composing a letter for folks who would receive themagazine was started. 

This letter provoked many suggestions and criticisms, but finally wasconcluded and read aloud to the children, who declared it just right. 

"But we haven't a bit of paper for the printing, " exclaimed Ruth. 

"Maybe Aunt Selina and I can go to the paper mills in the morning andsee if they have any small lot that will do, " suggested Mrs. Talmage. 

This offer cheered the Blue Birds again, as a few hours' delay would notmatter very much. 

"Now, that's done, what next?" asked Dot. 

"Next thing is to say 'good-afternoon' and go home, " laughed Mrs. Talmage, looking at her watch. 

"Oh, dear, mother, it cannot be dinner-time, " said Ruth. 

"It is almost six o'clock, and I have some matters to look after, dear, " returned her mother. 

"Well, we can invite our mothers to join us, anyway, can't we, Mrs. Talmage?" said May. 

"Yes, but I wouldn't mention the fact that we feel that we must havethem to enable us to get ahead of the Bobolinks, for your fathers willhear of it and plan some way to win out in spite of us, " advised theastute Aunt Selina. 

"We won't! We'll just say that as long as the boys have their fatherswith them, we girls are going to invite our mothers, " explained Norma, while the others nodded approval. 

"May we come to-night?" asked Betty. 

"How about school lessons?" asked Mrs. Talmage. 

"And I want to revise several parts of my story to-night, besides thepaper mills have not yet been visited, you know, " objected Aunt Selina. 

"Girls, we'd better wait until to-morrow; that's Friday and we won'thave to go to bed so early as other evenings, " suggested Ruth. 

"All right, we'll meet in the den to-morrow afternoon and report howmany mothers will be here, " consented Dot. 

"And I'll have Mrs. Catlin here in the evening, " added Mrs. Talmage. 

"Mother Wings, if we use that old room of Ned's, why couldn't we call itour Winter Nest? We can move in our cherry-tree Nest furniture when itgrows colder and make the room look real comfy, " said Ruth. 

The other Blue Birds approved of the suggestion and Mrs. Talmage saidshe had no objection to having the Winter Nest in the den, so it wasdecided then and there. 

Ruth accompanied her friends to the steps and as they stood vainlywishing there were several extra hours to add to an afternoon, Dot sawDon jump out of the wide-open door of the Publishing House and laughderisively at someone inside. 

"Now I wonder what that boy is up to?" she said. 

"Oh, say, wouldn't it be fun to creep in back of the carriage house andpeep in at the windows to watch the boys!" suggested Edith. 

"I know a better way, " answered Ruth. "We will ask Ike to let us go upin the loft from the small room and we can look down through the widechinks of the floor. "

"Oh, do let's!" cried the Blue Birds, as they hurried back of the houseto steal noiselessly over to the garage. 

Ike understood the rivalry growing between them, and decided to beperfectly impartial, so he unlocked the door of the small room where thestairs led to a loft over the Publishing House. 

The Bobolinks were making such a noise that they never heard thecreaking of the floor overhead, or the giggles of the girls as theyglued their eyes to the crevices between the boards. 

"Now it's Tuck's turn to be an advertising solicitor!" called Don, whoevidently had been discharged from some make-believe service when he wasso unexpectedly put out of the door. 

"Ah, I'd never make a solicitor of any kind, " grumbled Tuck Stevens. 

"But you've got to play the game as we all promised, " coaxed some of theboys. 

"I'll be the man you want to see, " persuaded Jinks. 

"Come on, Tuck. We'll have to go home pretty soon, so get busy, "commanded Ned. 

The girls began to understand that the Bobolinks were not playing, butpracticing their duty for the future, so they silently looked at eachother and nodded understandingly. 

"Here goes, then, " ventured Tuck, bravely. 

He strutted across the floor toward the office and met one of the boysstationed there. 

"Good-morning, sir; do you wish to see anyone?" asked the impromptuclerk. 

"I have an appointment with Mr. Slamhim, " quivered Tuck, as if the visitwas an actual affair. 

The boys tittered with glee as Tuck turned red and white. 

"Your name, please?" asked the polite clerk. 

"Reuben Stevens, " replied Tuck, in a whisper. 

"Ha! the name'll queer you, Tuck!" laughed Don, behind his chum's back, but the older boys hushed Don. 

The clerk rapped upon the office door and a voice said, "Come in. "

"Reuben Stevens to see you, sir. He has an appointment. "

"Show him in, " said the voice which Ruth recognized as a disguised bassof Ned's. 

Tuck walked to the office and then turned about and asked the otherboys: "Now, what shall I say--I've forgotten. "

Immediately there was a loud chorus of laughter, and a scuffle and Tuckwas ousted in the same manner that Don had been. 

"Didn't I say that name would spoil you?" teased Don. 

"Next!" called one of the boys who had a list of names which he markeddown "good, indifferent, bad. "

The boy whose turn came next carried off the rehearsal as if he had beena solicitor all of his short life. The other boys cheered his effortsand even the Blue Birds were tempted to clap their hands. 

"Well, Bobolinks, I think this will do for to-day; we have drilled threeof the boys after the manner shown us last night, but Don and Tuck seemto be hopeless cases, " said Ned. 

"I'll practice it at home on Dot, and show you what I can do to-morrow, "eagerly promised Don. 

Dot looked up at her friends when she heard this and shook her headenergetically. 

The Bobolinks carefully covered the machines with the canvas covers andstarted to go out. At the same time the girls in the loft crept acrossthe floor toward the steps. The boys were not making so much noise aswhen the Blue Birds went up in the loft, and Meredith stood surprisedwhen he heard something moving over his head. 

"Where's Ike?" he whispered to Ned. 

"Just outside the door--why?" replied Ned. 

"Don't you hear those footsteps?"

"What--where? Yes, of course!" exclaimed Ned. 

Simon was seen crossing the lawn and Ike stood outside with the boys, sowho could be upstairs?

Meantime, Ruth overheard Meredith's exclamation and hurried the girlsdown and out, and pushed them inside the garage before any of the boyscould persuade Ike that someone was upstairs. Finally he allowed them todrag him to the small carriage room and ascend the steps. 

The Blue Birds lay hidden in the bottom of the automobile and almostsuffocated trying to keep from laughing outright at the way theBobolinks were hoodwinked. 

Every one of the boys trudged up the steps, but found the loft empty. Assoon as they were out of sight in the small room, the girls jumped outof the car and ran madly for the shrubbery which sheltered the kitchengardens from the lawns. Here, they could creep toward home without beingseen from the barns. 

Ike looked carefully about the loft but hid a smile when his back wasturned. 

"There, I told you no one was here!" he said. 

"Well, I don't care, I _heard_ them!" retorted Ned. 

"Maybe it was rats!" ventured Ike. 

"No, sir, you said that you were never pestered with rats; besides, thisnoise was just like walking would sound, " insisted Ned. 

Ike kept the boys upstairs arguing for a sufficient time to permit theBlue Birds to get out of the way, then he started down. 

"Well, I'll keep the door locked and the key in my room, " promised Ike, as the boys waited for him to lock up. 

"If it was a tramp, Ned, he couldn't move our machinery, so what's theuse bothering?" said Don. 

"He could steal our type and other things, and sell them, " grumbled Ned, still unassured. 

Ruth was walking slowly up from the main gates when Ned reached theveranda. She was stooping over a chrysanthemum blossom to note itsbeautiful coloring when Ned whistled to attract her attention. 

"Better hurry in and wash up for dinner--it's almost seven, and motherdoesn't like dinner delayed, you know, " Ned said, as Ruth skipped upsmilingly. 

Not a word was said, and the Bobolinks never found out how the BlueBirds watched them practice their future business tactics. 

The next morning Mrs. Talmage and Aunt Selina had Ike drive them to thepaper mills. 

Mrs. Talmage explained her errand and selected some samples ofstationery paper. The manager then showed them over the mills and AuntSelina whispered aside to Mrs. Talmage: "What an interesting articlethis work would make. "

"Indeed, yes!" replied Mrs. Talmage, turning to the manager to tell himof the new venture of the Blue Birds and ask him to write up a storyabout the manufacture of paper. 

"That I will! I like to write, and often, when I'm tired or worried, Isit down to write a funny sketch. I have sold a number of them to Sundaypapers, " was the surprising reply. 

The two ladies were escorted to the manager's office and chairs wereplaced for them while a price list was prepared for the convenience ofthe Blue Birds. 

This done, the manager sat back in his office chair. 

"Have the children planned any campaign for securing circulation?" heasked. 

"Why, no, Mr. White, we intended talking that matter over with themothers to-night. We are all so inexperienced in this undertaking that Isuppose a business man would laugh at our way of putting 'the cartbefore the horse, ' as the saying is, " laughed Mrs. Talmage. 

"The fact is, this whole proposition is so sudden and different fromanything the children had dreamed of!" added Aunt Selina, in defence oftheir mistakes. 

"I know! When I heard of the daring of the children I certainly admiredtheir spunk, but I couldn't help shaking my head, too, for it is nojoke to start a real business, as they are doing, " said Mr. White, seriously. 

"Well, we will need the help of all of our friends, " smiled Mrs. Talmage. 

"You'll have it, too. Why, everybody in Oakdale felt the Blue Birds'work last summer was wonderful; now, this new venture will have thesupport of all of the townsfolks. "

"It is very encouraging to hear you speak so, and if you think of anyway to boom our circulation, I wish you would come over some evening andtell us all about it, " replied Mrs. Talmage. 

Suddenly the manager sat upright and looked toward the book-shelves, which contained rows of business-like looking reference books. 

"I believe we have the idea!" exclaimed he, jumping up and going over tothe shelves to take down a heavy volume. 

"This book contains all the names and addresses of stationery stores inthe United States and Canada. It is only a year old, so most of theseaddresses will be up-to-date. We use it for mailing samples of ourpaper, but I have an idea that you would get plenty of subscriptions andmake willing agents of these storekeepers. If you send a sample of yourmagazine and give them a liberal commission there is no reason why thesefirms would refuse to act as agents. Anyway, it would do no harm to tryout the suggestion, " said Mr. White. 

"Why, Mr. White, do you know that you are a direct answer to my prayer!"cried Aunt Selina. 

"I am grateful to be favored, " laughed Mr. White, "but it must be yourfaith that brought the answer. "

"Well, to tell the truth, " continued Aunt Selina, "I am so very anxiousto have this movement of the children a fine success that I have beenpraying in season and out for the way to open that we might be blessedin this work. All we needed for the next step was a hint forcirculation. "

"And I'll confide a secret, too, " said Mrs. Talmage, leaning over towardthe desk. "The boys have had their fathers meet with them every evening, advising and drilling them in ways and means to succeed, while my girlshave had to do the best they can with Aunt Selina and me. This book willboost us far ahead of the Bobolinks and give the men who are advising afine surprise. "

Mr. White laughed as he understood the rivalry between the two factions, and promised to send his wife to the meetings of the mothers to conveyany advice or suggestions he might think of. 

"Oh, splendid! We expect to hold our first meeting at our houseto-night. Do bring her over!" cried Mrs. Talmage. 

As the three were going out to the automobile, Mr. White ventured aremark. 

"I have been told that the paper for the sample issue was to be sentover when you wished it. Now, I thought of making an advertisingproposition to the corporation at their next meeting. If the magazinewould mention that all the paper used by them for letters, circulars andmagazines was furnished by the Oakdale Mills, it would be a goodexchange if the company donated the paper needed for the first year'swork. "

The ladies stood amazed at the generous idea. 

"Every paper mill in the country will try to place a contract with thechildren as soon as news of this plan is out. Now, the Oakdale Mills cansecure its contract for future years by being wide-awake for thepresent. It is a strictly business proposition, you see, " explained Mr. White. 

"It may seem so to you, but I know that it is a proposition that noother firm would offer, and we are deeply grateful for your interest, "replied Mrs. Talmage, sagaciously. 

"I'll suggest it, and you find out if the magazine is willing to give usthe mention I hinted at, " said Mr. White. 

Handing the huge book of addresses to Ike, Mrs. Talmage shook hands withMr. White and reminded him to bring his wife to the meeting. 

"Well! that was the best hour's business yet!" exclaimed Aunt Selina, asthe car sped away. 

"Wonderful, isn't it? I hope everything will glide along as nicely as ithas up to the present, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

Being Friday, school closed an hour earlier than usual. The moment theBlue Birds could catch their hats from the pegs in the cloak-rooms, theyran out to join Ruth, who was hopping from one foot to the other in avain effort to calm her impatience. 

"Hurry, girls! Don't you know Mother Wings went to the mills thismorning for samples of paper?" called one to the other as they ran upto Ruth. 

It was not long thereafter that seven eager little girls crowded aboutMrs. Talmage on the veranda to hear the news. 

"I'll show you the samples, but we will wait for the mothers' opinionto-night. But this great secret I will give to you now!" and, forthwith, Mrs. Talmage told the Blue Birds all about Mr. White's interest andideas, and showed them the precious volume loaned them. 

CHAPTER XI

THE WINTER NEST COUNCIL

Before eight o'clock that night the Blue Birds and their mothers wereassembled in the living-room ready for a council. The children had notseen the den for a few days and stared in delight as they filed into theroom. Mrs. Talmage had purposely had all meet together before mentioningthat they might as well spend the evening in the Winter Nest. 

"Why, Mother Wings, when _did_ you fix this up?" asked Ruth, as muchsurprised as the others. 

Mrs. Talmage smiled, but said nothing. 

The guests looked about and admired the unique charm of the Blue Birdquarters for the winter, and Betty ventured the question: "What hasbecome of our other chairs?"

The room had all been renovated. The windows were hung with snow-flakemadras, and the floor covered with heavy knotted white rag carpet thatlooked like snow freshly packed. The walls had been repapered with asparkling white paper which glistened like ice in the electric light. From the wainscoting to the picture rail branches of dark green spruceand pine were fastened and upon these green needles were caught flakesof make-believe snow--made of white cotton-batting with diamond dustpowdered on it. The furniture of the summer Nest had been brought inlate that afternoon and the slip covers, which had been made for it, were slipped over until the thick white covers hid the familiar chairsunder the novelty cloth that looked like snow-drifts. The whole effectwas so beautiful that the children danced about with joy. 

"Well, we must get at our work, " reminded Aunt Selina, after enoughchairs had been brought in for all. 

"I walked over with Mr. Wells and he was quite surprised to find I wascoming to the house, " said Mrs. Wells, laughingly. 

"I never said a word to Mr. Talmage or his brother, " confided Mrs. Talmage, smiling at the secret. 

"Mr. Stevens knows I am at this council with Betty, but he hasn't thefaintest idea for what, " admitted Mrs. Stevens. 

And so it was that not one of the men who had formed the habit ofdropping in to help the Bobolinks could imagine what their wives weredoing with the Blue Birds. 

If the inmates of the Winter Nest that night could have seen thequestioning faces of the boys and men when it was known that a meetingof mothers was being held, they would have felt the balm of satisfactionapplied to wounded pride. 

Mrs. Talmage showed the sample of paper and, after a discussion of meritand price, a selection was made of an artistic grey paper to be printedin blue--the colors of the Blue Birds. 

"We must have envelopes to match, mother, " said Ruth. 

"I never thought of that, but it is so!" admitted Mrs. Talmage. 

"I know the address of a firm where Mr. Wells has all of his'made-to-order' envelopes made--we will get them to do it, " suggestedMrs. Wells. 

"What a relief to hear that offer!" sighed Mrs. Talmage. "I was justwondering where I could find anyone who would make them for us. "

"It also goes to prove that many heads gathered to discuss Blue Birdaffairs are better than one, and I suggest that we meet at least once aweek, " suggested Aunt Selina. 

So it was then and there agreed that the mothers would come regularly tohold a council in the Winter Nest with the Blue Birds. 

"Just as soon as the envelopes come back we can begin to address frommother's big book, can't we?" asked Norma. 

"If there's only one book, how can all of this crowd read it at the sametime and then write down the names?" demanded Dot Starr. 

"Why, we won't have to do that work, " added Mrs. Wells. "There's a firmin the city that addresses envelopes for a dollar a thousand. "

"Another fine hint! I'm sure I'd rather pay my share than risk Dot'sruining dozens of envelopes with ink, " laughed Mrs. Starr, patting Doton the hand. 

"We wouldn't want to write 'em in here, because the snow would freezeour fingers so the ink would spatter all over, " said Dot, ludicrously. 

"Yes, I suppose these lovely covers would be speckled black by the timethe Blue Birds completed, say, fifty thousand addresses, " laughed AuntSelina. 

"I would vote against Edith's writing--I fear the person would never getthe letter--it would go straight to the Dead Letter Office, " said Mrs. Wilson, pulling Edith's curls. 

As everyone knew how Edith hated writing and never could write a legiblehand, a laugh went up, in which Edith joined heartily. 

So the Blue Birds were spared the arduous task of copying thousands ofnames. 

"I have heard that these large addressing bureaus prefer to employchildren--I wonder why?"

"Because children just finishing grammar school are more careful informing letters and can write much better than adults. Besides, theyhave to pay children but a third that an adult would demand for hislabor, " explained Mrs. Wells. 

"Why, isn't that just as bad as working children in a factory?"questioned Miss Selina. 

"The rooms that I visited are just as bad. The girls are crowded closetogether in a wretchedly lighted room without ventilation, and they sitwriting all day with their poor backs bent double and fingers growncrooked from habit, " said Mrs. Wells. 

"Goodness! Can't we do something to stop it?" cried Mrs. Starr. 

"They have to have the money for home needs, and it isn't quite as bad, you know, as working all day in cold water to your knees, openingoysters at a cent a hundred. "

"Oh, dear, dear! don't tell me any more, " half wept Aunt Selina. "I feellike a criminal to think I lost all of these years with money piling upin the bank that could have helped hundreds of these little workers. Let's get busy this minute!"

"It would be nice to take all these little workers to the country, wouldn't it?" queried Mrs. Talmage. 

"Yes, yes! But, Mary, don't delay me longer in this work--I have so manyyears to make up, and so little time to do it in, " mourned Aunt Selina. 

"All right! Now that is settled--we hire a firm to do the addressing, and Mrs. Wells will see to the envelopes. What next?" said Mrs. Talmage. 

"Oh, Mother Wings, don't forget about that book--you know?" remindedRuth. 

"Oh, of course! One of our great secrets! Here is a volume loaned us byMr. White, of the Oakdale Paper Mills, and it has the addresses of allthe stationers in the country, " explained Mrs. Talmage. "He suggestedthat we send a sample magazine to each, with a letter stating agents'commissions and price of subscription. "

"And that reminds me--the book you wrote for was given me to bring into-night, and I left it out in the hall, " said Mrs. Wells, turning toFrances and asking her to get it. 

The institution book was brought in, and its pages eagerly scanned. 

"My! what a lot of poor children there are!" said Dot sympathetically. 

"It doesn't seem possible, does it?" said Mrs. Starr, turning to theothers. 

"We never realize what needs there are for help until we face somethingof this sort, " said Mrs. Talmage, turning page after page. Suddenly shestopped. 

"Has anyone here an idea of how many dependent little ones there are inthe United States alone?"

Heads were silently shaken, and Mrs. Talmage continued:

"There are 87, 000 children's institutions--homes, hospitals, asylums, and homes for cripples that are mostly supported by gifts, philanthropy, or legacies. About one-fourth of these are partially controlled by thestate. The number of inmates in these institutions amounts to 1, 740, 520children. Think of it! Practically a million and three-quarters! Howterrible!" And Mrs. Talmage had to find her handkerchief to dry her eyesat the picture of so many, many dear little ones bereft of home andmother-love. 

"Mary, Mary, I shall have to run away from here if you keep on!" criedAunt Selina. 

"But, Aunty, it is not your fault, and you must not feel this way, especially as you are doing so much to improve the conditions, " saidMrs. Talmage. 

"Well, mother, I should say that if there are 87, 000 addresses to sendletters to, we'd better begin that letter now, and not spoil Flutey'spleasure by thinking of all the things she never did, " advised Ruth, very sensibly. 

"Yes, that letter is very important--let us compose it, " said AuntSelina. 

After an hour of writing and rewriting, Mrs. Talmage read aloud theresult of their labor:

"Dear Friend:

"The Blue Birds of Oakdale have started a philanthropic work which mustappeal to everyone who is willing to help our poor children. A magazineis being published, a sample of which is being sent you, that willcontain instructive, helpful, interesting articles. 

"Perhaps you know that there are 87, 000 benevolent institutions in thiscountry filled with over a million and a half poor children, to whomthis magazine will prove a welcome visitor. The cost of producing thismagazine is partially paid for by donations, and the profit of the workis all devoted to a settlement in the country where the city childrencan spend the summer. 

"Inclosed find a subscription blank. Make all checks payable to 'BlueBirds of Happy Times Nest. '"

"Wish we had time to run over to the Bobolinks and order fifty thousandof these letters, " suggested Dot. 

"Oh, wouldn't it be fun to see their faces!" laughed Norma. 

"Maybe we will have time--it is only five minutes to nine, " announcedMrs. Talmage, looking at her watch. 

"We can try it--we will walk down the path, and if we find they areleaving we can keep our own council until another night, " said Mrs. Talmage, as everyone rose hurriedly to go. 

The children hurried on before, while the ladies followed more sedately. 

The heavy doors were closed, but an opening about a foot wide left spaceenough for Ruth to squeeze through and pull one of the sliding doorsalong the groove to admit the other visitors. 

The men had been lounging about, talking and watching their sons work, but upon the entrance of the ladies everyone arose in surprise. 

"Rather a late hour for a call, dear, " ventured Mr. Stevens. 

"Oh, not at all. We were attending a business meeting, and found itnecessary to leave an order with the Bobolinks. "

"An order--what kind of an order?" questioned Ned dubiously. 

Mrs. Talmage handed over the copy of the letter she wanted printed, anddirected the company to get out a proof as soon as possible, for theywould need about fifty thousand. 

"Fifty thousand!" gasped the boys, while the men looked incredulous. 

The Blue Birds could not restrain a giggle at the utter amazement of theBobolinks, and the ladies thoroughly enjoyed their husbands' surprise. 

"Oh, well, I suppose it will take you a long time to run off so many, soyou may do ten thousand at a time, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

The Bobolinks could find no words with which to reply, and the menseemed to have lost their tongues also. While Mrs. Talmage waited for ananswer, Don scowled at his twin sister. 

"I am still waiting to hear you accept the order, " smiled Mrs. Talmage, feeling that the Blue Birds had scored a point. 

"Maybe you are not yet ready to do business, " suggested Mrs. Wells, withjust a touch of sarcasm. 

"Of course we are ready!" exclaimed several boys, faintly echoed by themen. 

"Then tell us how long will it be before you can show us a proof?" askedMrs. Talmage. 

"H'm! We will have to consult, " replied Ned, as he beckoned some of theBobolinks to the rear of the room. 

The Blue Birds were so delighted at catching the Bobolinks napping thatthey danced up and down, finding it very difficult to keep their secret. 

Don was the first to come over to the ladies. 

"Say, what do you want that letter for? Where will you ever get paperenough to print ten thousand--we can't buy it for you, " he growled. 

"Don, come back here and mind your business!" shouted Meredith. 

"When you return to the boys, please ask them to hurry, as we haveanother letter to ask them about--we may need 100, 000 of these, " saidMrs. Starr sweetly. 

The Blue Birds noticed that their fathers looked sceptical at the lastsentence. 

"You never made up a list like that!" grunted Don, looking at the BlueBirds with fire shining in his eyes. 

"What do you think we were doing while you spent your evenings having agood time?" retorted Dot. 

"Humph!" was the only reply Don granted his sister. 

"Folks said this summer that we Blue Birds were little hustlers, but Inever paid much attention to them then; but _now_ I think we arehustlers when I see the way you Bobolinks poke away for two weeks andnothing to show for it, " teased May. 

Mr. Wells was called over to join the conference of the Bobolinks beforean answer was given the Blue Birds. 

"We will set this type and run off a proof by to-morrow evening; willthat do?" said Ned, coming forward with the letter. 

The Blue Birds thought it would take the boys about three days to settype and give a proof, so it was their turn to be surprised. Mrs. Talmage seemed to understand, however, and replied in a verycondescending voice:

"Oh, yes, to-morrow will be Saturday, and Uncle Ben will be here atnoon. That will be fine, for, of course, he will show you what to do;and I am sure he knows just what he would like for the purpose. "

The looks exchanged between the Bobolinks and Mr. Wells were sufficientproof that Mrs. Talmage was right in her surmise, but the Blue Birdswere too polite to say anything more. 

The men said it was long past closing hours, so the lights wereextinguished, and the whole party went out into the cool night air. 

Early Saturday morning the Blue Birds met again in their pretty WinterNest, and Mrs. Talmage told them what she had thought over since thenight before. 

"Since Uncle Ben will be here all afternoon to supervise the work, Ithink it would be as well for us to form the letter for thephilanthropists, too; then he can help the Bobolinks set the type. "

The Blue Birds agreed that this was a wise plan, and so the letter wasdiscussed and composed. This done, they went to the Publishing Housewith the copy, and told the boys what they wanted. The Bobolinks werehunting for the right style of type and fussing about the machines so asto have them in readiness for the afternoon. 

Uncle Ben arrived at noon, and the boys placed their work under hissupervision. From the expression on his face when he read the letters, it appeared that he understood the plans the Blue Birds were keeping soquiet. 

"What are you smiling at, Uncle Ben?" asked Ned, keen to find out whatthe Blue Birds were planning. 

"At the remarkable progress the Blue Birds have made since I lastvisited you, " returned Uncle Ben. 

"Why, they haven't done anything--much, " grumbled Don. 

"Only fixed up these two letters for us to print, " added Meredith. 

"They haven't done their usual sewing and playing in the cherry-treenest, either, " said Jinks. 

"Is that so? Well, how do you know _what_ they have been doing withoutyour knowledge?" asked Uncle Ben laughingly. 

The boys looked at him, and their eyes asked the question, "What?"

"As an old magazine man, I can see signs in these two letters that tellme of two tremendous pieces of work being started--and being very nicelyhandled, too. Why, I would not be surprised to have the Blue Birds flydown upon this Publishing House some day and settle here long enough tosay that they had a paid-up subscription list of ten thousand! At anyrate, you boys had better prepare to print about fifty thousand samplecopies of the first magazine. "

The faces of the Bobolinks looked as if their owners must sit down orcollapse. Uncle Ben laughed heartily at them. 

"Ah, you're only fooling us, as usual, " ventured Ned. 

"No, siree! I am not. Wait and see, " returned Uncle Ben. 

Without further discussion, Uncle Ben showed the boys the proper styleof type to use for a letter, then helped them run off a proof of bothletters. 

"This will show the Blue Birds that we are not so slow but that we canturn out samples in up-to-date style, " said Ned, as he admired theprinting. 

"Now, run off a few letters on this paper, " ordered Uncle Ben, producingsome beautiful bond paper. 

"My, but it's pretty! Where'd you get it, Uncle Ben?" asked Ned. 

"I brought it out for the Blue Birds' inspection, but I shouldn't doubtbut that they have already attended to that detail, so we will presentour proof all finished on my paper. "

"Now, tell us, Uncle Ben, why you think the Blue Birds have a big planof their own, " entreated Ned. 

Uncle Ben smiled and reminded the boys to keep his words from becomingpublic property. 

"I should say that the fact that the Blue Birds have not been near theirold Nest all week, when the weather is so glorious, proves that theyhave a deeper interest elsewhere. Now, what can that be? Here you have ahint of part of the interest, " and Uncle Ben waved the letters at theboys. "How do I know?

"Take these two letters--either one of them would startle a slowcirculation manager in the city if he thought a competitor suddenlyproduced it! Why, in some way the Blue Birds have found a way to reachbook stores, stationers, and similar business places. Then, too, themention of needing thousands shows me they have found a mine ofaddresses that is worth a large price to a publisher. "

"Ah, Uncle Ben, you're wrong there! The Blue Birds haven't goneanywhere, and no one has been here to tell them how to get such names, "said Ned. 

Without replying to Ned's words, Uncle Ben continued:

"Then, too, they must have the institution work well under considerationor they would not have ordered the form letter--and hinted at the sizeof the order. "

The boys shook their heads, unwilling to admit that Uncle Ben's surmisessounded practical. 

"Lastly, they have their paper selected, because they told you the sizethis sheet of printing is to be; and therefore they must know how deep amargin they will need. To get the size of their printing correct, theywould have to know how many sheets will cut out of a large sheet ofpaper, and order it cut accordingly. "

"If they have done all those things that you say they have, they are'way ahead of us Bobolinks, " grumbled Don. 

Uncle Ben laughed and advised:

"Boys, work _with_ these Blue Birds, not against them or ahead of them. Do not think that just because they are girls, and you are boys, thatthey are going to remain in the shade and let you boys come out andshine in the light. If you boys ever do business in the city, you willfind that a woman will contest your right at every step, for to-day'swomen are equal in every way to the men--I rather think a number of themare superior to the men. These Blue Birds are but a proof of what I say. They will not permit the Bobolinks to walk off with the honors that aredue them. " And Uncle Ben chuckled at the idea. 

"Well, Uncle Ben, you'll help us in every way until we are even with thegirls, won't you?" asked Ned. 

"And you won't help the Blue Birds any more, will you?" asked Don. 

"I am absolutely neutral, " replied Uncle Ben, holding both hands up overhis head. "I won't take sides, but I will help the work along in everyway, for I want it to succeed. I'll help you when you need it, and I'llhelp these little Blue Birds. But do as I said: Work together, not in aspirit of rivalry, for that will only sow seeds of strife anddiscontent. "

"Come on, boys, let's take Uncle Ben to the house and show our letterproofs to the Blue Birds, " said Ned. 

So the Bobolinks were taught their lesson in trying to win a race byrunning for a time and then resting. 

CHAPTER XII

THE STORY OF AN ALASKAN TRIP

When the Bobolinks reached the house, they found the veranda occupied bythe Blue Birds, who sat in a semi-circle about three ladies in rockingchairs--Mrs. Talmage, Aunt Selina, and Mrs. Catlin. The latter had aroll of paper in her lap, and evidently had been explaining something tothe audience. 

"Oh, boys, you're just in time!" cried Ruth. 

"Mrs. Catlin's got her story all written for our magazine, and she wasjust going to read it, " explained Dot. 

"May we hear it?" asked Ned, for the Bobolinks. 

"Why, certainly. Sit right down on the steps, " said Mrs. Catlin. 

As soon as the boys were comfortable, she continued:

"I was about seventeen when I read the exciting tales of gold inCalifornia and the wealth to be obtained in Seattle--a town that wasboomed in a night. I knew my father would never consent to my leavinghome, so I said nothing, but pawned my watch and ring, drew my savingsfrom the bank, and raised enough money to pay my way West. I worked partof my way, and stole rides on freight cars part of the way, until Ifound myself in Seattle. I was not particular where I went as long as itwas in the West. Well, in Seattle I found that the fever of gold miningin Alaska was reaching a boiling point, and every steamer bound forSitka was already overloaded, but I managed in some way to steal aboardand hide until the captain could not turn me off. I had to do someawfully dirty work, however, and had very little to eat. 

"We arrived at Sitka, and there I spent some more of my money for apassage to Juneau City. There I landed with forty dollars left in mypockets. Ten of this was paid out for a hard bed and some scanty food, and I soon feared that I would be left without a cent unless I startedsomewhere for the gold mines. I heard all kinds of stories about thegold found up on the Yukon River, so I found a shed where outfits weresold, and paid twenty dollars for an outfit that was said to be all Iwould need. I still had a few dollars left when I started on the road, with my outfit strapped to my back, visions of finding millions ofdollars' worth of gold always before my eyes. 

"I walked along a trail that seemed to be well traveled, and felt gladto get away from the drink-sodden town. I had tramped for hours, whenthe outfit began to rub painfully on my back. I was hungry, too, for thefood given me at the eating-houses was unfit to eat. In buying myoutfit, I added a strip of bacon and a loaf of black bread, so I decidedto rest for a bit and have my dinner. 

"The country, as far as I could see, was very beautiful, so I sat downbeside the trail and dropped my pack. I took out the tiny frying pan andcut some bacon into it. I gathered some sticks, and then tried to lightone of the matches that was in the waterproof box, but it merelysputtered and went out. I used so many matches in this way that I becamenervous lest the supply give out. Finally I ate my bread and bacon as itwas, and was about to strap the outfit together again when I spied acaravan leaving the town several miles beyond the point where I sat. Iwas so interested in watching the long line, as it lengthened out alongthe trail, that I forgot how soon night comes down in this country. Ihad no plans for the night, and expected to go much farther before Istruck camp. When the caravan had come halfway the distance from towntoward me, I picked up my pack and started on. 

"I found the pack dreadfully heavy this time, and had to rest severaltimes. I was thus resting on a large rock when the caravan passed me. 

"The sledges were piled high with camp equipment. At the end of the linewas a cumbersome-looking affair that was covered with canvas and drawnby four horses. A grizzled man drove these horses, and seemed intentupon his job. 

"So interested was I in watching them go by that I was startled when oneof the men in the sledge called to me:

"'Hello, Kid! What are you doing--picking flowers?'

"A number of the men laughed, but the younger one who sat with the manin the sledge shouted: 'Want to join us as far as your road lies? Thisis no place for a boy to travel alone. Beasts on two and four legs aretoo powerful about here. '

"I felt an irresistible desire to join them, but they never stopped. However, taking it for granted that they wanted me or they wouldn't havespoken, I ran after the caravan and tried to keep up with them. The packgrew heavier every moment, and at last I decided to give it up. Justthen one of the leading horses of the four stumbled down upon his knees. 

"This caused a halt while the driver got down and examined the horse. Ihad the opportunity that I needed, so I took a deep breath and shouted, at the same time running as fast as my weary legs would carry me. 

"'How are you comin'?' asked the driver. 

"'Coming!' I cried, so tired I could have wept. 'Why, I've been comingever since the man asked me. '

"'Some run, eh?' asked the old man, smiling. 

"'Didn't they mean it?' I asked, in a tremble lest I be left again. 

"'Guess so. Don't believe they gave you another thought. But, now thatyou're here, you kin sit with me, ' said the man gruffly, as I thought, while he rubbed the skinned knee with whale-oil. 

"I climbed up and sat in the seat beside the driver. He gathered thereins together and started the horses again before he spoke anotherword. 

"'Kid, I watched you runnin' after this crew, and I jus' said to mysel', "Old Hal, keep an eye on that kid and see what stuff he's made of. " Ireckon you'll win out, even if this brazen outfit loses. I'm goin' totake a likin' to ye, kid, d'ye hear that!' grinned the old man, as hechirked to the horses. 

"I sat still and pondered what he said. 

"'Thar ain't many men as kin say that Old Hal the Guide took a likin' to'em, kid, ' he continued, watching the trail where his horses stepped. 

"I had overheard the men at the town talking about a guide called 'OldHal, ' and the conjectures as to how much the swell outfit had to pay himto get him to take charge of their expedition. 

"I felt unduly elated at hearing the man address me so comradely, and Idecided to be as friendly as I could. 

"'What's the great hulk under this canvas?' I asked, nodding my headtoward the load back of us. 

"'Hulk! You're right, sonny, it is a great big hulk. These men from theEast think they know a lot about goin' on a expedition like this--theygit their learnin' from the books. But I could have saved 'em heaps ofmoney hed they consulted me fust. Now, this pertickler hulk is deadtrash! _They_ call 'em canoes, but the fust little jolt one of 'em gitsin the end of its nose--down she goes!'

"'Canoes, eh?' I said wonderingly. 

"'How many did yeh bring in yer outfit?' asked Hal, nudging me in theribs. 

"'I may have all of those to take care of if you don't watch thehorses, ' I growled. 

"'Right choo are, kid! Did yeh ever hear the verse, "From the mouths ofbabes, etc. "? Guess yeh didn't know I ever read Scripter, did yeh?'laughed the old man. 

"'Guess you don't or you wouldn't joke that way about such a good Book, 'I replied. 

"'Right choo are agin, kid! My, but you are a lucky find fer Hal tohave. Jus' fancy all the fun we will have durin' the long winternights, ' said the guide, in a conciliatory tone. 

"'Hope so! If I ever get the chance to show you that I am thankful forthis help, I surely will, ' I said, full of gratitude that I was notdragging my feet along the tiresome trail at that very moment. 

"'Now, that's the kind of a heart to have--one that kin thank a fellerwithout feelin' 'shamed to show his colors! I see where you and me aregoin' to make a fine team!' said Hal. 

"After some silence, the old man asked: 'Where'er yeh bound fer, anyway?'

"'Don't know--just going out to find gold, ' I said. 

"He turned square around and stared at me for a few moments, thengasped: 'Father an' mother dead?'

"I had to gulp hard before I could answer this question, then I said:'No. Had my own money in the bank, and so I just came. '

"'How fer?' he asked abruptly. 

"'All the way from New York state. I worked my way out and worked partof my way on the Seattle boat, ' I said, with great pride in myachievement. 

"'Why, yeh little fool!' cried the irate guide. 

"'What's the matter?'

"'An' I s'pose yeh hev ben payin' fer full board an' keep to yer motherever sence yeh wuz borned, eh?' scoffed Hal. 

"I was silent. I was looking at the matter from a new point of view. 

"'S'pose yer pa an' ma was on'y too glad to git yeh out'en the way, eh?'he continued. 

"Again I had to gulp when I thought of my mother. 

"'I see the hull fool thing. Yeh jus' went crazy readin' trashy papers, an' yeh run away widdout tellin' a soul, 'cause yeh knew they wouldn'tlet yeh come otherwise. '

"I marveled at how close he had come to the truth. 

"'Well, yer here, kid, an' I s'pose Old Hal's got to see yeh through witit, so thet worritin' mother of yourn'll see yeh agin, some day. ' And heswung the whip over the horses' heads with a crack that saved me fromhis ire. 

"We came to a bad grade then, and Old Hal had to keep a wary eye on thetrail, for the horses were not as sure-footed as the dogs and deer. 

"It must have been four o'clock before we halted. The air was growingcolder as we advanced, and I was glad enough to open my pack for a chunkof bread and a slice of bacon. 

"'Hist, kid, stow that away!' whispered Hal, as he began to unhitch thehorses for the night. 

"In a short time the two men from the sledge came up. 

"'Hello, youngster! You did come, after all, didn't you?' said the olderman. 

"As the supper was being cooked by an Indian guide, I was welcomed inthe circle sitting about a blazing fire and asked about myself. To eachquestion I replied truthfully, and wondered at the smiles and surpriseshown at my answers. 

"One of the two men who owned the expedition turned to the old guideafter a time and said: 'Hal, what shall we do with the kid? Send himback home?'

"'If 'twere me, I'd give him his fill. He'll be safe enough wid us, an'we kin git heaps of work outen him; but he'll never 'mount to nothin' efyeh send him home, 'cause he'll allus think of the gold he might havegot, ' said Hal astutely. 

"'Guess you've hit the nail on the head, Hal, ' laughed the younger man, as he looked at me. 

"So I became a member of the Yukon Gold Expedition, under the managementof John Herrick and Julius Dwight, engineers. 

"We traveled over hundreds of miles of snow, for we were trying to reacha certain trail that Old Hal knew, before the thaw set in. 

"We did not quite get there, however, before the general thaw struck us. Then the canoes were needed. I had wondered why we delayed our travelingto cart those canoes with us, for there were no streams or lakes tocross, but the moment the thaw set in it seemed that every piece of iceand snow in the North was turning to water. Instead of trails, we had totravel by green-blue rivers, or over deep, dark seas. 

"Well, after losing one canoe and two of the Indians, Old Hal hit histrail and led us up toward the mountains. 

"All of that short summer was passed in the usual work of prospecting:digging, panning, washing, or testing for gold. Permanent camp had beenbuilt by the men, and a number of Indian servants took precaution thatevery emergency should be provided for in case of a hard, long winter. Every kind of edible bird or beast was trapped and prepared for food, while the skins and pelts of animals were cured and made into garmentsand covers. 

"I was the youngest in camp, so I was known as the 'Kid, ' and Old Haltook the office of guardian toward me from the first and ordered meabout--always for my good, be it known--and kept a watchful eye over mydoings and the men I happened to work with. 

"Toward the end of the short summer we struck a rich vein of gold!

"I shall never forget the change in everyone's character the moment thegold was discovered in the shining sand. Some became savages, othersgrew crafty and cunning, and Old Hal had his hands full to keepdiscipline in the camp. Dwight and Herrick saw the tendency of theirhired men to mutiny against Hal and themselves, and perhaps jump theclaim when the owners were out of the way, but they were farsighted men, and Hal was no greenhorn in handling Esquimo and half-breed Indians. 

"A large tract of land on both sides of the creek was staked off and adiagram of the area carefully drawn by Herrick, to be filed in theoffice at Forty-Mile Station, where a legal land-office was maintainedby the government. 

"As it was most necessary to file this claim before winter came on, aconference was held between Hal and the two engineers. Hal said he couldeasily make the trip to Forty-Mile and back again before winter frozeeverything solid, so he was ordered to take a canoe, with two of themutinous men, and start immediately. Two dogs were placed in the canoe, in case they would be needed for sledging, and a store of food and peltswere packed under the seats. At the last moment, Hal was led to take hisown canoe, which he had made that summer, and ask for my company. I wasdelighted to know I could accompany my old friend, so one of the dogsand a sledge were placed in Hal's canoe, and but one of the men got in, while I was placed in the other canoe, with the other man. 

"We started in good order and made quick time. We had no route, map, orsurvey, for there were none in those days, but Hal knew every foot ofthe way, unless unusual conditions prevailed. We made camp that night, and rested, all unmindful of the plot the two mutinous men were hatchingagainst us to get possession of the claim papers. 

"In the morning, after an early breakfast, we started, and had gone buta short distance before our canoes ran out of the stream into a broadexpanse of water that was unfamiliar to Hal. 

"He looked carefully around for some landmark to guide him, and saw, some miles further on, what he believed to be a blazed spot. So hedirected his man to paddle for that place. 

"When Hal was about ten feet in advance of us, and as I sat in the sternof our canoe, I saw the man paddling our canoe suddenly raise arifle--where he got it no one knows--take aim, and shoot. It was alldone so quickly that I could scarcely move. Hal always held his revolverready to enforce obedience from his men, and the moment I heard the shotI saw his arm jerk spasmodically and his revolver fly out and fall inthe bottom of the canoe. At the same time I tore my revolver out of mybelt and covered the man who had shot. 

"I was so occupied in this that I had no time to see what Hal was doing, but I heard him yell: 'Go overboard this second or I'll shoot you dead!'

"I immediately followed suit, and cried: 'Go overboard, and swim ashore, or I'll shoot you!'

"The man sat and stared at me for a moment, as he never dreamed I hadthe spirit to do what I had. I was so nervous, and my heart seemed tobulge out in my throat so that I could hardly swallow. The man still satand looked at his pal, who had jumped overboard and was swimming forshore. I never knew how it happened, for I had no idea of shooting him, but in that moment that he turned his look from me to his pal my fingerstwitched with dread, and the revolver rang forth its shot, and thefellow fell into the water. I was so frightened that I clung to the neckof the dog and hid my eyes. Meantime, the fellow who was swimming sawwhat had occurred, and went under water to escape being shot. 

"Soon Hal had his canoe alongside, and said: 'Step in here, Kid. '

"My canoe was fastened to the other one, and the transfer made withoutfurther mishap. I looked about for the swimmer, but could see nothing ofhim. He might have drowned or gone ashore. 

"We managed to travel pretty well until night, when we again camped onshore, but Hal seemed worried at the strangeness of the land. 

"After a few days' futile seeking for the trail, we felt a sudden chillin the air. Hal was concerned, and sought in every direction for somefamiliar object. 

"We made camp one night while the dogs sniffed ravenously about forfood, for our stock had run so low that Hal had to economize to make itlast another day. The next morning I awoke to find snow blowing in everydirection. The change was so unlooked for that I rubbed my eyes to makesure I was awake. 

"'Well, Kid, this settles our trip to Forty-Mile for some time, 'admitted Hal forlornly. 

"'What do you mean, Hal?' I asked. 

"'If we don't make camp quick, we'll be caught in the cold and frozen. If I was alone, I'd try to make some Esquimo hut or die, but havin' youI can't take a chance. ' Hal's manner of speech had improved a greatdeal during his intercourse with cultured men, and I took note of it ashe spoke--such queer things will impress one when a sudden calamitypresents itself. 

"That morning Hal set me to cutting down some small trees. He said hewould take the sledge and the dogs and try to find the trail. I beggedhim not to leave me alone, and he promised that this would be the lasteffort if he was unsuccessful. 

"I felt the terrible fear of being alone in this wilderness all winter, but I kept busy chopping down trees. All day long I worked and prayed, and before dark settled down I rejoiced to see Hal coming back. I couldtell in a moment that he had not found any trail, so I said nothing. 

"That night Hal saw all the signs of winter breaking upon us, and heworked fast and furious to make camp so that we might survive the coldmonths. 

"In his search the day before, he had found a stream whose banks werewell covered with sheltering pines. Here he proposed to build a hut. While, with the help of the dogs, he hauled the small logs I had cut tothe stream, I was ordered to fish and hunt for all the supplies I couldgather before the waters froze solid. 

"I went to work with a forlorn hope of ever living to see another year, but the fish were plentiful, and the task of preparing them for winteruse kept me from thinking too much. 

"Hal set traps for animals, and this game we skinned; the meat we driedand the pelts we hoped to use in the winter. The fats I dried out andkept in a skin pouch Hal made. Some of the game could not be eaten, sowe used that for bait. 

"Hal built a rude log hut about eight feet wide, with a smoke hole atthe top. The wide chinks were plastered full of clay from theriver-bank. A door was made of split logs and fastened together withrope and strips of skin. We had brought no nails or screws, and had touse whatever came to hand. The hinges of the door were made of toughstrips of hide and fastened to the logs with some nails Hal took out ofthe sledge. 

"A rude fire-bowl was made in the center of the hut and some flint-rockcarefully placed in a chink in the wall. The hut completed, Hal feltrelieved, for the winter seemed to hold off for our benefit. 

"We chopped wood, and stacked it on one side of the wall, inside, andthen started to pile up more on the outside near the door. Some of ourfood was buried in a pit just outside the hut, but Hal hung all therewas room for to the logs of the roof. 

"We were feeling quite contented one night, when Hal remarked: 'Kid, she's comin' down on us. I kin tell by the queer sounds through thosepines. '

"'Let her come. We are ready, ' I laughed. 

"'All but the beds. I'll have to go out now and bring in those balsambranches I have been savin' all these days. '

"That night we slept upon our fresh balsam beds. When I rose I could nothave told whether it was twilight or dawn. The blizzard howled outside, but Hal had a cheerful fire cracking inside. "

CHAPTER XIII

A WINTER IN THE FROZEN NORTH

"For ten days that blizzard raged, and I began to think we never wouldget out again. Then one morning Hal called me to see the beautiful snow. I stretched and got up. Hal had managed to chop away some of the driftthat had piled against the door, and after some digging we squeezedthrough an aperture and stood without. 

"My, but it was grand! One great world of sparkling white, with driftedmountains of snow all over. Even our hut was but a smaller drift in thegeneral picture. While I stood and admired, Hal brought out two pailswhich we had had in the canoes, and told me how important it was to getsome water from the stream. We carried the water carefully to the hut, and then I watched Hal set a bear trap, as well as a trap for smallgame. 

"The dogs enjoyed being out once more and lapped the water greedilywhile we filled the buckets. We worked several hours taking wood fromoutside the hut and piling it up on our depleted stack inside. Longbefore we were done, I heard a distant howling, and looked toward Halfor its meaning. 

"'Wolves! They scent our meat, ' he said laconically. 

"We managed to fasten our door again, and sat down by the fire while thedogs went over to their corner to sleep. 

"That night the thermometer dropped to thirty degrees below zero andstayed there for a week. Everything that could froze up solid, and thewild beasts could catch no more fish or small game, so took long jauntsaway from their lairs to find food. 

"Inside of forty-eight hours I heard every kind of a growl and howlimaginable, as bears prowled about the hut sniffing at the buried food, or scratching at our hut to get in. 

"'Wish we could get some of 'em in the traps, ' I said. 

"'They'd be torn to pieces and soon et up by the other wild beasts, 'replied Hal, as he made another notch in a log where he was keepingrecord of the days. 

"It wasn't very pleasant that week, for the room was small, and the dogsand meat began to make the air reek, so we were mighty glad, onemorning, to wake and find it warmer. Without delay, Hal and I choppedthe door out of the ice and snow and got out, followed by the dogs. Theair was still so cold that it felt like a knife going through my lungs, but it was sweet and fresh. The dogs, too, were glad to have a run. 

"The only thing to mark the hut from the other humps of snow round aboutwas the dirty spot where the smoke came out. While we aired the room wecleaned up whatever débris lay about and filled the pails with some icethat Hal chopped out of the frozen stream. 

"Meantime, the dogs were scenting about in the drifts and growling andyelping. Hal looked up and saw that they were off following some tracks. He ran after them for a few rods and then came back, calling them tocome in. 

"'Those were bear tracks, ' he explained, as the dogs obeyed mostunwillingly. 'I wish I had some way to trap them without having the furruined by other animals. '

"'Couldn't you set a trap right in range with the chink of the door, andif you hear other animals about you can shoot them, ' I said. 

"'But it would waste a lot of valuable ammunition, ' he replied. 

"He set the trap where I had suggested, however, and said he would waitand see what happened. 

"We felt better for that day's fresh air, but the storm settled downagain during the night, and it was several days before it stoppedsnowing. The cold held on longer, but we knew it was clear by the brightgleam of light that filtered through our smoke-hole. 

"'I wonder if we can get out to-day?' I asked, but at the same timehowls were heard coming from the pines. 

"'Guess you will do better to stay in to-day, ' smiled Hal. 

"That night we found it impossible to sleep, for the wolves howled madlyjust outside the hut, and some of them pawed at the smoke-hole so thatHal finally picked up a red-hot firebrand and poked it up through theopening just as one of the beasts tried to nose down into the hut. Itmust have caught him well, for he set up a terrific howling. 

"The next night, as the wolves came back again to pay their nightlyvisit, we heard a new growl coming from a distance. I looked at Hal forinformation, and he chuckled with satisfaction. 

"'Ha! I thought so! I was sure a bear would come along before long. '

"'A bear! Oh, I wish we could get him in that trap!'

"'Will he attack the wolves?' I asked. 

"'He will come sniffing about that pit for meat, and if the wolvesbother him they will most likely get into trouble, ' said Hal, laughing. 

"'Gracious, Hal! S'pose he gets our meat--what will we do?'

"'We'll have to prevent him from gettin' it, that's all, ' said Hal, looking at his rifle to see that it was in good order. 

"'How are you going to do it?'

"'Shoot him while he's busy with the wolves, or try and get him while heis digging at the pit. '

"'Wait and try the last plan. Let him kill off a pack of hungry wolves, and when he has driven them away he will come to the pit. Then is yourtime, ' I said. 

"'Kid, you're comin' on fine! Another season in the north and you willbe a regular hunter, ' laughed Hal. 

"I saw that I pleased the old man, and felt happy that I could do it soeasily. But my attention was attracted by the din of battle outside, ashowls and snarls mixed together so furiously that the dogs huddled downin a corner of the hut and showed their teeth at the doorway. 

"We couldn't tell from the sounds which was being worsted, but the factthat the wolves were so numerous led us to believe that they couldfinally tear to pieces any bear. Then, while we were checking off thehowls, quite a singular snarl came from the opposite direction. 

"We could tell from the noises that another bear had taken a hand in thefight, which continued for a long time. Then all was quiet. 

"All that night we heard something scratching at the door and climbingup to the smoke-hole, but a firebrand always met the inquisitive nose, for we could hear the snarl of rage as a hasty retreat was made. Onequeer thing, though, was the fact that we only heard one beast clawingabout. 

"When light came again, Hal placed his ear to a chink in the door andlistened. He seemed satisfied that the coast was clear, so we started tochop out the snow that bound the door on the outside. 

"We got the door open about an inch, and Hal peeped out, but could seenothing. Then we managed to push it open a little further, and stillnothing but snow was visible. 

"Then suddenly a dark shadow fell across the light from outside. I stoodrigid while Hal took a good aim. 

"'Why don't you shoot?' I cried, as I saw the largest bear I had everseen standing there scenting the air. 

"'He isn't in perfect range yet. I'd only ping him and make him run, ifI shoot now, ' whispered Hal, still holding his finger on the trigger. 

"'If he'd only move a foot this way!' I sighed. 

"As if the brute felt my wish, he turned his head in our direction. Instantly a deafening report seemed to blow up the cabin, and powdersmoke hung thick over our heads. The dogs were so startled that theyyelped and rolled over on the floor. 

"There was not a sound from outside, and Hal smiled to himself. 

"'Bet I got him first try. Didn't hear any objections from him, didyou?'

"'Gee! I wish we could open this door and drag him in before thosewolves come back, ' I said, digging frantically. 

"'They won't get back straight off. They have been whipped for the timeand will be feared to try it again unless they get the scent of the deadbears, ' said Hal, digging away at the top of the drift while I scoopedat the bottom. 

"We finally managed to open the door enough to get out. 

"The bear had dropped dead in his tracks. At his feet--but out of rangeof the chink of our door--lay the other, literally ripped to pieces bythe wolves during the night's battle. She had put up a fine fight, though, for the area all about her was covered with the bodies of thewolves she had slaughtered, and the snow was all trampled and red. 

"The dogs ran out, their hair bristling along their spines as theysniffed at the carcasses. 

"We heard the wolves' howls from the pine woods, so we hurriedly draggedthe bear Hal had shot inside the hut. We put the carcass in one cornerof the room, which left us scarcely enough space to move around in. 

"Hardly had the door been closed before the pack of wolves were upon it, scratching and tearing at the logs. 

"We had a difficult time skinning the bears and trying to cut the steaksproperly; the grease we kept for oil after it had been melted down. Iused to implore Hal to throw out the whole dreadful mess, but he knewthe value of bear-grease and steaks, so kept his own counsel and mindedme not at all. 

"Parts that could not be used, however, and refuse were thrown to thewolves, thus keeping a howling horde of them in our vicinity constantly. This, as it happened, proved our salvation. 

"We sat cross-legged one morning, figuring out by the notch calendar howmany weeks of winter remained. Suddenly a most startling sound roseabove the din of the snarling, fighting beasts outside. 

"A shot rang out, followed by a shrill yelp of pain from one of thebeasts; again a rifle cracked, and one more wolf was struck, judgingfrom the noise and confusion that ensued. 

"Hal and I looked at each other as if in a dream; then we comprehended, and almost choked with joy. The beasts outside slunk away as thestrangers who had dealt death so swiftly among them approached. Hal andI both raised our voices and shouted and called as loudly as we could. Ithought of his rifle, and brought it to him. 

"'Shoot through the rifle-hole in the door, ' I said, excitedly. 

"'Sure thing!' he cried, raising his gun to his shoulder and shootingtoward the sky. 

"We heard an answering shot, and then voices approaching to within a fewyards of the hut. We pried the door open far enough to hand out thespade. The unknown visitors already had one spade, and between the twowe were soon excavated, the door was opened, and we leaped forth! Therestood an Indian squaw with a boy of about twelve. 

"Fancy our chagrin and sinking hearts! Hal said afterward that hethought a rescue party had started out to find us, although he knew thiswas practically impossible. 

"The squaw and Hal could speak, after a fashion, and he explained to methat she and her son were hunting the day before, and had been caught bynight's swift approach. They were forced to rest in a cave untilmorning. Here they had to keep the wild animals at bay, although theycould see them moving around in the shadows just outside the circle oftheir campfire, and heard them howling all through the night. When lightcame again, they started to find their way home, and had seen the beastsprowling around a hump in the snow from whence issued a thin stream ofsmoke. They knew immediately that some human being was there, and triedto drive away the animals long enough to investigate. 

"Hal explained how we had come to be there--and how grateful we would beto get away. The squaw managed to tell us that she would return to hertribe at once and find out whether or not we would be welcomed amongthem. 

"Hal made her understand how much money she would have if she would helpus reach Forty-Mile, where he had 'much money' waiting for him in thebank. 

"The squaw had heard of 'Old Hal, ' the guide, and was evidentlysurprised to find him lost while so near the trail. 

"'With this kid, I couldn't take any chance at hunting for the trail anylonger, ' he explained, 'but decided to follow the most sensible course, and wait until Spring!'

"We offered the squaw the bear-pelts if she would return with help andrescue us. In the native manner of 'hearing without speaking' shestalked away, and we were not sure as to whether she would return ornot. 

"In a few days, however, we again heard the sound of a shot which camefrom the direction of the woods, and after forcing the door open wefound the squaw with two young men from her tribe. 

"'Trail--him all right, ' mumbled the squaw. 

"We found the weather clear enough to enable us to travel, so we packedall of our belongings upon the sledge, leaving the canoe in thesnowbank, where it lay hidden against the house. The bear-steaks werealmost gone, but Hal showed the squaw where the other food was buried, and told her she could use the hut any time she liked. She nodded, andas soon as the dogs were hitched to the sledge, we proceeded on ourjourney, guided by the squaw and the two boys. 

"We had only a few hours in which to travel, but in that time we reachedthe cave the squaw had told us of, and there spent the night. Thefollowing morning, we continued the journey, reaching the village beforedark. 

"The settlement was small, comprising but a dozen families and about sixhuts, but it seemed like a town to us, who had been lost all Winter withnothing but wild animals and snow around us. 

"Our dogs were delighted at being able to join some of their breedagain, and, upon the whole, we were all treated as well as could beexpected. 

"We stayed there for two nights, then made an early start on the thirdmorning for Forty-Mile. 

"The faithful squaw and her two boys accompanied us a short distance, until Hal had gotten his bearings and said he would be all right. 

"We started on the trail at a goodly speed, and reached a smallsettlement by night-fall. The next day we arrived at the first realcolony of white people we had encountered since we left the camp, and aweek after we had left the squaw we came to the town of Forty-Mile, where we filed the papers for the claim Herrick and Dwight had stakedout. 

"Hal knew this was an important matter, and wondered if the rascal whostranded us had found his way to the land-office first. 

"I was sitting in the little smoking-room in the place they called'Hotel' one morning, while Hal was in our room sewing his gold-dust belta bit safer inside of his shirt. 

"I had changed so much in appearance--with a boyish growth of beard overmy chin, and my hair as long as a poet's--that a villainous-looking manwho came in and asked for whiskey failed to recognize me; but I knewhim at once as being the man who had escaped from our canoe. 

"I managed to get out of the room without being seen, and ran to Hal. 

"'What do you think! The murderer is downstairs!'

"'Who?--Sit down and talk sensible, ' said Hal. 

"'One of the Indians who got away from the canoe, ' I cried in a hoarsewhisper. 

"Old Hal leaped to his feet. He strapped on his belt and swung his gunover his arm. After making sure his revolver was all right, he creptdownstairs. I was not going to be cheated out of anything as exciting asthis promised to be, so I cautiously followed him. 

"The tavern-keeper and by-standers knew Hal well, and, of course, wouldstake their all on his word; so when he entered the bar-room and cried:'Hands up!' to the Indian, everyone took sides with him, and we soon hadthe fellow safely bound. 

"'Now, let me see those papers you forged for our claims, ' snarled Hal, fishing through the man's dirty pockets, but finding nothing. 

"The man's face showed too much elation for an old guide like Hal to befooled, and he ordered the boys standing about to help him strip theIndian, and there--fastened to his back with strips of plaster--werefound the drawings rudely sketched, somewhat like the set of surveys Halhad already filed. 

"They were ripped off and thrown into the fire and the villain waschained to a post out in the shed with the dogs, with his arms tiedbehind him to prevent his escape, until the Sheriff should come in themorning. 

"Hal told the crowd all about the treachery of the Indians, and theypromised to attend to this man after we were gone. 

"A public sledge was about to leave for Dyea in a few days, and Halengaged seats for himself and me. He paid the tavern-keeper to keep thedogs until he returned. 

"I had refrained from asking Hal about my future while there was anydoubt of our getting to the Coast, but this seemed to be the best timeto speak of it. 

"'What you going to do with me?' I asked. 

"'We'll skip right down to Juneau, and see if there are any lettersthere. It all depends, ' he replied. 

"In a few days more we reached Dyea, where Hal secured some trustworthymen into whose charge he could commit the mining work. Then we took theboat and started for Juneau. 

"After a rough voyage of more than ten days, we docked at the wretchedlittle city, and went to the post-office for our mail. 

"Three letters awaited me--but every one of them were from chums to whomI had sent cards from Seattle. My mail had been forwarded to me fromSeattle to Juneau, but there was no word from my parents. 

"As Hal and I stood reading our letters, the postmaster--ashrivelled-up, little old man, peered at me over the rim of hisspectacles, and called out:

"'Be you the one thet jist got some old letters from the East?'

"'Yes, sir, ' I returned, going over to the counter. 

"'Waal, heah's one thet cum a long time ago, an' I meant to send itback, but somehow fergot it. I cum across it yistiddy, and made up mymind to do somethin' with it sure, so heah ye aire. '

"With relief I recognized my father's writing, but the letter was datedtwo months previous. 

"I opened the letter and read it through with intense emotion. First, Ilearned that my Mother had died after a brief illness. Next, my Fatherhad lost his fine saw-mill by fire. Third, my oldest sister had married, and the home was broken up, Father having gone to live with her in NewYork. 

"I wondered where I would go if I went home. There was no Motherwaiting, no home, and my Father was in a strange city with hisson-in-law. 

"I turned and handed the letter to Hal. He read and comprehended. 

"'Guess it's Alaska for ye, Kid. Want to go back with me?'

"Did I?--well, I just guess I did, and I fairly jumped at the hand thatwas held out to me. 

"'Glad myself, Kid, to have you. I sure would have missed you tol'ableef I saw you sailin' away from me, headed for Seattle. '

"'Hal, will the bosses think it is all right now?' I asked. 

"'Sure thing, when they read this letter, Kid. And, say, I never toldanyone this, but seein' thet I am to be your 'dopted father, now, I mayas well tell yeh--I am to have a tenth-share in the claim up there, and, as my 'dopted son, you come in fer a part of mine--see?'

"'Hal, do you mean you will take me under your wing?' I cried, allforgetful of the goldmine. 

"This pleased the old guide so much that he laughed as he retorted, 'Iknew I wasn't wrong on the stuff you're made of. That was a lucky daywhen my horse stumbled, eh?' and he slapped me kindly on the back. 

"Well, we went back to Dyea, and waited for a caravan to start on thetrail. We joined the very first one out, and Hal earned our passage andkeep all the way, as guide. 

"We found the camp in excellent condition, and the new miners we hadchosen in place of the villainous Indians proved to be all that could bedesired. 

"Some machinery was purchased by Hal at Dyea, and as soon as it wasdelivered at our camp, all hands set to work. 

"I stayed at that camp with Hal for three years before we sold out ourinterests and took a vacation. The bosses had only remained until thegold was panning out well, then they sent for experts to come and valuethe entire mine. 

"Hal had filed some property claims for himself and me adjoining theDwight mine, and after the experts had rendered their verdict on theproperty we were able to sell them at a big price. 

"Hal and I decided to go to Seattle for a while, and then travel a bit;if we found the life too lazy we could easily get back to Alaska. 

"We put in a year of pleasure-seeking together, but the life and climatewas too mild for the old guide who had always been accustomed to workand cold, and one night I found him breathing hard, and he complained ofpains in his chest. In a week he had passed away, leaving me with all ofhis wealth to add to my own. 

"I had written father, and sent him some money several times during theyear, and now I wrote to tell him I was coming home. 

"Needless to say, we were overjoyed to see each other again, and then Itold him I was going to take him on a little trip. 

"We went straight to our old home town, and to his surprise I took himto the old homestead where I was born, telling him that I hadrepurchased it from the folks who had bought it from him. He trembledwith happiness as we entered the door and found all of the familiar oldfurniture there, too. Above all, there stood his maiden-sister, in thedining-room door, smiling a welcome!

"I explained how I had found Aunt Delia, and made her promise to keephouse for him, and how we had collected the old furniture that thevillage-folks bought when mother died. I was always thankful that mymoney enabled me to make his last days happy. "

CHAPTER XIV

THE B. B. & B. B. MAGAZINE

By the fifteenth of October the Blue Birds and Bobolinks were deep inthe work of constructing a magazine. Uncle Ben sent out the two youngmen he had spoken of, and they showed the children what to do and how todo it. 

The Oakdale Paper Mills passed a vote to supply the paper for one year, and the B. B. & B. B. Company had agreed to give the mills advertisingcredit for the donation. 

The two important letters which had caused such consternation in theBobolink nest were all printed on beautiful grey paper in blue ink, andthe envelopes all addressed and packed in boxes ready to be used. 

All the stories, articles and lessons had been given to Uncle Ben beforethe tenth of the month and he had sent back the linotype by thethirteenth as he promised he would. Then work began in real earnest. 

The Bobolink Boys had to make a galley proof of the printing, and theBlue Birds had to read it (or at least their mothers did) and constructthe dummy. This last work was great fun. 

Every evening fathers and mothers visited the Publishing House and theWinter Nest and assisted where they could, or watched progress when theywere not needed; after every meeting it became the custom for one or theother of the fathers to treat the publishing company and guests torefreshments. This, Don thought, was reward enough for every aching backor arm. To keep the children from tiring of the treats, the fathersplanned each morning, while going into the city, just what new kind of asurprise to furnish that night. 

The interest shown at first had not abated--possibly due to the factthat so much fun was always to be had from unexpected sources--and thetwo men from the city said it was a marvel that children could producesuch splendid work. 

"Goodness! those Bobolinks ought to! they spent heaps and heaps of timefooling with those machines to learn how to work 'em!" said Dot Starr, overhearing what the men said. 

"And just see how the fathers help!" added Norma. 

"I guess the magazine wouldn't be much of a paper if the Blue Birdshadn't done their part so well, " said May. 

"And the Blue Birds' mothers!" reminded Ruth. 

The Blue Birds were sitting on the steps of the piazza waiting for Mrs. Talmage and Aunt Selina to join them, when Dot told them of the"city-man's" commendation of the work. 

"Here comes Flutey, now, " said Ruth, hearing the slow steps of her aunt. 

"Well, Blue Birds, how's the song this morning?" cried Aunt Selina, happily. 

The children all turned with one accord and looked at her. Some greathappiness must have been sent her, for she was bubbling over with secretjoy and her face looked as young as one of the Blue Bird's. She took achair near the children. 

"Say, Flutey, you won't be offended if I ask you a very happy question, will you?" asked Dot, in a half-whisper. 

"Why, of course not! Ask it, child, " smiled Aunt Selina. 

"Well, you look so happy, you know, I thought maybe _that_ soldier-mancame back to marry you--maybe his being shot was all a mistake and hehas been a prisoner all this time and just got away, " said Dot withhorror and awe in her tones. 

Mrs. Talmage had stepped out just in time to overhear the funny littlegirl's remark and she had to run inside and smother her laughter in ahandkerchief, for Dot was most serious in her statement, and it wouldnever do to make her feel badly by laughing at her sympathy. 

"Oh, no, dearie, those prisons were abandoned soon after the war. Butthis surprise I have for the Blue Birds is entirely different fromanything personal, " replied Aunt Selina. 

"Oh, what is it?" asked several voices. 

"I have a letter here, " said Aunt Selina, taking it from her reticule, "in reply to one I wrote an old-time friend a short time ago. Thisfriend started an advertising business in Philadelphia many years agoand has been very successful. Let us see what advice this friend givesabout securing contracts for advertising. "

The Blue Birds hovered about Aunt Selina's chair eager to hear theletter read. 

The letter was short, but to the point. Mr. Sphere said he was delightedto hear from his old friend and hoped his information would give herlittle friends the satisfaction they deserved for their undertaking. Hesaid that one of his best representatives had been told to call at MossyGlen to interview the Blue Birds and to do just as the ladies directed. This man would tell them how to get advertising. 

"Oh, Flutey! is that all he said?" murmured Ruth. 

"Why, I don't call that such a piece of 'happy' news to smile over asyou did!" pouted Dot. 

"He didn't ask you how you had been all the time since you two knew eachother, and he never said a word about our magazine, " grumbled Norma, feeling a personal offence in the letter. 

"Why, children! _I_ think it is a wonderful piece of good news to hearthat he takes enough interest in the work to send one of his best mendown here to talk matters over, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

"If you knew my friend you would understand this letter better, for healways was a quiet chap who listened to others, but said littlehimself, " explained Aunt Selina. 

The following day while the Blue Birds were at the Publishing Housewatching the wonderful process of stitching and trimming completedmagazines, a very alert young man rang the bell at the Talmage house. 

Mrs. Talmage and Aunt Selina welcomed the visitor. 

Shouts of excitement reached the house where the ladies were talkingwith Mr. Sphere's representative, and soon a crowd of boys and girlsswarmed up the steps and ran pell-mell for Mrs. Talmage, nothing dauntedby seeing the stranger. 

"Mother, mother, see, see!" cried Ruth, dragging Jinks by the sleeve. 

"Oh, " gasped little Betty, "see our magazine!"

"It's perfectly lovely, Mrs. Talmage!" cried Dot. 

The older boys were more subdued when they saw the stranger. 

Mrs. Talmage introduced the gentleman, Mr. Richards, one of the New Yorkadvertising solicitors for the Philadelphia agency. He smiled in acondescending way when Don asked, "Want to see our magazine?"

"Yes, indeed! It is such an unusual thing to find such dear littlechildren interested in such a way, " replied Mr. Richards, looking aboutat the boys and girls. 

Don looked at Dot with a glance that said as plain as day, "Pooh! he'strying to pat us on the back!"

And Dot said to the visitor: "Don't think that we like to be fussed overjust because we are working!"

The rest of the publishing company looked uncomfortable at the veryevident tendency to humor them on account of their work. 

The fact was, that the man couldn't understand why his firm (such asensible lot of business men) should send him away from his importantwork in New York to call upon some wealthy ladies and a number ofchildren, to talk about advertising pages in a toy magazine. 

The two copies of the completed magazine had been given to Aunt Selinaand Mrs. Talmage and they expressed such satisfaction at the appearanceof the work that the man turned his attention to Mrs. Talmage. Shehanded him her copy. 

When Mr. Richards saw the magazine, he was surprised out of his usualself-possession and exclaimed, "Why, who did this?"

"Blue Birds and Bobolinks, " replied Ned, with head tilted on one sidethe better to see the precious book the man held. 

"But this is first-class work!" exclaimed the visitor. 

"Sure! did you think we were going to turn out anything else?" askedJinks, insulted. 

"Oh, of course not, but it takes experienced hands to do anything asgood as this, " continued Mr. Richards, turning the pages slowly andexamining each one carefully. 

"Well, Uncle Ben knew the kind of workers we were when he trusted uswith his pet hobby!" declared Ned, proudly. 

Mr. Richards looked rather helpless, so Mrs. Talmage explained who"Uncle Ben" was and what part he had taken in the enterprise. 

Light gradually began to break in upon the young man's brain as he heardthe story of the magazine. Suddenly he sat up as if electrified with anew idea. He looked about at the children, the house, lawns, and ladies;finally he took his return railroad ticket from his pocket and noted thename printed on the card--Oakdale. 

"Well, well, well! is this place called 'Mossy Glen'?" he asked. 

"It is, " replied Mrs. Talmage, wonderingly. 

"And these youngsters, the same that set folks agog last summer withtheir 'Fresh Airs'?"

Mother Wings bowed affirmatively, but the Blue Birds, who had neverdreamed that their doings had ever been heard of outside of their ownlittle community, were as surprised as their visitor. 

The solicitor looked everyone over with a new interest after that, andbreathed softly to himself, "Great Scott! What a piece of luck to getthe lead in this idea!"

"We do not understand exactly what you mean, " said Mrs. Talmage, withdignity. 

"Well, I was present at a meeting a short time ago when the talk veeredto a project evolved by some children. It was creating quite a littleinterest among the older men, but I paid little attention to it at thetime, for I had my mind full of other matters. But I remember hearingone of the leading publishers state that he believed we would hear ofthis undertaking in the future, for he knew some of the children whowere in it. Now, here I am, unconsciously dropped into the heart of it. "

From that moment Mr. Richards was the enthusiastic collaborator of thecompany. He went over the pages of the magazine again and made somevaluable suggestions for the future. When he expressed a desire to visittheir plant, everyone jumped up ready to show him the B. B. & B. B. Publishing House. 

Another great surprise awaited Mr. Richards. He had an idea that thework was done upon toy machinery, or hand presses; but, to find a shopequipped with electric motors and up-to-date machines, to say nothing oftype-stands and a real office, was more than he could comprehend. 

"I'm not surprised at the statement that man made at the meeting--hemust have known you children, indeed!"

"Seems to me that we are getting this young man 'rooted' in this work, "laughed Aunt Selina, who liked the expression ever since Mrs. Talmagetold her how to interest friends in the work. 

"Well, I'm 'grafted' upon this idea even if I'm not 'rooted, '" returnedMr. Richards, laughingly. "So much so, in fact, that I am going to makea suggestion that I think will meet with the approval of all of you. "

The children came closer to await his proposition. 

"At present I am an advertising man, but I used to be on one of thelarge newspapers in the city, and whenever any unusual story came in Iwas supposed to 'dress it' for publication. Now, in my opinion, thiswhole affair will make a fine story for the press and at the same timegive this magazine the publicity it needs. " Mr. Richards looked at theladies for approval. 

"It doesn't seem valuable enough for a paper to print, " ventured Mrs. Talmage. 

"It is the _unusual_ that papers are always after, " replied Mr. Richards. "Show me anything more unusual than this (waving his arm aboutto embrace the children, the plant and the work) and I will run afterit!"

"What would you say in the story?" asked Aunt Selina. 

"Well, I'd take kodak pictures of this office, of the plant, and of theWinter Nest you have been telling me about. Then we would group thechildren on the lawn in front of the house and have a picture of theBlue Birds and Bobolinks who own and publish this magazine. "

"What would Mr. Sphere say if he saw the story in the papers?" askedAunt Selina. 

"He'd say, 'Richie, old boy, I always knew you had a grain of sense inyour head!'" laughed Mr. Richards. 

"I have a fine camera in case you want to use it, " said Ned, eagerly. 

"And we have everything in good shape to have a picture taken, " addedMeredith. 

"If the ladies consent we will lose no more time, but get the pictureswhile the sun is right, " Mr. Richards said, as he turned toward theladies and Blue Birds. 

"Yes, yes, Mother Wings, let's do it!" cried several Blue Birds. So AuntSelina and Mrs. Talmage smiled a consent. 

Ned brought his camera and Mr. Richards grouped the Bobolinks about themachines in as workman-like poses as possible, and managed to get a goodpicture of them. Next, the office, with Jinks at the typewriter and Nedat the desk, was photographed. Outside, the Blue Birds and Bobolinksgrouped themselves in front of the door and another picture was taken. The Blue Birds were given their pose as editors in the large library ofthe house, where books and writing material could be utilized in thepicture. The Winter Nest was the last picture to be taken. 

"Now, watch the papers for a story of your entire plan and achievement, with illustrations, and if you don't tell me the next time I come outthat my idea was the best publicity plan imaginable, then you'll beungrateful, indeed!" said Mr. Richards, pleased as he could be with thesuccess of his visit. 

"When will the papers come out?" asked Ned. 

"I'll keep you posted day by day. I'm not going to lose sight of such apromising crowd of young folks, _I tell you!_" laughed the young man ashe placed the film in his pocket and started to say good-by. 

"Say, here, are you going to take that magazine with you?" cried Don, seeing the magazine rolled up in the visitor's hand. 

"Well, I guess! I'm going to exploit this everywhere I go, " said Mr. Richards, tapping the paper with his hand. 

"And tell the newspaper man that lots of famous folks have promised towrite for us, " said Ruth, who desired the magazine to have all the glorypossible. 

"And tell him to be sure and say that Aunt Selina will be glad to havegrown-ups write to ask her about Happy Hills, " added Aunt Selina, anxious to have the children's farm advertised. 

"I'll make them write everything I can think of, and more too, ifpossible, " laughed the young man as he started down the steps. 

"Oh, Mr. Richards, I forgot to tell----" Don started to say something, but Ike interrupted from the automobile which had been waiting for sometime in front of the house. 

"There'll just be time to jump aboard that train if we get off at once!"

Mr. Richards jumped in and raised his hat to the ladies, while Ikestarted the car at full speed, the children meantime waving their handsand shouting reminders after the visitor. 

Back to the Publishing House trooped the bevy of workers, more eagerthan ever to continue their work. 

"Now, he's what I call an 'all right' man!" declared Don Starr, emphatically, as he accented his words with punches at the stitcher. 

"What a piece of luck for us, " exclaimed Ned, overjoyed at the promisednewspaper story. 

"I always said I wanted to go through college, " said Tuck Stevens, thoughtfully; "but what's the use? When I have such a good business towork in and will be all ready to live on my money by the time I'm a man, why should I bother?"

"That's so, Tuck; better have a good time on that money, " laughed Jinks. 

"Better 'not count your chickens before they're hatched' or they maynever come out of the shell, " teased Ned. 

The Blue Birds had been equally busy talking, while folding pages, butthe work soon engrossed too much of their attention to keep up anyconversation. 

After several hours' work the Blue Birds began to feel tired anddecided to carry the finished magazines to the house. 

As each little girl came up the steps carrying a heap of neatly finishedmagazines, the two ladies stopped talking and turned to watch the girlsdeposit the magazines on the table in the hallway. 

"What were you saying about Happy Hills, mother?" asked Ruth. 

"Aunt Selina was telling me all about the three beautiful hills at theback of the estate. She said what pretty kodak pictures they would makeif we wanted to use them for the magazine, and I said it might be a goodplan to write up a short story about our plan for next month's issue. "

"Oh, yes, that would be a fine start for the farm, " cried Ruth. 

"And we think that we would need all of the time we can get to make sureof next summer's success, " added Aunt Selina. 

"Aunt Selina, how many poor children do you think we can keep at HappyHills?" asked Ruth. 

"We could not tell without having expert help to show how many camps canbe built there, " said Aunt Selina. 

"Oh, are you going to build camps, Aunt Selina?" asked Norma. 

"I thought the children were going to live in the woods, " said Dot. 

"But you didn't expect them to sleep on the ground and dress behind thebushes, did you?" said May. 

"I never thought what they would do, " returned Dot. 

"Will you have nests to live in like ours in the cherry-tree?" askedBetty. 

"No, dearie, I am planning to build little houses that will hold aboutsix or eight bunks, and a locker for each child. These houses will havea floor and a roof with posts to hold it up, but the walls will be madeof canvas curtains that we can roll up when we want the house wide open. The long building where the children will gather to eat or have games, will be centrally located if we build it in the valley between the threehills, " explained Aunt Selina. 

"Are we going to give the camp a name?" asked Edith. 

"Why, we hadn't thought of that--we can use the name 'Happy Hills, 'couldn't we?" said Mrs. Talmage. 

"Nobody will know the camp is any different then. The place has alwaysbeen called Happy Hills, so how is a stranger going to know that it isthe same where the children are living?" said Dot. 

"The name 'Hills' sounds all right, but you can't call the big house inthe valley by the name of 'Hills'; we ought to have a new name for_that_ so the children will know what place we mean when we talk aboutthe dining-room, " suggested Norma. 

"Just say 'Valley where the long house is, '" said Edith. 

"That doesn't sound nice, a bit! Everything else we have have such nicenames, " complained Ruth. 

"But, why do you children want a name for the valley and one for thechildren's camps?" asked Aunt Selina. 

"Doesn't everything in the world have a name?" asked Dot. 

The others laughed, but Ruth added, "Dot's right; we have a name for ourcherry-tree nest, and one for the new nest; and Mrs. Catlin is going tocall her Blue Birds' nest 'Hill Top Nest'--'Blue Birds of Hill TopNest. '"

"But this is different, " argued Mrs. Talmage. 

"No, it isn't, Mrs. Talmage, " insisted Dot. "We call our house 'Oakwood'and you call this place 'Mossy Glen'--and our town we call Oakdale. Why, what for? Everyone knows where the Starrs live, and where the Talmageslive, and we all know where the town lives, so what's the use of havingnames?"

"Dot, you hit the nail on the head every time, " said Aunt Selina, as allof the others laughed at Dot's explanation. 

"Yes, but that's why we want a name for our children's camp and thevalley, " said Ruth. 

"Really, it doesn't matter to us how many names you choose to giveit--just please yourselves about it, " said Aunt Selina. 

"All right, then, if you don't mind, we'll try to get a real lovely namefor it, " said Betty, smiling at Aunt Selina. 

For quite a time, silence reigned, for the Blue Birds were trying tothink of a pretty name for the farm. 

"In 'Pilgrim's Progress' there is a 'Valley of Humility, '" suggestedMay. 

"I'll run and get the Bible Concordance--that will have some valleynames in it, " said Ruth, running indoors to get the book. 

"Now, listen while I read some for you, " continued Ruth, bringing thebook over to the wicker table. 

"Here's one--'Inhabitants of the Valley'--turn that about and call it'Valley of Inhabitants. '"

"No, that isn't nice!" objected several voices. 

"Then comes a lot of hard-spelled names of valleys that won't do, either. Next comes: 'valley of passengers' and 'valley of vision. '"

"We don't want either one, " grumbled Dot. 

"Would you like the name 'Valley of Joy'?" asked Aunt Selina. 

After a few moments' thought the children replied, "Better, but notright yet. "

Aunt Selina smiled and thought how difficult to please were these BlueBirds; but Mrs. Talmage smiled, knowing that the children knew just whatthey wanted. 

After much thinking and suggesting, Ruth said, "We ought to have a namethat will fit with Happy Hills, you know. "

After "pleasure, " "fun, " "contentment" and other names had beensuggested, Aunt Selina suddenly mentioned "delight. "

"Valley of Delight, " repeated Mrs. Talmage to hear the sound of it, while the Blue Birds hailed the name as just right. 

"Happy Hills in the Valley of Delight!" said Aunt Selina, as pleased asthe children were. 

"Write it down--that's its name from now on, " cried Dot. 

"We want it printed on all of our letter paper that will be used forfarm purposes, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

"Oh, yes; won't it look fine to send out letters asking folks to senddonations for the poor children of 'Happy Hills in the Valley ofDelight!' and let them see the name on top of some nice grey paper, "cried Edith. 

"Wish we could find a name for those poor children. I never like to saythat word--'poor, '" complained Ruth. 

"Neither do I, " added Norma. 

"I know I wouldn't like a country child to be always calling me 'poorcity child, '" declared Betty. 

"Then you ought to find a nice name for all of them, too, so we won'thave to say 'poor' any more, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

All heads were bent down again while busy brains tried to find asuitable name for the protégés coming from the city. 

"Could they be called 'birds' like us?" asked Dot. 

"I do not think city children would care for such a name. You see, dear, they are so precocious from their daily experiences that they mightthink a bird-name silly, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

"Maybe they would like the name 'Little Soldiers, '" ventured Norma. 

"Oh, that makes you think of 'Onward Christian Soldiers' and they wouldguess we were goin' to make them join a Sunday School class right off!"objected Dot. 

Everyone laughed at Dot's viewpoint, but Aunt Selina was given an ideaby Norma's suggestion. 

"How would 'Little Workers' sound?" she asked. 

"Then they will all fear you are going to make them work, " laughed Mrs. Talmage. 

"'Little Lambs'--'Little Folks'--'Little Friends, '" recited Dot, zealously, then waited for a verdict. 

Heads were shaken in negation of the names, and Ruth started a list ofnames. 

"'Little Americans'--how's that?"

"Better, but not good enough, " replied her mother. 

"Oh, here's one--everything that lives in a forest is called a 'denizen'of the forest--let's call our children 'Little Denizens, '" cried Norma. 

"Wish someone could find a name that would mean the same as Americansand woods folks, " came from Betty wistfully. 

"How does 'Little Citizens' sound?" asked Ruth. 

"Wait! say it again!" exclaimed Mrs. Talmage, while the children andAunt Selina seemed to like the name. 

"Little Citizens--of Happy Hills in the Valley of Delight, " rehearsedRuth. 

"Why, just the thing--it's lovely!" cried Aunt Selina. 

"Yes, Fluff, couldn't be better, " said several of the Blue Birds. 

"Sounds almost like a book story-name, it's so pretty, " commended Mrs. Talmage. 

There was no more leisure to admire their new names, because shouts wereheard in the direction of the Publishing House, and the boys came out, each carrying a stack of magazines piled up in their arms. They reachedthe steps and Mrs. Talmage hurried to the hallway to show them in whichcloset to place them. 

"My, but that was a big load!" exclaimed Don. 

"Big piece of work, that!" said Jinks. 

"More fun than I've ever had, " commented Meredith. 

"But it makes a fellow awful hungry to work so hard. I wish it was nightso the men could treat, " hinted Don. 

The last remark from Don made the children laugh at him, but Mrs. Talmage said, "Don, if you will take Ned into the dining-room you willfind something there which you can carry out here. "

Don looked surprised, but Ned led him indoors to find what the surprisecould be. 

Soon both boys appeared again carrying a tray of cakes and dishes, whilethe maid followed with a huge platter upon which stood a high brick ofice-cream. 

The refreshments were so delicious that the boys said they could startanother day's work if they were sure of being treated with moreice-cream afterward. 

"How many magazines do you suppose you finished to-day?" asked Ruth, ofher brother. 

"Guess. "

"I don't know; we girls carried in 'most a hundred, but our piles werenot so high as the ones you boys brought in. "

"Well, we counted before we left the office; there were thirty in apile, and we brought over thirty piles--that made nine hundred all told, but the hundred you girls carried in makes just one thousand copies. Isn't that great?" cried Ned. 

"Then we can begin mailing copies to our philanthropists to-night, can'twe?" asked Norma. 

"Yes, and bring your mothers with you, to help, " said Mrs. Talmage. 

As everyone felt eager to get the thousand copies wrapped and mailed, the children soon said good-by and went home to tell the great news ofthe day's work. 

CHAPTER XV

HOW THE MAGAZINE WENT OUT

Before nine o'clock that night the magazines had all been wrapped, readyfor Ike to take to the post-office. The children were just as eager tocontinue the work, but Mrs. Talmage said that nine o'clock was time togo home. 

"We'll all be here Monday afternoon to help some more, Mrs. Talmage, "promised the Blue Birds as they skipped away beside their mothers. 

It took the Bobolinks all of that week, working every moment afterschool, and many of the evening hours, to finish the rest of themagazines. Everyone had decided that ten thousand would be enough forthe first issue, for it took so long to wrap each copy that no extratime could be given to printing. 

The first week of November results began to appear. One day the BlueBirds came to the Winter Nest and found several letters lying on thetable, addressed to the "Blue Birds of Oakdale. "

"Oh, oh! who do you s'pose they are from?" eagerly asked Norma. 

Dot was trying to look right through the envelope and the others laughedat her expression. 

"Let's open them and see!" said sensible Ruth. 

Mrs. Talmage entered the room just then and the letters were given herto open and read aloud. 

"Maybe they are subscriptions, " suggested Mrs. Talmage, as she slipped apaper-knife under the flap of an envelope. 

"Goodness! suppose they are?" whispered Betty. 

"What would we do with them?" said Dot. 

As this was an entirely new and unexpected problem, the Blue Birdslooked at each other and then at Mrs. Talmage. 

"I think we will have to invite the Bobolinks to a conference to-day andtalk this matter over, " said Mother Wings. 

Norma was sent to the Publishing House to invite the boys to be presentat the meeting that afternoon at five. As it was four-thirty, the boyshurried to wash their hands and pull down their shirt sleeves, foralmost all of them had taken off their coats and rolled up theirsleeves. 

The meeting proved to be very important in the judgment of thechildren, for the letters were found to contain money orders and checkswhich had to be deposited in some bank. 

After looking over the papers, Ned said, "We must sign these and sendback a receipt, eh, mother?"

"Yes, and we must select some bank in which to place our account; shallwe say the Oakdale Trust Company?" said Mrs. Talmage. 

So that was agreed upon and the secretary told to stop at the bank inthe morning and get the necessary blanks for the company to fill in. 

"What a heap of money the magazines must make, " said Dot. "Just look atall the money we have already with no list. "

"But you forget we have really no costs to pay at present so all that ispaid in is profit. But the city publishers have heavy expenses to payout of all their income, " explained Mrs. Talmage. 

"Uncle Ben says that hardly any magazine published could pay itsexpenses on the subscriptions only; it is the advertising that pays forthe work, " said Ned. 

"We ought to get busy on our advertising, then, " urged Jinks. 

"If we don't we won't pay costs after all of these free donations ofpaper and postage are over, " added Meredith. 

"You boys practised that part of the work, so why don't you try and callupon some big firms and ask for contracts?" asked Dot. 

"How do you know we practised?" questioned Ned, looking at the BlueBirds, who started giggling as they recalled the visit to the loft overthe carriage house. 

"Ho, didn't you?" insisted Dot. 

"No one but we boys knew it--we kept the doors closed while we tried tosee which one could do it best, " replied Don. 

"A little bird whispered it in our ears, " teased Ruth. 

"Say, Jinks! do you remember the time I heard those noises in the loft?"asked Ned. 

The Bobolinks saw that the girls were laughing at them. 

"I wonder when Mr. Richards will get that story printed in thepapers--that will help so much!" sighed Betty. 

"Don't be impatient, little girl, " said Mrs. Talmage. "Remember, wehave only just begun, and I think there have been marvelous stepstaken. "

"And when it once gets started, the subscription list will grow veryrapidly, " added Aunt Selina. 

And so it proved. In a few weeks' time the letters containing checks andmoney orders for subscriptions reached such proportions that Mrs. Talmage was distracted trying to attend properly to the clerical work. Mr. Talmage saw that it was such tiresome application to detail that hetelephoned Uncle Ben to send out a competent filing clerk; in a few daysa nice young girl of about eighteen arrived and took charge of all themail, and Mrs. Talmage heaved a deep sigh of relief. 

Uncle Ben had made it a custom to visit his brother's family everyweek-end since the inception of the magazine, and one Saturday hearrived unusually early--in time for lunch. 

"Ned, can you call a meeting of the B. B. & B. B. 's at the PublishingHouse for two o'clock?" asked Uncle Ben. 

"The Bobolinks will be there anyway, but I am not so sure about theBlue Birds, " said Ned, looking at Ruth. 

"We had something to talk over in the Winter Nest, but we can postponeit until afterward, " said Ruth. 

So at two o'clock all of the children were gathered about Uncle Ben tohear the news he had to tell them. 

Uncle Ben made a great fuss clearing his throat as if in preparation foran oration, then took a packet of letters from his pocket. 

"The sample issue of your magazine made such a stir in variouspublishing circles, that one of the officers of the Publishers'Association asked me Thursday night who was back of all this businessthat a lot of youngsters had started down at Oakdale. 

"I didn't reply right away, and a man sitting near me said, 'Oh, somefolks, probably, who have a smattering of how to do printing!'

"Some of my friends laughed hilariously, for they thought it a good jokeon me, but the President of the association was not satisfied. 

"'This is no amateurish work, Mackensie, ' he said; 'here is a copy ofthe magazine and I tell you it can compete with any juvenile publicationin the country. Why, man, the names of some of the contributors arefamiliar to me, for I know of offers made to induce these same writersto throw us morsels of their wisdom. '

"Then a friend of mine spoke. 

"'This whole affair sounds very much like the pet hobby of a friend--hetold me about it years ago. '

"The other men laughed at the explanation, but my friend looked at meand said, 'Talmage, what do _you_ know about it?'

"Then I said, 'My niece and nephew belong to the Blue Birds andBobolinks that started the poor children's outing at Oakdale, lastsummer. They have become so interested in the work that they proposeraising enough money this winter to take over a farm of a few thousandacres and send out hundreds of children for all of next summer. '

"'They what?' exclaimed every man present. 

"'Say that again!' commanded the President, so I gladly told them thestory in detail. 

"Well, B. B. & B. B. 's--do you want to know the result of thatmeeting?"

The children shouted and begged to be told at once, so Uncle Bencontinued with evident pleasure in the telling. 

"Those great publishers talked for hours of ways and means in which tohelp along your good work. Some promised to interest prominent peoplethey knew, and others offered to insert advertising cards in their ownpublications to tell about the magazine and its purpose. Almost everyone of them offered to make special clubbing offers with their ownmagazines to induce readers to subscribe for yours. 

"Now, these letters are the results of some of the promises already keptby these men. I will read them to you. "

Uncle Ben then proceeded to read aloud the letters from prominent peopleand philanthropists who had responded to the call made by friends. Theycommended the interest shown by the younger generation and hoped thesympathetic work done for the sick and poverty-stricken little ones ofthe cities would win success. To this end a donation was inclosed. 

As Uncle Ben read the last letter, he took from his wallet a package ofchecks and handed them over to Ned. 

Ned saw the figure written on the face of the first check on top andheld the package as if it were dangerous. 

"Heigh, there, Ned, they aren't loaded, are they?" laughed Jinks. 

"Read it off, Ned, " urged the boys and girls. 

"This top one is from the Cage Foundation and is for five hundreddollars--subscriptions to be sent to hospitals. The next one----" andNed gasped again as he took up the second paper. 

Uncle Ben laughed at his evident amazement. 

"The second is from the Sarnegie Fund and is made out for a thousanddollars, subscriptions to be sent to homes and orphanages. 

"And here's another for five hundred dollars from Harriet Rowld. Thenthere's--let me see! One--two--three--four--for a hundred dollars eachfor cripples' homes. "

When Ned finished the children were too surprised to say a word, butUncle Ben spoke for them. 

"Well, Chicks--I mean Birds--you see that any time you grow weary ofworking out this scheme there will be no difficulty in selling thebusiness for cash. Any wide-awake publisher will jump over the moon toget this magazine from you. "

"Oh, Uncle Ben! what a dreadful thing to say!" cried Ruth. 

"As if we ever would sell out such a wonderful plan, " murmured severalof the children. 

"If every one of you feel the same about this matter, why not pass aresolution that we will never sell out this business for mere commercialreasons?" suggested Uncle Ben. 

It was instantly agreed upon and the resolution made a part of theby-laws of the company. 

"Now, for a social proposition, " said Uncle Ben, smiling in hispossession of a pleasant secret. 

"I was thinking that we ought to get out an extra fine Christmas number, and send out as many samples as could be turned off the press. To dothis you would have to have several men working during your schoolhours, so I thought it best to ask the men already here to wait forfurther orders. With all of this money on hand you can easily pay theirsalary and that of another good man that I should like to send out hereto boss the work. Ike says he can fix up some rooms in the loft overheadand the men can take their meals with him. The two men who are workinghere like it very much and will remain if you want them to. "

"But we would be crowded out of our work if the men did all of it, "complained Don. 

"Not a bit of it! I said: 'During school hours, ' so an extra largenumber of magazines can be printed for Christmas. You boys worked everymoment of your time but could only finish ten thousand this month, "explained Uncle Ben. 

So it was cheerfully agreed to have the men help them with the nextmonth's magazine. 

"You said 'social, ' but I don't see anything social in having the menhelp with the work, " grumbled Don. 

"Now that you will have the men to help with the work you will have timeto think of the social side of the plan I am going to suggest, " repliedUncle Ben, winking at Don to cheer him up. "So many of my friends in NewYork have heard of this B. B. & B. B. Company that I am constantlyanswering questions as to your ages, looks, and other personal matters. I think it will be a splendid plan to have all of you meet them soon andspare me so many extra words and time, to say nothing of wear and tearon my vocal cords. "

"I know you've got a lovely surprise to tell us--I can tell it in yourvoice!" cried Ruth, jumping up and hugging her uncle about the neck. 

"I don't know whether it is or not--how can I say until the others tellme whether it is, " said Uncle Ben, trying to look troubled over thedoubt. 

"Out with it, Uncle Ben!" laughed Ned. 

"Well, if I must, I must!" groaned Uncle Ben. "I have discovered a veryamusing play that has Saturday matinées. Of course, I suppose Birdscould get into a theatre, couldn't they? Well, if we went to see theshow in the afternoon and then went to a hotel where we could have adining-room all to ourselves and give a little party to all of myfriends, it would save me so much trouble for the future. "

Mere words failed to express the excitement and delight of the childrenas they fully realized what Uncle Ben meant. 

"Oh, " said Betty, "I've never been to a theatre in my life--and tothink of going to one in New York, oh!"

"Neither have I, Betty, " replied May. "Can you go?"

"Will mother go with us, Uncle Ben?" asked Ruth. 

"Most assuredly, for you Blue Birds will have to have a Mother Wing tocover you--and Aunt Selina, too, if she will come, " said Uncle Ben. 

"When can we go?" asked Don, eagerly. 

"Have you decided to come?" teased Uncle Ben. 

The storm of acceptance made him laugh. 

"Well, then, let's say a week from next Saturday, if everyone canarrange it for that time. I will invite my friends to be at our party atsix o'clock sharp, for afterward we will have to come home on the nineo'clock train. "

"And will some of those real publishers be there, Uncle Ben?" asked Ned, sceptically. 

"Some of the greatest in America, my boy, " said Uncle Ben, seriously, ashe understood Ned's ambition to meet them and his doubt of having thedesire fulfilled. 

"What must we wear?" asked Norma. 

"The prettiest that you have, for I want to show off my publishingcompany to the very best advantage, " replied Uncle Ben. 

Just then Mr. Talmage appeared at the doorway and said, "Do you know that dinner is almost ready and no one there to sit down totable?"

Then everyone began to tell of the party to be given in New York, andMr. Talmage seemed very much surprised. 

"If that is the case, you will all have to do your very best to have afine Christmas magazine so that the friends you meet in New York willwant to come to another party at some other time. Perhaps if themagazine was very, very attractive they would feel so proud of beingacquainted with you that they would take the trouble to come all the wayout to Oakdale to have a party this winter, " ventured Mr. Talmage. 

"Wouldn't it be fun to invite them all here at the Christmas Holidaysand give them a real country Christmas tree with Uncle Ben for SantaClaus!" cried Betty, expectantly. 

"And sleigh-rides from the train, and bob-sledding down Oakdale Hill, then over to our Publishing House for the Tree, " added Dot. 

"And have a present for everyone like we had on our Fourth-of-Julytree, " cried Ruth. 

"And after all the fun is over, a great big feast with plum-pudding, "sighed Don, making them all laugh. 

"Yes, I think that will be fine, and I don't believe one of those NewYorkers will stay away if you tell them all the fun you propose givingthem, " laughed Uncle Ben. 

"But, first, let us have our party with you, Uncle Ben, then we can talkabout the Christmas one, " advised Ned. 

Families in Oakdale were entertained that Saturday night by hearing thechildren tell of the plans made by Uncle Ben for the social side of theB. B. & B. B. 's life. Many were the dreams of all the fun to be had whenthat New York party came off. 

While the children were home talking over the anticipated dinner-party, the grown-ups at Mossy Glen were engaged in perfecting plans for theparty. Invitations on grey paper, printed in blue ink, with a flight ofbirds shadowed across the sheet was the suggestion of Aunt Selina. Thefavors for the table and the tokens presented for speech-making weresuggested by Mrs. Talmage, while the dinner and decorations were plannedby Mr. Talmage and Uncle Ben. 

Much fun was the result of the party in New York. The guests acceptedthe B. B. & B. B. 's invitation to have a Christmas Tree at thePublishing House with great eagerness. But it will take another book totell about everything that happened. 

This book, called "THE BLUE BIRDS' UNCLE BEN, " is the third of theseries. 

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