CHAPTER IIITHE BLUE BIRDS’ INSPIRATION
School was to re-open on Thursday, and the Blue Birds had but one day more of vacation in which to meet and plan for the Winter Nest. Of course, they could meet after school, or Saturdays, but it seemed more like a meeting to be able to have the whole day for planning.
By nine o’clock on Wednesday, therefore, they gathered in their Nest while Mrs. Talmage entertained Aunt Selina on the veranda with past doings of the children.
Mr. Talmage had to go to the city, and he said that Uncle Ben might come back with him for a few days’ visit. Uncle Ben was his only brother, the one who had given Ned the printing outfit for a Christmas gift.
Ruth told the Blue Birds all about Happy Hills and Aunt Selina’s plan for the city children.
“Now, how shall we manage to find the children that will need the country 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 got as 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 the whole plan,” ventured Betty.
“Mrs. Talmage and Miss Selina are on the porch now—let’s run over and ask them what they have thought of,” suggested Edith.
As the others were of the same mind the Nest was deserted. Upon reaching the veranda, the Blue Birds were pleased to see that Mrs. Catlin was sitting 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 winter work and next summer’s plans, Ned came out of the house and went down the woodland path toward the Starrs’ home.
Meredith Starr and his chum, Jinks, were underan old apple-tree in the garden 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’s given Happy Hills to the Blue Birds for their poor children next summer.”
“She has! My goodness, but they will have more than they can look after if they ever accepted such a place,” cried Jinks.
“Oh, they accepted it, all right! They’re just crazy about it. But the grown-ups will have to help it along. I suppose they’ll have to have so much 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 some club 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 yousuppose these girls would have been if it hadn’t been for mother’s ideas and help?”
“I guess you’re right,” admitted the other boys, rolling over in the grass again, whence they had popped up their heads at Meredith’s suggestion.
After a few moments’ silence, however, Meredith sat up again and said tenaciously: “I don’t see why we can’t! Daddum would help us with his advice and your father, too, Ned. Jinks hasn’t any grown-ups, but he can get 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 be all 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 will consent 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 the fact is we won’t! We will have a sort of club for boys under twelve for thepurpose of having a nice time, and helping them with their work or suggesting plans for outdoor sports,” said Ned.
“If we could think of some name that would appeal to the mothers who are so interested in the Blue Birds!” said Jinks.
After many names had been laughed down, Meredith said, “Why not call ourselves ‘The B. B. Club.’ Everyone likes a secret society and the mothers can believe we are so fond of the Blue Birds that we wanted to keep their name for ourselves.”
“Oh, but they will think we had to steal their name for want of finding one 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 saw some signs of trouble and asked what they were doing.
Ned explained about Miss Selina and the Blue Birds, and his plan for the younger boys. Jim pondered for a few moments and then muttered,“Is there any bird you know that goes by those same initials—‘B. B.’?”
Ned thought rapidly for a few minutes, then said, “Blue Jay, no, not that—Black Bird!”
“Bull Finch!” replied Jinks, laughing.
“Neither! What bird whistles like this?” and Jim imitated so naturally the 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 what they say,” suggestedJim, pointing toward the front driveway where two boys 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 turned in the direction of the apple orchard. As the two lads ran up, Ned constituted 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 I was too little to know better, was awful—it’s Reuben Wales. Just because my great grandfather had it, they made me take it, too.” And poor little Tuck felt very much abused.
“Never mind, Tuck,” laughed Ned, while the other boys rolled over in the grass to smother their laughter.
“I don’t most of the time, but when someone has to know the real end of my name, I feel dreadful about it.”
“Well, Tuck, we are planning a club for you boys and you can choose a new 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 as Bobolink Boys,” explained Meredith.
“What for—to build nests and then sew doll clothes, or make paper furniture?” growled Don, who had been greatly offended to think that his twin sister Dot would leave him for the Blue Birds.
The older boys who understood his attitude and its cause, laughed, but Meredith explained more fully.
“Just for the sake of having fine times and getting something going for the boys so the girls won’t run the whole town. If we start a movement called Bobolinks we can demand help from the grown-ups just as the girls have done. We can manage to do something as big as the BlueBirds ever did, 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 a grimy little hand under his brother’s nose.
Ned and Jinks laughed as Meredith looked doubtfully at Don’s hand before accepting 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 like to 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 of another, 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 looked at each other.
“Quick work, eh? We’re in for it now, so we’dbetter get some plans going,” laughed Meredith.
“We’d better go to your room and figure things out on paper,” advised Ned.
So the three boys who started the Bobolink Boys went to the house and locked themselves in Meredith’s den to make plans for the organization.
In the meantime, the Blue Birds had joined the ladies on the Talmage veranda and their conversation turned to the work to be done that winter.
“I wonder where Ned went,” said Mrs. Talmage as Ruth drew a low stool to her mother’s side.
“He went over to my house to see Mete,” replied Dot Starr. “Shall I go and bring him back?”
“Oh, no, it can wait. I just wanted him to hear some of our plans so he could print it in the next paper,” said Mrs. Talmage. Then she turned to the others.
“You see, Blue Birds, since Aunt Selina joined our ranks and proffered Happy Hills for next summer’s use, it gives us an entirely new incentive for work. We had rather expected to takematters easy this winter, for school does not leave much time for other work. But we have afternoons and Saturdays.”
“And Wednesdays, too, Mrs. Talmage! We all get out at two o’clock Wednesdays, you know,” added Norma.
“If I could skip music that day, I could have a long afternoon with you,” said May, hopefully.
“Well, if anyone who has studies at home for Wednesdays, could arrange to attend to them at another time, we could have every Wednesday afternoon for a regular meeting, too,” admitted Mrs. Talmage.
Miss Selina was so interested in the children that she smiled when they did, and puckered her brow into a frown when they did. Mrs. Catlin amused herself watching the old lady and almost rocked off the steps in her enjoyment.
“One thing we must discuss to-day is a suitable nest for winter. We cannot occupy the one in the cherry tree much longer, for it is growing windy and cool. Then, too, there must be some home-work planned for each one to report at our meetings,” said Mrs. Talmage.
“Won’t there be any benefits or bazaars?”asked Ruth, who had visions of 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 parting injunction, “Call upon me for anything—I will be on hand.”
Late in the afternoon Mr. Talmage returned with his brother who was the editor of a prominent magazine in New York. The Blue Birds had gone, and Ruth welcomed her uncle whose visits were always a source of pleasure to Ned and herself.
He sat down on the steps beside her and listened to her story of the wonderful work Ned’s printing press had done that summer, and of the work required of it for the coming summer. Uncle Ben smiled as he listened.
“Ned will be walking in my footsteps soon, won’t he?” said Uncle Ben, as Ruth concluded.
Before Ruth could reply her mother came out to welcome the visitor and tell him of Aunt Selina’s presence.
“Aunt Selina! You don’t say so! Why, Ihaven’t seen her since my graduation from college,” remarked Uncle Ben, in pleased surprise.
“She is in her room dressing for dinner,” said Mrs. Talmage. “You will find a great change working in her. Why, just think of her offer of Happy Hills for the poor children next summer.” And she proceeded to tell 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 earn the money for next summer,” suggested Ruth.
“I believe you can! What we need is to find some way of reaching the right children, and then to start some work that will bring us in a regular income during the winter, for it will take a heap of money to run a large place like Happy Hills with several hundred starved little children living there,” admitted Mrs. Talmage.
“As a man who is so mixed up in publishing, you would naturally expect me 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 given for discussing ways and means.
So absorbing was the theme, however, that talk soon drifted around to the 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; but the ones like the Ferris family, never are heard from in this way. Those are the children we want,” said Mrs. Talmage.
“When I return to the city I will see if there is any way of getting a list like you want. As for institutions—you can find all of the asylums and homes in the New York Directory. From them you can select numbers of crippled or sick children,” suggested Uncle Ben.
“Ben, do you believe circulars are a good means of letting people know what you want?” asked Mrs. Talmage.
“I can’t say that I do. In my experience I have found that a circular letter meets the same end as an undesirable advertisement. Most of them are thrown into the waste basket.”
“We need philanthropic women to help us next summer. Mrs. Starr offered me her woods at Oakwood if her family goes to Maine, and Mrs.Catlin wishes to rent the Mason farm for children. So now, with Happy Hills on our list, we will need just the right kind who will love the work with us,” 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 theChirp? Can’t we print a story in that and mail it to a list of folks in New York?” asked Ned.
“That sounds good to me! I should say theChirpwould do the work better than a letter or circular,” said Uncle Ben.
“Yes, it does seem like a fine suggestion,” admitted Mrs. Talmage. “We will talk it over this evening, Ned.”
“Why, when theChirpcomes to my office,” said Uncle Ben, “I generally drop all of my important work until I see what new scheme the children have worked up. I sit back and enjoy every word there.”
“Maybe that is because your nephew edits it—sort of family pride in one who is following in your footsteps,” teased Mr. Talmage.
“Not a bit of it! It is because the lad is original enough to fill a gap, and persistent enough to keep a good thing going. I haven’t the least idea but that the Blue Birds would never have been heard of outside of their little Nest if it hadn’t been for Ned and hisChirp,” 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 may I have him alone for a few moments before you get hold of him?” asked Ned, in a worried manner, as if Uncle Ben would be used up if the ladies talked to him first.
Everyone laughed, and Mrs. Talmage said, “Why, certainly, Son, if Uncle Ben is courageous enough to trust himself to your hands.”
“I’m shaking in my boots already,” said Uncle Ben, “for I’m sure some dark plot will be uncovered.”
“Just wait and see!” laughed Ned, as he excused himself and ran to his den.
As the rest of the family rose to leave the table, Uncle Ben said in an aside to Mr. Talmage, “I believe that this farm idea will require a regular organization to take proper charge of its affairs. Just a few ladies 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 catching hold of his hand, dragged him into his sanctum where theChirpwas printed each week.
Uncle Ben sat down in the one arm-chair and waited while Ned locked the door and pulled down every window shade.
“This is a great secret, you know,” explained Ned.
CHAPTER IVTHE BOBOLINK BOYS FOUNDED
“Now, Uncle Ben, we can make ourselves at home,” said Ned, as he sat upon a box in front of his uncle.
“Oh, maybe you’d like to smoke, Uncle Ben?” continued Ned, recalling that most men liked an after-dinner smoke. “I shall never use tobacco myself, 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 health with tobacco, and not interfere?” laughed he.
“Oh, no, you know I didn’t mean it that way, although it did sound funny, didn’t it?” replied Ned.
“Well, Son, I never smoke, either. I believe a man is a better thinker and cooler business manwithout it,” said Uncle Ben. “But, tell me, what is the tremendous secret that made you lock the door and pull the blinds?”
“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 Starr boys were at camp and many of the other boys away with their families; so I undertook to print theChirpfor the girls. I liked it, too. But they are planning so much for next summer that it will take a regular printer 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 hinder us from getting up a club for boys under twelve?’ We all thought it would 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. “Have you founded the club for any purpose?”
“Oh, yes! We will gather all the little chaps under twelve years of age into one organization,and take them on hikes, teach them work, play games, and do other things,” said Ned.
“And the name of this?”
“We thought that Bobolink Boys—B. B., you see—would be great as the initials 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 boys will wear jumpers of a certain color, with stripes for grade. We haven’t gone any further. Our first meeting was held in Starr’s orchard this afternoon,” grinned Ned.
Uncle Ben sat thinking very seriously for a long time, then he asked, “What about theChirp? Drop it?”
“Oh, no! That’s one reason we want something of our own to back us up. We can all help print theChirp, and with the little boys to deliver them, or run errands, it will be easier for all of us. Then, if the girls 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 Uncle Ben.
“Cooperation in everything a boy can help in, but not to belong to a Nest that has to do things the Blue Birds do,” explained Ned.
Uncle Ben sat wrapped in thought, and Ned wondered what he was thinking of. 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 you over the whole plant, and show you what work it takes to produce a nice little paper book each month?”
“Once, when father and I were at your office, you took me over the place. I told you then that I wanted to be a publisher, and you laughed and promised to start me on the right track when I was a man. Last winter you sent me the printing press and told me to practice,” said Ned.
“Yes, I know, but I wanted to see if you remembered. Now, I think I have a plan that willgo a long way toward giving you elementary experience in publishing, and at the same time provide just what your Bobolinks would like to do. It will help the Blue Birds along for next summer, and keep them busy to prevent the Bobolinks from making all the music.” And Uncle Ben slapped his knee again, laughing as he thought of how the boys would unconsciously start a race between the two—Blue Birds and Bobolinks.
“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 it together in some way to tell you to-morrow. Where do you boys expect to meet 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 any large 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 understand as girls, and the plan that suddenly suggested itself for you boys to try out is a secret ambition that I have nursed ever since I went into the publishing business—and that was over twenty-five years ago. I have never had time to take it up alone, and never found anyone to whom I could trust so precious a hobby. I see how this combination of Blue Birds and Bobolinks might bring the idea to success, but I shall have to think it over before speaking further,” explained Uncle Ben.
“Uncle, I surely am grateful for your confidence, and I shall be glad to know when you can tell us all,” said Ned.
“I wish to talk the matter over with your father first, but you may call together some of the boys to-morrow afternoon and I will talk with them to see how many are willing and able to help.”
“Well, I suppose I must wait, but I did hope we could organize our boys to-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 come along,” responded Uncle Ben, rising to go.
That night after everyone had retired, Uncle Ben took Mr. Talmage down the drive toward the woods. As they walked slowly along in the bright moonlight, they discussed various plans suggested by the ladies of the Blue Bird society. Uncle Ben led up, quite naturally, to the new organization of Bobolinks.
“Al, those boys are wide awake, all right! If we were to give them a boost now and then, there is no saying how great a philanthropic success this undertaking may be. It may grow so far out of Oakdale limits that the whole world may take part in it. I, for one, have decided to lend my support and see what comes of it,” said Uncle Ben, seriously.
“Great Scott! Ben; youmustbe interested; I haven’t seen you so enthusiastic over anything in years,” laughed Mr. Talmage.
“You know how interested I have always been in the publishing work—even as a boy, like Ned is now. Well, one thing you, and no one else, ever did know, was the hope of being able some day to circulate a model magazine for children. I have known for years that the little souls craved something more than the wishy-washy stuff that is given them 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 they demand—unconsciously, perhaps—the same strong quality of bread and meat reading as adults have been digesting of late years. Educational, adventurous, interesting, work-a-day reading! But the books and magazines in the main have not advanced to meet the demand for better children’s literature. I have long dreamed of just what I would like to give 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 to think about it, but keeps right on filling the minds of their children withstuff that never benefits them a particle. How many boys of to-day want 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 Scout Adventures,’ 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’s denunciation of present-day literature for children.
“All right, then! Help me bring about a reform in this line. I have studied this problem from every point of view and I really believe that the growing youth of to-day would not acquire bad habits so readily if they were given some occupation that would thoroughly interest them. It’s worth trying, at any rate. Let’s fill them with some great plan or ambition and see how many children will fall into the snares and pitfalls 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 little girls. We havea crowd of boys wasting their time day by day for want of something interesting to do. Let the fathers follow the mothers’ example and help their boys band together for some good cause!” said Uncle Ben.
“We’ll get the men together and propose it—they’ll see the value of the suggestion, just as I have,” promised Mr. Talmage.
“Well, Al, now that you’re interested, I have an especially fine plum to drop into your hands. Your own son was the one to start an organization of 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 has organized a club for boys under twelve, just as the Blue Birds have done for girls, and the initials are the same—B. B.;—also, they wish to cooperate 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 movement if possible by confidingmy pet plan to them to experiment on,” said Uncle Ben.
“When the fathers hear of this they will be as happy as I am. The problem of keeping a boy actively engaged in some uplifting work is a sufficient 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-morrow night for a conference. We will see how many will agree to help along the work. I will donate all of my ideas accumulated during the past years.”
“I’ll telephone everyone I know the first thing in the morning. Where shall we meet—in the library?” asked Mr. Talmage.
“Yes, and if there are too many of us we will have to adjourn to a larger 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 in Talmage’s library that night. Meredith and Donald knew nothing of Uncle Ben’s talk with Mr. Talmage, but they felt sure the meeting had something to do with their plans.
Mr. Wells and Mr. Stevens were the next ones to be invited to the meeting, 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 quiet country home, found himself very busy in working out his idea so that it could be simply presented to the meeting of boys and men. He spent the entire morning in jotting down ideas as they came to him.
Luncheon over, Ned caught Uncle Ben’s hand and said, “You haven’t forgotten 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 carriage house 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 garage had been built.
Ned and Ike found some chairs in the store-room, and Simon provided several empty boxes. Long planks were placed across the boxes, making very good benches for the boys to sit upon.A large packing case stood a 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 the Bobolinks was there with expectant looks. Uncle Ben soon arrived and took a seat by the large box. He spread his papers out in front of him in a very business-like way.
“Boys, I will go straight to the business under consideration this afternoon,” said Uncle Ben, standing up the better to impress his audience.
“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 his notes.
“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 and by-laws for governing the boys and meetings. Now, I should suggest that we begin properly, and hold an election of officers.”
Uncle Ben then told them the proper way to proceed, and the boys were greatly impressed with the importance of what they were doing.When the election was completed, Ned had been chosen President, Meredith Treasurer and Jinks Secretary.
“Now,” said Uncle Ben, “with your permission I will preside at this meeting, instead of your new President. I will read to you what I have written on this paper:
“First: The undersigned have met together to form an organization to be known as Bobolink Boys.
“Second: The purpose of this organization is to provide a club for boys under twelve years of age, that will plan healthful sport, social meetings, and assist the Blue Birds in their work and play.
“Third: Meetings shall be arranged for by vote of members, and all other important matters shall be discussed and decided upon at these meetings.
“Fourth: An initiation fee of ten cents shall be charged each boy desiring to become a member of the Bobolinks, and dues of five cents a month shall be collected from every member. Should any member find it impossible 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 and all funds deposited there. All bills must be paid by check signed by the treasurer and secretary.
“Sixth: Any member found deliberately breaking any of the rules and by-laws shall be expelled from the organization, after a meeting held to investigate the misdemeanor.”
Uncle Ben looked up from the paper and said,
“Is that the plan of organization that you boys feel will cover what you want?”
“Oh, yes, that’s fine!” cried several boys.
The others still felt too over-awed at the business-like terms just heard, to make any sign, favorable or otherwise.
“Well, if this paper is acceptable a motion to make it official will be received. I want to get to the principal thing for which we have gathered,” said Uncle Ben.
“Now, I shall make some suggestions,” continued Uncle Ben, after the outline had been accepted by a vote. “Are there any boys here who do not wish 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 regular dues?” continued Uncle Ben.
None thought this impossible.
“After this you write down the names and addresses of every boy who applies for membership.”
Ned made a note of it in his book.
“Now for a catechism: This is very important,” said Uncle Ben, looking about 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,’” ventured Uncle Ben, critically. “But let me tell you! ‘Hookey’ is an innocent-looking vice that leads to great trouble. It isthe seed of being 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 forego the delight in playing hookey when fishing was good, or when baseball was being played in town ten miles away.
“Have any of you boys ever been in a printing plant and watched the process 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 type or run one of the fascinating presses?
“Fine!” smiled Uncle Ben. “And now how many can set type or do small jobs on the press?”
Very few could do this, but the Starr boys and Jinks often helped Ned with printing theChirpon his small press, and a few other boys knew something of the work.
“Well, I’ll have to explain to you what kind of work is required of a firm that prints papers or publishes a magazine. You may think this has nothing to do with your organization, but you will soon see,” said Uncle Ben.
As the speaker turned to take up several sheets of paper, a noisy chatter was heard outside the house and in another moment all of the Blue Birds, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Talmage, Mrs. Catlin, and Miss Selina, entered the room.
“In passing, we heard the harangue going on in here, and found out from Mr. Talmage that a secret meeting was under way. We would love to hear the motive and perhaps suggest an idea now and then,” laughingly said Mrs. Talmage.
The Bobolinks looked at each other, and Uncle Ben said, “Members, shall these intruders be ejected, or shall this organization extend the first courtesy to one we hope to assist in the future?”
The boys giggled, for the manner of presenting the case appealed to every one of them, and eliminated any feeling of intrusion from the Blue Birds.
“One item to be written in our by-laws must be: ‘Consider the ladies first,’” 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 social function, so I mustask the ladies to find their own seats and not disturb the gentlemen,” said Mr. Talmage.
The ladies were soon seated in a corner where Ike placed some boxes, and the Blue Birds squatted upon carriage robes spread out on the floor by Simon. When all was orderly again, Uncle Ben proceeded with his discourse.
CHAPTER VUNCLE 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 my nephew here—and that is still, printing. My present position as editor of 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 an opportunity like the present one offers.
“Before I confide to you what the present offer is, I wish to explain somewhat the working of a magazine plant. I believe it is necessary to tell you how much hard work is attached to the business, and some of the enjoyments when the magazine is ready to go out.
“The first thing is to have the right kind of a story, or article. To find this it is necessary to read many, many manuscripts. We employ ‘readers’ for this work of selecting what we canuse. The manuscripts we cannot use are returned to the writers. After the first reader passes on a story, another reader goes over it, and if it seems suitable, it is handed to the editor. The editor decides whether or not to accept it. If accepted, he has to go over it very carefully. Sometimes words are changed, lines inserted, or whole paragraphs cut out.
“If the story needs illustrating an artist is sent for. If a soft-toned illustration is desired, the artist makes a ‘wash drawing’—meaning a black and white painting done with brushes, as in a water color. The ‘wash drawing’ is then sent to the engravers and a ‘half-tone’ plate made for use in the magazine. ‘Half-tones’ are made of copper sheets with the picture photographed upon them.
“Sometimes we want an outline to illustrate the story. A pen and ink sketch is required for this, and is made about twice as large as it will appear in the magazine. This is reproduced on a zinc plate, and is called a ‘line cut.’
“Then the story is given to the linotypers. A linotype machine is very interesting. It has a key-board almost like a typewriter. When a letteris struck on the board, a piece of brass containing the impression of that letter moves into place just like a soldier starting to form a line. When the next letter is struck, the corresponding brass soldier hurries into place beside the first one. This continues until a whole line has been ‘set.’ Then the operator touches a lever, the line of brass pieces moves to a new position, and molten type-metal is poured into the mold which the brass pieces help to form. The lead at once hardens, 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 quickly and so accurately.
“When the linotype work is completed the printer places the lines of type on a ‘galley.’ Then the type is covered with ink, a piece of paper is laid on, and a heavy roller passed over it. This impression is called the ‘galley proof.’ If the linotyper has made any mistakes in spelling or printing, they have to be corrected.
“After the ‘galley proofs’ are corrected, the dummy—a blank-page book just the size the magazine will be—is made.
“Before us, are all the pictures and reading matter to be used. These are arranged and pasted into the dummy in the order in which they are to be printed. Sometimes a page has a little space left at the bottom, and this must be filled with a neat ornament or a verse. Sometimes an article is too long, and then it must be cut down and made to fit the allotted space.
“Thus, the whole magazine is ‘dummied’ with pages of cut-up galley proofs and picture proofs, until it looks more like a child’s scrap book than a magazine model.
“This dummy goes back to the printer, who picks out the galley-type and measures it off to compare with the pages of the dummy. This done, he places the type in a form the size of the page, places the numeral of the page at the top or bottom, with the name of the magazine at the top—this is known as the ‘running head,’ as it runs along the top of each page throughout the book.
“The printer next makes a page proof. That is, he makes a proof of each page. These pages are sent into the editorial room again, and are gone over carefully and compared with the galleyproofs; if everything is correct each page is ‘O.K’d.’ If, however, there are errors, note is made 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, and arranged so that when the sheet of paper is printed and folded, the pages will come in the right order.”
So Uncle Ben continued his talk about magazine making. He explained the workings of different kinds of printing presses, how some print directly from the type “made ready” on a flat bed, the paper being fed into the press in flat sheets, and how some of the big presses print from curved plates that fit around a big roller, the paper running into the press continuously from an immense big roll as wide as the press. He told about the wonderful folding and stitching machines, and many other interesting things.
During Uncle Ben’s talk, everyone had been so interested that not a sound was heard. When he concluded, however, the tension relaxed and his audience began asking questions.
“This is most instructive, but I can’t see whereit helps the Bobolink Boys in their organization,” said Mr. Talmage, quizzically.
At mention of the name “Bobolink Boys” the Blue Birds looked at each other, and then at their elders for information.
Uncle Ben saw their wonderment, and laughingly explained the plot. The girls were delighted, and had so much to say to one another that it seemed 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 are requested to sit still and listen. I am going back to New York in a few days, and in the meantime I should like to help start the boys on the right road to success. Now, what you all want to know is, ‘How does my talk about magazines help the Bobolink Boys?’
“Well, this is the way: For the past half-score of years or more, I have longed to issue a magazine for young folks that could reach out into every plane of life; for the poor children in institutions; for the slum children; for rich children,for children in the city and children in the country—for every one of them!
“I would like to give so much instructive reading matter on its pages that the schools will circulate it among the pupils; I would like to have the pictures of the very best; I would like it to inspire boys and girls to read better books, and make them ambitious to make the most of their chances; I would like it to teach them to make things and do things for themselves; in fact, I would like to make it the best and finest magazine ever published! But I haven’t had time to experiment with my hobby and being an old bachelor I am afraid I do not understand children well enough to know how to write for them. The plan that I have been figuring out seems to fit most beautifully with the Blue Birds’ and Bobolinks’ work.”
Uncle Ben hesitated a second, but not a sound was heard. Then he continued:
“Mother Talmage asked me last night about how much it would cost to send circulars to people who might be interested in the farms next summer. I propose that we start a children’s magazine and use its pages whenever there isan announcement of importance. If you want donations of money or help of other kinds, ask for them through the pages of the magazine.
“With the Blue Birds to write articles each month telling other children what they are doing, or how to make the things they are being taught to make, and the Bobolink Boys to write the experiences of their daily work and play, and some of the grown-ups to contribute poems and stories, of course it would be necessary to have contributions also from some of our best writers, and I know I can get them for you.”
The idea of such a stupendous undertaking made the children gasp, but Mr. Talmage said, “All you have said is fine, Uncle Ben, but who will set type, buy paper, print, bind and circulate such a magazine?”
“That’s just the thing! Don’t you see? My very great interest in this plan will compel me to help in every way and all the time, and the boys will be kept busy at profitable and interesting work. When all the manuscript is in, and turned over to me I will see that it is set, and the proofs sent back to the children. The Blue Birds will enjoy making the dummies, pastingin the pictures, and arranging the pages; and the Bobolinks can proceed to print the magazines. If you don’t expect to use this carriage house for anything it may as well be turned into a print-shop. With all these boys to work, the printing ought to be great sport and not much trouble to get out a magazine.”
The Blue Birds were clapping their hands in excitement while the Bobolinks 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 the noisy crowd, made an announcement.
“I’ll pay for the paper that will be needed for the experiment the first month!”
“Hurrah, hurrah! for Aunt Selina!” shouted Uncle Ben, and the rest joined in with such good will that Aunt Selina sat down and held her hands 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 in overseeing 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 was restored again, he spoke.
“We have just installed new machines in our printing plant in New York and intend selling the old ones to some small job printer who can use second-hand machines. Now, I can pick out a small press, stitcher, and other things that you will need, and ship them out here. You have electricity here, and a small motor will furnish the power. When you are ready to go to press, I will send out an experienced man from our shop to direct the work and see that everything is done properly. The addressing and wrapping can be done by all of you. Of course, as far as we have gone, it all sounds like great sport, but there is another side to this plan that must be thoroughly agreed upon before we go any further. If you start this undertaking, youwill have to keep on with it. At a certain date each month your periodical must be ready for mailing. You will have to write and edit, and print, whether the skating is fine, or the gymnasium is at your disposal, or whether Thanksgiving dinner 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 all of the consequences that go with the game.”
The other boys seconded Ned’s statement, and the Blue Birds eagerly agreed to the plan, so Uncle Ben really had no further objections to make.
“Oh, I can hardly wait to begin my page,” cried Ruth.
“I’d rather see the magazine—maybe it will be a home-made looking thing!” exclaimed Dot Starr.
“It will not! Not with us boys to boss the plant!” bragged Don, her twin.
“If it is home-made, you’ll have to do it all again,” commented Uncle Ben.
“That is where Mrs. Talmage’s work comes in,” laughed Mr. Talmage.
“It will be a regular magazine, all right!” exclaimed Mrs. Talmage emphatically.
“We boys will see to it that no magazine is mailed that will make folks laugh at us,” guaranteed Ned.
“I’m sure I placed my hobby in the right hands, for you children seem to take a pride in doing things well,” commended Uncle Ben.
“And with a nephew stepping right in his uncle’s footprints, why shouldn’t things be done right?” laughed Mr. Talmage.
“Say, Uncle Ben, how long must we wait before we can begin?” asked Don Starr.
“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 long as 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 them to 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 had any use since Mr. Catlin passed away. The boys shall have that,” offered Mrs. Catlin.
“And I can spare that long table we used to have in the dairy before we installed the patent butter machines,” added Mrs. Talmage.
“In case I find any other pieces of Mr. Catlin’s office furniture I will send 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 the work I can easily sell them in the city. The children can pay the freight 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,” smiled Uncle Ben.
“We will agree to pay all of that you want,” promised several of the boys.
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 their interest and pleasure in every new development were keyed to the top pitch.
“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 we can all sit down quietly and talk it over,” said Mrs. Talmage.
The men and boys remained with Ike to decide what boards and lumber would 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’ll paint 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 help in 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 in finding out a puzzle, or secret. The more elusive a thing is the more they chase it. Now, get folks guessing over your name and they will not forget 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 the magazine,” cried Ned.
“Add a few more ‘B’s’ to the others,” laughed Uncle Ben. “We’ll name it the ‘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 whose influence was to be far greater than had been hoped for by Uncle Ben, or the boys who had started it, was dismissed.