“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 man without 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 the Chirp for 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 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 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 cooeperation 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 will go 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; you must be 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 with stuff 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 have a 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 confiding my 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 obligation by 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 is the 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 the Chirp on 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 must ask 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.