“Most of you already know the main object of this meeting,” said Mr. Holwell, after his upraised hand had called for silence. “Some of us a bit ago came to the conclusion that the growing boys of Cliffwood had been neglected too long, and that it was high time something was done to give them much more pleasure than can be found on the streets of nights. So we are now about to offer all of you the opportunity of becoming junior members of the Y. M. C. A.”
At that Dick led the cheering, and quite a tumult arose. It was to be noticed, however, that Nat and his two followers did not join in the applause. Dick wondered why this should be; he was already suspicious of them, for he could see Dit nudging Nat in the ribs and grinning, whereupon the big fellow shook his head, as though he might be curbing the impatience of his followers.
When Mr. Holwell elevated his hand again the cheering stopped as if by magic. Every fellow leaned forward and listened to hear what was coming next.
“Any boy living in or around Cliffwood can become a member in full standing of our Junior Organization,” continued the minister, “provided he pays an initiation fee of two dollars, earned by himself, and the monthly dues of twenty-five cents. He must be between the ages of eight and eighteen years of age, and will have to subscribe to the few general rules whereby he promises to behave himself as becomes a member of the Y. M. C. A. These rules you will find on the cards I shall give out later on.”
As he paused it gave the assembly another chance to let loose with three cheers. Mr. Holwell did not try to stop them. He knew that boys must find a vent for their enthusiasm in some fashion, when too full to keep still.
“Those who join will be entitled to nearly all the privileges of this building, such as the gymnasium on certain occasions, the swimming pool that, with the bowling alleys, is being fitted up for immediate use; and will be allowed to attend such lectures and entertainments as are considered suitable for boys of their age.”
A third whirlwind of applause interrupted the speaker. That manifestation of approval pleased the big-hearted minister more than anything else. He knew that he had secured a firm hold on the hearts and affections of most of these lively lads; and no doubt had visions of the great good his latest plan was bound to bring about for the younger generation of Cliffwood.
“As time passes,” he went on to tell them, “there will arise various ways of enlisting your hearty co-operation in the work. I have already suggested one scheme that I am pleased to say seems to have met the approval of the committee in charge of entertainments.
“Perhaps all of you may not know that in my younger years, before I ever thought of preaching the Gospel, I belonged to a minstrel company that was more or less of a success in its traveling career. Now my plan is to have the boys of the Y. M. C. A. give a refined show of this sort, in which nearly every one of you can take some part. It is also proposed to offer a cash prize of twenty-five dollars in gold to the boy who can get up the best original farce suited for minstrel work, the entertainment committee being the judges. More particulars of this plan will be given out at the meeting of the club next week.”
“Will every member be permitted to enter this competition, sir?” asked Dick.