CHAPTER XI
THE AMUSEMENT COMPANY
The next few days were very busy ones for the Little Citizens, but the comfort and peace about camp was remarked by everyone, especially Uncle Ben.
“I declare, I never dreamed flies and mosquitoes could make folks so miserable and irritable with each other!” said he.
“Now that those two pests are diminishing, I wish to mention another cause of impatience and concern in camp. The boys and girls past the age of eight or nine, who are not actively engaged with the Police, Firemen, or other departments established at Happy Hills, really need something to occupy their thoughts and time. In the city they have so many ways of working or entertaining themselves—often detrimental, too, that time begins to hang heavily on their hands now that the novelty of country-life is wearing off,” explained Miss Martin.
“But I don’t know of anything more we can do to keep them busy,” replied Uncle Ben, with an anxious frown.
“I have an idea and it may work out to the benefit and amusement of everyone.”
“I’ll be glad to try anything you say,” returned Uncle Ben, encouragingly.
“Let us start ‘An Amusement Company.’ Elect managers of the different departments and ‘stars’ and ‘supers’ and have the Band furnish music. If you think well of my idea we may even go so far as to reward the actors and musicians who entertain us best. Let it be known that this company is formed more as a means of starting various contests for music, oratory, and acting, and is open for all entries, young, aged, small or large citizens.”
“Humph! Who is there to teach them such things?”
“I do not believe the street children of a large city need much teaching in entertaining. They are so precocious and experienced from their life in general, that they only need suggestions to boost their ideas,” laughed Miss Martin.