The first visitor to join the new organization read the paper handed him and then stood up.
“I think I will read aloud the names of the members who have already joined and donated to this Winter Home—it may inspire others to ‘go and do likewise.’
| “‘The Blue Bird Society of Oakdale’—collectively | $500 |
| Each individually | 10 |
| “‘The Bobolink Society of Oakdale’ each individually | 10 |
| “‘The Bobolink Publishing Society’ | 500 |
| “Mr. Benj. Talmage, each month for Home donation | 100 |
| “Mr. Benj. Talmage, for starting Home and furnishing | 1,000 |
| “Mr. F. H. Richards | 500 |
| “Miss Selina Talmage, monthly for expense account | 500 |
| “Miss Selina Talmage, to start fund of Home | 5,000 |
| “Miss Martin, each month during life of the Home | 50 |
| “Mr. and Mrs. Starr of Oakdale—monthly | 100 |
| “Mr. and Mrs. Talmage of Oakdale, monthly | 100 |
| “Mrs. Catlin of Oakdale, for starting fund | 500 |
| “Mrs. Catlin of Oakdale, monthly for expenses | 100 |
| “Parents of Blue Birds and Bobolinks collectively | 1,000 |
“So you see, my friends, we already have a goodly sum to add our mites to. Mr. Talmage, I will agree to start with a thousand dollars, and pay a monthly sum of a hundred dollars. If you find yourselves in need of financial support let me know and I will pull you out to a certain extent.”
The Blue Birds and Bobolinks had been most interested listeners to the discussion which would mean a successful launching of the city home for their Little Citizens, and when the last speaker concluded and had agreed to donate so liberally, Ned sprang up and shouted:
“Three cheers for the Home for Little Wonders!”
And the rousing cheer that replied to his call showed everyone that the interest was genuine and not for display purposes as is the case in so many charitable gifts that are made.
The agreement to donate passed through every hand of the visitors present and when it was returned to Uncle Ben, it was filled with names. The grand total was more than enough to assure success to the venture for the first year at any rate.
As the result of the visit and circus entertainment was made known to all, the Little Citizens looked dumb with surprise. Such a lot of money as these people agreed to spend just to give them a good winter home!
Then Bill jumped upon his feet—he had been kneeling in a corner of the Refectory listening with all his might.