The next day was the Saturday preceding Labor Day and on the following Tuesday, the Camp would close at Happy Hills and all the Little Citizens were to be taken back to the city: some to take up a residence in the new home, and some to join their families or friends again, after a long, wholesome summer in the country.
That morning after Miss Martin’s usual story-hour, Uncle Ben stood up to address the children.
“Our New Home, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Richards and others, is now ready to receive all those who will belong to our family this winter. Those who hold passports for this privilege will stand over to my left side.”
In a short time a crowd of boys and girls had grouped themselves as directed. Then the speaker continued:
“Now I have some good news to offer the others. One of the visitors who was present at our circus saw a great need for a good home for other children than those who had some talent to develop, and she went to work and secured the large house adjoining our home. This she has renovated and turned into a lodging-house for those boys and girls who earn a living, or for those who do not wish to live separate from their brothers or sisters. For a small weekly fee, a Little Citizen can live comfortably and well in the next-door house to our home.
“Now I wish to know if there are any present who would like to engage a room with board at this house, so we can tell how many to provide for on the day we all go back to the city.”
“Oh, hully chee! What wouldn’t I give to be a Little Citizen right now!” sighed Skelly, while Micky looked wistful, too.
Bill overheard the remark and a thought came to him.
“Hey, Mister Uncle Ben! Can’t anyone like an outsider what is workin’ fer his livin’ join dis house?”
“The new house is open for anyone who can pass a satisfactory examination by the Board. Of course, you all know we have to question every applicant so as to keep out bad characters. Any honest, respectable boy can secure a home at this house.”