Everyone laughed heartily at Don’s suggestion, and Ned said: “Don’s growing a streak of poesy and we all had better beware or he’ll rhyme us into jingles some day.”
Don scorned such ideas, and after giving Ned a meaning look, he said: “I wouldn’t be anything so silly as a jingler like Ned Talmage is! I’m going to buy Crummie and start a kennel of fine life-saving dogs to send to the Allies! So there!”
“Ha! that’s why Don wants Uncle Ben to spend all that funeral money on a collar. He’ll sell the collar and keep the money to found the kennels!” laughed Mete, in a big brother’s tone of voice.
“Say, you kids! Don’t fool yourselves on dat score! Dis dog is mine and he stays mine till the las’ trumpet blows—see!” was the last word from Crummie’s master, and the yellow dog wagged his tail approvingly as he blinked up into Bill’s blue-green eyes.
CHAPTER X
MISS MARTIN’S NATURE STORIES
The picnic was declared a grand success in spite of the fright little Prunel had had, for such a thrill as the Little Citizens had been treated to at the danger and escape of one of their members was not to be had every day! So that event added glory to the occasion and was one long to be remembered.
The day after the outing, most of the Little Citizens were seated at the Auditorium (as they called the Refectory when other occasions demanded its use) waiting for the Blue Birds who had promised to come and hear Miss Martin’s nature story that day.
Miss Martin was seen coming from her Nest and soon after she had greeted the children, the Blue Birds were heard laughing and talking as they hurried down Harebell Road.
When all were seated Miss Martin began:
“I’m going to tell you about some pests we have in camp, and your Uncle Ben agreed to be present so he could hear what a nuisance they are. I see him coming from the Fire-house so he will soon be here. Before he arrives, however, I want to ask you children a favor. When my story is finished I shall call upon you to ask how many will volunteer to work in the Health Department for a few days to get rid of flies and mosquitoes, and I wish everyone here to offer their services to Uncle Ben.”