“This will show the Blue Birds that we are not so slow but that we can turn out samples in up-to-date style,” said Ned, as he admired the printing.
“Now, run off a few letters on this paper,” ordered Uncle Ben, producing some beautiful bond paper.
“My, but it’s pretty! Where’d you get it, Uncle Ben?” asked Ned.
“I brought it out for the Blue Birds’ inspection, but I shouldn’t doubt but that they have already attended to that detail, so we will present our proof all finished on my paper.”
“Now, tell us, Uncle Ben, why you think the Blue Birds have a big plan of their own,” entreated Ned.
Uncle Ben smiled and reminded the boys to keep his words from becoming public property.
“I should say that the fact that the Blue Birds have not been near their old Nest all week, when the weather is so glorious, proves that they have a deeper interest elsewhere. Now, what can that be? Here you have a hint of part of the interest,” and Uncle Ben waved the letters at the boys. “How do I know?
“Take these two letters—either one of them would startle a slow circulation manager in the city if he thought a competitor suddenly produced it! Why, in some way the Blue Birds have found a way to reach book stores, stationers, and similar business places. Then, too, the mention of needing thousands shows me they have found a mine of addresses that is worth a large price to a publisher.”
“Ah, Uncle Ben, you’re wrong there! The Blue Birds haven’t gone anywhere, and no one has been here to tell them how to get such names,” said Ned.
Without replying to Ned’s words, Uncle Ben continued: