“Then, too, they must have the institution work well under consideration or they would not have ordered the form letter—and hinted at the size of the order.”
The boys shook their heads, unwilling to admit that Uncle Ben’s surmises sounded practical.
“Lastly, they have their paper selected, because they told you the size this sheet of printing is to be; and therefore they must know how deep a margin they will need. To get the size of their printing correct, they would have to know how many sheets will cut out of a large sheet of paper, and order it cut accordingly.”
“If they have done all those things that you say they have, they are ’way ahead of us Bobolinks,” grumbled Don.
Uncle Ben laughed and advised:
“Boys, work with these Blue Birds, not against them or ahead of them. Do not think that just because they are girls, and you are boys, that they are going to remain in the shade and let you boys come out and shine in the light. If you boys ever do business in the city, you will find that a woman will contest your right at every step, for to-day’s women are equal in every way to the men—I rather think a number of them are superior to the men. These Blue Birds are but a proof of what I say. They will not permit the Bobolinks to walk off with the honors that are due them.” And Uncle Ben chuckled at the idea.
“Well, Uncle Ben, you’ll help us in every way until we are even with the girls, won’t you?” asked Ned.
“And you won’t help the Blue Birds any more, will you?” asked Don.
“I am absolutely neutral,” replied Uncle Ben, holding both hands up over his head. “I won’t take sides, but I will help the work along in every way, for I want it to succeed. I’ll help you when you need it, and I’ll help these little Blue Birds. But do as I said: Work together, not in a spirit of rivalry, for that will only sow seeds of strife and discontent.”
“Come on, boys, let’s take Uncle Ben to the house and show our letter proofs to the Blue Birds,” said Ned.