“Ned, did you ever see our magazine come out? I mean did I ever show you over the whole plant, and show you what work it takes to produce a nice little paper book each month?”
“Once, when father and I were at your office, you took me over the place. I told you then that I wanted to be a publisher, and you laughed and promised to start me on the right track when I was a man. Last winter you sent me the printing press and told me to practice,” said Ned.
“Yes, I know, but I wanted to see if you remembered. Now, I think I have a plan that will go a long way toward giving you elementary experience in publishing, and at the same time provide just what your Bobolinks would like to do. It will help the Blue Birds along for next summer, and keep them busy to prevent the Bobolinks from making all the music.” And Uncle Ben slapped his knee again, laughing as he thought of how the boys would unconsciously start a race between the two—Blue Birds and Bobolinks.
“I wish you’d tell me your idea!” coaxed Ned, impatiently.
“I haven’t it all in shape to explain, yet, but I will hammer it together in some way to tell you to-morrow. Where do you boys expect to meet at your weekly, or daily meetings?” asked Uncle Ben.
“If there are but a few, I thought we could meet in this den of mine. But later, if there is a crowd, we might secure the Y. M. C. A. boys’ room, or the reception room of the school,” replied Ned.
“By Thanksgiving time you ought to be in working trim to assume any large work I might think of, eh?” asked Uncle Ben.
“Oh, surely! Long before Thanksgiving, I should think.”
“Now, don’t be too sure. Boys are just as hard to muster and understand as girls, and the plan that suddenly suggested itself for you boys to try out is a secret ambition that I have nursed ever since I went into the publishing business—and that was over twenty-five years ago. I have never had time to take it up alone, and never found anyone to whom I could trust so precious a hobby. I see how this combination of Blue Birds and Bobolinks might bring the idea to success, but I shall have to think it over before speaking further,” explained Uncle Ben.
“Uncle, I surely am grateful for your confidence, and I shall be glad to know when you can tell us all,” said Ned.