d say the _Chirp_ would do the work
better than a letter or circular," said Uncle Ben.

"Yes, it does seem like a fine suggestion," admitted Mrs. Talmage. "We
will talk it over this evening, Ned."

"Why, when the _Chirp_ comes to my office," said Uncle Ben, "I generally
drop all of my important work until I see what new scheme the children
have worked up. I sit back and enjoy every word there."

"Maybe that is because your nephew edits it--sort of family pride in one
who is following in your footsteps," teased Mr. Talmage.

"Not a bit of it! It is because the lad is original enough to fill a
gap, and persistent enough to keep a good thing going. I haven't the
least idea but that the Blue Birds would never have been heard of
outside of their little Nest if it hadn't been for Ned and his _Chirp_,"
commended Uncle Ben.

"We are all certain of that," assented Mrs. Talmage.

"And we are very grateful to Ned for all he has done to help us along,"
added Ruth, smiling at her proud brother.

"Mother, you said you wanted to speak to Uncle Ben after dinner, but may
I have him alone for a few moments before you get hold of him?" asked
Ned, in a worried manner, as if Uncle Ben would be used up if the ladies
talked to him first.

Everyone laughed, and Mrs. Talmage said, "Why, certainly, Son, if Uncle
Ben is courageous enough to trust himself to your hands."

"I'm shaking in my boots already," said Uncle Ben, "for I'm sure some
dark plot will be uncovered."

"Just wait and see!" laughed Ned, as he excused himself and ran to his
den.

As the rest of the family rose to leave the table, Uncle Ben said in an
aside to Mr. Talmage, "I believe that this farm idea will require a
regular organization to take proper charge of its affairs. Just a few
ladies and children cannot handle so important a task."

"I think you are right, Ben," said Mr. Talmage.

Ned was waiting for his uncle as he came down the hall, and catching
hold of his hand, dragged him into his sanctum where the _Chirp_ was
printed each week.

Uncle Ben sat down in the one arm-chair and waited while Ned locked the
door and pulled down every window shade.

"This is a great secret, you know," explained Ned.

CHAPTER IV

THE BOBOLINK BOYS FOUNDED

"Now, Uncle Ben, we can make ourselves at home," said Ned, as he sat
upon a box in front of his uncle.

"Oh, maybe you'd like to smoke, Uncle Ben?" continued Ned, recalling
that most men liked an after-dinn