t will be easier for all of us. Then, if the
girls get up some bazaar, or entertainment and we have to print cards,
etc., it will be much easier."

"Then your plan is more for cooeperation than competition?" asked Uncle
Ben.

"Cooperation in everything a boy can help in, but not to belong to a
Nest that has to do things the Blue Birds do," explained Ned.

Uncle Ben sat wrapped in thought, and Ned wondered what he was thinking
of. Suddenly, the older man slapped his knee and chuckled with delight.

"Now what, Uncle? I know it is something good, from your face!"
exclaimed Ned, eagerly.

"Yes, sir. I believe we can pull it off--we'll try, at any rate!"
declared Uncle Ben, half to himself.

"Do tell me!" begged Ned.

"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 itsel