ral boys.

The others still felt too over-awed at the business-like terms just
heard, to make any sign, favorable or otherwise.

"Well, if this paper is acceptable a motion to make it official will be
received. I want to get to the principal thing for which we have
gathered," said Uncle Ben.

"Now, I shall make some suggestions," continued Uncle Ben, after the
outline had been accepted by a vote. "Are there any boys here who do not
wish to become members?"

All of the twenty-three boys wished to become Bobolinks.

"Are there any boys present who cannot pay the initial fee and regular
dues?" continued Uncle Ben.

None thought this impossible.

"After this you write down the names and addresses of every boy who
applies for membership."

Ned made a note of it in his book.

"Now for a catechism: This is very important," said Uncle Ben, looking
about at the boys. "And answer truthfully!"

"Ever smoke?"

"Ever drink?"

"Ever gamble?"

"Ever swear?"

"Ever steal?"

"Ever fight?"

"Ever play hookey?"

"Ever strike anyone weaker than yourself?"

"I noticed that most of the boys smiled when I said 'hookey,'" ventured
Uncle Ben, critically. "But let me tell you! 'Hookey' is an
innocent-looking vice that leads to great trouble. It is the seed of
being unreliable. A man who is unreliable is a failure in the beginning.
So, boys, beware of 'hookey'!"

The boys felt the serious import of the words and each vowed to forego
the delight in playing hookey when fishing was good, or when baseball
was being played in town ten miles away.

"Have any of you boys ever been in a printing plant and watched the
process of turning out papers?" asked Uncle Ben.

Almost every boy raised his hand instantly in answer to this question,
for what boy had not stood at the village printer's yearning to set type
or run one of the fascinating presses?

"Fine!" smiled Uncle Ben. "And now how many can set type or do small
jobs on the press?"

Very few could do this, but the Starr boys and Jinks often helped Ned
with printing the _Chirp_ on his small press, and a few other boys knew
something of the work.

"Well, I'll have to explain to you what kind of work is required of a
firm that prints papers or publishes a magazine. You may think this has
nothing to do with your organization, but you will soon see," said Uncle
Ben.

As the speaker turned to take up several sheets of paper, a noisy
chatter was heard outside the house and