lly try to increase the value of his
instruction. Whether he was to be fortunate enough to head the new
school in the fall, or not, he began to train the pupils to more modern
methods. Whoever took hold of the new school would find the scholars
somewhat prepared for the graded system.

Poketown was actually shocked! The good old Elder and his mates had so
long governed school matters just as they pleased that many of the
people could not realize that a new day had dawned--in school affairs,
at least.

Elder Concannon was doomed to see more of his influence wane during this
summer. Heretofore he had managed to keep out of the church anything
like a young people's society, in spite of Mr. Middler's desire to the
contrary. But there were now several earnest young people in the church
membership who were anxious to be set to work to some purpose.

The association was a small one at first. Janice was a member. Soon the
influence of the organization began to be felt in more ways than one.

"I can see just how things are going, Brother Middler--I can see
plainly," old Elder Concannon declared. "Just as soon as they told me
that Day girl was a member of the society I knew what would happen. A
new carpet for the aisle and the pulpit chairs upholstered! Ha! And them
girls and boys themselves cleaning windows and sweeping and dusting the
whole church once a month. Ridiculous! Myron Jones has always suited us
as sexton before. Oh! we'll have no peace--no peace at all!"

"But, Elder," timidly suggested the pastor, "such things as the young
people have asked to do have been helpful things. And I'm sure if you
would attend one of their meetings you would find their spiritual
growth commendable--surely commendable."

"Ha!" sniffed the old gentleman, wagging his bristling head. "What do
those boys and girls know about religion, and the work of the spirit,
and----"

"One thing is sure, Elder," interposed Mr. Middler with more courage
than was usual with him, "One thing is sure: if our children have no
proper appreciation of such things, it is certainly _our_ fault. We
older ones have been remiss in our duty."

This seemed to take the Elder aback. He stared at the younger man for a
moment; but as he turned away he muttered:

"It's all nonsense! And it's just as I've said. No peace since that Day
girl came to town."

Mr. Middler had the courage of his convictions for once. He said nothing
more to rasp the old gentleman's feelin