But the boys did not turn back , and as they went steadily away they felt that they were doing their little part in the good work , and making their small sacrifices , like faithful members . They got their reward , however , for at home they found Mr. Chauncey , a good and great man , from England , who had known their grandfather , and was an honored friend of the family . The boys loved to hear him talk , and all tea-time listened with interest to the conversation , for Mr. Chauncey was a reformer as well as a famous clergyman , and it was like inspiring music to hear him tell about the world 's work , and the brave men and women who were carrying it on . Eager to show that they had , at least , begun , the boys told him about their Lodge , and were immensely pleased when their guest took from his pocket-book a worn paper , proving that he too was a Good Templar , and belonged to the same army as they did . Nor was that all , for when they reluctantly excused themselves , Mr. Chauncey gave each a hearty `` grip , '' and said , holding their hands in his , as he smiled at the young faces looking up at him with so much love and honor in them , -- `` Tell the brothers and sisters that if I can serve them in any way while here , to command me . I will give them a lecture at their Lodge or in public , whichever they like ; and I wish you God-speed , dear boys . '' Two prouder lads never walked the streets than Frank and Jack as they hurried away , nearly forgetting the poor little paper in their haste to tell the good news ; for it was seldom that such an offer was made the Lodge , and they felt the honor done them as bearers of it . As the secrets of the association can not be divulged to the uninitiated , we can only say that there was great rejoicing over the new member , for Bob was unanimously welcomed , and much gratitude both felt and expressed for Mr. Chauncey 's interest in this small division of the grand army ; for these good folk met with little sympathy from the great people of the town , and it was very cheering to have a well-known and much-beloved man say a word for them . All agreed that the lecture should be public , that others might share the pleasure with them , and perhaps be converted by a higher eloquence than any they possessed . So the services that night were unusually full of spirit and good cheer ; for all felt the influence of a friendly word , the beauty of a fine example . The paper was much applauded , the songs were very hearty , and when Frank , whose turn it was to be chaplain , read the closing prayer , every one felt that they had much to give thanks for , since one more had joined them , and the work was slowly getting on with unexpected helpers sent to lend a hand . The lights shone out from the little hall across the street , the music reached the ears of passers-by , and the busy hum of voices up there told how faithfully some , at least , of the villagers tried to make the town a safer place for their boys to grow up in , though the tavern still had its private bar and the saloon-door stood open to invite them in . There are many such quiet lodges , and in them many young people learning as these lads were learning something of the duty they owed their neighbors as well as themselves , and being fitted to become good men and sober citizens by practising and preaching the law and gospel of temperance . The next night Mr. Chauncey lectured , and the town turned out to hear the distinguished man , who not only told them of the crime and misery produced by this terrible vice which afflicted both England and America , but of the great crusade against it going on everywhere , and the need of courage , patience , hard work , and much faith , that in time it might be overcome . Strong and cheerful words that all liked to hear and many heartily believed , especially the young Templars , whose boyish fancies were won by the idea of fighting as knights of old did in the famous crusades they read about in their splendid new young folks ' edition of Froissart . `` We ca n't pitch into people as the Red Cross fellows did , but we can smash rum-jugs when we get the chance , and stand by our flag as our men did in the war , '' said Frank , with sparkling eyes , as they went home in the moonlight arm in arm , keeping step behind Mr. Chauncey , who led the way with their mother on his arm , a martial figure though a minister , and a good captain to follow , as the boys felt after hearing his stirring words . `` Let 's try and get up a company of boys like those mother told us about , and show people that we mean what we say . I 'll be color-bearer , and you may drill us as much as you like . A real Cold Water Army , with flags flying , and drums , and all sorts of larks , '' said Jack , much excited , and taking a dramatic view of the matter . `` We 'll see about it .
Something ought to be done , and perhaps we shall be the men to do it when the time comes , '' answered XXXXX , feeling ready to shoulder a musket or be a minute-man in good earnest .
America Army Cross England Frank Jack bearers night pocket-book war