`` Never thought of it . We must look up some bits at noon instead of playing . Dare say Jill has got some : she always saves all she finds for me . '' `` I have one or two good items , and can do any copying there may be . But I think if you undertake the paper you should give some time and labor to make it good , '' said Mamma , who was used to this state of affairs , and often edited the little sheet read every week at the Lodge . The boys seldom missed going , but the busy lady was often unable to be there , so helped with the paper as her share of the labor . `` Yes , we ought , but somehow we do n't seem to get up much steam about it lately . If more people belonged , and we could have a grand time now and then , it would be jolly ; '' and Jack sighed at the lack of interest felt by outsiders in the loyal little Lodge which went on year after year kept up by the faithful few . `` I remember when in this very town we used to have a Cold Water Army , and in the summer turn out with processions , banners , and bands of music to march about , and end with a picnic , songs , and speeches in some grove or hall . Nearly all the children belonged to it , and the parents also , and we had fine times here twenty-five or thirty years ago . '' `` It did n't do much good , seems to me , for people still drink , and we have n't a decent hotel in the place , '' said Frank , as his mother sat looking out of the window as if she saw again the pleasant sight of old and young working together against the great enemy of home peace and safety . `` Oh yes , it did , my dear ; for to this day many of those children are true to their pledge . One little girl was , I am sure , and now has two big boys to fight for the reform she has upheld all her life . The town is better than it was in those days , and if we each do our part faithfully , it will improve yet more . Every boy and girl who joins is one gained , perhaps , and your example is the best temperance lecture you can give . Hold fast , and do n't mind if it is n't ` jolly ' : it is right , and that should be enough for us . '' Mamma spoke warmly , for she heartily believed in young people 's guarding against this dangerous vice before it became a temptation , and hoped her boys would never break the pledge they had taken ; for , young as they were , they were old enough to see its worth , feel its wisdom , and pride themselves on the promise which was fast growing into a principle . Jack 's face brightened as he listened , and Frank said , with the steady look which made his face manly , -- `` It shall be . Now I 'll tell you what I was going to keep as a surprise till to-night , for I wanted to have my secret as well as other folks . Ed and I went up to see Bob , Sunday , and he said he 'd join the Lodge , if they 'd have him .
I 'm going to propose him XXXXX . ''
Bob Ed Jack Jill days noon processions to-night week year