Here , each of you wear one of these on your watch-guard to remind you . I shall not forget , because very soon I can not wear ear-rings if I want to . '' As she spoke , Rose offered a little ring to each cousin , and the boys , seeing how sincere she was , obeyed her . When the pledges were safe , Rose stretched a hand to each , and the lads gave hers a hearty grip , half pleased and half ashamed of their part in the compact . Just at that moment Dr. Alec and Mrs. Jessie came in . `` What 's this ? Dancing Ladies ' Triumph on Sunday ? '' exclaimed Uncle Alec , surveying the trio with surprise . `` No , sir , it is the Anti-Tobacco League . Will you join ? '' said Charlie , while Rose slipped away to her aunt , and Archie buried both cigars behind the back log . When the mystery was explained , the elders were well pleased , and Rose received a vote of thanks , which made her feel as if she had done a service to her country , as she had , for every boy who grows up free from bad habits bids fair to make a good citizen . `` I wish Rose would drive a bargain with Will and Geordie also , for I think these books are as bad for the small boys as cigars for the large ones , '' said Mrs. Jessie , sitting down on the sofa between the readers , who politely curled up their legs to make room for her . `` I thought they were all the fashion , '' answered Dr. Alec , settling in the big chair with Rose . `` So is smoking , but it is harmful . The writers of these popular stories intend to do good , I have no doubt , but it seems to me they fail because their motto is , ` Be smart , and you will be rich , ' instead of ` Be honest , and you will be happy . ' I do not judge hastily , Alec , for I have read a dozen , at least , of these stories , and , with much that is attractive to boys , I find a great deal to condemn in them , and other parents say the same when I ask them . '' `` Now , Mum , that 's too bad ! I like 'em tip-top . This one is a regular screamer , '' cried Will .
`` They 're bully books , and I 'd like to know where 's the harm , '' added XXXXX .
Alec Charlie Geordie Jessie League Rose ear-rings screamer smoking watch-guard