Being torn from this congenial labor , he was carried off shining with grease and roaring lustily . But Jill did not mind her loneliness now , and sang like a happy canary while she threaded her sparkling beads , or hung the gay horns to dry , ready for their cargoes of sweets . So Mrs. Minot 's recipe for sunshine proved successful , and mother-wit made the wintry day a bright and happy one for both the little prisoners . Chapter V. Secrets There were a great many clubs in Harmony Village , but as we intend to interest ourselves with the affairs of the young folks only , we need not dwell upon the intellectual amusements of the elders . In summer , the boys devoted themselves to baseball , the girls to boating , and all got rosy , stout , and strong , in these healthful exercises . In winter , the lads had their debating club , the lasses a dramatic ditto . At the former , astonishing bursts of oratory were heard ; at the latter , everything was boldly attempted , from Romeo and Juliet to Mother Goose 's immortal melodies . The two clubs frequently met and mingled their attractions in a really entertaining manner , for the speakers made good actors , and the young actresses were most appreciative listeners to the eloquence of each budding Demosthenes . Great plans had been afoot for Christmas or New Year , but when the grand catastrophe put an end to the career of one of the best `` spouters , '' and caused the retirement of the favorite `` singing chambermaid , '' the affair was postponed till February , when Washington 's birthday was always celebrated by the patriotic town , where the father of his country once put on his nightcap , or took off his boots , as that ubiquitous hero appears to have done in every part of the United States . Meantime the boys were studying Revolutionary characters , and the girls rehearsing such dramatic scenes as they thought most appropriate and effective for the 22d . In both of these attempts they were much helped by the sense and spirit of Ralph Evans , a youth of nineteen , who was a great favorite with the young folks , not only because he was a good , industrious fellow , who supported his grandmother , but also full of talent , fun , and ingenuity . It was no wonder every one who really knew him liked him , for he could turn his hand to anything , and loved to do it . If the girls were in despair about a fire-place when acting `` The Cricket on the Hearth , '' he painted one , and put a gas-log in it that made the kettle really boil , to their great delight . If the boys found the interest of their club flagging , Ralph would convulse them by imitations of the `` Member from Cranberry Centre , '' or fire them with speeches of famous statesmen . Charity fairs could not get on without him , and in the store where he worked he did many an ingenious job , which made him valued for his mechanical skill , as well as for his energy and integrity . Mrs. Minot liked to have him with her sons , because they also were to paddle their own canoes by and by , and she believed that , rich or poor , boys make better men for learning to use the talents they possess , not merely as ornaments , but tools with which to carve their own fortunes ; and the best help toward this end is an example of faithful work , high aims , and honest living . So Ralph came often , and in times of trouble was a real rainy-day friend . Jack grew very fond of him during his imprisonment , for the good youth ran in every evening to get commissions , amuse the boy with droll accounts of the day 's adventures , or invent lifts , bed-tables , and foot-rests for the impatient invalid . Frank found him a sure guide through the mechanical mysteries which he loved , and spent many a useful half-hour discussing cylinders , pistons , valves , and balance-wheels . Jill also came in for her share of care and comfort ; the poor little back lay all the easier for the air-cushion Ralph got her , and the weary headaches found relief from the spray atomizer , which softly distilled its scented dew on the hot forehead till she fell asleep .
Round the beds of XXXXX and Jill met and mingled the schoolmates of whom our story treats .
Demosthenes Jack Jill Minot Mother Revolutionary canary fire mother-wit nightcap