"We need philanthropic women to help us next summer. Mrs. Starr offered me her woods at Oakwood if her family goes to Maine, and Mrs. Catlin wishes to rent the Mason farm for children. So now, with Happy Hills on our list, we will need just the right kind who will love the work with us," said Mrs. Talmage.
"Better send someone to visit the women you hear about," advised Mr. Talmage.
"But I need to find the women first," returned Mrs. Talmage, plaintively.
"What's the matter with the _Chirp_? Can't we print a story in that and mail it to a list of folks in New York?" asked Ned.
"That sounds good to me! I should say the _Chirp_ would do the work better than a letter or circular," said Uncle Ben.
"Yes, it does seem like a fine suggestion," admitted Mrs. Talmage. "We will talk it over this evening, Ned."
"Why, when the _Chirp_ comes to my office," said Uncle Ben, "I generally drop all of my important work until I see what new scheme the children have worked up. I sit back and enjoy every word there."
"Maybe that is because your nephew edits it--sort of family pride in one who is following in your footsteps," teased Mr. Talmage.
"Not a bit of it! It is because the lad is original enough to fill a gap, and persistent enough to keep a good thing going. I haven't the least idea but that the Blue Birds would never have been heard of outside of their little Nest if it hadn't been for Ned and his _Chirp_," commended Uncle Ben.
"We are all certain of that," assented Mrs. Talmage.
"And we are very grateful to Ned for all he has done to help us along," added Ruth, smiling at her proud brother.
"Mother, you said you wanted to speak to Uncle Ben after dinner, but may I have him alone for a few moments before you get hold of him?" asked Ned, in a worried manner, as if Uncle Ben would be used up if the ladies talked to him first.
Everyone laughed, and Mrs. Talmage said, "Why, certainly, Son, if Uncle Ben is courageous enough to trust himself to your hands."
"I'm shaking in my boots already," said Uncle Ben, "for I'm sure some dark plot will be uncovered."
"Just wait and see!" laughed Ned, as he excused himself and ran to his den.
As the rest of the family rose to leave the table, Uncle Ben said in an aside to Mr. Talmage, "I believe that this farm idea will require a regular organization to take proper charge of its affairs. Just a few ladies and children cannot handle so important a task."