第70章 Good Templars(4)

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 anyway 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 cannot 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,everyone 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 distinguishei 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 can'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 Frank,feeling ready to shoulder a musket or be a minute-man in good earnest.

Boyish talk and enthusiasm,but it was of the right sort;and when time and training had fitted them to bear arms,these young knights would be worthy to put on the red cross and ride away to help right the wrongs and slay the dragons that afflict the world.