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<h2> Chapter XIX. Good Templars </h2>
<p>"Hi there! Bell's rung! Get up, lazy-bones!" called Frank from his room as
the clock struck six one bright morning, and a great creaking and stamping
proclaimed that he was astir.</p>
<p>"All right, I'm coming," responded a drowsy voice, and Jack turned over as
if to obey; but there the effort ended, and he was off again, for growing
lads are hard to rouse, as many a mother knows to her sorrow.</p>
<p>Frank made a beginning on his own toilet, and then took a look at his
brother, for the stillness was suspicious.</p>
<p>"I thought so! He told me to wake him, and I guess this will do it;" and,
filling his great sponge with water, Frank stalked into the next room and
stood over the unconscious victim like a stern executioner, glad to unite
business with pleasure in this agreeable manner.</p>
<p>A woman would have relented and tried some milder means, for when his
broad shoulders and stout limbs were hidden, Jack looked very young and
innocent in his sleep. Even Frank paused a moment to look at the round,
rosy face, the curly eyelashes, half-open mouth, and the peaceful
expression of a dreaming baby. "I <i>must</i> do it, or he won't be ready
for breakfast," said the Spartan brother, and down came the sponge, cold,
wet, and choky, as it was briskly rubbed to and fro regardless of every
obstacle.</p>
<p>"Come, I say! That's not fair! Leave me alone!" sputtered Jack, hitting
out so vigorously that the sponge flew across the room, and Frank fell
back to laugh at the indignant sufferer.</p>
<p>"I promised to wake you, and you believe in keeping promises, so I'm doing
my best to get you up."</p>
<p>"Well, you needn't pour a quart of water down a fellow's neck, and rub his
nose off, need you? I'm awake, so take your old sponge and go along,"
growled Jack, with one eye open and a mighty gape.</p>
<p>"See that you keep so, then, or I'll come and give you another sort of a
rouser," said Frank, retiring well-pleased with his success.</p>
<p>"I shall have one good stretch, if I like. It is strengthening to the
muscles, and I'm as stiff as a board with all that football yesterday,"
murmured Jack, lying down for one delicious moment. He shut the open eye
to enjoy it thoroughly, and forgot the stretch altogether, for the bed was
warm, the pillow soft, and a half-finished dream still hung about his
drowsy brain. Who does not know the fatal charm of that stolen moment—for
once yield to it, and one is lost.</p>
<p>Jack was miles away "in the twinkling of a bedpost," and the pleasing
dream seemed about to return, when a ruthless hand tore off the clothes,
swept him out of bed, and he really did awake to find himself standing in
the middle of his bath-pan with both windows open, and Frank about to pour
a pail of water over him.</p>
<p>"Hold on! Yah, how cold the water is! Why, I thought I <i>was</i> up;"
and, hopping out, Jack rubbed his eyes and looked about with such a
genuine surprise that Frank put down the pail, feeling that the deluge
would not be needed this time.</p>
<p>"You are now, and I'll see that you keep so," he said, as he stripped the
bed and carried off the pillows.</p>
<p>"I don't care. What a jolly day!" and Jack took a little promenade to
finish the rousing process.</p>
<p>"You'd better hurry up, or you won't get your chores done before
breakfast. No time for a 'go as you please' now," said Frank; and both
boys laughed, for it was an old joke of theirs, and rather funny.</p>
<p>Going up to bed one night expecting to find Jack asleep, Frank discovered
him tramping round and round the room airily attired in a towel, and so
dizzy with his brisk revolutions that as his brother looked he tumbled
over and lay panting like a fallen gladiator.</p>
<p>"What on earth are you about?"</p>
<p>"Playing Rowell. Walking for the belt, and I've got it too," laughed Jack,
pointing to an old gilt chandelier chain hanging on the bedpost.</p>
<p>"You little noodle, you'd better revolve into bed before you lose your
head entirely. I never saw such a fellow for taking himself off his legs."</p>
<p>"Well, if I didn't exercise, do you suppose I should be able to do that—or
that?" cried Jack, turning a somersault and striking a fine attitude as he
came up, flattering himself that he was the model of a youthful athlete.</p>
<p>"You look more like a clothes-pin than a Hercules," was the crushing reply
of this unsympathetic brother, and Jack meekly retired with a bad
headache.</p>
<p>"I don't do such silly things now: I'm as broad across the shoulders as
you are, and twice as strong on my pins, thanks to my gymnastics. Bet you
a cent I'll be dressed first, though you have got the start," said Jack,
knowing that Frank always had a protracted wrestle with his
collar-buttons, which gave his adversary a great advantage over him.</p>
<p>"Done!" answered Frank, and at it they went. A wild scramble was heard in
Jack's room, and a steady tramp in the other as Frank worked away at the
stiff collar and the unaccommodating button till every finger ached. A
clashing of boots followed, while Jack whistled "Polly Hopkins," and Frank
declaimed in his deepest voice,</p>
<p>"Arma virumque cano, Trojae qui primus ab oris Italiam, fato profugus,
Laviniaque venit litora."</p>
<p>Hair-brushes came next, and here Frank got ahead, for Jack's thick crop
would stand straight up on the crown, and only a good wetting and a steady
brush would make it lie down.</p>
<p>"Play away, No. 2," called out Frank as he put on his vest, while Jack was
still at it with a pair of the stiffest brushes procurable for money.</p>
<p>"Hold hard, No. 11, and don't forget your teeth," answered Jack, who had
done his.</p>
<p>Frank took a hasty rub and whisked on his coat, while Jack was picking up
the various treasures which had flown out of his pockets as he caught up
his roundabout.</p>
<p>"Ready! I'll trouble you for a cent, sonny;" and Frank held out his hand
as he appeared equipped for the day.</p>
<p>"You haven't hung up your night-gown, nor aired the bed, nor opened the
windows. That's part of the dressing; mother said so. I've got you there,
for you did all that for me, except this," and Jack threw his gown over a
chair with a triumphant flourish as Frank turned back to leave his room in
the order which they had been taught was one of the signs of a good
bringing-up in boys as well as girls.</p>
<p>"Ready! I'll trouble <i>you</i> for a cent, old man;" and Jack held out
his hand, with a chuckle.</p>
<p>He got the money and a good clap beside; then they retired to the shed to
black their boots, after which Frank filled the woodboxes and Jack split
kindlings, till the daily allowance was ready. Both went at their lessons
for half an hour, Jack scowling over his algebra in the sofa corner, while
Frank, with his elbows on and his legs round the little stand which held
his books, seemed to be having a wrestling-match with Herodotus.</p>
<p>When the bell rang they were glad to drop the lessons and fall upon their
breakfast with the appetite of wolves, especially Jack, who sequestered
oatmeal and milk with such rapidity that one would have thought he had a
leathern bag hidden somewhere to slip it into, like his famous namesake
when he breakfasted with the giant.</p>
<p>"I declare I don't see what he does with it! He really ought not to
'gobble' so, mother," said Frank, who was eating with great deliberation
and propriety.</p>
<p>"Never you mind, old quiddle. I'm so hungry I could tuck away a bushel,"
answered Jack, emptying a glass of milk and holding out his plate for more
mush, regardless of his white moustache.</p>
<p>"Temperance in all things is wise, in speech as well as eating and
drinking—remember that, boys," said Mamma from behind the urn.</p>
<p>"That reminds me! We promised to do the 'Observer' this week, and here it
is Tuesday and I haven't done a thing: have you?" asked Frank.</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p>"Yes, we ought, but somehow we don'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.</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>"It didn't do much good, seems to me, for people still drink, and we
haven'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.</p>
<p>"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
don't mind if it isn't 'jolly': it is <i>right</i>, and that should be
enough for us."</p>
<p>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,—</p>
<p>"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 to-night."</p>
<p>"Good! good!" cried Jack, joyfully, and Mrs. Minot clapped her hands, for
every new member was rejoiced over by the good people, who were not
discouraged by ridicule, indifference, or opposition.</p>
<p>"We've got him now, for no one will object, and it is just the thing for
him. He wants to belong somewhere, he says, and he'll enjoy the fun, and
the good things will help him, and we will look after him. The Captain was
so pleased, and you ought to have seen Ed's face when Bob said, 'I'm
ready, if you'll have me.'"</p>
<p>Frank's own face was beaming, and Jack forgot to "gobble," he was so
interested in the new convert, while Mamma said, as she threw down her
napkin and took up the newspaper,—</p>
<p>"We must not forget our 'Observer,' but have a good one tonight in honor
of the occasion. There may be something here. Come home early at noon, and
I'll help you get your paper ready."</p>
<p>"I'll be here, but if you want Frank, you'd better tell him not to dawdle
over Annette's gate half an hour," began Jack, who could not resist
teasing his dignified brother about one of the few foolish things he was
fond of doing.</p>
<p>"Do you want your nose pulled?" demanded Frank, who never would stand
joking on that tender point from his brother.</p>
<p>"No, I don't; and if I did, you couldn't do it;" with which taunt he was
off and Frank after him, having made a futile dive at the impertinent
little nose which was turned up at him and his sweetheart.</p>
<p>"Boys, boys, not through the parlor!" implored Mamma, resigned to
skirmishes, but trembling for her piano legs as the four stout boots
pranced about the table and then went thundering down the hall, through
the kitchen where the fat cook cheered them on, and Mary, the maid, tried
to head off Frank as Jack rushed out into the garden. But the pursuer
ducked under her arm and gave chase with all speed. Then there was a
glorious race all over the place; for both were good runners, and, being
as full of spring vigor as frisky calves, they did astonishing things in
the way of leaping fences, dodging round corners, and making good time
down the wide walks.</p>
<p>But Jack's leg was not quite strong yet, and he felt that his round nose
was in danger of a vengeful tweak as his breath began to give out and
Frank's long arms drew nearer and nearer to the threatened feature. Just
when he was about to give up and meet his fate like a man, old Bunny, who
had been much excited by the race, came scampering across the path with
such a droll skip into the air and shake of the hind legs that Frank had
to dodge to avoid stepping on him, and to laugh in spite of himself. This
momentary check gave Jack a chance to bolt up the back stairs and take
refuge in the Bird Room, from the window of which Jill had been watching
the race with great interest.</p>
<p>No romping was allowed there, so a truce was made by locking little
fingers, and both sat down to get their breath.</p>
<p>"I am to go on the piazza, for an hour, by and by, Doctor said. Would you
mind carrying me down before you go to school, you do it so nicely, I'm
not a bit afraid," said Jill, as eager for the little change as if it had
been a long and varied journey.</p>
<p>"Yes, indeed! Come on, Princess," answered Jack, glad to see her so well
and happy.</p>
<p>The boys made an arm-chair, and away she went, for a pleasant day
downstairs. She thanked Frank with a posy for his buttonhole, well knowing
that it would soon pass into other hands, and he departed to join Annette.
Having told Jill about Bob, and set her to work on the "Observer," Jack
kissed his mother, and went whistling down the street, a gay little
bachelor, with a nod and smile for all he met, and no turned-up hat or
jaunty turban bobbing along beside him to delay his steps or trouble his
peace of mind.</p>
<p>At noon they worked on their paper, which was a collection of items, cut
from other papers, concerning temperance, a few anecdotes, a bit of
poetry, a story, and, if possible, an original article by the editor. Many
hands make light work, and nothing remained but a little copying, which
Jill promised to do before night. So the boys had time for a game of
football after school in the afternoon, which they much enjoyed. As they
sat resting on the posts, Gus said,—</p>
<p>"Uncle Fred says he will give us a hay-cart ride to-night, as it is moony,
and after it you are all to come to our house and have games.</p>
<p>"Can't do it," answered Frank, sadly.</p>
<p>"Lodge," groaned Jack, for both considered a drive in the cart, where they
all sat in a merry bunch among the hay, one of the joys of life, and much
regretted that a prior engagement would prevent their sharing in it.</p>
<p>"That's a pity! I forgot it was Tuesday, and can't put it off, as I've
asked all the rest. Give up your old Lodge and come along," said Gus, who
had not joined yet.</p>
<p>"We might for once, perhaps, but I don't like to"—began Jack,
hesitating.</p>
<p>"<i>I</i> won't. Who's to propose Bob if we don't? I want to go awfully;
but I wouldn't disappoint Bob for a good deal, now he is willing to come."
And Frank sprang off his post as if anxious to flee temptation, for it <i>was</i>
very pleasant to go singing, up hill and down dale, in the spring
moonlight, with—well, the fellows of his set.</p>
<p>"Nor Ed, I forgot that. No, we can't go. We want to be Good Templars, and
we mustn't shirk," added Jack, following his brother.</p>
<p>"Better come. Can't put it off. Lots of fun," called Gus, disappointed at
losing two of his favorite mates.</p>
<p>But the boys did not turn back, and as they went steadily away they felt
that they <i>were</i> doing their little part in the good work, and making
their small sacrifices, like faithful members.</p>
<p>They got their reward, however, for at home they found Mr. 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,—</p>
<p>"Tell the brothers and sisters that if I can serve them in any way 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."</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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,
every one 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The next night Mr. Chauncey lectured, and the town turned out to hear the
distinguished 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.</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p>"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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
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