re of times odious, but not in this case, for there is no
man living, nor has there ever lived a man, except the Great Teacher,
who has more greatly and generally benefited humanity or cast a stronger
light upon the processes of civilization than Thomas Alva Edison."

At the close of another musical number there was a general expectation
of dismissal, a shuffling of feet and a murmur of voices. This was
checked suddenly by Bill. The boy had been near the receiver all the
while, on the chance of being needed in case of mishap, or for a sharper
"tuning in"; now he got what the others did not and rising he let out a
yell:

"Everybody quiet! Something else!" and in the instant hush was heard the
completion of an announcement:

"--Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts and other organizations of kindred
nature, upon their urgent invitation. We are making this announcement
now for the fourth and last time in the hope that it may be universally
received. Mr. Edison will now probably be here within an hour from this
minute. All the youth of the land who may avail themselves of radio
service will please respond and listen in. In a warmly appreciative
sense this must be a gala occasion."

"That's all, folks; I'm certain." Bill shouted the school yell and the
class year: "Umpah, umpah, ho, ho; it's up to you, Fairview, 1922!"
Then: "Bring 'em all back here, Gus."

But not one of them needed urging nor reminding. Separating themselves
from the rapidly diminishing and retreating audience came Ted, Terry,
Cora, Dot, Grace, with Skeets as a guest, Bert Haskell, Mary Dean, Lem
Upsall, Walt Maynard, Lucy Shore and Sara Fortescue, the entire bunch
eagerly attentive. They crowded around Bill and Gus and were well aware
of the purpose.

"Sure, we'll all be here, I'll bet a cow!" shouted Ted.

"Dot and I could listen in on our own radio," said Cora. "We've got it
finished and it works fine and dandy, Billy. We want you and Gus and
everybody to come over and try it. But we'll join in with the class on
this; eh, Dot?"

"Sure will," agreed Dot. "Ours is only a crystal set, but it has some
improvements you boys haven't seen. Wait till we get it all done, and
we'll give you a spread and a surprise."

"Say, Bill, this thing's great," Terry said. "Father is going to get me
an outfit in the city and I'll pay you and Gus to set it up for--"

"Set it up yourself, you lazy thing!" said Cora.

"If you please, miss, I've got other matters--"