ed Mr. Morton. "But how do you propose to get
them interested in the use of their property, even if the Board
of Education will permit it?"

"The willingness of the Board of Education can be dropped out
of sight," argued Dick. "The Board is the servant of the people,
and must do what the people want. What Dave and I want to see
is to have the High School gym. turned over to the young working
people of the city in the evening time. Say, two evenings a week
for young men and two evenings for the young women. We believe
it will result in big gains for Gridley. When you put new life
and brighter blood into the toilers, it increases the wealth of
the whole city, doesn't it?"

"I declare, I think it ought to," replied Mr. Morton. "But see
here, how are two boys---or, let us say, two boys and a
submaster---going to bring about any such result as this?"

"By presenting it properly through the leading daily of Gridley,"
replied Prescott, with great promptness.

"Have you received any assurance that Mr. Pollock, of 'The Blade,'
will be for this big scheme of yours?" asked Mr. Morton.

"When we've explained it all, I don't see how he can help being
for it," rejoined Prescott. "If 'The Blade' takes hold and booms
this idea, day in and day out, it won't be very long before evening
gym. classes will be filled to overflowing. And the Board of
Education would have to give way before the pressure."

Then Dave took hold of the subject for a while, talking with great
earnestness. Mr. Morton listened with increasing interest.

"I think, boys, that you've hit upon an idea that will be of great
service to our city," remarked the submaster. "Yet what put all
this into your heads!"

"Why, sir, it's our last year at the High School," replied Dick,
smiling though speaking with great earnestness. "After four years
of the fine training we've had here, Dave and I feel that it's
our place to do something to leave our mark behind. We've been
talking it all over, and we've hit upon this idea. Will you stand
by us in it?"

"Why, yes; all that I can, you may be sure. But just what do
you boys expect me to be able to do!"

"Why, help us form the plans and back us up in them. You are
really the leader in school athletics in this town, Mr. Morton,"
explained Prescott. "I can quote you in 'The Blade' as to the
benefits that would result in giving gym. training to workers
who can't attend High School. And, in the spring, afte