glory.

He seemed to have gained enthusiasm, as well as a distinct idea of
modern school methods, from his brief normal training. He managed to
inspire his hearers with hope for a broader and higher education; his
hopes for the future of the Poketown school lit responsive fires in the
hearts of many of his listeners.

Of course, Elder Concannon did not agree. He was heard to say
afterward that he couldn't approve of "no such newfangled notions," and
that he believed the boys and girls of Poketown "better stick to the
three R's--reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic!"

However, the opinion of the people in general seemed to be in favor of
the new ideas, and they promised to back up Nelson Haley in his work of
modernizing the school.

"Of course you'll make it one of the best schools in the state--I know
you will, Nelson," declared Janice, when he walked home with her after
the exercises.

"If _you_ say so--of course!" replied the young man, with a smile.

CHAPTER XXV

THROUGH THE SECOND WINTER

During the summer, matters at the reading-room and library had been
allowed to drift along to a great extent. Marty and one of his
particular chums had kept the reading-room open evenings during Mr.
Haley's absence; but now Janice knew that the school-teacher would have
his hands quite full without giving any time to the reading-room.

She set about making a second campaign for the advancement of the
institution and the broadening of its work. She found five girls
beside herself willing to keep the reading-room open one afternoon a
week, and to exchange books for the members of the library association.
The institution had proved its value in the community and Janice
privately went to several people who were well able to help, and
collected a fund for the payment of a regular librarian in the evening.

One of the boys who had shown most advancement during the spring in
school work was glad to earn a small wage as librarian and caretaker of
the reading-room evenings. An effort was made, too, to increase the
number of volumes in the library so as to obtain a share of the State
Library Appropriation for the next year.

Janice was not alone interested in the reading-room's affairs. There
was the matter of a new piano for the Sunday-school room. The
instrument in use had been a second-hand one when the Sunday School
obtained it; and it was forever out of tune.

"However can you expect the children to sing in uniso