out of step, bearing their rusty
Springfields at all angles. In this fashion they made the missionary's
house, swarmed into the neat bare inclosure of coral sand, and invaded
the silent rooms.

A terrible irresolution was stealing over Daisy. Twelve slides,
representing the wanderings of Saint Paul, began to seem too trifling a
means of holding the attention of this enormous and expectant crowd.
Besides, it came over her with a shock that she was a little hazy about
Saint Paul; and then there were disturbing questions of sheets and
darkened windows, and how to make it work. It was with dismay, verging
on despair, that she saw the serried ranks of her recruits crowding the
room to bursting, and all regarding her with humorous anticipation. But
good Mr. Bob, holding her in his lap, and stroking her hair with an
enormous red hand, showed a most comforting disposition to himself take
the breach. At any rate, he roared for silence; told Mr. Mathison he'd
cut his liver out if he didn't belay with them there remarks, and
assumed a tone of authority that calmed the tumult of Daisy's
misgivings.

"Friends," he said, "and mates, and respected genelmen _h_all, we are
here, two and three gathered togetherlike, for the purpose of
_h_organizing a Band of 'Ope."

"Local Number One," interrupted Billy Dutton, the donkey-man, who had
had some trades'-union experience.

"Band of 'Ope, Local Number One," continued Mr. Bob, receiving the
suggestion in an accommodating spirit. "And it is with great pleasure I
propose the name of _h_our first president, Miss Daisy Kirke, of
Apiang."

Then, my stars, wasn't there a cheer! Daisy hung her head, nestled
closer to Mr. Bob, and felt all the joy of good works promptly bearing
fruit.

"I don't see no reason," went on Mr. Bob, "why a false modesty, that 'as
been my _h_unfailing 'andicap through life, should prevent me from
nominating myself as your _h_esteemed vice president. I do not wish to
seem a-soaring too 'igh, or reaching out for honors that belong to
_h_abler 'eads nor mine; but I'll take the sense of the meeting in a
kindly spirit, and will abide peaceable by a show of 'ands!"

When the applause had subsided, Billy Dutton sprang up, and wanted to
know "what about a recording seckitary?"

"I don't see no 'arm in the honorable genelman _h_assuming the job
'isself," said Mr. Bob, "if 'e thinks 'e's sufficient of a speller, and
won't run the band into 'orrible extravagances for 'igh-