"And now," Mr. Maynard went on, "since we are gathered here, I would like to make a suggestion that may lead to a good work. Several of our prominent business men have thought that a Village Improvement Society could do a great and good work in our town. I, myself, have not sufficient leisure to take this matter in charge, but I wish that a committee of our citizens might be appointed to consider ways and means, with a view to organizing a society in the near future. Should this be done, I stand ready to contribute one thousand dollars to the general fund of the society, and I've no doubt more will be subscribed by willing hearts." Mr. Maynard stepped down from the chair, and Mr. Fulton immediately mounted it. "I, too, will gladly subscribe the same amount as Mr. Maynard," he said; "this project has for some time been in my mind, and I am pretty sure that it was because of overhearing some of my conversations on the subject that my young people took it up, and earnestly, if in a mistaken manner, endeavored to start such a society." The sentiment of the meeting had entirely changed. The men who had been most angry at their letters were now enthusiastic in their desire for the immediate formation of the society. "Land sakes!" said old Mr. Bolton, "them children didn't mean nothin' wrong. They jest didn't know no better." "That's so," said John Kellogg. "Like's not, some of our kids might 'a' done a heap worse." After the election of a chairman for the provisional committee, and a few more preliminary moves in the matter, Mr. Maynard and Mr. Fulton went away, leaving it all in the hands of their fellow-townsmen. "You did good work," said Mr. Fulton, appreciatively. "I confess I was afraid of an unpleasant turn of affairs. But you won their hearts by your tact and genial manner." "That's the best way to manage that sort of an uprising," returned Mr. Maynard. "Of course we are, in a way, responsible for our children's deeds, and there's a possibility that some of those letters could make trouble for us. But I think it's all right now. The next thing is to choke off the children before they go any further. What _do_ you suppose possessed them to cut up such a trick?" "What possesses them to get into one sort of mischief after another, as fast as they can go?" "Well, this isn't really mischief, is it? They meant well, you know. But I'll reserve judgment until after I talk with my young hopefuls." The two men separated at the corner, and Mr. Maynard went directly to his own home. He found Mrs. Maynard and the three older children in the living-room, variously engaged with books or games. "Well," he said, as he entered the room. "I'd like an immediate interview with The Village Imps." Each of the three gave a start of surprise. "What do you mean, Father?" cried Marjorie. "Why, if you belong to an Imp Society you must be Imps; aren't you?"