“Well, it’s of no use trying to buck up against a conspiracy like this,” sighed the stout youth. “I guess I’ve got the price,” and he rattled some change in his pocket. The trio of lads, nodding now and then to acquaintances they passed, kept on down the street until they reached Porter’s drug store. In the window was a placard announcing a patriotic meeting to be held in the auditorium that evening, for the purpose, as it stated, of: “_Upholding President Wilson, and proving to him that Cresville approves of his course in declaring a state of war with Germany exists._” “No tickets needed,” read Jerry. “It’s a case of first come first served, I guess.” They entered the drug store, and soon were being served, talking, the while, of the coming patriotic meeting. “Colonel Wentworth is going to preside,” announced Ned. “Yes, and there’ll be enough rhetorical fireworks to stock a battleship,” observed Jerry. “Well, the old soldier means all right,” added Bob, who seemed to be of a kind and mellow disposition, now that he was having something to eat. Eating, as may have been guessed, was one of Chunky’s strong points. “There isn’t a more patriotic citizen than Colonel Wentworth,” went on the stout youth, stirring his chocolate ice-cream soda to mix it well before drinking. “He did his share in the Spanish war, and now he’s anxious to volunteer again, I hear.” “He’s a little too old, isn’t he?” asked Ned. “Yes, but he’s in fine shape. Well, we’ll go to the meeting, anyhow, and help whoop things up.” “That’s right!” chimed in Jerry Hopkins. “These are the days to show your colors.” It will be evident to the reader that the period of the opening of this story was in the spring, following the announcement of war between the United States and Germany. Of the events leading up to that announcement nothing need be said here, for they are too well known. But even though every one who had closely followed the trend of thought and happenings, knew there was nothing for an honor-loving and conscientious nation to do except take the step advocated by President Wilson, still the actual declaration that a state of war existed, when it was made, came as a shock. Then followed the reaction. A reaction which resulted in the holding of many meetings, in the organization of many societies and in new activities in many that were already organized. The New England town of Cresville, the home of Ned, Bob and Jerry, was no exception to this rule. It was a progressive town, or small city if you will, and numbered among its members citizens of worth and patriotism. So it is not strange that a meeting should be called to “back up” the President.