How good the green corn roasted by that midnight fire down in the old pasture lot, just over the fence from the corn lot, tasted. And that was the time they learned the secret of roasting eggs and potatoes in the hot ashes. How carefully they rolled the eggs in many layers of brown paper, and then wetting them thoroughly laid them in the bed made ready, and covering with the heated ashes they listened for the cracking of the shells which would tell that the eggs were done. But these boys did not spend all their time in just having "good times." Now and then as they gathered around the kitchen fire in winter or were grouped in the yard, they would forget their popping corn or their jack-o'-lantern and fall to talking over the last book they had read.

There was no lack of books in the Prentice home. For if Mr. and Mrs. Prentice believed in boys, they also believed in books for boys.

"Any gunpowder under that?" asked Dan one morning, coming around the corner of the house and seeing a great pile of kindling wood which Jack was splitting.

"Not a keg!" was the reply.

"I thought you must be plotting some mischief or you would never have stuck to the work long enough to split such a pile as that," continued Dan.

"There is a plot, that's a fact," returned Jack; "but it is not a Gunpowder Plot. I am going to ask father to let me go with Johnson when he goes after those cattle, and we shall be gone three days, so I thought it would advance my cause a little if the kindlings were all ready beforehand."

"You are a sharp fellow," said Dan, laughing, "a very sharp fellow."

"But wasn't that Gunpowder Plot a scheme though!" said Jack.

"Well, I confess I don't know much about it," replied Ben, who had in his lazy fashion thrown himself on the ground. "Just tell a fellow about it and save him the trouble of reading it."

"That is what Jack is aching to do," said Dan, laughing. "Jack is the orator of the family, you know."

"Go ahead, old fellow," and Ben shifted his weight from one elbow to the other.

"It was in the reign of James the First; he was James the Sixth of Scotland; he was the son of Mary Stuart, and as she was a Catholic, the Catholics of England supposed her son would restore, or at least tolerate, the Catholic faith in England. But they were bitterly disappointed in this expectation; the old laws against it were put into execution and others more severe passed by Parliament. And it was out of this intolerance that the famous Gunpowder Plot grew. The scheme was to blow up with gunpowder the Parliament House, while Parliament was in session, and so destroy the king and members of Parliament. There was a vault under the building which the conspirators hired as a salesroom for wood and coal. They put in stealthily thirty-six barrels of gunpowder and then covered these with the wood and prepared a train so that the whole could be fired at once. They had a ship ready to take Fawkes on board—"

"You've got ahead of your story! tell us who was Fawkes."

"He was one of the conspirators, a Spanish officer who superintended the business and was to touch it off. Authorities do not quite agree as to how the secret leaked out. It is supposed that one of the conspirators wanted to save some of his friends and so warned them to keep away from the Parliament House on the day set for the execution of the plot, and suspicion was thus aroused, and Guy Fawkes was arrested just as he was about to apply the match to the train. He was tried and executed along with several others. The day set for the horrible deed was the fifth of November, 1605, and it has ever since been observed as a holiday in England."

"You've done well," said Dan. "But you left out a lot; you forgot to tell how they first hired a house next to the place where Parliament was held and tried to dig through the walls."

"I did not forget it, but it amounted to nothing and they abandoned that plan, and I thought Ben could read that up for himself. I have noticed that if you tell him a part of a story he will go and find out the rest. The best way is, to tell him just enough to whet his curiosity."

Dan was half-way to the barn before this remark was ended, but glancing back he saw Ben and Jack down on the grass having it out in a regular "rough and tumble."

Will every one of you put on your "thinking caps" and give careful attention to what I am about to say? All summer I am to be away from home; in Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and I hardly know where else; flitting from one city to another, only a few days in a place. As a consequence, unless you pay close attention, I shall not be able to hear from you. Because letters will fail to reach me. But I shall have a secretary who will stay all summer at Chautauqua, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. If you address me at that place, she will get the letters, attend to the business part of them, and see that they are sent to me. Will you remember, and send letters to me at Chautauqua, instead of Cincinnati, or Carbondale, or any other place?

This direction holds good for the months of June, July, August and September. After that, I will give you other information.

Another thing, do not send subscription money for The Pansy to me; but always to D. Lothrop & Co., Boston.

When you want badges, send name and pledge to me; also ten cents in postage stamps, unless you are a subscriber. Subscribers are entitled to badges free of charge. All letters about The Pansy, or about your work or plans, all questions connected with the P. S. are to be sent to my address; but remember, when you want to subscribe for The Pansy, send your dollar directly to Boston.

Years ago we used to have a department in The Pansy which met with much favor. This was a letter or article by the Editor, containing all the words which had been misspelled or improperly used during the month, by young correspondents; of course no names were mentioned.

We have determined to begin in July, a similar exercise, continuing it so long as there shall be any call for it. If, during any month, all letters received have been correct as to spelling, punctuation, capitals, grammar, etc., you may know it by the absence of the "queer-looking" article the following month.

Each member of the P. S. is expected to carefully read and correct the article. If you choose to report to me your success, I shall be glad; but this is not a rule.

A good plan would be to have an exercise in your local societies, the president giving out the words from The Pansy, and each member writing them, as he or she thinks they ought to be; then let the papers be exchanged and read, first appointing an umpire, dictionary in hand, to decide as to correctness.

Look out for my first letter, next month.

Through the bright summer months, while away at seashore, or mountains, we know there will come many idle moments when it is too hot to play, and when books do not engross. In these moments, may you hear the voices of those patient little ones, who, too sick and suffering to play out of doors, are lying on beds of suffering, only knowing of the green fields, and cool brooks, and lovely summer-tide places, from their memories, or from what others tell them. At such moments, oh, dear Pansies, let your fingers be busy in making those things that you know children like them would enjoy, and your tongues be active, interesting the other children of the hotel or the boarding-house in this ministry of love. It is now some four years since the Pansy Society was formed. Its members are legion, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and it has done much noble work. But we aim for great results, and we mean this summer to accomplish much good. We wonder which of our workers will lead.

Walter from Virginia. Another sunshiny face will give light in the home, if you keep your pledge, my boy, as I seem to feel sure you will. It is easy to find something to look cross at; almost anybody can do that; but the people are rather few who can look pleasant when things do not go just right. The few who do this, are among the most helpful people we have in the world.

Clara from Nova Scotia. A five-year-old Pansy blooming in Nova Scotia! Isn't that delightful? She is just like all the other little Blossoms, too; troubled with weeds; doesn't like to obey promptly, and "wants her own sweet little way, sometimes, instead of mamma's." But like a brave Blossom she is going to try to get rid of these weeds and grow beautifully for the great Gardener. We welcome you heartily to the P. S., and hope you will train "Agnes" and "Margaret" so well, that they will join us very soon.

May from Virginia. Little seven-year-old May flower, I give you greeting. It is such an easy thing for bright little tongues to "answer back!" How glad I am that now, while you are so young, you are going to overcome the bad habit! Why, here is brother Chester in your letter! We are glad to welcome him. What a large pledge he has taken! Part of it you are very glad to hear, I know. Chester, my boy, I hope you will succeed. Write and let me know how you are getting on.

Edith from California. "Selfishness" is a weed which seems to thrive in a great many States. I am not surprised to hear that California has its share. Glad you are going to root it from your grounds. I have ordered the missing number of The Pansy sent to you.

Lowrie from Washington Territory. So you do not mean the rest of us shall know what fault you are striving to overcome? Well, never mind; so that you and Jesus know about it, that is all that is really necessary. But if you honestly try, there are others who will know about it. You may not hear them, but they will be saying among themselves: "How much Lowrie is improving! Don't you know how often he used to give way to that fault of his? Now he hardly ever does." When your dear "chubby" fingers get so they can write, send me word how you are prospering, and whether you find the badge a help.

Calvert from Indiana. Here is a boy who is going to stop "putting off things." Good! I wish you lived with a boy friend of mine long enough for him to adopt your resolve. He troubles all his friends so much with that very habit! Perhaps he will read this letter, and join you. I am glad you try to increase the circulation of The Pansy. If every Blossom on our list should get one new subscriber a year, even, what a great new garden we should have!

Nora from Minnesota. What sort of a "face" is it, my dear? I suspect, a cross one; for I know several people who do not like to "practise." Suppose you resolve to wear a smile, whenever you are told to do that wearisome thing? In which case, you would be sure to keep your pledge. Wouldn't you?

Annie from Missouri. Five new subscribers in a week! What a bright little worker it is! A "quick" temper is not a bad thing to have, when it is a servant, and not a mistress. So long as you keep it under good control, it will help you to move quickly, and work quickly, and think quickly. Did you know that?

Amy from New York. My dear Blossom, I want to preach a little sermon to you, with one word for a text: PATIENCE. I know you have had to wait long for the answer to your letter; but what would you do if you were the editor of a magazine, which was published once a month, and had room in it for replies to only a dozen or twenty letters each month, and you received as many as twenty-five a day? You "would make shorter answers," I think I hear you say. That is a good suggestion; I have thought about it myself; but there is always so much to say! I am sorry to hear that you have not kept your pledge very well, but the old motto which my dear mother used to quote to me, when I was a very little girl, is a good one for you: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Nellie from Maine. So I had the honor of receiving the first letter you ever wrote! I am pleased with that. A good letter it was, too. I have just been reading about a little girl in California who has a habit of fretting; and now I find that they have the same disease in Maine! Well, I am glad to know that there will be less of it from this time. It is sometimes very hard work to obey promptly. You will have to keep careful watch of yourself; but it will be a triumph worth winning, when you form the habit.

Winnie and Helen from Minnesota. I am always glad to welcome sisters; for I know how helpful they can be to each other. When we have two, patient, lady-like, sweet Pansies who speak only gentle words, how sweet the perfume will be! Perhaps the breath of such flowers will creep all over the State of Minnesota! You don't think that possible? Oh, yes indeed. I have known a sweet breath from a little human flower, reach from New York to China. Try how far you can make your perfume reach.

Lucy from Massachusetts. Poor fingernails! I am always so sorry for those faithful friends when they have to be bitten. I will hope for better times with yours. It is astonishing how many warm friends Nettie Decker has! She is a favorite of mine, so I am glad you like her. I read your letter to the author of "My Brainless Acquaintance" and he expressed much pleasure at the thought that you enjoyed it. I hope you will give the "baby brother" a kiss for me.

Margie from Massachusetts. That is the trouble, my dear little girl: So many people are naughty "before they think."

I know of only one way to learn how to think, and that is, to ask Jesus to keep your thoughts on what he wants you to remember. You must always remember that it "takes two to make a quarrel;" so if you will not quarrel with any person, no one can quarrel with you.

Helen and Frank from Maryland. Dear little brother and sister, we are very glad to receive your names. There are a great many things to "get mad" over. I heard a little boy say, yesterday, that when he was in any trouble, he always got mad. I asked if that helped him any, and he owned that he thought it made the matter worse. It is pleasant to think that Frank will watch his temper, after this. And as for you, Helen, I shall expect to hear that you make a great deal of sunshine from this time.

Mary from Minnesota. Dear little Blossom, with "ever so many bad habits," what a work you have before you. But if you will hold your ear close, and not tell anybody, I will whisper a secret to you. Every little girl I know, has ever so many, also. The difference between them is only, that some are trying to overcome, and some are not. Let me tell you that is a very great difference; one that will reach all through life. It is so good to think that our little Mary belongs to those who are trying.

Ned and Willie from "Home." Well, my dear boys, that was what you said; and glad am I that you can date your letters from home, but I wish I knew in what State it was! I might have looked at the envelope, it is true, but I "forgot" and threw it away. Never mind, you know where you live, and I hope will never forget that it is the best place in the world. What a comfort to think of the hats and satchels, and all the other school belongings carefully put away, instead of being tossed on a chair, or under the table, or anywhere. Oh! I know all about it. A boy of my acquaintance pitched his hat into the milk pitcher the other day! Neither the hat nor the boy felt so well afterwards. As for that habit of "exaggerating" it is astonishing as well as sad, to think how it will grow. Not long ago I repeated a remark which a lady made, who had called on me; I was at once asked where I heard it, and I mentioned the lady's name. "Oh," said my friend, "that is probably not true; I have not heard of it, and I think I certainly should have, if it had been so. As for Miss ——, you cannot credit anything she says." Then noticing my astonished look, she added earnestly: "I am sorry to tell you so; but it is the truth. Not that I think she intends to be false, but she has such a sad habit of exaggerating, that really no one pretends to believe her stories." Think of it!

Florence from Pennsylvania. A "grumbler" is a very uncomfortable person, certainly. By all means let us uproot the weed from our Pansy Beds. Thank your dear mamma for her kind words.

Willie from Minnesota. Oh! I understand all about that habit; it causes a great deal of annoyance in this world. Only a few minutes ago, a boy rushed into the room where his mother was engaged with callers, and shouted, "Mamma, may I go to the lake a little while?" The question broke into the midst of this sentence which the caller was trying to say: "What a gentlemanly boy you have, Mrs. ——. I admire his manners very much!" Don't you think both she and the mother must have admired him at that moment? I congratulate your mother on the pledge you have taken.

Mattie from New Hampshire. There are a great many faults to struggle against, it is true; but those who overcome are always those who earnestly wish to do so. Certainly our Pansies have a great many ill-treated fingernails! We are glad to hear of improvements in that direction.

Belle from New York. You have a hard task before you, my dear; I know by experience how easy it is to speak cross words. But when we remember how they sting, and what harm they often do, which can never be undone, we will surely try to give only "soft answers."

Freddie from Connecticut. What a long word you chose to struggle with—Impulsiveness. I ask a boy, near me, what it means, and he says: "Oh, it means rushing off to do things, before a fellow knows whether he ought to, or not." If his definition is good—do you accept it?—I think you have made a wise pledge.

Robbie from Maine. It is queer how many boys I know who are like my Pansy Blossoms, scattered all over this big world of ours. A boy friend of mine hates to go to the post-office at just the time when he ought; and he so often says, "Won't it do by and by?" that he has earned the name of "By and by."

Mabel from Pennsylvania. If one only keeps one's eyes wide open, my dear, it is very easy to see things with which to find fault; it is wise to learn to shut one's eyes, on occasion, to the faults of others. I am glad you have taken the pledge. Remember me to your dear mother, and thank her for her kind words.

Jessie from Missouri. People who are "patient about everything" are very scarce, and very lovely. I am glad to think of Jessie as trying for this. By all means "get out" of that habit of which you speak. You will be a comfort to the teacher as well as a help to your classmates, if you do. I am sorry you have been sick. Your letter was well written, and gave me great pleasure.

Florence from Iowa. Did you ever hear of the little girl whose father gave her a birthday present of a necklace of little thorns, because her tongue said so many sharp and spiteful words? He told her he had intended to make the necklace of beautiful beads, but had decided that thorns would match her style better. Such a necklace would not fit you, now, would it? I rejoice over your pledge.

Edwin and Harold from Maine. Of course we will receive the little brother. A boy five years old can keep a pledge as well as an older person; sometimes better. I hope there will be fewer tears shed in your home than ever before; also, that my boy Edwin will become noted for the prompt manner in which he obeys all right calls.

Maud from Pennsylvania. Impatient people are always "nervous;" did you know it? I had an old aunt who used to say that "nervous" was a new-fashioned word, which she did not believe in; that in her day, they called it "cross." That is pretty hard on the nerves, isn't it? I don't agree with her. Sometimes those nerves twinge in a very disagreeable manner; but the strong will which they are trying to twist, gets the better of them, and gentle patience is the result. I hope you will succeed.

Beverly from Maryland. My boy, you are growing rich, are you not? So many dear friends already in Heaven, waiting and watching for you. Would it not be sad if their boy should do anything to grieve them? I hope your badge will be helpful. I see no sparrows about me, but while I write, the mocking-birds are singing in the pine trees near by.

Arthur from Pennsylvania. I like your verses very much. As soon as I have time, I shall copy them for the magazine. I am afraid "Reaching Out" must close with October, as I have another story waiting, which I think you boys, particularly, will like quite as well as "Reaching Out."

Ellen from Kansas. It is quite a common thing for people to see the faults of others, and be blind to their own. Queer, isn't it? Do you remember the old Scotch poem:

Arthur from Tennessee. You had a chance to exercise patience in waiting for your badge, did you not? I do not know why some of the badges seem to think they must be so long on the road, unless it is to help their owners to a little of that quality. Don't you think it is generally a scarce article with boys?

Birdie from Kentucky. O yes, Birdie, we have a great many Blossoms in Kentucky, only we have not answered their letters yet. There are many hundreds still waiting. My dear little girl, do you think one has to "try" very hard to love such a Friend as Jesus? I suspect you mean that you have not learned to love Him enough to obey Him perfectly. That is a hard lesson; it gives me joy to think you are trying to learn it.

Gertrude from Missouri. "Things" seem to be determined to lie around in the way. All over the country I notice that the P. S. Blossoms have the same trouble. They will certainly have to be willing to hang on hooks, and nails, or lie quietly on clothespress shelves; for the P. S. has gotten hold of them with determined wills. We are glad of a recruit from Missouri.

Sallie from Massachusetts. I like to hear of an interested reader of my books, but, Sallie dear, do not let them lead you astray. I once went to call on a woman who needed help. It was nearly twelve o'clock, but her breakfast table still stood in the middle of the floor, black with flies; the little mass of oil in which some of them were drowning, had once been butter; her baby was playing with the coal hod, and his face and clothes were the color of it; and everything about the room was in disorder. The mother sat in the one rocking-chair, wiping her eyes over a story which she was reading. "I ought to a done up my work," she said, "but land, I do love to read. I always was literary!" You will never be such a woman as that! I hear you say. No, I do not think you will. Especially since you have taken your pledge.

Helen from Missouri. Poor little Blossom! You have had a hard experience. My heart aches for you; but I am hoping that before this time you are well. I once knew of a boy who was sent to mend a sidewalk, and did his work so poorly, that his mother tripped on the place and broke her limb. I hope no careless boy was the cause of all your suffering. There is a Bible verse for you; did you know it? Look at the latter part of Matthew 8:17.

Susie from Ohio. Welcome, little worker. I hope the new society prospered; let us know how you conduct your meetings, for what are you working, and all about it. With your dear father and mother waiting for you in Heaven, you will want to be sure not to disappoint them. I hope to meet you there.

Kittie and France from New York. To "obey promptly" and to avoid all words and ways which come under the head of "contradicting" are very important things to accomplish. May you and "little sister" be great helps to each other. I am glad you like "Grandma Burton."

Charlie from Missouri. There was no trouble in reading your letter, Charlie. I wish all my correspondents would write as plainly. Oh poor birds! Don't neglect them. If they could fly away in the free air, I think they would feed themselves; but since they can't, help them. As for the wood, perhaps it would come in of its own accord if it had feet. Who knows? But since it hasn't, Charlie must be brisk feet for it. "Do with your might what your hands find to do." Isn't that a good motto?

Millie from Pennsylvania. I am sorry you had such long waiting for your badges. Your first letter must have gone a journey around the world, for I have never seen it. However, I hope it has all been made right at last. If I were not so far away, I would be tempted to accept your kind invitation for Saturday afternoon, but I fear I could not get back in time for Sabbath school, next day!

Maud from Pennsylvania. So you "talk too loud!" Well, you have plenty of company. I know a boy who has to be reminded several times a day, that none of his friends are deaf. Are you ever just a trifle out of patience when your voice is loud? It affects some people in that way.

Lew from Pennsylvania. It is my opinion that a boy who has been "good" for two or three days, can be good the rest of the time. Don't you think so? Try it, my boy. Watch that tongue, for it is a good friend, and a dangerous enemy.

Nearly two years ago I was visiting a friend in East St. Louis, and she showed me The Pansy, and mamma liked it so well she said I might subscribe for it, and you cannot imagine how I have enjoyed it. I take the St. Nicholas also. Now, dear Pansy, I am going to confide to you my great fault, which is not putting things in their places. It worries mamma and it worries everybody around the house to see my cap in one place, my cloak in another, my skates in another. I will promise to keep the pledge and always keep the Whisper Motto in mind, for nothing can be done without Jesus' help. I would like a badge. I have no little brothers or sisters, and as none of my little friends take The Pansy, I cannot get up a society.

I am a little girl nine years old. Sometimes I am very thoughtless, and that is what I got my badge in August for. I think it has helped me some. The Whisper Motto, "For Jesus' Sake," has helped me a heap. I think The Pansy is the best magazine I ever saw. "Little Fishers and their Nets" is the nicest story I ever read. I have two little sisters, Daisy, six years old, and Alice, three years old.

My father went to heaven last spring. He caught cold while preaching. Excuse this writing with pencil, but the ink is frozen, for we had very cold weather. With much love,

I have been very much interested in reading the little letters from different children, and I thought I would write too. May I tell you something about myself? I have had spinal disease for years, and am obliged to lie in bed all the time.

I am in a hospital where are many children; those who are able to be up, go to school in the mornings, and in the afternoon the teacher comes up stairs to give little lessons to those who are in bed.

The children have books, toys, games, and hobby horses. The girls like to play "hospital," with their dollies, and have two or three boys for doctors. The dolls are treated as though they really felt sick; and the young doctors pretend to give them ether, before they perform their surgical operations! It is quite funny to see how the very little boys and girls will imitate doctors and nurses.

The children have a little society called the "Ready-To-Help." Sometime I will tell you of some of the things which its members do to help.

There is one Fault I want to over come and when i have any thing and when i have anything to put it back where i got it from, and not to laugh and talk i Sunday school and when i pull of my hat at night, i cant find it next morning.

We have a beautiful Pansy bed. We have about twenty-five Blossoms. Some are big, and some are little; some are golden color, and some are deep purple. When the Pansies meet, the Vice-President takes the P. S. roll book, goes to each Blossom and gets the record for the month. I have promised to be patient, and to speak kindly. Willie's pledge was to try to keep his temper; and his record was: "I forgot a few times, but it helped; and I mean to try harder." One dark Pansy promised to brush her teeth at least once a day, and not to be selfish.

The garden is growing very nicely; by and by we are going to plant new seeds. The last time we met we played a nice game; we all stood around the table, and fished with poles. The wee Blossoms were very much delighted.

As you seem to have room in your heart for all little girls, I will be one of the number. I enjoy your magazine very much. I am a cripple; I was injured by falling through a sidewalk. I had to lie in bed for thirteen months with a nine-pound weight attached to my limb, and it bandaged to a board. I have tried to be patient. Words of sympathy from my friends do me a great deal of good. I had a dream about you last night; I thought you were talking about "Little Fishers and their Nets." I do think Nettie Decker is the nicest and best Christian girl I ever knew! I don't admire "Lorena Barstow," but mamma says she is sorry to say there are many little girls like her. Dear Pansy, won't you come and see me? I will meet you at the train and take you to my home.

I AM A LITTLE GIRL SIX YEARS OLD I AM GOING TO TRY NOT TO BE SO CROSS MAY I HAVE A BADGE

Mamma says I ought to tell you at the commencement that I am eleven years old, but a poor penman, and she is afraid you cannot read my letter, but I will try and do my best. I have taken The Pansy for two years, and enjoy it very much. I get so interested in "Reaching Out" that I am almost impatient for the numbers to come. After reading them, I send them away in our mission barrel to the children in Utah. I would like to keep them; but mamma thinks we ought to let some one else enjoy them. I have read nearly all your books. From reading "Pocket Measure" I learned how nice it was to give. Mamma especially likes "Mrs. Solomon Smith."

I would like to join the P. S. I have tried for a week to decide on the fault that I needed most to overcome; but I do not know which one it is, I have so many. (It seems to me as though every one else had but one fault.) I know one of mine is not obeying quickly, when mamma speaks. I would rather read your books and magazine than do my work. I do like to read very much. Another fault is a quick temper. I pray over my faults and try to overcome them; I want to lead my dear friends to the Saviour, but I have so many faults! I think I will wear my badge for them all. I have a picture of you; papa is going to have it framed for me to hang in my room. Lovingly, Sallie.