houses and sell."

When Mrs. Meredith heard of John's idea, she, too, thought it a
good one.

Very soon the children were busy popping the corn, while their
mother went out to buy the paper bags. When she came back, she
brought Bernard with her.

In a short time, he started out on his new business, and, much
sooner than could be expected, returned with an empty basket.

Tucked into one of his mittens were ten nickels. He had never
earned so much money before in his life. When he found that it
was all to be his, he was so delighted he could hardly speak, but
his bright smiling face spoke for him. After he had run home to
take the money to his mother, John said:

"We have corn enough left to send Bernard out ever so many times.
May we do it again?"

"Yes, said Mrs. Meredith, "you may send him every Saturday
morning, if you will pop the corn for him yourselves. John, will
you agree to take charge of the work?"

"Indeed I will," replied John, and he kept his word. For many
weeks, every Saturday morning, no matter what plan was on foot,
no matter how good the coasting or skating, he saw that the corn
was all popped, the paper bags filled, and arranged in the basket
when Bernard arrived.