“Don’t worry, Miss Doyle; I’ll try to keep within bounds.”

And so they went on, laying plans and discussing details in such an earnest way that Uncle John became as enthusiastic as any of them and declared in no uncertain tone that the Millville Daily Tribune was bound to be a “howling success.”

After the girls had retired for the night and the men sat smoking together in Uncle John’s own room, Arthur said: 

“Tell me, sir, why you have encouraged this mad project.”

The little millionaire puffed his pipe in silence a moment.  Then he replied: 

“I’m educating my girls to be energetic and self-reliant.  I want to bring out and develop every spark of latent ability there is in them.  Whether the Millville Tribune succeeds or fails is not important; it will at least keep them busy for a time, along new lines, and tax their best resources of intellect and business ability.  In other words, this experience is bound to do ’em good, and in that way I figure it will be worth all it costs—­and more.  I like the originality of the idea; I’m pleased with the difficulties I see looming ahead; I’m quite sure my girls will rise to every occasion and prove their grit.”  He paused to knock the ashes from his pipe.  “I’m worth a lot of money, Arthur,” he continued, meekly, “and some day these three girls will inherit immense fortunes.  It is my duty to train them in all practical business ways to take care of their property.”

“I follow your line of reasoning, sir,” observed Arthur Weldon; “but this absurd journalistic venture is bound to result in heavy financial loss.”

“I know it, my boy.  I’m sure of it.  But can’t you see that the lesson they will learn will render them more cautious in making future investments?  I’m going to supply a complete newspaper outfit—­to the last detail—­and give ’em a good running start.  Then I shall sit back and watch results.  If they lose money on running expenses, as they surely will, they’ll first take it out of their allowances, then sell their jewelry, and finally come to me for help.  See?  The lesson will be worth while, Arthur, and aside from that—­think of the fun they’ll have!”

CHAPTER VI

MR. SKEELTY OF THE MILL

The next morning they drove to town again, passing slowly up the street of the little village to examine each building that might be a possible location for a newspaper office.  Here is a map that Patsy drew of Millville, which gives a fair idea of its arrangement: 

[Illustration:  Village Street]

Counting the dwellings there were exactly twelve buildings, and they all seemed occupied.