Perhaps I cannot better introduce my own views upon the subject than by relating the substance of the conversation that occurred when Tim applied to me for admission to the club.

He said that he had had a hard time of it in the house of correction; but he hoped his long confinement had done him good.

He had firmly resolved to be a good boy.

'But,' said he, 'what can I do?
If I go with the fellows I used to associate with, how can I keep my resolution?
I know I have been a very bad boy, and I want to do what is right.' I told him that our rules were very strict; that no fellow was allowed to swear or to use bad language of any kind and that every member was required to keep straight himself, and help keep the others straight.

He would agree to all this, would sign the constitution, and my father and the club would soon see that he meant all he said.