“Cubs do not cheat,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “When you know more about the organization, you’ll understand that. We play according to the rules, that’s all.”
“You make ’em to suit yourselves,” Pat growled.
“On the contrary, you’ll find them all printed in the official rule book on basketball. It might be well for your team to study up a bit before the next scheduled game.”
“We’ll study all right! Now, how about the dough? You’re holding out, I take it?”
“If you feel you’re entitled to a share, you may have it,” Mr. Hatfield said. He turned to Dan, saying: “Go bring Mr. Holloway. He has all the money we collected tonight.”
Dan’s jaw dropped, but he obeyed the order without question. What had come over the Cub leader anyhow? Pat and the Bay Shore boys certainly hadn’t done anything to earn any of the money! Why, the Cubs had sold nearly all of the tickets. Besides, the organization would be expected to pay the church a small fee for use of the gymnasium to cover lights and heating. It was unfair!
Mr. Holloway came quickly, carrying a box in which were the receipts. He reported to the Cub leader that the correct total was $30.80.
“Pat here demands half as his share,” Mr. Hatfield said. “I’ve told him that he may have it. The Cubs make a point of being honest. We’d rather lose the entire amount than to take one penny that doesn’t belong to us.”
Pat’s cheeks flamed, but he continued to grin in a silly, arrogant sort of way.
Mr. Holloway counted out exactly $15.40 which he poured into the boy’s hands. “Sure it’s enough?” he asked.