“Possibly,” conceded the Cub leader. “Pat is inclined to be a bully, but he’s mostly bluff, I think. My guess is that he and his pals really are envious of the good times the Cubs have here.”
“Especially of our basketball practice,” added Brad.
Mr. Hatfield advised the Cubs not to take Pat’s teasing too seriously.
“Who knows?” he suggested as the group broke with Brad. During the brisk walk, the younger boy had little to say. Finally, Brad commented upon his unusual silence.
“Worrying about where we can get a couple of ice cream freezers, Dan?”
“Not exactly. I’ll admit I was thinking about the party though.”
“Something seems to be bothering you.”
“I was wondering about Pat. He and his gang were listening at the church door when we made plans for the social a week from Friday.”
“Probably.”
“I’m sure of it,” Dan insisted soberly. “This is what worries me. I’m afraid Pat and his bunch may show up at the party and really stir up a mess.”