The two boys hesitated, reluctant to give such a binding promise.
“I’ll agree to come to the game Friday night,” Mr. Smith went on, “but only upon condition that you keep my secret until then. How about it?”
“I guess so,” Brad said unwillingly. Dan too nodded his head.
“Cub’s honor?”
“Cub’s honor,” Dan repeated. “We won’t tell anyone about seeing you here.”
“I know I can trust you boys,” the stranger said. He had gathered up a few belongings, and was stuffing them into a bag. “Don’t look so bewildered. Everything will be explained in good time.”
“There’s one thing I’d like to know right now,” Brad said.
“Shoot!”
“Well, maybe you can clear up the mystery of how the ice cream freezers were delivered to the Cubs. Did you see Pat Oswald and his bunch take them from the basement here?”
Mr. Smith busied himself polishing his scuffed shoes with an old rag. He kept smiling to himself, apparently enjoying his own secret.