He was debating the matter when the Cubs heard an outside church door open and close.
“There he is now,” Brad exclaimed in relief.
Mr. Hatfield came into the meeting room, his gaze sweeping the semi-circle of expectant Cubs.
“I am sorry to be late, boys.” He spoke stiffly, and in an oddly subdued tone of voice.
The Cubs knew instantly that something was wrong. Mr. Hatfield didn’t seem at all his usual pleasant, easy-going self. His lips were drawn into a tight line of disappointment and he was unsmiling.
“We thought something had happened to you,” Brad remarked. “Shall we start the meeting with a song or the pledge of allegiance?”
“No, it’s too late for a meeting now,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “We have a very important matter to discuss.”
The Cubs became most attentive, aware that for some reason the group had incurred the leader’s displeasure. As Mr. Hatfield’s gaze swept the semi-circle it lingered for a moment on Dan. The boy had an uncomfortable feeling that he was being singled out for attention. Had Old Terry Treuhaft complained about the window perhaps?
“Boys, I’ve just come from an unpleasant meeting,” Mr. Hatfield said. “I was on my way here when I received a telephone call, asking me to stop at the office of Richard W. Brady.”
“The lawyer?” interposed Brad, recognizing the name.