“It wouldn’t prove anything,” the caretaker retorted, locking the church door. “Now begone, will you?”
“Come along, boys,” Mr. Hatfield said quietly. “No use arguing about this affair. Everything will be taken up at the meeting Wednesday.”
Decidedly downcast, the Cubs followed their leader to the car. During the ride into Webster City, they assured him repeatedly that they were innocent of the charges against them.
“I believe you,” Mr. Hatfield said. “Don’t worry too much about it. I think—I hope at any rate—that everything can be explained and adjusted. Unfortunately, Elwin Maxwell is a very stubborn man.”
“He’s chairman of the board too, isn’t he?” Brad recalled.
“Yes, I gather he is the one who is pressing the suit.”
Even the thought of a twenty thousand dollar claim filed against the Scout organization dismayed the Cubs. If such action were taken, there would be unpleasant newspaper publicity and court sessions. The Cubs would be given a black-eye in the community. Even if they later were cleared, they might never completely live it down.
“How about the party for our folks Friday?” Dan presently asked. “Now that we’re in this mess, shall we drop our plans?”
“Absolutely not, Dan.”
“So far we haven’t any ice cream freezers.”