“Given a little time, we may learn that too,” Mr. Hatfield replied, smiling.
Though the Cubs pressed him for an explanation, the Cub leader would not reveal what was in his mind.
“Wait and we’ll see,” he suggested. “And while you’re waiting, don’t forget to practice hard at basketball. It’s more important than ever now, that we prove to Pat and his boys that Cubs can win honorably!”
CHAPTER 10
OLD TERRY’S DEMAND
The loss of the two ice cream freezers and the mystery surrounding them, distressed the Cubs. A dozen questions plagued their minds. Had someone stolen the freezers from the church and given them to the organization just to cause trouble?
Who had tipped Old Terry that the containers would be found at the Cub party? The Cubs kept mulling over the affair and the conviction grew upon them that Pat Oswald had been responsible.
“I wish we never had agreed to play the basketball series,” Midge said gloomily one afternoon the following week when the boys were at the gymnasium. “We’ll be the laughing stock of Webster City if we lose.”
“Not if we lose fair and square,” Dan returned, undisturbed. “It’s no disgrace not to win. After all, it’s only a game.”
“Pat and his boys from Bay Shore way have all but ruined our reputations in this town!”
“The organization is under a cloud,” Dan admitted.