“How about the Cubs of Den 1?” Brad asked Ross. “Will they help too?”
“You’ll have to ask them,” he replied. “I know I can’t kick in. I’ve already used all my paper route money to buy a costume.”
“I thought Mrs. Holloway was making it for you.”
“I decided to buy it instead,” Ross answered. “No home-made job for me.”
With the exception of Ross, all of the Cubs who were present agreed to the plan. Having pledged themselves, they then sought Mr. Hatfield to tell him of their decision.
“If that’s what you want to do, it’s all right with me,” he agreed. “The Cubs always pay their debts. If the bank feels we’re responsible for the damage, then we’ll pay whatever they ask.”
“Have someone bring the money to the bank tomorrow,” Mr. Kain said. “I don’t want to be hard on the boys, but maybe having to spend their own cash will teach them to be more careful.”
No one replied. Decidedly uncomfortable, the bank man said good-bye and drove away.
After he had gone, however, the Cubs had a great deal to say.
“He doesn’t want to be too hard! Oh, no!” Midge mimicked. “We worked mighty hard for that money.”