“Yes, the bank has decided to get rid of it. The property is a white elephant, eating up an enormous amount in taxes and maintenance. It will be a bargain though for anyone who can afford such a mansion.”
Now that everything had been arranged to the satisfaction of the Cubs, they had no further excuse for remaining.
Brad arose from the steps and the other Cubs followed his example.
“Oh, do you have to go so soon?” asked Billy, his face becoming downcast. “Can’t you stay and play with me just a little while? I’ll let you use my bow and arrow and my Ping-pong table.”
His words and manner made it instantly clear to the Cubs that the boy suffered from loneliness.
This fact also became evident to Colonel Breckenridge.
“Billy,” he said, “as I said before, I’m afraid I’ve neglected you in recent months. Tell me, how do you spend your time?”
“I don’t know,” the boy replied vaguely. “There’s nothing to do here. No one to play with ever.”
“So that is why you’ve roamed the woods and found mischief for yourself?”
“I had to do something, didn’t I?” Billy asked.