“That doesn’t seem fair, Mr. Hatfield,” Dan protested.
“I assumed responsibility for the money, Dan. Seemingly it was lost through my carelessness. I couldn’t face the Cubs if I didn’t make good.”
Dan said no more. He knew that Mr. Hatfield, being a man of honor, would keep his word. However, he realized also that the Hatfields were only moderately well fixed and could not afford to lose so much of their savings.
“Now don’t worry about it, Dan,” Mr. Hatfield said as they all arose from the breakfast table. “You’re taking this matter entirely too seriously. Everything will come out in the wash.”
“If the money isn’t found, we’ll give up that new car we had intended to buy,” declared Mrs. Hatfield. “Expensive automobiles are an unnecessary luxury.”
Dan looked so troubled that Mr. Hatfield, to take his mind off the money box, said quickly:
“All set for the cook-out tonight?”
“Yes, sir!”
“Remind all the Cubs to meet here at my house right after school. Now you and Fred had better get along to school, or you’ll be late.”
Dan thanked the Hatfields for the breakfast, and gathering up his books, went off with Fred.