“That’s all I have to say,” Mr. Merrimac declared. “I have to get back home now.”
“Stay for supper, Mr. Merrimac,” Dan urged.
“No, I want to be home,” the old man replied. “My nephew is there now, you know. Came this afternoon.”
The information was new to the boys, but they tried not to show curiosity.
“Carl will stay with me for a while,” Mr. Merrimac explained. “I was able to get him off on probation. If he leads a straight life, as I think he will, he’ll be assured of a good home with me.”
“Your heart’s in the right spot, Mr. Merrimac,” Dan declared warmly.
“Tut!” the old man chuckled, embarrassed by the praise. “Well, good-bye boys, or should I say, Sir Knights!”
A delightful social hour followed for the Cubs, their parents and friends. Among those present was Mrs. Jones, who seemed as proud of Jack as if he were her own son.
All too soon to please the Cubs, it was time for the meeting to break up. Brad began to put away the swords and other items used during the ceremony.
Coming upon the scrapbook which Dan had made, he fingered through it.