While the Cubs roasted weiners on long sticks over the coals, Mr. Hatfield again talked over plans for the coming Round Table jamboree.
“The Pack has chosen a motto or code of honor for this month,” he told the boys. “It is this: ‘BE ALWAYS READY.’”
“I’m ready right now—for another weiner!” laughed Midge, reaching into the sack Mr. Hatfield had brought along.
“I guess you meant the code in a more serious sense, didn’t you, Mr. Hatfield?” Dan asked.
“That’s right, Dan. Knights of old always were ready to defend those who could not help themselves. They were prepared to fight in the defense of liberty.”
“Cubs can’t fight real battles,” protested Chips.
“Moral battles are very real ones,” the Cub leader corrected. “We must strive always to maintain honor—never to allow our names to be blackened.”
“Isn’t that what the cops are trying to do now?” Chips demanded before he stopped to think how the question might sound. “They’re making such a fuss about that old money box—”
Brad, who sat next to the boy, gave him a quick jab in the ribs.
Mr. Hatfield, however, did not take offense.