“How about a lift into town?” he called cheerfully.
The boy hesitated. His clothes were unpressed, his hair uncombed. Plainly he had been sleeping wherever he could find a bed or a haystack.
“No, thanks,” he muttered, starting to turn away.
“Oh, come on, you look as if you’re tired,” Mr. Holloway urged. He swung open the door of the station wagon.
Jack gazed curiously at the Cubs. Apparently however, he did not remember either Dan or Brad, if indeed he had noticed them on the night of the rain storm.
Finally, reassured by the friendly faces of the Cubs, Jack slid into the front seat between Mr. Holloway and Mr. Hatfield. Dan made room for him by perching himself on the Cub leader’s knees, his body blocking off the door.
“Going far?” Mr. Holloway asked the boy, as he drove on.
“Just into Webster City,” the other replied reluctantly.
“Glad to give you a lift,” Mr. Holloway said, deliberately trying to stimulate conversation. “Which school do you attend?”
“Not any right now,” the boy muttered. He squirmed uneasily.