“What do you mean, new member?” Toby demanded. “Don’t pick on me, I’m out of it. Put me on the waiting list if you want to. There’s your scout, right there. Bob picked him out for you. You’ll find me up at Hamburger Mike’s any time you want me. If I’m not there, I’ll be talking to the girl over in the station.”
“That’s the talk,” said Westy. “Now we know you’re a scout and you’ll get tagged before long. Before we go any further, let’s get this thing settled. I hear a car coming, and I want to try to stop it and see if they’ll take us back to Bridgeboro. You’re wished onto the raving Ravens, you understand that, don’t you?” Westy asked Emerson.
“Why—eh, I promised in a way——”
“Yes, well, you’re going to keep your word, aren’t you?” Westy insisted. “If you’re willing to tie up with a bunch of simps like us. What do you say, Skybrow? We can talk it all over afterward, but just say the word now—on account of the kid.”
“I kept—I kept my—promise to you,” said Pee-wee, speaking with difficulty. “Gee whiz, I should think you’d be willing to join us because anyway, we’re not such terrible simps and anyway, maybe you can sort of teach us, kind of.” The sound of an auto was heard in the distance.
“Come on, Em, say the word,” said Connie.
“You’re very kind,” said Emerson.
“Is it yes?” demanded Artie.
“Why if, I’m sure——”
“Say yop,” said Pee-wee.