“I expected to do that,” said Wilfred mildly.
“You can bet you did,” Connie shot back. “You will if I’m patrol leader!”
“What’s the reason anyway?” Charlie asked, puzzled.
“Reason! How could there be any reason?” Connie repeated angrily.
“I’m not giving any,” Wilfred said.
“Why not?” Charlie asked.
“Oh, just because—because I’m unlucky,” said Wilfred in a pitiful despair that they did not notice.
“Unlucky?” sneered Connie. “That’s a good one. You’re unlucky! How about us, for taking you in?”
“Sure, for taking pity on you,” said Charlie, aroused to anger. “That’s what we get for doing a favor for Tom Slade——”
“You needn’t say anything against him,” said Wilfred.