Dan Carter And The Money Box Part 40

"Right," agreed Brad, smiling broadly. Already he had a notion as to what had brought Mr. Merrimac to the Cub meeting.

"You boys did me a big favor," the man continued. "I never expected to see the color of my money again, but thanks to your fine organization I got nearly every penny of it back."

"Jack Phillips had a hand in it too," Dan reminded him.

"I am fully aware of that," Mr. Merrimac nodded. "Fact is, I've talked to court officials about the lad. I mean to help him if I can."

"He has a good home with Mrs. Jones," Brad said hastily. "What's more, he likes it there."

"Oh, I have no intention of taking the boy away from her. That thought never entered my head. I did think that later on, the lad may want a little special schooling that Mrs. Jones may not be able to provide.

That's where I aim to step into the picture."

"Why, that's fine!" Brad exclaimed, while Dan echoed the sentiment.

"To get back to the purpose of my call here tonight," Mr. Merrimac resumed. "You'll remember I promised that if my money were recovered I'd not forget the church fund?"

"Yes, but we wouldn't hold you to it," Brad said generously.

"Tut! I always intended to give to the building fund. I was a bit testy about it because of my loss. Well, I can see you're in a hurry to get started on those victuals, so I'll cut it short. Here's my donation."

He handed Dan a check. The boy read the figure $1,500.00 and whistled softly.

"Wow! This is more than generous, Mr. Merrimac! It's magnificent."

"Your contribution will put the Cubs over the top!" added Brad.

"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 a.s.sured of a good home with me."

"Your heart's in the right spot, Mr. Merrimac," Dan declared warmly.

"Tut!" the old man chuckled, embarra.s.sed 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 sc.r.a.pbook which Dan had made, he fingered through it.

"You did a bang-up job recording the history of the Cubs," he praised.

"But why all the blank pages at the end?"

"They represent the future," Dan laughed, stepping out of his armor. "And boy! Judging from the past, what a future we'll have. How about it, fellows?"

"We'll do our best to make 'er glow!" shouted Chips.

The other Cubs, gathering up their belongings, signified agreement, by giving a long and l.u.s.ty wolf wail.

"A-h-h-kay Iaa!" they shouted. "W-e-e-l d-o-o-o-o our Best!"

On that note, the Cubs in a burst of enthusiasm, grabbed Dan and tossed him a little way into the air. Then, like a pack of healthy young wolves, they raced out of the meeting hall.