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diff --git a/41261-0.txt b/41261-0.txt index 6cd1994..2b700c1 100644 --- a/41261-0.txt +++ b/41261-0.txt @@ -1,33 +1,4 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Dan Carter and the Money Box, by Mildred A. Wirt - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Dan Carter and the Money Box - -Author: Mildred A. Wirt - -Release Date: November 2, 2012 [EBook #41261] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAN CARTER AND THE MONEY BOX *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41261 *** Triumphantly, he brought out the tin box. “Dan Carter and the Money Box” @@ -5803,359 +5774,4 @@ they raced out of the meeting hall. 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Wirt</title> @@ -144,42 +144,7 @@ p.t15,div.t15,.t15 { margin-left:19em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-b </style> </head> <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Dan Carter and the Money Box, by Mildred A. Wirt - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Dan Carter and the Money Box - -Author: Mildred A. Wirt - -Release Date: November 2, 2012 [EBook #41261] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAN CARTER AND THE MONEY BOX *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41261 ***</div> <div id="cover" class="img"> <img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Dan Carter and the Money Box" width="500" height="713" /> @@ -5400,379 +5365,6 @@ raced out of the meeting hall.</p> <ul><li>Silently corrected a few typos (but left nonstandard spelling and dialect as is).</li> <li>Rearranged front matter to a more-logical streaming order.</li></ul> - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Dan Carter and the Money Box, by Mildred A. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - -</pre> - +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41261 ***</div> </body> </html> diff --git a/41261.txt b/41261.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 7328552..0000000 --- a/41261.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6161 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Dan Carter and the Money Box, by Mildred A. Wirt - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Dan Carter and the Money Box - -Author: Mildred A. Wirt - -Release Date: November 2, 2012 [EBook #41261] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAN CARTER AND THE MONEY BOX *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - Triumphantly, he brought out the tin box. -"Dan Carter and the Money Box" - (_See Page 188_) - - - - - Dan Carter - and the Money Box - - - by - Mildred A. Wirt - - - Illustrated - - - CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY - Publishers New York - - - Copyright, 1950, by - CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY - _All Rights Reserved_ - - DAN CARTER AND THE MONEY BOX - - Printed in the United States of America - - - - - Contents - - - 1 The Stranger in the Storm 1 - 2 The Metal Box 13 - 3 Jack, the Runaway 27 - 4 High Water 35 - 5 Two Claimants 43 - 6 A "Tough" Customer 54 - 7 The Last Straw 64 - 8 Round Table Plans 73 - 9 A "Deserted" House 85 - 10 Widow Jones 92 - 11 "Do Your Best" 100 - 12 A Pair of Legs 111 - 13 Hot Biscuits 121 - 14 Beside the Camp Fire 140 - 15 A Hint from Jack 151 - 16 Inside the Log 160 - 17 Through the Window 177 - 18 Pursuit 190 - 19 "I Promise" 197 - 20 Knights of the Round Table 208 - - - - - CHAPTER 1 - The Stranger in the Storm - - -Burrowing deep into the hoods of their slickers, the two Cub Scouts -hastened along the darkening street. - -Stinging gusts of rain pelted their faces. The strong wind fairly bowled -them off their feet. - -"Say Brad, this is awful!" - -"It's sure coming down--and how!" agreed the older boy. - -Brad Wilber, dark-haired and serious, was a Boy Scout and a leader among -the younger boys. An outstanding athlete and nearly ready for high -school, he served as Den Chief of the Webster City Cubs. - -His companion, the blue-eyed, sandy-haired Dan Carter, had just turned -ten. - -Firm of muscle and old for his years, the younger boy grew so fast it was -hard to keep him in Cub uniforms. - -He and Brad had been good friends ever since Sam Hatfield had organized -Den 2. On this particular evening, they had been overtaken by the storm -on their way to a Cub meeting at the church. - -"Say, let's hold up a second!" Dan gasped as a heavy curtain of rain -veiled the sidewalk ahead. - -The pair halted a moment under a store awning, there to catch their -breath. - -"This may turn to ice or sleet before the night's over," Brad said -anxiously. "Then watch the cars pile up!" - -"It's almost cold enough for sleet," Dan agreed with a shiver. "The storm -certainly rolled in fast. Maybe Sam Hatfield decided to call off the Cub -meeting." - -Brad moved back against the building wall to escape the awning drip. "Not -Sam," he said cheerfully. "He knows the Cubs are tough. Anyway, we're a -little late. The others are probably at the church now, waiting for us." - -From their shelter the two boys could see the church building a half -block ahead, on the opposite side of the street. - -The windows on the lower floor shone dimly through the wall of rain. - -"The place is lighted, so Sam must be there at least," Brad commented. -"Shall we go on now? We don't want to be late and hold up the meeting." - -"Okay," Dan agreed, buttoning his slicker which had pulled apart. - -Heads low, they bored directly into the wind. The rain scarcely had -slackened. Droplets dashed into their eyes, completely blinding them. - -The boys were nearly opposite the church when Brad, who was ahead, ran -full tilt into a man huddling against a building wall. - -"I'm sorry," the boy apologized. "I didn't see you standing there." - -"Watch where you're going next time!" the other growled. - -Because the man spoke in such a surly tone, Brad looked him over -carefully. - -The fellow was no one he ever had seen before. His face, beneath a -snap-brim hat which dripped rain, appeared shadowy and unfriendly. He -might have been thirty years of age, maybe older. A day-old beard made it -difficult to judge. - -"Sorry," Brad apologized again. - -He and Dan started on, only to be stopped in their tracks by a question. - -"Hey, kids," the stranger addressed them, "what's going on over there?" - -"Over where?" demanded Dan. - -"In that church. It's lighted up like a Christmas tree." - -"Oh, just a Cub meeting," Dan explained briefly. - -Again he and Brad tried to move away, but the stranger more or less -blocked the street. - -"A Cub meeting?" the man echoed. "What's that?" - -Brad had a feeling that the stranger in asking such a stupid question was -stalling for time. He seemed to be looking over the two boys, studying -them. - -"It's the younger boy program of the Boy Scouts of America," Brad -explained briefly. "We have a whale of a lot of fun." - -"But what's the church doing all lighted up?" - -"Dan told you," Brad said patiently. "The Cubs are having their monthly -meeting." - -His answer still did not satisfy the stranger. "But the church has been -closed, hasn't it?" he mumbled. - -"That's right." Brad began to edge away for he resented the delay. - -"The church was closed nearly a month while repairs were made on the -heating system," Dan added. "Now the work is finished, so services will -be held again." - -Muttering something, the stranger turned and slouched off in the rain. - -"Queer duck," Brad commented as he and Dan started to cross the flooded -street. "What did he mumble?" - -"I'm not sure I caught it right. I thought he said: 'A fine thing!'" - -"Must be a screwball, Dan. Somehow I didn't like his appearance." - -"Same here. His eyes were so intent they gave me the creeps. Wonder why -he was interested in the church anyhow?" - -"Oh, idle curiosity, I suppose. You didn't know him?" - -"Never clapped eyes on him before," Dan replied, leaping over a river of -gutter flow. "He must be new in Webster City." - -The boys had reached the vestibule of the church. - -Brad pulled open the heavy double doors and they went in out of the rain. -Shaking out their slickers, they hung them up before entering the main -part of the church. - -The room smelled of fresh paint and seemed rather cold. Lights were on, -however. - -Hearing voices, Brad and Dan tramped on back to a small meeting chamber -in the rear of the building. - -All of the Cubs had gathered there--Chips Davis, Midge Holloway, Red -Suell, Fred Hatfield, and Babe Bunning, the youngest addition to the Den. - -Babe, whose real name was Clarence, barely had passed his eighth -birthday. - -Because he was the youngest Cub in the Den the fellows made it a little -tough for him, calling him Babe Bunning instead of his real name. - -Babe didn't like to be kidded, but he was game--all the Cubs admitted -that. - -"Say, we thought you guys weren't coming," Chips greeted Brad and Dan. -"How'd you get here anyhow?" - -"On a raft," Dan bantered. "Hit a lamppost on Main Street and had to swim -the rest of the way." - -"Oh, go on!" Chips laughed. "I guess the storm's let up." - -"Like fun it has," Dan corrected. "Look at the rain sluicing down those -windows." - -Sam Hatfield, the assistant Cub leader, seemed unconcerned about the -storm. He told the boys he had his car parked at the rear of the church. -If the rain failed to let up before the meeting ended, he planned to take -everyone home. - -"And now let's forget the storm and get down to business," he said, -calling the meeting to order. "We have some important matters to take up -tonight." - -To stir their blood and start the session off, the boys gave the Cub -yell. - -Like healthy young wolves, they howled in unison: "A-h-h-kay Iaa! W-e-e-l -d-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-r Best!" - -"And that's exactly what I hope we'll do in the job that's ahead of -us--our best," Mr. Hatfield emphasized as the room became quiet again. -"You fellows know why I called you here tonight?" - -"It's something about the church building fund, isn't it?" Midge Holloway -recalled. He had heard his father, one of the Den "Dads" mention the -matter at home. - -"That's right," Mr. Hatfield agreed. "As everyone knows, we need a new -church or, at the very least, another wing. Now that temporary repairs -have been made, the building can be kept open another year or so. Our -crying need, though, is for a new building." - -"A campaign is under way to raise funds, isn't it?" Brad remarked, for -Mr. Hatfield had discussed the matter with him. - -"Yes, Brad. The church trustees have asked the Cub Scouts to pitch in and -help. What do you say, fellows?" - -"How much will we have to raise?" Chips asked, running a hand through his -short-cropped hair. - -"No definite sum has been set. We'll be given a list of prospects to see. -Whatever we raise will be that much to the good." - -"I vote we do it," said Brad. - -"Same here," agreed Dan heartily. "We've used the church meeting room, so -it's only fair we help 'em a little." - -Midge, Red, Babe and Fred said they were willing to go along with the -idea, even though it meant hard work. - -Chips gave consent by silence. Never as enthusiastic a worker as the -other Cubs, he wasn't too keen over the thought of ringing doorbells. - -Mr. Hatfield gave the boys instructions and handed out pledge cards. - -"Our program this month isn't entirely one of hard work," the Cub leader -then said cheerfully. "How many of you have read the story of King -Arthur's Knights of the Round Table?" - -Three hands waved in the breeze, and all faces brightened. - -"We're using the King Arthur theme to dramatize important points in a Cub -crusade to "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty," Mr. Hatfield went on. "We'll -make our own Round Table, armor, spears and maybe horses for the knights -to ride. How does the idea strike you fellows?" - -"Swell!" shouted three of the Cubs. - -The other boys were equally excited. Eagerly they plied the Cub Scout -leader with questions. How would the Round Table be made? What would they -use for armor? - -"One question at a time," laughed Mr. Hatfield. "It would be great if we -could build a huge oak table such as King Arthur and his knights used in -the old days. I'm afraid it would be an ambitious attempt." - -"Can't we use an old dining-room table--one that's circular?" Brad -suggested. - -"That's what I had in mind. By the way, who knows why King Arthur used a -round table?" - -Dan, who had read the book, had an answer. "Wasn't it so he could provide -a place of equal importance for every knight?" - -"That's right, Dan. A round table has no foot or head. Each knight was -the equal of every other knight. It's the same way here in America. One -person has the same rights as another." - -"When will we start making armor and spears?" asked Midge impatiently. - -"We'll gather together the articles we need and maybe start in at our -meeting next week. Mrs. Holloway, the Den Mother, has promised to help." -Mr. Hatfield told the Cubs they would need cardboard, silver or gold -paint, burlap and several other items. - -"We'll make banners and turn this room into a regular King Arthur's -Court," he declared. "The place right now is as cold as an ancient -castle! Wonder what happened to that fire I built?" - -Mr. Hatfield had noticed that despite jackets, several of the Cubs were -shivering. - -A little heat was rising from the registers. But not much. - -"Want me to take a look at the furnace?" Brad offered. - -"It might be a good idea," agreed the Cub leader. "Toss in three or four -shovels of coal." - -"I'll go with you, Brad," Dan offered. - -The two boys descended a narrow, dimly lighted stairway to the church -basement. - -Walls were damp to the touch. In several places water oozed in through -cracks in the decaying masonry. - -Cobwebs hung from the overhead beams. In the semi-darkness, Dan ran into -one, cringing as it wrapped silken threads about his throat. - -"Glug, glug," he entoned, making a strangling sound. "I'm being choked to -death!" - -"Cut it out!" Brad ordered. He reached for a switch and the basement room -became flooded with light. "What you trying to do? Work up a case of -nerves?" - -Dan laughed and opened the iron door of the cavernous furnace. - -Mr. Hatfield had built his fire well, but it needed more fuel. - -"I'll heave some in," he offered. - -While Brad poked at the coals, Dan went to the bin. - -The shovel had disappeared. But after hunting a while, he found it behind -the bin door. - -Selecting smaller lumps, Dan fed the furnace two large shovelfuls. The -coals leaped into fiery flame. - -"Better give 'er a couple more for good measure," Brad advised. - -Dan trotted back to the bin. As his shovel bit deep into the coal pile, -it struck an object which gave off a metallic sound. - -Curious as to what it might be, the boy dug deeper. His shovel brought to -view a square metal box approximately a foot square. - -"Jeepers creepers!" he whispered in awe. "How'd this get here?" - - - - - CHAPTER 2 - The Metal Box - - -Stooping low, Dan lifted the metal box from the shovel. It was -surprisingly heavy. - -The boy tugged at the lid, but it stubbornly resisted his efforts. - -From the furnace room, the waiting Brad now called impatiently: - -"Hey, slow poke! Hurry up with that coal, will you? You've been in that -bin a couple of hours!" - -Dan emerged into the light. His hands were smeared with coal dust. So was -his blue Cub Scout uniform. A long black smudge lay across his cheek. - -"Say, what you been doing in there?" Brad demanded, staring at him. "If -you aren't a sight!" - -Dan ignored the gibe. Grinning triumphantly, he thrust the metal box into -the astonished Brad's hand. - -"Look at this," he directed. "What d'you say? Did I waste my time in that -coal bin?" - -Brad stared at the box and then shook it hard. - -"You found this under the coal?" he demanded almost in disbelief. - -"You catch on fast," Dan grinned. "I found it under the coal." - -"Well, what are we waiting for? Why don't we open it?" - -"Go ahead," Dan encouraged. - -Brad pried at the lid but could not raise it. - -"Stuck," he observed. "At least the box doesn't seem to be locked." - -Determined to open it, Brad rapped one corner of the lid against the hard -cement floor. - -The cover flew back so suddenly that an object tumbled out. - -Brad and Dan stared. At their feet lay a package of bank notes, neatly -held together with a rubber band. - -"Money!" Dan exclaimed. "Twenty dollar notes! Must be counterfeit." - -"Gosh, it looks genuine enough," Brad muttered, equally dumbfounded. "And -look at the rest of 'em here in the box!" - -The boys counted ten stacks of paper money. Some were in fives and tens, -but a larger portion was in twenty dollar bills with at least a few -fifties. - -"Say, there must be a couple thousand here," Brad said, making a rough -estimate. "Maybe more. Where'd you say you found it?" - -Dan showed him the place in the coal bin. "How d'you suppose it got -here?" he demanded. - -"That's what I'd like to know. Someone must have hidden it here." - -"Sure, but who would leave a pile of money kicking around loose? Anyone -who would risk it must be crazy." - -"I'll bet a cookie someone hid it here in the empty bin--" - -"The bin isn't empty." - -"Of course it isn't now," Brad said impatiently. "But you remember the -church has been closed. Coal probably was loaded in here only a day or so -ago. It was heaved in through the chute and no one saw the box." - -"Your theory is as good as any," Dan admitted. "Anyway, we're rich." - -Brad gave a snort of disgust. "Rich, my eye! You're not such a dum bunny -as to think we can keep this money?" - -"But if no one should claim it--" - -"It will be claimed fast enough. In any case, we're not getting ourselves -mixed up in anything. We turn this box over to Mr. Hatfield--right now." - -"Sure, I guess you're right," Dan admitted. "I intended to show it to -him. Only I thought if no one claimed the box, the money might go into -the Cub's treasury or maybe the church building fund." - -"That's an idea," nodded Brad. "But let's not count any chickens--or -rather, cash! I have a hunch whoever planted this money here won't forget -about it!" - -Excited over their discovery, the two boys hastily tossed another -shovelful of coal on the fire. - -Then, carrying the precious metal box, they took the stairway two steps -at a time. - -As they burst into the Cub meeting, Mr. Hatfield was explaining the -different types of armor used by knights in early days. - -"One type was made of steel mesh"--the Cub leader said, and his voice -trailed off. - -"Excuse us, sir," Brad apologized. "Dan found this box in the basement. -It's full of money!" - -The Cubs would have suspected the two boys of playing a practical joke. -However, Brad floored them by plumping the box itself on the table. - -He jerked back the lid, revealing the packages of money. - -"Ye gads!" shrieked Red. "Is it real?" - -"Where'd you find it?" demanded Midge, fingering one of the fat packages. -"Inside the furnace?" - -"Would that be likely with a fire going?" Brad demanded. "Dan dug it out -of the coal pile. Must be a couple thousand dollars here at least." - -"Let's count it," proposed Fred Hatfield. - -Sam, who was Fred's father, had not spoken. However, very soberly he had -been examining not only the metal box, but many of the packages of money. - -"Do you think it's genuine, sir?" Dan asked eagerly. - -"I'm not an expert on money," the Cub leader replied. "But this looks -like straight goods to me." - -"How do you suppose the box came to be here in the church?" Brad asked. - -"I haven't the slightest idea. It bothers me though. I must notify the -pastor and the church trustees at once. Also, the discovery should be -reported to the police." - -The Cubs wanted to see the exact spot where Dan had found the money box. -For that matter, so did Mr. Hatfield. - -They all trooped down into the basement to re-examine the coal bin. The -Cub leader could find no clue as to the person who might have hidden the -box. - -True, he pointed out several large-size shoeprints visible on the dusty -basement floor. But he agreed with Dan and Brad that they likely had been -made by workmen who had repaired the furnace. - -"Say, maybe one of the workmen hid the box!" Red exclaimed. - -Mr. Hatfield said he considered the possibility an unlikely one. However, -he would not venture even a guess as to who might have left the box in -the coal bin. - -"For all we know, it might even be stolen money," he commented. - -Dan, who had stood near the foot of the basement stairs, had heard an -unusual sound overhead. - -"Listen!" he commanded. - -The Cubs became quiet. Distinctly, they could hear a rattling noise. - -"Sounds like someone trying to raise a window," Brad said. "That box of -money on the table--" - -Mr. Hatfield started up the stairs, but without undue haste. - -"Take it easy, boys," he said. "It's only the wind rattling a window. The -money's safe enough." - -Despite reassurance, the Cubs were uneasy as they followed their leader -up the creaking stairs. - -If the box were gone-- - -Mr. Hatfield opened the door of the study. Every eye focused upon the -table. - -The box of money was exactly where it had been left. - -"Well, that's a relief," Mr. Hatfield admitted, chuckling at his own -uneasiness. "I'll acknowledge that hearing the window rattle gave me a -most uncomfortable feeling." - -"How much do you suppose is here?" Dan speculated, fingering one of the -packages. "Shall we count it?" - -"Well--" the Cub leader hesitated. "I'm not too eager to stay here in an -empty church with so much money. But then, go ahead. The job shouldn't -take long." - -The Cubs seated themselves at the table. Mr. Hatfield began to count, -while the Cubs checked his work. - -Since the onset of colder weather, Den 2 had made use of the church as a -meeting place for both Den and Pack gatherings. - -In warmer weather they usually assembled at The Cave, overlooking the -river. As its name implied, the chamber had been carved by water action, -and was reached by a flight of stairs built by the Cubs and their -fathers. - -During the previous summer, the boys had enjoyed many an adventure along -the waterfront. The story of their difficulties with river pirates has -been told in the Cub book entitled: "Dan Carter and the River Camp." - -In the first Cub Scout book, "Dan Carter, Cub Scout," the boys tried a -little back yard camping. Even so, they found themselves battling a flood -at a pheasant farm, and incidentally, meeting several unpleasant persons. - -Now, as the Cubs watched Mr. Hatfield count the money found in the tin -box, they sensed that once again they were on the verge of adventure. - -The Cub leader tallied eight hundred and forty dollars in twenty dollar -denominations. Brad carefully set this amount down. - -Next the Cub leader started to count the ten dollar bills. He was well -into the third package, when Dan, a little weary of watching, raised his -eyes to the window. - -What he saw nearly caused him to rise off his chair. - -A face was pressed against the windowpane. - -In the fleeting instant that he saw it, Dan gained only a vague -impression of a flattened nose and intent eyes. - -Too startled to cry out, he kicked Brad's foot under the table. - -"Hey, cut it out!" the older boy exclaimed. "Be your age." - -"The window!" Dan muttered. "Look!" - -Not only Brad, but Mr. Hatfield and all the Cubs turned to see what had -attracted Dan's attention. - -But the face had vanished. - -"What's eating you, Dan?" Brad demanded. "Now you've mixed up the count. -Has finding this money got you jittery?" - -"It sure has," Dan admitted. "But I know I didn't dream up that face. I -saw it plain as day!" - -"What face?" asked Mr. Hatfield. - -"I saw it only a minute ago at the window. Someone was looking in -here--watching us count the money!" - -"Dan has got a bad case of the jitters," Midge chuckled. - -"No, he hasn't either!" - -Dan's unexpected defender was none other than Babe Bunning. The youngest -member of Den 2 made his announcement in a shrill voice which quavered -with excitement. - -"I saw the f-face too," he chattered. "Only I was so--so scared I -couldn't say anything." - -"You saw it too!" Brad echoed. "Say, this may add up to something!" - -Mr. Hatfield already had darted to the window. - -The rain had nearly ceased. Gazing out into the drenched churchyard, he -could see no one. - -"Turn off the light a minute," he instructed. - -Brad found the switch. - -With the study dark, it was easier to distinguish objects in the church -yard. The Cubs clustered at Mr. Hatfield's shoulder, tense and uneasy. - -"I don't see anyone--" Mr. Hatfield began. - -He broke off and Dan finished the sentence. "Over there by the bushes, to -the right of the walk! See!" - -"Someone sneaking off toward the street!" Brad added. "Let's nab him!" - -"The dirty old peeping Tom!" yelled Chips. "Come on! We'll get him!" - -"Wait, boys!" Mr. Hatfield advised. "We don't know--" - -Usually obedient, the Cubs now were too excited to listen. - -Before Mr. Hatfield could stop them, they darted through the empty church -and out into the yard. - -"Surround the bushes and close in," Brad instructed. - -The Cubs circled the area where they last had seen the mysterious -prowler. Soon it was apparent, however, that the man had eluded them. - -He had slipped away in the brief time it had taken them to reach the -church yard. Although they looked up and down the street, the man was -nowhere to be seen. - -"We've lost him!" Brad declared in deep disgust. - -"Perhaps it's just as well," said Mr. Hatfield. The Cub leader, a little -short of breath, had followed the Cubs into the yard. - -"Just as well?" Brad echoed. "I don't get it." - -"It's no crime to look into the window of a church, Brad. Didn't you act -rather hastily?" - -"I guess I did," Brad admitted. "I was so anxious to catch that fellow I -didn't stop to think what the outcome might be if we did nail him." - -"Dan, did you recognize the person?" the Cub leader asked him. - -"No, Mr. Hatfield, I didn't. All I saw was a face flattened against the -windowpane." - -"You think, though, that he was watching us count the money?" - -"I'm sure of it." - -"It's possible that the person--whoever he was--may have been the one who -hid the money in the basement," Mr. Hatfield said, thinking aloud. "On -the other hand, it may have been a curious passerby attracted by our -light in the study." - -"In any case, we were seen counting the money," Brad pointed out. - -"And that's not good," Mr. Hatfield completed, his face troubled. "I'd -hate to have it noised around Webster City that we've found a box of -money. It might make trouble." - -"What do you think we should do?" Brad asked anxiously. - -Mr. Hatfield already had made up his mind. He spoke decisively: - -"The most important thing now is to get the money box to a safe place. -I'll take it home for tonight." - -Well satisfied with the decision, the Cubs trooped back into the church -to gather together their belongings. - -With the exception of Brad and Dan, the other Cubs lived close by. The -two boys were to ride with Mr. Hatfield and his son Fred. - -"The storm has let up now, so I'll trust the rest of you to shift for -yourselves," the Cub leader said. "Go straight to your homes and don't -stop along the way to pick any daisies. I'll report to you in the morning -as to what will be done with the money box." - -"We'll be okay," Red said cheerfully. - -"Sure," agreed Midge. "It's only a couple of steps. Just take good care -of that money box." - -"Dan, Brad and Fred will help me guard it," Mr. Hatfield said. "I don't -mind admitting I'll be relieved to turn it over to someone else for safe -keeping." - -Before taking the box to his parked car, the Cub leader carefully wrapped -it in his coat. Everyone breathed a bit easier when they were out of the -church. - -Mr. Hatfield locked the money box into the rear compartment of his car. - -"Oh, by the way, boys, just a word of caution," he said as he prepared to -drive away. "Until I've had a chance to report to the police, it's just -as well that no one learns about the money. So I'm depending upon you to -keep our discovery a secret." - - - - - CHAPTER 3 - Jack, the Runaway - - -Although only a misty rain now fell, street gutters raced with water -which could not be quickly carried off. - -In Mr. Hatfield's car, Fred, Dan and Brad watched the slow-moving traffic -ahead. Even taxi-cabs crept along, wary of surface water on the pavement. - -"It's hard to see the road ahead," Mr. Hatfield complained. "What a -night!" - -"You don't need to take Dan and me home," Brad said quickly. "We walked -to the church and we don't mind walking back." - -"It's no trouble," the Cub leader returned. He snapped on the windshield -wiper again as a few drops of rain splattered the glass. "Fact is, I'm -glad to have company." - -Mr. Hatfield fell silent, paying close attention to his driving. From the -slight frown which settled over his face, the three boys guessed that he -was worrying about the money box. - -"It's certainly queer how it came to be in the coal bin," Dan remarked. -"I nearly fell over when my shovel turned it up." - -"We never did finish our count of the cash," Brad recalled. "Seeing that -man in the churchyard gave us all a jolt." - -"I'll count the money at home," Mr. Hatfield promised. "Tell you the -truth, I wanted to get the box away from the church. I'll feel more -comfortable after it's turned over to someone else for safekeeping." - -The car had halted at an intersection. As the light turned green, Mr. -Hatfield started up too quickly and stalled the engine. - -"The sparkplugs must be damp," he complained. - -As the Cub Scout leader ground his foot repeatedly on the starter pedal, -Dan noticed that a car directly behind had not taken advantage of the -green light. - -Although the driver had ample space in which to go around the stalled -car, he did not do so. - -Lowering the car window, he signaled for the other automobile to pull -around. Even then it did not do so. - -"What's the matter with that dumb cluck anyhow?" he muttered. - -Just then Mr. Hatfield succeeded in starting the car. Quickly he shifted -gears and rolled through the intersection an instant before the light -turned red again. - -Dan glanced back through the rear window to watch the other automobile. -The driver had been caught by the red light. - -To Dan's astonishment, however, he ignored it, deliberately "crashing." - -"That motorist is dizzy," he commented. "First he waits for a green -light--then he goes on the red." - -Mr. Hatfield turned at the next corner, heading toward the street where -Brad lived. - -To Dan's surprise, the automobile directly behind also made the turn. - -"That driver sticks to us like a burr," he observed. "Say, you don't -suppose--" - -"Suppose what?" Fred demanded as Dan broke off. - -"I was wondering if maybe he's following us." - -Mr. Hatfield glanced quickly into the mirror. At the next street, he -deliberately made another turn although it took him slightly off his -route. - -"That other car's right behind!" Dan announced a moment later. - -"Where did we pick him up?" Mr. Hatfield asked. "Was he on our tail when -we left the church?" - -No one had noticed. Dan first had observed the car at the intersection. - -"Note down the license number if you can," the Cub leader instructed. -"The car probably isn't following us--but it's just as well to have the -license number." - -The three boys peered intently through the rear window. The license plate -number could not be easily distinguished. - -"It's too misty outside," Dan complained. - -"He's dropping farther back too," Fred observed. "Must have caught on -that we're watching him." - -"I got the first two letters and number," Brad said, jotting it down on a -scrap of paper. "FJ-3. I couldn't make out the last number too well. I -think it was 2, though." - -The following automobile now had dropped a considerable distance behind. - -"It may have been our imagination," Mr. Hatfield said in relief. "Finding -that box of money and having it in our possession, has given us all a -case of the jitters." - -At the next corner, the Cub leader swung back onto the main, -well-traveled street. The other car had disappeared from view. - -"I guess I was wrong," Dan admitted. "Either that, or the fellow became -suspicious that we were watching." - -"At any rate, we've lost him," Mr. Hatfield declared. "Hello--what's this -up ahead?" - -The car approached a railroad underpass. In the depressed area beneath -the archway, surface water had failed to run off. The flooded area -stretched for a considerable distance ahead. - -"It doesn't look very deep," Mr. Hatfield said, weighing their chances of -getting through. "Think we can make it?" - -"If we don't, you have three good pushers," Brad answered. "Anyway, here -comes another car." - -"They're going to try it, so I guess we can," added Dan. - -The approaching coupe, in which two persons were visible, barely -slackened pace as it came to the area of water. - -Noticing that the flood seemed only hub-cap high, Mr. Hatfield likewise -started through it. - -A moment later, however, he noted that the water rapidly was deepening on -the car ahead. It began to falter, and finally came to a standstill. - -"Stalled!" Fred exclaimed in dismay. - -"And we're blocked," added Brad. "Think we can back out of it?" - -"I'm going to try," Mr. Hatfield said grimly. "I should have waited." - -Shifting into reverse, he slowly backed away from the stalled coupe. - -The two cars, however, had churned up high waves. As they slapped against -Mr. Hatfield's automobile, the engine began to sputter. - -"Oh! Oh!" groaned Fred. "Here we go." - -The next instant the motor gave a final wheeze and died. - -"Come on, fellows, let's push!" Brad urged, starting to open the door. - -"No, wait!" Mr. Hatfield directed. "I don't want you to wreck your -clothes unless it's absolutely necessary. Someone may come along to -help--" - -The Cub leader's voice trailed off, for his attention had been drawn once -more to the stalled car ahead. - -Quite suddenly, the door on the left hand side had swung open. - -A boy who might have been twelve or thirteen fairly hurled himself from -the car. - -In his haste to get away, the lad tripped and fell flat in the muddy -water which raced through the underpass. - -"Wow!" exclaimed Brad anxiously. "Did he take a tumble!" - -The boy was on his feet again almost in an instant. - -To the astonishment of Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs, he plunged off through -the water, moving as fast as he could. - -At the same time, the right hand door of the coupe shot open. - -The headlights of Mr. Hatfield's car revealed the head and shoulders of -another occupant of the stalled coupe--a man whom the Cubs recognized as -Guy Wentworth, a referee in Juvenile Court. - -"Jack, come back here!" he shouted. - -The fleeing boy paid no heed. - -Mr. Wentworth then sprang from the car and started after the boy. Jack, -however, had a good start and the advantage of being more agile. - -"Try and get me now!" he taunted. "See you in Juvenile Court!" - -Reaching the sidewalk, he waved derisively at the referee. Then, with a -scornful laugh, he turned and darted down an alleyway between two shadowy -buildings. - - - - - CHAPTER 4 - High Water - - -As Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs watched, Guy Wentworth leaped from the -stalled car. - -"Come back here, Jack!" he shouted after the fleeing boy. - -The lad, however, had disappeared. - -Mr. Wentworth splashed through the high water to the curb. Realizing that -he could not hope to overtake the agile boy, he entered a drugstore, -evidently to telephone police. - -Upon his return a few minutes later, he paused beside the Hatfield car to -talk to the Cub Scout leader. - -"What happened?" Mr. Hatfield asked him. - -"Oh, Jack Phillips, one of the boys from the Child Study Institute, -eluded me. I've notified the police. They may pick him up later tonight, -but I doubt it. Jack is as slippery as an eel." - -"You were taking him to a boys' industrial school?" Mr. Hatfield -inquired. - -"No, to a private boarding home--to a woman named Mrs. Jones," the social -worker replied. "Jack's a real problem." - -"I'd judge so," commented Mr. Hatfield. - -"He's restless and unstable. Parents are dead. He's been under our -supervision more or less for three years now." Mr. Wentworth drew a long -breath. "It's been a job, I'm telling you. Jack always has an itch to run -away, and get into trouble." - -"I take it he didn't look with favor on the idea of being placed in a -private home?" - -"Jack likes to fend for himself," the social worker replied. "He hates -restriction. That, of course, is what he needs and must have. I'm afraid, -despite our efforts, he'll end up in an industrial school." - -"Think you'll ever see him again?" - -"Oh, the police will pick him up eventually," Mr. Wentworth said. "They -always do. But the question is--what to do with him when he is brought -back." - -"Well, I hope you think of something," the Cub leader returned. "I hate -to think of a boy being sent to an industrial school, if he has any good -in him." - -"Jack took advantage of me, when my car stalled in this high water. I see -you're stuck too. Maybe I can give you a push." - -Applying his shoulder, the social worker tried to roll the car backward -toward higher pavement. - -"Don't do that," Mr. Hatfield commanded. "You'll strain yourself. I'll -call a tow car." - -"We'll help push," Brad offered, starting to get out into the water. - -"No, wait," Mr. Wentworth ordered. "You youngsters oughtn't to freeze -yourselves. This water is like ice. I'm already soaked to the knees. Tell -you what! I'll go back to the drugstore and telephone for a tow car that -will push both autos on through." - -The solution seemed the most satisfactory one. Mr. Wentworth started back -toward the drugstore. Half way there, he paused as his ears detected the -sound of an approaching vehicle. - -A moment later a fire engine, returning from a run, came into view. The -driver, seeing the water ahead, pulled up. - -"Stalled?" he called to Mr. Wentworth. - -"That's right." - -"Hop back in your car, and we'll give you a shove," the fireman offered. - -Both Mr. Wentworth's automobile and Sam Hatfield's sedan were pushed -through the water. Neither could be started immediately. However, after -the spark plugs were dried out, both cars were in running order once -more. - -"Many thanks," Mr. Hatfield told the firemen. "I'll be glad to get home. -I'm carrying a valuable load tonight." - -The firemen, assuming that Mr. Hatfield referred to the carload of Cub -Scouts, made a joking reply. They told the Cub leader that the storm had -been a severe one. Several trees had blown down and many streets were -flooded. - -Relieved to be on their way once more, Mr. Hatfield drove directly to his -residence. - -"I want to rid myself of this money box first of all," the Cub leader -said. "Then I'll take you boys home." - -"Why don't we stay a few minutes and help you count it?" Brad suggested. -"The job shouldn't take long." - -"Not a bad idea," Mr. Hatfield agreed. "Just so your folks don't worry. -Better telephone them and explain that you've been delayed a few -minutes." - -The Cub leader carried the money box into the living room. While the boys -were telephoning, he built a fire in the grate. - -"Now to count the money," he said when the Cubs had returned to the -living room. "Fred, pull the blinds. We don't need any spectators." - -Fred hastened to obey. - -"I hope no one followed us here," Dan said uneasily. "That car--" - -"Oh, we lost it before we stalled in the high water," Mr. Hatfield -reassured him. "The chances are we imagined we were being trailed." - -"Maybe, only I thought--" - -"Fellows, just because we found a cash box is no reason for working up a -high-grade case of the jitters," the Cub leader said. "The important -thing is to maintain a sensible outlook. Now let's count the money." - -"Right-o," grinned Dan. "Guess I did let my imagination lead me a race." - -With the blinds lowered, the boys opened up the money box. The neat -packages were stacked on the dining-room table. - -Mr. Hatfield counted while the others watched and wrote down the tally. - -"Two thousand one hundred and seventy-five dollars!" he announced when -the last bill had been counted. - -"Wow! What a haul!" Dan exclaimed. - -"What will we do with it?" Brad asked. "Turn everything over to the -police?" - -"That's the only thing to do," Mr. Hatfield declared. "I dislike to be -bothered with a lot of questions tonight though." - -"Then why not wait until morning before calling police?" Brad suggested. -"That is, if you think the money will be safe here." - -"Oh, I'm not worried on that score, Brad. I'll put the box away and lock -all the doors. Yes, I believe I will wait until tomorrow before notifying -the police. Then they can make a thorough investigation." - -Replacing the money in the box, Mr. Hatfield carried it upstairs. A few -minutes later, he returned empty handed. - -"Where'd you hide the cash?" Fred asked his father. "Under a mattress?" - -"A better place than that, I hope," replied Mr. Hatfield. He did not -reveal the hiding place. - -Brad and Dan picked up their caps, ready to leave. - -Mr. Hatfield again offered to take the boys home. - -"Oh, we can walk," Brad said quickly as the Cub leader searched for his -car keys. "It's less than two blocks." - -"Sure," agreed Dan. "You stay here, Mr. Hatfield, and guard that money." - -Observing that the rain had ceased, the Cub leader allowed himself to be -persuaded. However, he accompanied the boys to the front door. - -"Since you were the ones who found the money, the police probably will -want to question you tomorrow," he warned. - -"That's okay," Dan said. "We'll be around." - -"I'll call the police station early in the morning," Mr. Hatfield -promised. "Meanwhile--don't speak to anyone about the box or how much it -contained." - -Dan and Brad were rather surprised that the Cub leader should mention the -subject twice. - -"You may be certain we won't," Brad promised. - -"I should say not," added Dan emphatically. - -"All the Cubs can be trusted, I know," Mr. Hatfield declared as he bade -the pair good-bye. "Well, boys, I'll see you in the morning. Good night -to you both, and no nightmares about hidden treasure!" - - - - - CHAPTER 5 - Two Claimants - - -Dan was midway through breakfast the next morning when the telephone -rang. - -"Will you answer it, please?" his mother called from the kitchen where -she was frying ham. - -Absently, Dan reached for the instrument which was tucked into a shelf -nook beside the breakfast table. - -"Hello," he half-mumbled, his mouth filled with toast. - -"Is that you, Dan?" asked a familiar voice. - -Dan came to life then, for it was Sam Hatfield at the other end of the -line. Something must be up, else the Cub leader wouldn't call him so -early in the morning! Like as not the police were wanting to question him -about the money box. - -"Dan, can you come over right away?" Mr. Hatfield asked. - -"Why, sure. That is, I guess so, unless Mom's got work lined up for me. -Anything wrong?" - -Dan was certain from Mr. Hatfield's tone that something urgent had come -up. More than ever, he was convinced the matter concerned the money box. - -"Well, yes, I am a little disturbed," the Cub leader answered his -question. "I'm asking all the boys to come over to my place as soon as -possible." - -"The money box hasn't been taken?" - -"Oh, no! Nothing like that Dan. Just come over as soon as you can." - -Completely mystified, Dan bolted the remainder of his breakfast. - -Fifteen minutes later he presented himself at the Hatfield home where -Chips and Red already had gathered. - -"What's up?" Dan asked the pair. - -"Search me," Chips shrugged. "Mr. Hatfield asked us to come over right -away, so we did." - -"He hasn't explained yet," Red added in an undertone, "but he seems -plenty worried." - -In a few minutes Babe Bunning arrived at the house. Close upon his heels -came Brad, who reported that Midge Holloway would be a little late. - -"He told me to report he has to do some work at home," the Den Chief told -Mr. Hatfield. - -"We'll go on without him," the Cub leader said. "Boys, now don't get me -wrong. I didn't call you here to make accusations or scold. I'm not -blaming anyone--" - -"What's wrong, Mr. Hatfield?" Brad cut in anxiously. - -"Well, somehow the news leaked out about us finding the money box." - -The Cubs were dumbfounded. - -"Then someone must have babbled!" Chips exclaimed. "It sure wasn't me!" - -"Or me," echoed Red. - -"I can't understand how anyone would blab the secret," said Brad slowly. -"Every Cub has real ideals or he wouldn't be in the organization. Cubs -are Square--they keep their promises. And we all promised not to mention -the box until after you had time to talk to the police about it." - -"That's right," Mr. Hatfield agreed. "You put it well, Brad. I can't -believe, either, that anyone would tell--at least not intentionally." - -"How do you know the information got out?" Dan asked thoughtfully. - -"Through a visitor. I was eating breakfast this morning when Everett -Wilson, owner of the Elite Dry Cleaning Co., came to the door. He's not a -member of the church, but does attend irregularly. Any of you fellows -know him?" - -All of the Cubs except Babe shook their heads. - -"I know him when I see him," Babe said. "We take our dry cleaning to his -place. We're quitting though. Last time my Dad left a pair of trousers -there, he shrunk 'em an inch and wouldn't make good." - -"You say Mr. Wilson heard about us finding the money box?" Dan asked the -Cub leader. - -"It's worse than that. He not only heard about it, but he's put in a -claim for the money." - -"But how did he happen to hide it in the coal bin?" Dan demanded in -perplexity. - -"That's what I asked him. He didn't have a very satisfactory answer. -Furthermore, he wasn't able to tell me how much he had in the box." - -"Then maybe it wasn't his!" Chips exclaimed. - -"I thought of that right away, Chips. I had a feeling that perhaps he was -putting in a false claim. At any rate, I refused to turn the money over -to him." - -"Have you called the police yet?" Dan questioned. - -"Yes, I telephoned the station immediately after Mr. Wilson was here. A -man is on his way out now. I'll turn the money over when he comes, and be -glad to get rid of it." - -"It's sure funny about Mr. Wilson claiming the cash," Dan remarked. "How -could he have known about us finding the box?" - -"Someone must have told," Chips replied before the Cub leader could -speak. - -His gaze fastened hard upon Babe, who unconcernedly was chewing a -gumdrop. - -The other Cubs looked at Babe too. He had been in the Den only a few -weeks and as yet hadn't been promoted from a Bobcat to a Wolf. - -True, he had repeated the Cub Promise: "I promise to do my best, to be -SQUARE, and OBEY the law of the Cub Pack." - -Also, he had learned the Cub sign and the handclasp, the salute and the -Law of the Cub Pack. At least, he had said the words correctly. But had -they really burned in? - -"Babe, did you tell anyone about the money box?" Chips demanded bluntly. - -Babe swallowed the gumdrop and stared. "Who, me?" he asked. - -"Yes, you! You're the only one who knew Mr. Wilson." - -"I didn't tell him. I didn't tell anyone!" Babe's blue eyes flashed -angrily. - -"Never mind, Chips," Mr. Hatfield said. His tone made it clear that the -discussion must end. "We're not accusing anyone. A Cub's word is good -enough for me." - -"Remember that face at the window?" Dan reminded the group. "Someone saw -us looking at the money. Maybe that's how the story got out!" - -"It's very possible, Dan," agreed Mr. Hatfield. "Anyway, it's a relief to -know that the Cubs all kept their promises. If Mr. Wilson can establish -his claim, he's welcome to the money." - -"He must have been dizzy to hide the box in a coal bin," Brad said, -getting up from the davenport. "It doesn't make sense to me." - -Mr. Hatfield told the Cubs that he considered it most important that no -one reveal the exact amount of cash that had been found. - -"Brad, Dan, Fred and myself are the only ones who know the correct -total," he said. "But the rest of you have a pretty fair idea. The thing -is--keep it to yourselves. If the amount should become known, well, it -might make it easier for Mr. Wilson to prove a claim." - -"You can depend on us, Mr. Hatfield," Brad said, speaking for the others. -"How about you, Babe?" - -"Oh, sure," the youngest member of the Den returned carelessly. "I forget -now how much it was we counted at the church." - -"Midge isn't here, but I'll stop at his house and warn him," Dan offered. - -The matter of the cash box having been thoroughly discussed, Mr. Hatfield -told the boys his real purpose in calling them was to remind them to -start working on the church building fund pledge cards. - -"Call on your prospects as soon as you can," he advised. "Today if -possible. We want to get that money rolling in." - -"What about our plans for the Crusade?" Brad reminded him. - -"You'll hear more about that at our next meeting," Mr. Hatfield promised. -"Meanwhile, dig up anything you can for costumes." - -"I have an idea--" Dan began. - -What it was no one learned, for just then the front doorbell rang. - -"That must be Midge," Brad said. "Or maybe the police." - -But it was neither. - -Instead, when Mr. Hatfield went to the door he found Edgar Brakschmidt -standing there, hat in hand. - -The Cub leader knew the man only slightly, having seen him occasionally -at church services. - -"I beg your pardon--you're Mr. Hatfield," the visitor asked. - -"Yes, I am." The Cub leader moved aside so that the man might enter. -"Come on in. We're having a Cub meeting." - -"Oh, I don't want to break it up," the visitor apologized. "Nevertheless, -the matter I came to talk about happens to concern the Cubs." Mr. -Brakschmidt laughed self-consciously. - -"They haven't been in any mischief, I trust." - -"Oh, no! Nothing like that. May I speak with you in private, Mr. -Hatfield?" - -"We can go into the study if you like. However, if the matter concerns -the Cubs, why not tell them about it also?" - -"Well--all right, I may as well come right out with it. I lost some money -recently--a rather large sum. Information has come to me that this money -contained in a metal box, was found at the church by one of the Cubs." - -The boys were listening intently, amazed expressions mirrored on their -faces. First Mr. Wilson, and now a second claimant! - -"How much did you lose, Mr. Brakschmidt?" the Cub leader asked. - -"I can't rightly say. For months I had been saving it. The amount was -considerable." - -"And where was this money lost, Mr. Brakschmidt?" - -"Why, in the church. I--I went in there a few days ago--day before -yesterday to be exact--to see the pastor. I was taking the money with me -to deposit in the bank. The minister wasn't there. I must have put the -box down and forgot it, because I didn't discover my loss until later." - -"Really, Mr. Brakschmidt, I never knew you to be so careless with money," -remarked the Cub leader. "Where did you think you left the box?" - -"In one of the seats," the visitor replied after a slight hesitation. - -"That wasn't where we found the box!" Chips exclaimed. "Dan found it--" - -Brad gave him a kick in the ankle, a warning not to tell everything he -knew. - -"May I ask how you learned that the Cubs had come upon a box of money?" -Mr. Hatfield inquired. - -"Why, the news is everywhere." - -Brad was disgusted. So were the other Cubs, who couldn't imagine how the -word had spread. - -"Babe, 'fess up," Red whispered in the younger boy's ear. "Did you spill -it?" - -"I did not," he retorted indignantly. "Cross my heart and hope to die!" - -"Midge wouldn't tell," Red said. "All the other Cubs have given their -word. It's mighty funny--" - -Mr. Hatfield was speaking again. "Since the news is everywhere as you -say, Mr. Brakschmidt, I may as well admit that the Cubs did find a little -money. We expect to turn it over to police. If you have any claim, you'll -have to take it up with them." - -"You still have the money here in the house?" - -"Yes," the Cub leader admitted reluctantly. - -"Then why put me to the trouble of having to go through the police and -perhaps the courts to prove my claim? The money is mine. If you return it -to me, I'll give the Cubs a suitable reward, a very generous one in -fact." - -Mr. Hatfield had begun to lose patience. - -"I am sorry, Mr. Brakschmidt," he said. "You'll have to take the matter -up with police." - -Mr. Brakschmidt argued for a while longer. Then, convinced that he was -making no headway, he rather angrily departed. - -"That's the limit!" Fred sputtered. "Two claimants for the money. What -did you think of him, Dad?" - -"I barely know either Mr. Brakschmidt or Mr. Wilson," his father replied. -"Obviously, both can't own the money. Before the real owner of that box -is found, I'm afraid we're in for an unpleasant time." - - - - - CHAPTER 6 - A "Tough" Customer - - -Dan and Brad were sorely troubled over the problem of establishing the -rightful owner of the money box. - -After the Cub meeting broke up they went directly to the Holloway home. - -Midge, a freckled-faced boy with an easy grin, was in the back yard, -helping his father stack wood for the fireplace. - -"I'm sure sorry I couldn't get over to Mr. Hatfield's house in time for -the meeting," he said regretfully. "I promised Dad a week ago I'd help -with this job. What came up anyway?" - -"Two claimants have appeared for the money box," Brad disclosed. "We -suspect both claims may be fakes." - -"The worrisome part is that the news is all over Webster City," Dan added -earnestly. "Midge, you didn't tell anyone?" - -"Not even my father, Dan. You may ask him!" - -Mr. Holloway, a Den "Dad," had listened closely to the conversation. - -"Frankly, I'm confused," he said. "What's all this talk about a money -box?" - -Now that the secret was out, Mr. Hatfield had released the Cubs from -their promise not to discuss the matter. He had requested, however, that -they provide no information as to the amount of cash found or the type of -box. - -Accordingly, Dan and Brad disclosed all but a few of the vital facts. "We -can't figure out how the story got around so fast," the Den Chief ended. -"Some of the fellows are blaming Babe, but he swears he didn't tell." - -"Babe hasn't been in the organization long," Mr. Holloway replied -thoughtfully. "He's a dependable kid though. I'd take his word any day." - -"If the Cubs didn't tell, it simmers down to this--" Dan remarked. "It -must have been that man we saw peeking in at the window." - -He and Brad stood around a few minutes watching Midge stack wood. Then, -aware that it was getting on toward noon, they decided to make a call or -two on church building fund prospects. - -"Where do we go first?" Dan asked, consulting a list of names Mr. -Hatfield had given him. - -Brad studied the prospects. "How about hitting Atwood Merrimac?" he -proposed. - -"Who's he, Brad?" - -"President of the Merrimac Bakery and one of the richest members of our -church. He usually makes fairly large donations, but has the reputation -of being a little close." - -"We'll go to work on him. What's he down on the list for, Brad?" - -"Five hundred dollars. We'll be lucky if we get that much. But he should -come across with two or three hundred if we put up a good argument." - -"That old wreck of a heating plant ought to be argument enough," Dan -returned, pocketing the list. "Well, let's get moving. We ought to make -at least one call before lunch time." - -The Merrimac residence was six blocks farther on, overlooking a ravine. -Massively built of stone and brick, the dwelling was impressive both in -structure and size. - -Brad and Dan carefully wiped mud from their shoes before ringing the -doorbell. - -"If a butler comes, don't let him give you that 'Mr. Merrimac is not at -home' line," Dan warned. "Just let him know we're here for business and -have to see the big boss." - -"Even the butler doesn't seem to be on tap," Brad declared, pushing the -doorbell button again. - -The boys waited. After ringing repeatedly, they were about to give up in -disgust. - -"Try just once more," Dan advised, as Brad started away. "I thought I -heard footsteps." - -This time Brad not only rang the bell, but kept his finger for a long -while on the button. - -"That ought to raise the dead," he grinned. - -"Maybe it did," Dan chuckled. "At any rate, someone is coming." - -Through the door glass, he made out a shadowy figure in the front -hallway. - -The man, bent and old, approached the door and then seemed to hesitate. - -"What's the matter with him anyhow?" Dan muttered impatiently. "He acts -as if he's scared." - -Apparently reassured to see that the two at the door were boys, the -elderly man opened it a few inches. - -"Good morning, Mr. Merrimac," greeted Brad, doffing his cap. - -The old man relaxed somewhat. Though appearing none too pleased to see -visitors, he grudgingly opened the door a little wider. - -"I guess you didn't hear the bell at first," Dan said pleasantly. "Or -maybe it's out of order." - -"The bell's in good order," Mr. Merrimac muttered. "So are my ears. I'd -have come sooner only--one never knows who's at the door. Since my butler -left a week ago, I've had an unpleasant time of it. Only the other -night--but never mind. You wanted to see me?" - -"We're here in behalf of the church building fund," Brad explained. "Your -name is on our list of prospects." - -"Seems as if my name is on every list of prospects," the old man -retorted. "Seems like every time I turn around it's, 'Mr. Merrimac, will -you contribute five dollars for this? Mr. Merrimac, will you donate ten -dollars for that?'" - -Brad and Dan exchanged an uneasy glance. Obviously, their prospect was -not in the best of moods. It might take super salesmanship to gain his -pledge. - -"May we come in for a few minutes to talk about it?" Brad requested. - -"I'm busy this morning. With my butler gone, I have to prepare my own -lunch, and I'm no hand at it." - -"We won't take much of your time, Mr. Merrimac," Dan urged. - -"Oh, all right, come in," the old man consented. "I warn you though, you -must come directly to the point. I haven't felt well lately, and it makes -me nervous to hear a lot of chatter." - -Brad and Dan followed their unwilling host into the living room. - -The evidence was overpowering that Mr. Merrimac lived alone. Although the -room was well furnished, everything was covered with dust. - -Newspapers had been dropped where read. Cigar ashes littered the rugs. -Blinds which were three-quarters lowered, gave the entire room a gloomy -atmosphere. - -"I had a bad scare the other night," Mr. Merrimac said, picking up a book -so that Dan could seat himself on the sofa. "Someone tried to break in." - -"You live here by yourself?" Brad inquired. - -"I do since Hayes left me. He was my butler. Said he could make more than -I was paying. So the ungrateful scoundrel quit on three days notice. I've -been unable to find anyone to take his place." - -"You have had your troubles," Brad said. "Maybe you'd rather we came back -some other day." - -"No, we may as well get this over with," the old man sighed. "If my name -is on the list, I'll be pestered until I give 'em something. How much am -I down for? Ten dollars?" - -Brad let him have it straight. - -"Five hundred, Mr. Merrimac." - -"Five hundred!" The elderly man's voice rose to an indignant screech. -"What do they think I am? A wealthy man?" - -"I believe you contributed that much last year to the Community Chest," -Brad said, consulting a memorandum on the back side of the pledge card. -"The church really needs your help." - -"It certainly does," added Dan. "The heating plant is shot and a good -stiff wind might blow the building over!" - -Mr. Merrimac permitted himself a tight, half-amused smile. "It's hardly -that bad, Dan," he said. "I'll admit though, that we need a new church. -The cause is a worthy one." - -"Then how much may we put you down for?" Brad asked, taking out a -fountain pen. - -"I'm not prepared to make any pledge at this time." - -"But Mr. Merrimac, you're our best prospect--" - -"I hate to disappoint you, Brad," Mr. Merrimac said soberly. "I honestly -do. The truth is, I've had rather distressing business losses recently. I -can't afford to make a pledge at this time." - -Brad and Dan were at a loss for an argument. Mr. Hatfield had warned them -that Mr. Merrimac might be inclined to whittle down the five hundred -dollar pledge. But even the Cub leader had not expected such stiff -resistance as this. - -"How much have you lost?" Dan inquired. After speaking, he realized that -the question was a very personal one. - -"Several thousand," Mr. Merrimac answered shortly. "It was stolen from my -library. I kept the money in a metal box locked in a desk." - -"A metal box!" Dan exclaimed. "Oh, can you beat that!" - -"I'm sure I don't understand," said Mr. Merrimac in perplexity. - -"You must have heard about the Cubs finding a money box at the church," -Brad replied quietly. He was watching the elderly man very closely, -wondering whether or not he might be acting a part. - -"The Cubs found a money box? My box?" - -"We don't know whose box it is," Brad said. "That's for the police to -decide." - -Mr. Merrimac had grown rather excited. "If you found a box at the church -it must have been the one that was stolen from me!" - -"If you can prove your claim, you're welcome to it," Brad returned, -arising to leave. "It's only fair to warn you though, that two other -persons already have said it belongs to them." - -Mr. Merrimac pursued the boys to the door. Eagerly he plied them for more -information. Dan and Brad, however, were in no mood to be pumped. - -"You'll have to see Mr. Hatfield or the police about it," Brad told him -firmly. "It's none of our affair. We merely came here in the interests of -the building fund campaign." - -"Oh, yes, the building fund," the old man recalled. "Boys, if you'll help -me recover my money, I'll make it right with you. I'll pledge the five -hundred dollars. I might even give more." - -Brad and Dan had reached the end of their patience. - -"Thanks, Mr. Merrimac," Dan said dryly. "We'll remember." - -Scarcely bidding the old man goodbye, the two Cubs hurriedly left the -house. - -Once beyond hearing, they gave vent to their feelings. - -"Three claimants now!" Dan exclaimed. "This positively is the last -straw!" - -"We come here to get a pledge from old Money Bags, and what does he do?" -Brad added. "Why, he turns around and tries to file claim to the money -box. I give up!" - - - - - CHAPTER 7 - The Last Straw - - -Discouragement weighed heavily upon Dan and Brad as they left Mr. -Merrimac's home. - -The bakery owner had been their No. 1 prospect and without a donation -from him they knew the Den never could make a good showing in the -solicitation. - -"Mr. Hatfield gave us Mr. Merrimac's name because he thought we were the -best collectors," Brad said in disgust. "Well, we muffed it." - -"We caught him in a bad mood," Dan replied, equally sunk in gloom. "Do -you think the old cod really lost money as he claimed? Or was it just -another trick?" - -"Search me, Dan. It's a cinch three persons couldn't have lost that cash. -The whole thing is fantastic." - -"I almost wish we hadn't found that box, Brad." - -"So do I. It's going to make a peck of trouble. Well, what do we do now? -Report to Mr. Hatfield?" - -"May as well. He ought to know about Mr. Merrimac's claim, even if it -should prove phoney." - -The boys found the Cub leader in his front yard, raking leaves. Leaning -on his rake, he listened attentively to their account of what had -happened at Mr. Merrimac's place. - -"It's a bad break not getting the donation," he said. "But don't take it -too hard. Mr. Merrimac may come through later on. As for his claim that -the money box belongs to him--well, I don't know what to think about -that." - -"It's probably just another fake claim," Brad declared. - -"Was he able to tell the amount of money in the box?" - -"He said it was several thousand," Brad answered. - -"You didn't ask him to be more definite or to furnish a description of -the money box?" - -"No, Dan and I were too disgusted. We left as quickly as we could." - -"Mr. Merrimac probably will come to see me," the Cub leader responded. -Picking up a basket of leaves, he started with it toward the street. - -Just then a black police car pulled up at the curb. Mr. Hatfield put down -the basket and went to meet the officers. - -"We have a report that you're holding a box of money found by some of the -Cub Scouts at a church," Sergeant Billings addressed Mr. Hatfield. - -"That's right. Come into the house and I'll turn it over to you. First -though, meet Dan Carter and Brad Wilber. They're the ones who found the -box." - -"Dan did," Brad corrected. "I just happened to be around." - -"How are you, boys?" Sergeant Billings said heartily. - -He began to pose friendly but pointed questions which Brad and Dan -answered to the best of their abilities. - -"Don't worry about finding the rightful owner of the box," he reassured -them. "We'll get to the bottom of it in short order. By the way, you -didn't happen to find a blackjack or a pair of brass knuckles along side -of the box did you?" - -"Oh, no, sir!" Dan returned, surprised by the question. - -"It might be smart to let that impression get around," the sergeant -chuckled. "Catch on?" - -"You mean if folks thought that by claiming the box they would tangle -with the law, they might not be so quick to say it was theirs?" Brad -demanded. - -"That's the idea, kid." - -"I don't want the Cubs to become involved any further in this matter," -Mr. Hatfield said, speaking decisively. "That's why I called police. I -want to be rid of the box and all responsibility." - -"Fair enough," rejoined Sergeant Billings. "Just lead me to the box. I -can't guarantee though, that you won't have the newspaper reporters on -your neck when this story gets out. I'll have to make a report, you -know." - -"I suppose so," Mr. Hatfield admitted, leading the way to the house. -"Well, keep the Cubs out of it as much as possible." - -In the living room the Cub leader offered the sergeant a chair and then -excused himself. - -"I have the money box hidden upstairs," he said. "Wait and I'll fetch -it." - -Mr. Hatfield was gone a long while. During his absence, Dan and Brad told -Sergeant Billings everything they knew about the money box. They even -mentioned the mysterious face at the window, and gave the officer the -license number of the car which they thought had followed Mr. Hatfield's -auto on the night of the storm. - -"Your imagination probably tricked you on that one," the sergeant said, -noting down the number. "But I'll check anyhow." - -"By the way, have you heard whether or not that ward of the court, Jack -Phillips ever was caught?" Brad inquired. - -"We've been looking for him," the sergeant replied. "So far he's eluded -us. Jack is slippery, but we'll get him back in time." - -"How old is he?" Dan asked curiously. - -"About twelve--maybe a bit younger. He's wise, though, in the ways of the -world. We think he's still around here unless he hitch-hiked to another -town. He may be hiding out in the marsh or along the waterfront." - -"How does he manage to live?" Brad questioned. - -"Oh, Jack's an old hand at getting along. The boy has good stuff in him, -but he's made us a lot of trouble. He can't stand confinement." - -While the Cubs talked, Fred Hatfield came into the house. He too had been -calling on building fund prospects and reported that he had obtained -pledges totaling nearly one hundred and twenty dollars. - -"You did better than we did," Brad congratulated him. - -"Just luck," Fred returned modestly. "Tomorrow I'll probably get a lot of -turn-downs. Say, where's Dad?" - -"That's what were wondering," Dan replied, glancing at the wall clock. -Already Mr. Hatfield had been upstairs more than ten minutes. - -"He went after the money box," Brad explained. "I don't know what's -keeping him." - -At that moment, Mr. Hatfield came hurriedly down the stairway. - -The Cubs saw at once that he did not have the money box. - -"Fred," his father said, pausing on the bottom step, "you didn't by any -chance dig into the lower drawer of my desk?" - -"Why, no, father," his son answered in surprise. - -"Then the worst has happened. The money box is gone!" - -"Gone?" Fred demanded. "How could it be?" - -"That's what I can't understand. Unless perhaps your mother put it away -somewhere." - -Mr. Hatfield went quickly to the kitchen to talk to his wife. However, as -he had feared, she had not removed the box from the desk drawer. - -During the conversation, Sergeant Billings had listened without comment. -He now asked to inspect the desk in the upstairs study. - -"You didn't have the box in a very safe place," he commented. -"Apparently, the drawer wasn't even locked." - -"It has no key," Mr. Hatfield admitted. "I thought the box would be safe -enough until I could turn it over to police." - -"How many persons have been in the house since you brought the box here?" -the sergeant questioned. - -"Well, quite a few. All of the Cubs except Midge. Then Mr. Wilson came." - -"And Mr. Brakschmidt," added Brad. "He didn't go upstairs though and -neither did Mr. Wilson." - -"No one did except the members of my own family," Mr. Hatfield said -earnestly. "I know that neither Fred nor my wife touched the box. But -what became of it?" - -"How much did it contain?" - -"Two thousand, one hundred and seventy-five dollars." - -Sergeant Billings whistled softly. "That's a pretty stiff loss. You're -sure the box really is lost?" - -Mr. Hatfield regarded him in amazement. - -"I can't find it, if that's what you mean," he said stiffly. "Or are you -implying--?" - -"Well, it looks sort of funny," the sergeant replied. "You say the box -has been taken, yet there's no evidence anyone broke into the house. Who -knew where you hid the box?" - -"Only myself." - -"I guessed where you put it," interposed Fred. - -"But you didn't touch the box?" his father asked. - -"No, of course not." - -"I assume full responsibility," Mr. Hatfield said in a harassed tone. "I -swear I thought the box would be safe here--" - -"I'll make a report," Sergeant Billings broke in. "Likely you'll be -called to headquarters for further questioning." - -"I've already told you everything I know about the matter." - -"Yeah," grunted the sergeant. He arose to leave. - -Mr. Hatfield was thoroughly annoyed by the other's tone. - -"See here," he said, "I hope you understand I'm not trying to conceal -anything. Why should I?" - -"Two thousand a hundred and seventy-five dollars," the sergeant repeated -thoughtfully. "A tidy little sum." - -"You're not implying that I'm trying to keep it?" - -"It's not up to me to figure out motives," Sergeant Billings shrugged. "I -only ask questions and turn in the reports. If I were in your shoes -though, I'd try to produce that box. Otherwise, we'll have to do a little -investigating." - - - - - CHAPTER 8 - Round Table Plans - - -Two days had elapsed. - -The Cubs were worried and so was Mr. Hatfield. - -Twice since the disappearance of the money box, the Cub leader had been -called to the police station. - -Each time he had been questioned politely, but detectives made it clear -they were not completely satisfied with his answers. - -"Three persons have laid claim to that money, and one at least has come -fairly close to naming the amount you say was in the box," Mr. Hatfield -was informed. "Furthermore, trustees of the church feel the cash should -be turned over to them because it was found on church property. Now you -say your home wasn't broken into to your knowledge, and yet the box -disappeared. It doesn't make sense unless your own son or one of the -Cubs--" - -"The Cubs, one and all, are honest," Mr. Hatfield retorted firmly. -"Anyway, they knew only that I took the box upstairs. I told no one where -I hid it. So let's keep them out of this." - -The police had been quite decent about questioning the boys. - -Even so, the Cubs felt that they were involved. Dan especially considered -that by finding the box he had brought trouble upon Mr. Hatfield and the -Den. - -"Why did I have to go digging into that coal pile anyway?" he berated -himself. "We wouldn't be in this mess except for me." - -"Nonsense, Dan," Mr. Hatfield chided. "I'm glad you found the box. -Furthermore, we'll not waste valuable time worrying about the matter. The -police are free to make any investigation they wish. We'll cooperate." - -The Cub leader kept the Cubs so busy they had little time to think much -about the missing money box. - -In addition to soliciting funds for the church, they worked almost daily -on their plans for King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. - -Den one in Webster City also would take part in the Crusade program. At -the end of the month the two dens expected to unite their efforts for a -gigantic knighting ceremony. Prizes were to be awarded the Den putting on -the best display of talent. - -In a determined effort to beat their rivals, the boys of Den 2 assigned -themselves a full schedule of work. - -Aided by their mothers, the Cubs constructed armor of cardboard. The -carefully cut pieces were painted with aluminum, bronze and gold. - -Red and Chips decked themselves out in mesh-type trappings, fashioning -garments of burlap which they painted in metallic colors. - -Next, the Cubs designed shields and mounted cardboard spears on the ends -of broomsticks. - -"If we have time, I'll make myself a cardboard horse," Brad announced. -"Also, we ought to have some painted banners to hang on the walls. Then -this place will look like a regular knight's hall." - -Temporarily, the Cubs were using the church study as a meeting place. -When the weather turned warm again in the Spring, they planned to resume -sessions in their own quarters, the cave high over the river. - -Brad had made his own suit of armor by sewing small roofing discs onto -burlap. The Cubs, frankly envious, acknowledged the job as the best -turned out. - -"I could make a good suit too if I had some of those discs," Midge -Holloway remarked. "Where'd you buy 'em, Brad?" - -"I didn't. Saw a bunch of 'em lying on the ground near a new house that's -being built. I asked the contractor if I could have 'em and he said I -could." - -"Say, are there any more of those discs?" Dan demanded eagerly. - -"I guess so. I didn't take them all." - -"I want some," piped up Babe. - -"So do I," Chips chimed in. "Lead us to 'em, Brad." - -"It's a long hike from here," the older boy replied dubiously. "Fact is, -to get there we'd have to hike a couple of miles, going and coming. It's -right at the edge of the marsh." - -This information temporarily dampened the enthusiasm of the Cubs. Then -Dan spoke up. - -"Well, why don't we go? It's a good day for a hike. If we had more of -those roof discs, we could turn out armor that would look like the real -thing." - -"And we might win first prize!" Fred said, his interest kindling. "What -do you think about it, Dad?" - -"Let's take it to a vote," his father returned. "All in favor of the -hike, say Aye." - -Every Cub voted to go. - -"When do we start?" Dan asked impatiently. "If we don't make it today, -those discs may be gone." - -"That's right," Brad agreed. "Even when I was there, not many were -kicking around." - -"Brad, you're sure it's all right to take the discs?" Mr. Hatfield asked. - -"Yes, the contractor told me I might have all that were lying around." - -Reassured, the Cub leader agreed with the boys that no time should be -lost in hiking to the site. - -"We might have a weiner roast too," he proposed. "On the way, we'll pass -a store and can buy anything we want." - -The Cubs quickly put away cardboard and paint. All were dressed warmly -enough for the hike except Babe who had to be sent home for sturdy shoes -and a heavier jacket. - -The youngster was back at the church in ten minutes, however, his pockets -bulging. - -"Now what have you got?" Chips asked him suspiciously. - -Babe grinned and produced several crushed cookies and an apple. - -"You and your appetite," Chips muttered, shaking his head. "Why don't you -grow up?" - -Babe refused to take offense. "I thought I might get hungry on the way," -he defended himself. - -"You're always hungry," Chips retorted. "If you'd spend less time feeding -your face and more time studying the rule book, maybe you'd be promoted -to Wolf Rank." - -"Cut it out, Chips," advised Brad, who had overheard the remark. "Babe is -catching onto Cub ways fast. I'll wager he'll be a Wolf before another -certain Wolf I know moves on up to Bear rank." - -"Now who's rubbing it in?" Chips complained. "I'm working hard and you -know it!" - -"Sure, sure," Brad said, giving him a friendly clap on the back. "Only -maybe you ought to dig in a little harder on those elective requirements -before you toss stones at anyone else." - -Despite the lateness of the season, the day was a pleasant one. Selecting -Highway 23, the Cubs, led by Brad and Mr. Hatfield, soon set off in the -direction of the marsh. - -Their way skirted a built-up area near the city limits. A short distance -beyond, they passed a sparsely settled section where a few new houses -were in process of construction. - -"How much farther?" Babe asked, limping along beside Brad. - -He had attached himself like a puppy to the older boy, but found it -impossible to imitate his smooth, easy gait. - -"We're almost there now," Brad encouraged him. "Guess you aren't used to -hiking, are you?" - -"My feet hurt." - -"Sure, and why wouldn't they, with those tight shoes? Better get yourself -some that fit, Babe. The Cubs do a lot of hiking." - -"Say, when do we eat?" demanded Red. The brisk walk had made him very -hungry. - -"Well, we could have the roast before we gather discs," Brad said, -glancing over the terrain. "It's for the fellows to decide." - -"All in favor--" shouted Red. - -Every Cub voted to halt then and there and build their fire. - -Mr. Hatfield selected a suitable place at the edge of the marsh, not far -from the road. Under his direction, the boys cleared away dry leaves and -debris to insure that the fire could not spread. - -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. - -"I'm glad you brought up the matter of the money box, Chips," he said -quietly. "The police are not trying to blacken my name. Quite the -contrary. Their job is to investigate. I have complete confidence that -they can bring to light no information which will discredit either myself -or any Cub Scout." - -Their meal finished, the boys now cleared away the litter. Brad and Mr. -Hatfield not only stamped out the dying coals, but for safety covered -them with loose dirt. - -"Notice that old farmhouse," Dan remarked, pointing to an unpainted, -tumble-down dwelling visible some distance away. "Wonder if anyone lives -there?" - -"It looks deserted," Brad agreed. - -The house was a gloomy, two-story structure with sagging porches. Roof -shingles curled and the brick foundation had partly given away. - -"Maybe that place has a ghost!" Midge suggested with a laugh. "Let's go -over and find out!" - -"I thought we came out here for roofing discs," Brad reminded him. "If we -start off on a wild goose chase--" - -"A ghost chase," Midge corrected. "Oh, the house can wait. But it does -look interesting. After we get the discs, let's find out if anyone lives -there." - -"Fair enough," Brad agreed. "If we don't start moving, we won't even get -our discs for armor. It will be turning dark before long." - -Made aware that the sun fast was lowering, the Cubs walked briskly on to -the cleared area where four new houses had been built. All were boarded -up for their interiors had not been completed. None were occupied. - -"Now you're certain it's all right to take the discs?" Mr. Hatfield asked -Brad doubtfully. "We don't want to get into any trouble." - -"The contractor said I could have them all. I only took enough for my own -suit of armor." - -"In that case, go to it, boys," Mr. Hatfield said. "While you're -gathering discs, I'll look at the houses." - -The discs were scattered over a large area, half buried in the moist -earth. - -Brad helped Babe, who was less agile than his companions. With six boys -and a scarcity of metal discs it became a race to see who would get -enough for a suit of armor. - -"If we come out short, maybe we can buy a few at a roofing supply place," -Dan commented. "Here's another!" - -In reaching to pick it up from amid a pile of boards and broken brick, he -noticed that the cellar door of one of the houses stood slightly ajar. - -"Say, fellows!" he exclaimed. "This house is unlocked!" - -"Then we can go through it!" shouted Chips, hurrying over. - -"Hold on!" Brad stopped him. "These houses are supposed to be locked. I -had permission to take discs--not to lead a mob through any of the -buildings." - -"Oh, it won't hurt just to peek inside," Chips protested. - -Before Brad could stop him, the boy shoved open the door. - -"Chips!" Brad shouted furiously. - -But the boy needed no additional warning. Already he had been effectively -halted. - -As the door swung outward, a figure loomed up before him. - -Chips was so astonished at seeing anyone in the house, he could only -stare. The man was stoutish and wore soiled, wrinkled clothes. A stubble -of beard gave his face a shadowy appearance. - -More than anything else, Chips was made aware of the dark eyes which -seemed to bore directly into him. - -"I--I beg your pardon," he mumbled, gathering his wits. "I--I didn't know -anyone was in the house." - -"Who are you?" the man demanded harshly. - -"A Cub Scout. We're all Cubs." Chips was grateful that the other boys -were behind him, gathering closer. "We're here picking up roof discs." - -"Well, beat it!" the man said curtly. "You have no business on the -property. Get moving!" - -Before Chips or the other Cubs could make any reply, he slammed the -basement door in their faces. - - - - - CHAPTER 9 - A "Deserted" House - - -"Well, how do you like that?" Dan muttered as the Cubs gathered in a -group near the newly constructed house. - -"Who was he, Brad?" Midge asked the Den Chief. "Not the contractor?" - -"No, I never saw this fellow before--although his voice sounded sort of -familiar." - -"Maybe he's one of the workmen," Red said uneasily. "After all, we are on -private property." - -"I had permission to come here for those discs," Brad insisted. -"Furthermore, I don't believe that fellow was a workman. He didn't talk -like one." - -"Or look like it either," added Chips. Of all the Cubs, he was the only -one who had obtained a clear view of the man. - -"You didn't know him, did you?" Dan inquired. - -Chips shook his head. "Never set eyes on him before. You know what I -think? He's a tramp!" - -"Say, he did look like one!" Babe cried, although he had been too far -back to catch more than a glimpse of the shadowy figure. - -"And I bet a cookie he has no business being in this house!" Chips went -on excitedly. "The nerve of him ordering us away! Why, he may have broken -in and be living there!" - -"Without the contractor or the owner knowing anything about it," agreed -Dan soberly. "Say, we ought to tell Mr. Hatfield about this." - -At that moment, the Cub leader joined the group. He had been too far away -to see the stranger or to hear any of the conversation. However, from the -excited comment of the boys, he knew something was amiss. - -"What goes on?" he asked, hurrying up. - -Brad told him what had happened. - -"I'm certain the man isn't a workman," he added. "We think he must be a -tramp who broke into the house and is camping there." - -Mr. Hatfield noted a nearby sign which bore the name and telephone number -of the contractor who had built the dwellings. - -"I'll telephone him as soon as we get back to Webster City," he -announced. "These houses are supposed to be boarded up. We have no -authority to order anyone away, so we'll just clear out." - -The Cubs knew that their leader's advice was sound. However, they -disliked to be driven away from the premises. - -"Gather up your discs, fellows, and let's move," Brad told the Cubs. -"It's getting late anyhow." - -In the act of tying his plunder into a knapsack made from his sweater, -Dan glanced toward the basement window of the new house. - -"Look, Brad!" he commanded. "That guy's standing there watching us!" - -"I don't like it," the older boy muttered. "Mr. Hatfield's right. This is -no place for us." - -"We ought to be a match for him." - -"That's not the point," Brad argued. "For all we may know, he might be a -criminal--armed. He looks like a tough customer." - -"Face is sort of familiar too," Dan said thoughtfully. "Where have I seen -him before?" - -"Nowhere that I recall." - -"I've seen him some place," Dan insisted, "or at least he's someone that -reminds me of--I got it!" - -"You've got what?" Brad demanded. - -"I know where we saw that fellow!" - -"We?" - -"Sure! Don't you recall that night of the rain storm--on our way to the -church?" - -"The stranger who asked us what was going on there!" - -"That's the guy!" - -Brad glanced quickly toward the window. The man however, had stepped back -beyond view. - -"He reminds me a little of that fellow, Dan," the Den Chief said -thoughtfully. "All the same, I wouldn't say it's the same person." - -"Well, they look alike," Dan insisted. "I didn't care much for the -fellow's appearance when we met him in the rain." - -"Coming boys?" called Mr. Hatfield. - -Dismissing the stranger from their minds, Brad and Dan hastened to catch -up with the other Cubs. - -As they hiked toward the main road, Mr. Hatfield mentioned again that he -would call the contractor as soon as he arrived at home. - -"I want to tell him that we picked up the roofing discs," he said. "I'm -sure it's all right, but we'll double check. Then I'll tell him about -that tramp in the house." - -"He could do considerable damage," Red remarked. "Why, he might even -start a fire that would destroy the house." - -"Say! We haven't forgotten about exploring the haunted house, have we?" -Chips suddenly demanded. - -From the main road a weed-choked, narrow lane led toward the unpainted -house which stood on a curving rise of land. Shutters hung at rakish -angles and the place had every appearance of being deserted. - -"Do we have time?" Mr. Hatfield asked, looking at his watch. - -"Oh, it won't take more than a minute!" Chips insisted. - -"Sometimes your minutes are pretty long, Chips," the Cub leader laughed. - -The other boys also were eager to inspect the old house, so finally Mr. -Hatfield consented. - -"This would be a spooky place at night," Midge declared as they started -up the lane. "I'd hate to live so near the marsh. Imagine building new -houses out here." - -"Land is cheap in this area," Mr. Hatfield explained. "Then, Webster City -is growing to the south. In a few years, this section may be built up -solidly." - -The land near the old house was ragged with frosted stubble growth. Some -distance away ran a tiny creek, screened by reeds and rushes. - -"Must be good hunting and fishing around here," Brad remarked. - -Walking over broken, uneven ground the Cubs approached the dilapidated -house. Its windows, streaked with dirt from the recent rain, seem to -stare at them. - -"Wonder how long this place has been deserted?" Dan speculated. - -"Not long, that's certain," replied Mr. Hatfield, glancing about the -untidy yard. "In fact, I wonder--" - -"Oh, look at the old fashioned iron kettle!" Chips broke in without -giving the Cub leader an opportunity to complete his remark. "And the old -well that turns on a crank." - -"It's not the well that turns on a crank, bright boy!" Red laughed. - -"Well, you know what I mean," Chips growled. "That's how the bucket is -lifted. Let's have a drink." - -"Better not," advised Mr. Hatfield. "This water may be safe enough, but -we have no way of being sure." - -The Cubs raised and lowered the well bucket several times, but did not -drink. Dan went over to look at the big iron kettle which in days past -evidently had been used for the boiling of apple sauce or maple sirup. - -To his surprise, he noted that the ashes beneath the blackened container -were faintly warm. - -"Say, maybe this place isn't deserted after all!" he exclaimed in alarm. -"Someone's been using this kettle recently." - -Babe Bunning, unmindful of Dan's discovery, had pulled a box to a -position beneath the kitchen window. - -Flattening his nose against the pane, he peered inside. - -"And someone's been using this house!" the boy entoned. "In fact, she's -right here NOW!" - - - - - CHAPTER 10 - Widow Jones - - -In confusion, Babe backed away from the kitchen window. - -The other Cubs also were embarrassed, for they had not intended to -investigate an occupied dwelling. - -"Gee whiz!" Babe muttered. "Here she comes! I'll bet she's sore!" - -The kitchen door creaked open and the mysterious "she" stood on the -threshold regarding the boys with curiosity rather than anger. - -Tall and wiry, the woman appeared to be about fifty years of age. Her -iron-gray hair was combed severely back from her ears. The gingham dress -she wore was old fashioned and faded from repeated washing. - -"I--I'm sorry," Babe stammered, doffing his cap. "I--I didn't know anyone -lived here. The house looked so old and--" - -"We were just passing and stopped to look at the deep well," Brad -interposed hastily. "One doesn't see one like it very often." - -"Or a house as run down as this," said the woman. - -Plainly she had not taken offense at Babe's remark, for she smiled and -said: "You boys must be on a hike." - -Mr. Hatfield told her about the organization and introduced the boys by -name. In turn, the woman said she was Mrs. Jones, a widow, and that she -lived alone. - -"If you're Mrs. Jones, you must be the one Mr. Wentworth mentioned!" Dan -exclaimed, recalling the name. "Do you board wards of the court?" - -"I was supposed to take one--a harum-scarum lad who has a tendency to run -away," Mrs. Jones replied. "The Court promised me eight dollars a week to -look after him. I need the money. But he never showed up." - -"That's because he ran away again," Dan informed the widow. "Police still -are looking for him." - -"Like as not he wouldn't want to stay here anyway," Mrs. Jones said, her -gaze sweeping the untidy yard. "There's so much to be done, and no one to -do it except me." - -"I should think a sturdy boy would be a help to you here," remarked Mr. -Hatfield. "And an outdoor life might be just what Jack needs. With a -woods and marsh nearby, he could interest himself in wild life which he -seems to enjoy." - -"That's what Mr. Wentworth thought," nodded the widow. "He said several -city boarding places have been tried, and each time Jack runs away." - -"The boy needs strict discipline but from someone who has an interest in -his welfare." - -"I've always liked boys--even so-called bad ones," Mrs. Jones declared. -"Jack would have good food here and a comfortable bed. The house isn't -much, but after all, it's what's in it that counts." - -The widow, who wore no wrap, was shivering from cold. Aware that they -were keeping her, the Cubs started away. - -But as they started off, Mr. Hatfield thought to speak of the tramp who -had been seen at the group of new houses. - -"Since you live here alone, it might be well to lock your doors at -night," the Cub leader advised. "While the fellow probably is harmless, -one never knows." - -Mrs. Jones thanked him for the warning. "I'll do as you advise," she -said, "but I've never been afraid. It's not in my blood to be afeared of -anyone or anything." - -The Cubs apologized again for having trespassed upon her property. - -"Now you boys just come here whenever you like," she invited cordially. -"Next time maybe I'll have some cookies handy in my jar. Growing boys -always are hungry. I know, because I had three of 'em. They're grown men -now." - -A lonely soul, Mrs. Jones would have chatted on and on. The Cubs, -however, already were late. So they edged away, waved a final goodbye, -and trudged back to the main road. - -"That should cure us of peeking into windows," Brad lectured Babe. "She -was mighty nice about it, but she could have jumped all over us." - -"How was I to know anyone lived there?" Babe defended himself. "You -thought yourself the house was empty." - -"That's so," Brad admitted honestly. "Mrs. Jones must be as poor as a -church mouse. She needs that board money badly." - -"And Jack needs someone like Mrs. Jones to take an interest in him," -added Mr. Hatfield. "She is firm but kind." - -"Imagine living in a place like that!" Chips commented with distaste. -"It's a dump." - -"The inside is clean and not badly furnished," informed the Cub leader. -"I noticed when she had the door open. As for the outside, the windows -could be washed and the rubbish cleaned up in a few hours." - -"Say, maybe that's a job for the Cubs!" proposed Brad. "We're supposed to -give neighborhood good will. What better way?" - -"That yard has a lot of rubbish," Chips said quickly. "It would take more -than a few hours--maybe half a day." - -"And we're pretty busy soliciting for the church campaign," added Red. -"Not to mention our plans for the Round Table jamboree." - -"It was just a suggestion," Brad shrugged. "Only I thought the widow -seems to need help." - -"I'd like to do it," offered Dan. "I could spare a Saturday afternoon." - -"So could I," volunteered Fred. "How about you, Midge?" - -"Count me in. While we're clearing away the trash, we might find some -things we could use for knight's armor. I noticed a lot of old tin and -metal lying around. Also some wheels and things." - -"Let's make it Saturday then," proposed Brad. "If Red and Chips can't -come, why that's all right." - -"Oh, I can make it, I guess," Red back-tracked. - -Chips, not to be left out on any Den affair, said he would be on hand -too. - -The Cubs had spent more time than they had intended exploring the -countryside. With a glance at his watch, Mr. Hatfield warned that they -would have to walk briskly if they were to reach home in time for supper. - -"Maybe we can hook a ride!" Midge suggested. "Here comes a truck. Let's -signal the driver." - -Despite his frantic hand waving, the truck rolled on past. However, a -quarter of a mile farther on, the hikers observed a familiar appearing -station wagon coming toward them. - -"Say, that looks like my Dad's car!" exclaimed Midge. - -He was right. A moment later, with a screech of brakes, the station wagon -halted at the side of the road. - -"Hey, you're going in the wrong direction!" Midge called to his father. - -"I'll turn around," Mr. Holloway offered. "I heard you boys were out this -way on a hike. The weather's turning colder, so I thought you might like -a lift back into town. Of course if you prefer to walk--" - -A hoot of derision greeted this remark. The Cubs waited until Mr. -Holloway had turned the station wagon around on the narrow road, and then -piled in. - -Midge, Dan and Mr. Hatfield sat in the front with the Den Dad. The others -crowded into the rear, stowing their collection of roofing discs at their -feet. - -"It's sure swell to catch a ride," Dan said gratefully. "My dogs were -beginning to ache me." - -In the rear of the station wagon, the other Cubs broke into song, making -further conversation all but impossible. - -The car presently approached the outskirts of Webster City. At the -lefthand side of the road, Mr. Holloway noticed a boy trudging wearily -along the edge of the pavement. - -"Maybe I should give him a lift," he remarked, slowing the station wagon. -"He appears tired." - -Dan thought that the boy looked faintly familiar. He could not place him -though. - -However, as Mr. Holloway brought the station wagon to a standstill only a -few yards away from the pedestrian, he caught a full view of his face. - -"It's that boy Jack!" he exclaimed. - -"Not the one who escaped from Guy Wentworth?" Mr. Hatfield demanded -incredulously. - -"I'm sure of it." - -"It does look like him," the Cub leader acknowledged. Quickly he added: -"Boys, don't let on that you suspect a thing or ever have seen the lad -before. If we play our cards right, we may be able to take him back where -he belongs." - - - - - CHAPTER 11 - "Do Your Best" - - -Mr. Holloway waited until the runaway boy came alongside the station -wagon. - -"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. - -"You don't like school, I take it?" - -"Not very much. I'd rather be outdoors." - -"Schooling though, is a mighty useful thing," Mr. Holloway continued. "It -helps one get a better job and appreciate the good things of life." - -"The good things of life!" Jack repeated with a snort. "That's a laugh!" - -"You speak as if you've had a tough time." Mr. Holloway deliberately was -trying to draw the boy out. - -"Oh, I ain't complaining," Jack returned. "I've learned to get along." - -"I can see that," Mr. Holloway said dryly. "But you don't seem too happy. -This is the time of your life when you should be having a good -time--playing football, ice skating, all the sports." - -A flash of interest illuminated Jack's face. But it was gone in an -instant, to be replaced by a look of suspicion. - -"Say, what you handing me?" he demanded. "And who are all these kids?" - -"Cub Scouts," explained Dan. At the other's blank expression, he -explained: "It's an organization for boys who aren't quite old enough to -be Boy Scouts. We have a lot of fun while we're doing helpful things." - -"Our motto is: 'Always Do Your Best,'" Mr. Hatfield supplied. "Most of -the boys do exactly that." - -"Sounds sort of sappy to me," Jack said with a half-sneer. "Who wants to -go around with a halo, always looking for good things to do?" - -"It's more than that," Dan defended the organization. "We have a lot of -secret codes and things. Right now we're getting ready to have a big Pack -gathering based on the Knights of the Round Table. We're making coats of -armor." - -Despite himself, Jack was interested. But he tried not to show it. - -"Kid stuff," he scoffed. "You wouldn't catch me being a Cub Scout. Every -time you turn around, I bet someone tells you what you have to do." - -"That isn't so," Dan denied. "Mr. Hatfield is our leader. Brad is the Den -Chief, and I'm the Denner. Naturally, we make suggestions sometimes that -the other fellows carry out. But we aren't bossy about it." - -"Cubs nevertheless are required to obey orders and follow the rules," Mr. -Hatfield said quietly. "Society is built upon regulations. Otherwise one -would have chaos." - -"When one person defies or disregards rules, it means hardship for -someone else," added Burton Holloway, driving home the point. - -"To heck with the rules!" laughed Jack. "That's my motto." - -"I fear such an attitude may bring you to serious trouble one of these -days," Mr. Holloway remarked with concern. "Better get on the beam, my -boy." - -"Say, I don't like these sweetness and light lectures," Jack said, his -suspicions reviving. "Why'd you pick me up anyhow? You ain't a -plainclothes detective?" - -"No, Jack." - -"You know my name!" - -"Yes, Jack, we do. You're a runaway from the Child Study Institute." - -Mr. Holloway now felt fairly safe in revealing his knowledge, for the -station wagon approached the Institute. - -As he pulled alongside the gray stone building, his young passenger -recognized the familiar structure. - -"You tricked me!" he shouted furiously. - -His elbow gouging Dan, he tried to push open the car door. - -"Let me out of here!" he cried. - -"No, Jack!" Mr. Hatfield said, holding him firmly by the arm. "You ran -away and you must be returned here. I'm sorry." - -Jack fought like a wildcat for a minute or two, but found himself quite -helpless in the grip of the two men. - -"What'll you gain?" he demanded bitterly. "I'll run away again! I'll run -away a thousand times! You can't keep me. No one can." - -"You're only cheating yourself," Mr. Holloway told him. "Can't you -understand we're only trying to help you? So is Mr. Wentworth and the -other men at the CSI. The Court is your friend." - -"That's a laugh!" - -"If you keep on the way you've started, you'll end up in a boys' -reformatory," Sam Hatfield warned. "That, I can assure you, will be no -fun. On the other hand, if you act sensibly and make an honest effort to -cooperate, the CSI officials may give you another chance." - -"Another chance for what?" - -"You enjoy the outdoors, Jack. Well, I happen to know that Guy Wentworth -was taking you to the home of a Mrs. Jones. The place isn't fancy and -you'd have to work." - -"Oh, sure!" - -"But the house is at the edge of the woods, close to the marsh. You could -fish in summer time, trap in the winter and maybe earn a little money." - -"Like fun they'd let me do anything I wanted to!" - -"I think it could be arranged, Jack. If you'll give your word to make an -honest effort to get along with Mrs. Jones, I'll talk to Guy Wentworth in -your behalf. How about it?" - -Jack did not answer for a long moment. "Maybe I will," he said -reluctantly. "I don't know--it's a lot to promise." - -"And a promise always should be kept," Mr. Hatfield stressed. "That's the -way it is with the Cubs. Once given, a promise never may be broken." - -"Well, I'm not a Cub," Jack said defiantly. "I'm not anything." - -"You could be a Cub, Jack. You could be anything you set your mind to, -for you're a smart youngster with courage and determination. Well, what -do you say?" - -"What do I have to promise?" - -"To go out to Widow Jones' place if the court elects to return you there. -Just promise to do your best, and treat her squarely. The same way she'll -treat you." - -"Okay, I'll give it a try," Jack agreed. "You got me in a tight spot." - -"No, Jack," Mr. Hatfield corrected. "You've been in a tight spot for many -years. I don't want you to feel that you're being pressured into -anything. This decision must be your own." - -"I gave my promise, didn't I?" Jack growled, squirming uncomfortably. - -"And you mean it?" - -"'Course. Want me to swear on a Bible or something?" - -"No, Jack. We'll just shake hands on that promise. The Cub handclasp, -with two fingers extended. Here, I'll show you." - -The Cub leader demonstrated the grip used by the other boys. Then he -swung open the car door, and motioned for Jack to step out. He made no -further effort to hold the boy. - -Dan and the other Cubs watched anxiously, fearful lest Jack make a bolt -for freedom. - -The boy seemed to be thinking of it, for he gazed up and down the nearly -deserted street. Then, he drew a deep breath and faced Mr. Hatfield. - -"Come on," he growled. "Let's get it over with." - -The two entered the Child Study Institute together. - -Mr. Hatfield was gone more than twenty minutes. Eagerly the Cubs awaited -his report. - -"I had quite a talk with Guy Wentworth," he said. "At first he was -inclined to give the boy the works, but I convinced him otherwise." - -"Will Jack be sent to Mrs. Jones' place?" Dan questioned. - -"That's the plan, if she's still willing to take him. Mr. Wentworth has -agreed Jack may have this last chance to settle down and make good. If he -runs away again, though, it means the state reformatory for him." - -"Do you think Mrs. Jones can handle him?" asked Burton Holloway as he -started the engine of the station wagon. "Jack needs a firm hand." - -"She can manage him if anyone can," Mr. Hatfield replied confidently. -"Furthermore, she needs money. It will make an ideal arrangement, -providing Jack doesn't let us down." - -Mr. Holloway dropped the boys off at their various homes. - -"I'll take you home next," he said to Mr. Hatfield, when all of the -passengers had been disposed of except his own son Midge, and Dan. - -"I can walk from Mr. Hatfield's place," the latter offered. "It's only a -step." - -As the station wagon pulled up in front of his home, Mr. Hatfield noted -at once that a black car with the numeral 145 stood at the curb. - -"That looks like a police car," Dan commented. - -"Which means I'm in for another siege of questioning," the Cub leader -sighed. With Dan, he alighted from the station wagon. "I'm trying to -cooperate, but I've already told police everything I know about the money -box." - -"Well, good luck," Mr. Holloway said cheerfully, shifting gears. "Don't -let it get you down." - -The station wagon drove off down the street. Dan started to say goodbye -to Mr. Hatfield. Before he could leave however, two police officers came -out of the house. - -"I'm Captain Eggleston," one of the men introduced himself. He spoke -directly to the Cub leader. "You're Mr. Hatfield?" - -"That's right." - -"We'd like to talk to you." - -"I'll be glad to answer your questions," Mr. Hatfield replied politely. -"However, it seems pointless to keep going over the same ground. I've -told everything I know about the missing money box." - -"We still have a few questions to ask," Captain Eggleston replied. "In -fact, we have some new evidence." - -"New evidence?" - -"May we talk to you inside the house?" - -"Certainly," responded Mr. Hatfield, somewhat puzzled by the serious -attitude of the police. - -As he started to accompany the two men, Dan turned away. - -"Aren't you the boy who found the box at the church?" Captain Eggleston -asked him. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Then you may as well stick around," the captain advised. "We may have a -few questions to fire at you too!" - - - - - CHAPTER 12 - A Pair of Legs - - -Feeling almost as if he were a suspect in a crime case, Dan followed Mr. -Hatfield and the two police officers into the house. - -Captain Eggleston began the interview by asking routine questions of both -Dan and Mr. Hatfield. Then abruptly he announced that a check had been -made of the car license number noted down by the Cubs on the night of the -heavy rain storm. - -"The automobile belongs to Frank Jankowski, a salesman for the V. H. -Everetts Hardware Co.," he informed. - -"Mr. Jankowski!" Dan exclaimed. - -"Obviously, the boys were mistaken in thinking that the car was following -us," Mr. Hatfield said. "Imagination plays strange tricks on the mind. I -thought myself--at least for a while--that we were being followed." - -"You've given us several false steers in this investigation," Captain -Eggleston said rather severely. "What are you trying to hide?" - -The question irritated Mr. Hatfield. He tried not to show resentment and -kept his voice controlled as he replied: - -"Absolutely nothing." - -"You say you placed the money box in the drawer of your desk?" - -"That is correct." - -"You considered it a safe place?" - -"Safe enough. If I hadn't, I'd have made other disposition of the box." - -"Why did you delay in calling police?" - -"We've gone over all that before," Mr. Hatfield said wearily. "It was -late, and frankly, I was tired. I didn't feel equal to a long harangue -with police until I was more rested. So I waited until morning." - -"The first discovery that the box was gone was when police arrived here?" - -"That is correct." - -"And to your knowledge, no one entered or left the house in the -meantime?" - -"My wife was here, of course. I don't recall anyone else, unless one of -the Cubs dropped in." - -"No woman?" - -"Not so far as I know." Mr. Hatfield was amazed by the question. He could -tell that Captain Eggleston was leading up to a climax, but what it was -he could not guess. - -The police officer withdrew an ornamental button from his pocket. -Carelessly, he dropped it on the table. - -Dan noticed that the button was an unusual one of black jet, cut in a -diamond shape. - -"Ever see that before?" Captain Eggleston asked. - -"I don't think so," Mr. Hatfield replied, examining the button minutely. -"Why?" - -"Your wife allowed us to examine the study again. We found this button in -the drawer where she said you had kept the tin box." - -"It looks like a button from a woman's dress. But I don't recall that my -wife has one with jet fasteners." - -"So she said." Captain Eggleston picked up the button and dropped it into -his pocket again. "The button may or may not be a clue. It's not much to -go on in any case." - -"You think the box may have been taken by a woman?" Mr. Hatfield asked in -amazement. - -"This button is the only thing that points in that direction. It may have -been in the drawer for a long while." - -"I never saw it before. At least I never noticed it." - -The policemen at last seemed to accept Mr. Hatfield's word that he had -told them everything he knew about the disappearance. They asked Dan a -few routine questions and finally left. - -"I'll be jogging along too," Dan said. "If I don't get a move on, I'll be -late for supper." - -"Don't forget your roofing discs," Mr. Hatfield reminded him. "See you -tomorrow. Meanwhile, don't worry about the money. Sooner or later, police -will turn up a clue." - -On his way to the door, Dan asked the Cub leader if he thought the jet -button had any real significance. - -"I can't see it myself," Mr. Hatfield replied. "Though how the button -came to be in the desk is a puzzle too. This whole thing is a headache." - -"It was my fault for finding the box in the first place." - -Mr. Hatfield laughed and clapped Dan on the back. "Now, none of that -talk, Dan!" he chided. "We'll get the thing straightened out. Forget -about it and let me do the worrying." - -Despite the Cub leader's admonition, Dan could not drive thoughts of the -tin box from his mind. - -That night, from his father, he learned that it was generally known in -Webster City that the Cubs had found the box. Furthermore, a number of -thoughtless persons were criticizing Mr. Hatfield for not having taken -better care of the money. - -"It's awkward that several people have put in a claim to the cash," his -father added. - -"At least two of 'em must be fake claims, Dad." - -"I'd judge so," agreed his father. "But to prove it may not be easy." - -On the following day, the Cubs met briefly at the church to compare notes -on how they were making their suits of armor. - -Mrs. Hatfield and Mrs. Holloway both were there to help the boys with the -work. Brad was the only one who had finished his suit. In a burst of -enthusiasm he had gone ahead, making a cardboard horse which could be -worn over his shoulders. - -"We ought to have the best Round Table of any of the Dens," Dan declared, -his enthusiasm at high pitch. - -At that moment Babe uttered a loud wail. In the act of painting a coat of -arms on a banner, he had upset a can of red paint. - -"Dope!" Chips scolded the younger boy. "Why don't you watch what you're -doing?" - -"I'm sorry," Babe mumbled. "I accidentally kicked the can with my feet." - -"Just look what you've done to the carpet. The church will be making us -pay for it! The trustees will say the Cubs are just a bunch of careless -babies who destroy property." - -"I _am not_ a baby," the younger boy said furiously. "It was an -accident." - -"Of course it was," interposed Mrs. Hatfield. "One we're quite prepared -for too!" - -While the Cubs watched in admiration, she wiped up the paint, and cleaned -the carpet with turpentine. - -"There, every trace is gone," she assured the crestfallen Babe. "Chips, a -knight should practice chivalry, don't you think?" - -"What's that?" he demanded suspiciously. - -"It means being polite and courteous to others." - -"Well, Babe was awkward," said Chips angrily. - -"So are we all at times, Chips. Speaking of a Knight's code of honor, our -Den should have one. Any suggestions?" - -"We already have one rule," Dan recalled. "Be Always Ready." - -"Let's work out some others," suggested Mrs. Hatfield. "Everyone think -hard." - -"Keep away from deep water!" Red offered eagerly. - -Several of the Cubs snickered. Mrs. Hatfield, however, nodded her head -approvingly. - -"An excellent safety rule, Red. I think, though, we may find others which -fit in a little better with knighthood." - -"Knights did a lot of fighting," Midge said reflectively. - -"Which leads us to this thought," suggested Mrs. Hatfield. "Be prepared -always to fight in defense of right, or your own country." - -"How about doing good for others?" proposed Brad. - -"Excellent. Now we have three rules for our knights to follow: 'Be Always -Ready. Be Prepared. And Do Good Unto Others.'" - -"They're easy rules to remember," Dan said. "But to follow 'em may not be -quite so simple." - -The Cubs worked a while longer on their armor. As they began to grow -tired, Mrs. Hatfield said it was time to break up the meeting. Before the -Cubs left the church, she reminded them to keep working on their pledge -list for the building fund. - -"The money isn't coming in as fast as we'd like," she declared. "We're -especially short from the persons we expected to give fairly large -amounts. So during the next few days dig in and really do your best." - -Dan and Brad were the last to leave, lingering behind to help Mrs. -Hatfield and Mrs. Holloway clean up the litter. - -"I guess you meant us, Mrs. Hatfield," Brad remarked as they closed the -church doors. "Dan and I haven't been very lucky in signing up our best -prospects. Especially Mr. Merrimac." - -"You've worked hard I know," she praised him. "All the same, it might be -worth while to call on Mr. Merrimac again. He might change his mind if -you use your best powers of persuasion." - -"I doubt that, knowing him," Brad replied gloomily. "We can try though." - -After leaving Mrs. Hatfield, the two boys walked on to the Merrimac home. -Neither of them had any enthusiasm for the interview ahead. - -"Well, let's get it over with," Brad sighed, as he shoved hard on the -doorbell. "He can't do any worse than turn us down again." - -Mr. Merrimac kept the boys waiting. Repeatedly, Brad jabbed his finger on -the doorbell. - -"He's in there," Dan insisted. "I can hear him moving around." - -"Like as not he's seen us from a window and is hiding out," Brad returned -in disgust. "Merrimac is playing hard to get." - -Annoyed because the elderly gentleman refused to come to the door, he -punched the doorbell two or three times in rapid succession and then gave -up. - -"Makes me sick," he complained. "Mr. Merrimac at least ought to see us. -That's only common courtesy." - -In leaving the premises, the boys walked around toward the rear of the -house. - -"Why, the kitchen window is wide open!" Dan observed in surprise. - -Mr. Merrimac, they both knew, was no fresh air fiend. Furthermore, the -weather was far too cold for one comfortably to keep a window wide open. - -"That's funny!" Brad said, stopping short. "S-a-y!" - -As the two Cubs stared in utter amazement, a pair of legs protruded from -the window. - -Before either Dan or Brad could recover from astonishment, a man leaped -lightly to the ground. Seeing the two boys, he ducked his head and ran -toward the alley. - - - - - CHAPTER 13 - Hot Biscuits - - -"Gosh, a thief!" cried Brad, the first to recover from shock. "He's been -rifling Mr. Merrimac's place!" - -With one accord, he and Dan gave chase to the intruder. - -From the start it was a losing race. The man already had put a -considerable distance between himself and the Merrimac house. - -Long-legged and surprisingly agile for his weight, he continued to gain -on Dan and Brad. - -Finally, he slipped between two buildings and was completely lost. -Winded, the boys halted to consider what next to do. - -"Not a chance to catch him now," Brad puffed. "Let's call the police, and -then go back to Merrimac's place. He may have slugged that old man." - -"Brad, didn't you think that fellow looked like the tramp we saw out near -the marsh?" - -"Well, he had the same general build, Dan. I didn't see his face." - -"Neither did I. He purposely kept his hat pulled low over his eyes. Heck, -just our luck to let him get away! For all we know, he might even be the -one who stole the money box." - -"That's possible," Brad agreed. "Our best bet is to put police on his -trail. If we can furnish a good description, they may be able to pick him -up." - -Circling the block to make certain the intruder had not emerged elsewhere -in the vicinity, the boys sought a policeman. Unable to find one in the -neighborhood, they telephoned their report to the Central station. - -"Well, that's done," Brad said in relief. "Now let's hustle back to -Merrimac's place and find out if the old man's been hurt. I've got a -mighty uneasy feeling." - -Upon arriving at the Merrimac home a few minutes later, the boys saw that -the kitchen window remained wide open. - -"Raise me up and I'll look in," Dan proposed. - -Brad lifted him so that he could grab the sill and partly support his own -weight. - -"See anything?" - -"There's no one on the floor. But I can only see the kitchen. Think I -should crawl on in?" - -Brad was given no opportunity to decide, for just then a hand was laid -heavily upon his shoulder. - -Startled, he whirled around so suddenly, that his supporting shoulder -deprived Dan of a substantial base. The younger boy lost his balance and -slipped to the ground. - -"What's going on here? Trying to break in, eh?" - -Dan and Brad found themselves confronted by Atwood Merrimac. A sack of -groceries clutched in one hand, he held Brad with the other as he gazed -sternly at the two Cubs. - -"Oh, it's you, Mr. Merrimac," Brad murmured in relief. "We're glad to see -you're all right." - -"I can imagine you're glad to see me! Sort of caught you in the act, -didn't I?" - -Brad and Dan were aghast. - -"You don't think--you can't think we were trying to break in!" the latter -gasped. - -"Unless appearances are deceitful, you gave a first class imitation of -it, my lad! How did that window get open?" - -In their anxiety to clear themselves, both boys talked at once. - -Mr. Merrimac's wrinkled face softened as he listened. - -"So you thought I might have been laid out," he declared in satisfaction. -"I didn't know anyone had that much interest in my welfare!" - -Then as the full implication of the open window came to him, he added -anxiously: - -"This makes the second time my house has been entered! I wonder what's -missing this time?" - -Handing the sack of groceries to Brad, the elderly man unlocked the -kitchen door. - -"Come in, come in," he invited, as the boys hesitated. "We'll see what's -what." - -Nothing appeared to have been disturbed in the kitchen. The room however, -was in a frightful state of disorder. Mr. Merrimac had not washed the -breakfast dishes, and the remains of a meager lunch remained on the white -porcelain table. - -"I haven't had time to clean up yet today," he apologized. "Living alone -makes one fall into careless habits." - -With the boys close at his heels, Mr. Merrimac went from room to room. In -none was there any evidence that anything had been taken. - -"Everything is exactly as I left it a half hour ago when I went to the -grocery store," Mr. Merrimac said in a puzzled tone. "You're sure you saw -that fellow crawling out of the window?" - -"We not only saw him, we chased him down the alley," Dan said earnestly. -"You believe us, don't you?" - -"Yes, I'm not doubting your word. Only it seems strange. Twice in a week -my house has been entered. This time you must have driven the thief off." - -"That's probably what happened," Brad agreed. "I certainly rang the -doorbell hard." - -"When your place was entered that other time--you really lost money?" Dan -asked hesitatingly. - -"Certainly, I did. More than two thousand dollars. I kept it in a tin box -in a drawer of the dining room buffet." - -Brad and Dan were convinced that the money they had found in the church -must belong to Mr. Merrimac rather than to the other claimants. But if -such were the case, how could the box ever have been transferred to the -church basement? And what had become of it since then? - -"You may be receiving a call from the police any minute," Dan warned the -old man. "We called them and reported the thief." - -"Drat it, what did you do that for?" Mr. Merrimac exploded. "Haven't I -enough trouble without being pestered by officers who'll ask me a hundred -questions." - -"I'm sorry," Dan apologized. "We didn't know that nothing had been taken. -We weren't even sure that you might not have been slugged." - -"There! I shouldn't have been so testy," Mr. Merrimac said. "You did the -right thing." - -Dan and Brad decided that nothing could be gained at the moment by -speaking to the old man about the church building pledge. It would be far -wiser, they thought, to bring up the matter at another time. - -"Come back whenever you feel like it," Mr. Merrimac invited the Cubs as -he escorted them to the front door. "I'm always glad to see you." - -"Why, thanks, Mr. Merrimac," Dan returned, startled by the elderly man's -cordiality. - -"Later on, we'll talk about the church building fund," Mr. Merrimac -added, apparently guessing why the boys had come. "Losing all that money -upset me. If I get it back, I'll not forget you." - -With this promise, Dan and Brad had to content themselves. - -All week the Cubs worked on their armor and made preparation for the -scheduled Round Table gathering. So enthusiastic were all the Cubs, that -it had been decided, not only Den 2, but the entire Pack comprised of -three Webster City dens, would take part. - -Nearly every morning before school, Dan was up early making articles -which could be used at the grand knighting ceremony. - -"I'm glad to see you painting and making designs," his mother praised his -work. "I wish though, you'd conduct your creative experiments outdoors. -Fresh paint doesn't go well with the pattern of the kitchen linoleum!" - -Dan took the hint and used the back porch for his work. - -One morning while the dew was still heavy on the ground, he was painting -a triangular banner to hang on the back of a ceremonial chair. Dan -brushed on two red diamonds and then experimented with a few bright blue -"X" marks sprinkled at random over the surface. - -"Hard at work?" inquired a friendly voice. - -Dan glanced up to see the milkman looking over his shoulder. He had not -heard the wagon drive up. - -"Sure," Dan grinned, moving aside so the man could reach the milk box at -the doorstep. "I'm getting ready for the big Cub Scout knighting ceremony -we're to have at the church." - -"The Cubs really do a lot of interesting things," replied the milkman. He -slipped two bottles into the box and gathered up the empties. "I read the -other day how the Cubs found some money--say, weren't you the one who -turned up that tin box?" - -"Guilty," agreed Dan. "I almost wish I hadn't found it too! So many -persons have put in a claim. Then to make matters worse, the box -disappeared again." - -"I read about that too. Some neighbors of Mr. Hatfield told me the police -gave him a pretty rough going over." - -"They questioned him, the same as they did me," Dan replied indignantly. -"But that's routine. He doesn't know what became of the money. Someone -swiped it from his house." - -"When was the box supposed to have disappeared?" - -"No one knows. We took it there the night it was found in the church. -Then the next morning when the police came, Mr. Hatfield couldn't find -it." - -"You know, I've been wondering if I should report this," the milkman said -thoughtfully. - -"Report what?" - -"I didn't think anything about it until after I'd read about the box -disappearing, Dan. Then I began to wonder. I was delivering milk to the -house across the street from the Hatfield place. It must have been about -six o'clock." - -"What did you see?" Dan asked impatiently. - -"A woman came out of the cellar exit. She seemed to be quite an old lady -in a black dress and a shawl of the same color. I couldn't see her face." - -"Mrs. Hatfield never dresses like that. She has modern clothes." - -"The woman had a bundle under her arm. The object, whatever it was, had -been wrapped in a newspaper." - -"What day was this?" - -"I don't remember the date. It was the same morning Mr. Hatfield reported -he lost the money. I'd have told him about it, only it didn't register on -me until yesterday that there might be any connection." - -"So far as I know no one lives at the Hatfield house except Sam, his -wife, and Fred," Dan said, deeply puzzled. "Who could the old lady have -been?" - -"It was no one I knew. She kept the shawl over her head, either to hide -her face or protect it from the cold air." - -"Which way did she go?" Dan asked. - -"I didn't notice. As I say, at the time I thought nothing about seeing -her." - -"I think Mr. Hatfield should know about this, and maybe the police," said -Dan. "So far, the only clue found is a black jet button. Apparently, it -came from a woman's dress. But how could a woman have known about the -box?" - -The milkman did not try to answer. Already late on his route, he started -toward his wagon. - -"I won't get a chance to talk to Mr. Hatfield until late tonight," he -called over his shoulder. "If you think what I told you means anything, -Dan, let him know for me." - -"I'll do it right away," the boy promised. - -Even before the milk wagon was out of sight, he had gathered up his -materials. - -"Mom, how about rushing breakfast?" he asked, carrying both the milk and -his work into the kitchen. "I want to see Mr. Hatfield before I go to -school." - -"I'll set the food right on," his mother promised. - -Dan ate on the fly. "Don't look for me after school tonight," he advised -as he banged out the door. "The Cubs are having a cook-out." - -At the Hatfield home, Dan found the Cub leader, his wife, and Fred eating -their own breakfast. - -"Have a roll and some chocolate with us," Mrs. Hatfield invited. - -"I've had my breakfast," Dan replied, eyeing the sugary hot roll with a -greedy eye. - -"Oh, a growing boy always can eat a little more," Mrs. Hatfield laughed, -offering him a chair. "Do have something with us, Dan." - -Thus urged, the boy slid into the seat by the window. As he sipped hot -chocolate, he told Mr. Hatfield what the milkman had reported. - -"An elderly woman in black!" Mrs. Hatfield exclaimed. "I can't imagine!" - -"You've had no cleaning woman?" asked Dan. - -"Not in weeks, Dan. And no visitors at such an early hour of the -morning." - -"I locked all the doors that night we brought the box here," Mr. Hatfield -said slowly. - -"The one opening into the cellar?" his wife asked him. - -"Well--I'm not sure." - -"Which means you didn't," Mrs. Hatfield said. "Oh, Sam, you _were_ -careless." - -"I'm afraid so," the Cub leader admitted. "After all the preaching I've -done to the Cubs too." - -"It wasn't your fault," Dan said loyally. "Until lately, it's never been -necessary to lock a house up tight to keep one's belongings safe." - -"This always has been a good neighborhood," Mr. Hatfield agreed. "That -fact gave me a false sense of security, I'm afraid." - -"If the milkman saw a woman leaving the house, that's obviously where the -money box went," Mrs. Hatfield declared, refilling Dan's cup with -chocolate. "It explains too why the police found a jet button near where -the box had been hidden." - -"But who could the woman have been?" Mr. Hatfield murmured. "So far as we -know, the only person besides the Cubs who knew about the box was that -man caught peeping into the church." - -"He must have told others," Mrs. Hatfield reasoned. "We can be fairly -certain of that because so many claims were put in for the money." - -"Learning about this woman convinces me of one thing," said Mr. Hatfield. -"I'm positive none of the Cubs told about the box. The leak came from -another source." - -"Will you tell police?" Dan questioned. - -"Yes, Dan. This clue may be the most important one yet. I've begun to -think though, that the money never will be recovered. In that case, if -the rightful claimant can prove his assertion, I'll make good the loss." - -"That doesn't seem fair, Mr. Hatfield," Dan protested. - -"I assumed responsibility for the money, Dan. Seemingly it was lost -through my carelessness. I couldn't face the Cubs if I didn't make good." - -Dan said no more. He knew that Mr. Hatfield, being a man of honor, would -keep his word. However, he realized also that the Hatfields were only -moderately well fixed and could not afford to lose so much of their -savings. - -"Now don't worry about it, Dan," Mr. Hatfield said as they all arose from -the breakfast table. "You're taking this matter entirely too seriously. -Everything will come out in the wash." - -"If the money isn't found, we'll give up that new car we had intended to -buy," declared Mrs. Hatfield. "Expensive automobiles are an unnecessary -luxury." - -Dan looked so troubled that Mr. Hatfield, to take his mind off the money -box, said quickly: - -"All set for the cook-out tonight?" - -"Yes, sir!" - -"Remind all the Cubs to meet here at my house right after school. Now you -and Fred had better get along to school, or you'll be late." - -Dan thanked the Hatfields for the breakfast, and gathering up his books, -went off with Fred. - -Later, after school had been dismissed for the day, all the Cubs met at -Mr. Hatfield's home for the hike and cook-out. - -No more was said about the missing tin box, for the Cub leader felt that -the matter had been too much discussed. He preferred to have the boys -center thoughts on the Knight Crusade and their own activities. - -Nevertheless, Dan fell into step with Brad as they set off for the marsh -area, again bringing up the recent incident at Mr. Merrimac's home. So -far as either boy knew, police had not been able to catch the man who had -fled from the dwelling. - -"Brad, do you suppose there could be any connection between that thief -and the woman who took the tin box?" Dan speculated. - -"Search me," Brad returned, shifting his knapsack to the other shoulder. -"Let's forget the money for tonight and just have fun. Mr. Hatfield's -worried enough without us always reminding him of it." - -"You're right," Dan agreed, properly set down. "Guess I have had it on my -mind a lot lately." - -The boys hiked to an old mill of historical interest. After spending a -while there, they back-tracked to the marshland area. - -"I wonder if that old tramp is still camped out in the new house?" Dan -speculated as they passed the construction site. - -Mr. Hatfield heard the remark. - -"I can answer that one," he informed the group. "I talked to Mr. Keeler, -the contractor. He checked and found you boys were right." - -"Then the man was a tramp?" Brad asked. - -"Yes, he had managed to get in through a cellar window, and then had -unlocked the door from inside. Until he was caught, he enjoyed quite a -comfortable existence." - -"Arrested?" Brad questioned. - -"No, he slipped away before Mr. Keeler could call police. I understand no -damage was done to the property. He easily could have set the place on -fire though." - -"Say, when do we eat?" demanded Midge, impatiently. "The sun's getting -low." - -"We can stop anywhere," Mr. Hatfield said. "Look for a suitable place." - -"How about the one we used last time?" suggested Chips. "It will save us -clearing the ground." - -The other Cubs shared Chip's impatience, so a little farther on, a halt -was called. While Brad and Dan built a fire, Mr. Hatfield set up a -reflector oven which he had made from a square five-gallon oil can. - -"Pretty fancy, aren't we?" Red said admiringly. "What are we eating?" - -"Biscuits, fried eggs and bacon. How does it sound?" - -"Swell!" Red answered, smacking his lips. "Just lead me to it." - -"Lead you to it, like fun!" snorted Brad. "You're gonna help stir up the -biscuits, not have 'em served to you golden brown on a tin plate!" - -"Me? Make biscuits? I don't know how." - -"You can learn," the Den Chief assured him. "Nothing to it when you use -biscuit mix. You just add water and stir." - -While the other Cubs gathered wood, he showed Red how to mix the biscuits -and drop them evenly on a metal sheet. - -"Each Cub can cook his own bacon and eggs," Brad said, producing a sheet -of tinfoil. "Shape 'em into little pans, and fry the bacon just enough to -make a little grease. Then drop in the eggs. You can use the crinkled -foil for a plate too, and not have to wash a dish." - -"What a brain! What a brain!" This praise came from Midge, who above -everything else hated to wash dishes. - -Soon the wood had burned down to coals. As the reflector oven heated up, -Mr. Hatfield tested it, and told Red he could put in the biscuits. - -"It won't be long now, boys," he said. "While we're waiting for the -biscuits to bake, I wish a couple of you would go for some more water. -Try that first house down the road." - -Rather than stand around, all the boys except Red took their canteens and -trudged off. The latter remained with Mr. Hatfield to keep an eye on the -biscuits. - -"They're rising just right," the Cub leader said, presently peeking into -the oven. "Another five minutes and they'll be golden brown." - -"They sure smell good," Red declared, sniffing the air. "I could eat a -dozen of 'em myself." - -"We only allowed three for each Cub," Mr. Hatfield laughed. "The fire's -burning out though. We need more wood." - -The Cubs had not gathered enough. So after taking another glance at the -biscuits to be certain they would not burn, Mr. Hatfield and Red set off -together to find a few sticks. - -Suitable wood was not to be found close to the camp. Already the Cubs had -gathered this. Compelled to seek farther away, the Cub leader and Red -consumed more time than they had intended in gathering sticks. - -"Let's get back," Mr. Hatfield advised. "If we let those biscuits burn, -the boys will mob us." - -As the two returned to the campfire, they met the Cubs trotting in with -their filled canteens. - -"Hey!" yelled Dan. "Aren't those biscuits done yet?" - -"They should be," Mr. Hatfield answered. "Start your eggs frying, boys, -so everything will come off the fire at the same time. Brad will show you -what to do." - -"How about those biscuits?" Red said anxiously. "They've been in the oven -a long time." - -"Not too long," replied Mr. Hatfield. "We want 'em a nice deep brown. But -I'll take a quick look." - -Eager for a peek themselves, the Cubs gathered around. - -Mr. Hatfield opened the oven. A blast of heat struck the Cubs full in -their faces. - -"Why, what happened to 'em?" Dan demanded in astonishment. "Where are -those wonderful biscuits you were bragging about?" - -The oven was empty. Gone were the biscuits and likewise the metal sheet -upon which they had been baked! - - - - - CHAPTER 14 - Beside the Camp Fire - - -The Cubs stared at the empty oven, uncertain whether or not Mr. Hatfield -and Red had played a trick upon them. - -"Hey, where are they?" Midge demanded. "Who swiped the biscuits?" - -"That's what I want to know," said Mr. Hatfield. - -His grim tone left no doubt that the biscuits actually were missing. -Their disappearance was as mysterious to Mr. Hatfield and Red as to the -other boys. - -"Why, they were here a few minutes ago!" Red exclaimed indignantly. -"Someone's swiped 'em!" - -Mr. Hatfield glanced quickly about the camp. No one however, was within -sight. - -"Of all the dirty tricks!" Dan exploded. "Taking the food right out of -our mouths!" - -"How about the bacon and eggs?" Fred demanded. "Have they walked off -too?" - -A check disclosed that the other food remained untouched. - -"Go ahead and fry your bacon and eggs," Mr. Hatfield advised. "Brad and I -will take a quick look around." - -The pair circled the camp, even venturing a short distance into the -woods. Because the ground was firm and dry, they could find no telltale -footprints. Nor did they see anyone. - -Giving up the search, they returned a few minutes later to share bacon -and eggs with the Cubs. - -"This supper is ruined without the biscuits," Red complained. "I made 'em -super! Honestly, I did." - -"I'll bet they turned out so hard you were afraid to serve 'em," Babe -joked. "So to fool us, you buried 'em." - -"That's not so," Red denied hotly. "The biscuits were perfect when Mr. -Hatfield and I went to gather wood. Someone stole 'em!" - -"It may have been that tramp who hid out in the house," Brad said -thoughtfully. "For all we know, he may still be around somewhere." - -"Just wait until I meet him again!" Midge declared, scraping the last bit -of egg from his tinfoil cup plate. "I'll give him a piece of my mind!" - -"Maybe it wasn't the tramp," speculated Chips. He poked the coals with a -stick, and having stirred the flames, tossed a crumpled ball of foil to -the fire. - -"Who else could it have been?" demanded Fred. "We've seen no one on this -road. Only cars that whiz past at twenty-five miles an hour." - -Chips had fastened his gaze upon the unpainted dwelling owned by the -Widow Jones. The old house was some distance away, but visible through -the trees. - -"Remember that runaway boy?" he reminded the Cubs. "He was taken back to -Mrs. Jones' House, wasn't he?" - -"That's right," said Mr. Hatfield. Squatting beside the fire, he had -listened with interest to the speculation of the Cubs. - -"Well, I'll bet a cent he went off with our food!" Chips announced. -"Let's go to the house and find out!" - -"Yeah!" cried Midge. "We aren't going to let him get by with it, are we?" - -"Just a minute, boys," interposed Mr. Hatfield. "You're leaping to pretty -fast conclusions, in my opinion. It would be a mistake--one of the worst -kind--to go to Mrs. Jones and complain about the boy. We might be doing -him a rank injustice." - -"Don't forget the tramp," added Brad significantly. "A second ago, you -fellows were equally sure he was the culprit." - -"Well, it wouldn't do any harm to go to the house and inquire," Chips -insisted. "We could be sort of--" he groped for a word. - -"Discreet?" asked Mr. Hatfield, smiling. - -"That's what I mean!" - -"I had intended to stop at the Jones' house anyway," Mr. Hatfield -admitted, starting to stamp out the dying coals. "But my purpose is -entirely friendly. I'm curious to learn how Jack is getting along." - -"Let's all go," Chips urged. "We want to see if he's well fed--especially -on biscuits!" - -"Chips, I'm a bit uncertain--" - -"Oh, I'll watch myself," the boy assured him quickly. "You can do most of -the talking. We'll just listen and keep our eyes open." - -"I'm sure I can depend on you," the Cub leader nodded. "Well, let's clean -camp. It's getting on toward dark." - -The Cubs put out the fire, covering the smoking coals with loose dirt. -Their knapsacks loaded, they soon were ready to hit the trail. - -"Now remember, boys," Mr. Hatfield warned as the group approached the -Jones dwelling, "even if you are suspicious, don't make any accusations. -Jack already is in a bad spot." - -"If we complain that he stole our food, Mrs. Jones might send him -straight back to the Institute," added Brad. "We ought to be dead sure of -our ground before we open our lips." - -Smoke curled from the chimney of the widow's house, so the Cubs knew -someone was at home. The yard remained untidy, reminding them that they -still had a Saturday task before them. - -However, there was evidence that someone had been doing considerable -work. Kindling wood had been cut and cord wood neatly sawed and stacked -by the sagging porch. - -Mr. Hatfield rapped on the door. In a moment, Mrs. Jones appeared in her -kitchen apron, smiling as she saw the Cubs. - -The Cub leader politely told her he had come to inquire how Jack Phillips -was getting along. - -Immediately Mrs. Jones looked troubled. "That boy!" she exclaimed. "If I -haven't had a handful!" - -"I hope he hasn't been giving you a bad time," Mr. Hatfield returned. - -"Well, yes, and no. There's good stuff in the lad, but he's a problem." - -"Keeping him at home is one of them, I judge." - -Mrs. Jones drew a deep sigh. "Jack is off somewhere this very minute. -Early this morning I told him to cut the wood. He went through the job -like a house afire, and then before I knew it, he was gone." - -"Wandering the woods perhaps?" - -"Yes, that boy is like a wild things with his love of the outdoors. He -went off for three hours yesterday and I gave him a switching when he -came back. But it didn't prevent him from trying the same trick today." - -Mr. Hatfield smiled as the widow mentioned the switching. She was a frail -little woman, weighing a scant one hundred pounds. Jack, by contrast, was -built like a football player and heavy for his age. - -"I don't think the switching hurt him any," Mrs. Jones said. "The scamp -sort of laughed while I was doing it. I'm right provoked at him today -though. He took the rifle when he left." - -"Why, that's rather dangerous." - -"Oh, Jack's a good shot," Mrs. Jones informed him. "I wouldn't mind him -using the gun, if he'd ask me for it. It's those sneaking ways of his -that annoy me." - -"I know what you mean," nodded Mr. Hatfield, reflecting upon the missing -biscuits. "Well, be patient with the lad. He may develop. And if there's -anything I can do, call on me." - -"If you could round that boy up and send him home, I'd appreciate it," -the widow sighed. "There's no telling where he is, or when he'll come -dragging in--if at all." - -"You haven't had any serious trouble with him?" - -The widow hesitated. "I haven't wanted to report his behavior to the -Court officials, because if I do, I know they'll pack him off to the -industrial school. I'm trying to give him a chance." - -"But he has caused you worry? There's more to it than restlessness and -running away?" - -"Well, a few things have disappeared," Mrs. Jones admitted reluctantly. -"Nothing of much value, but it bothers me." - -"What are some of the things that have been taken?" - -"Jack always is sneaking into the ice box. He'll pack himself a lunch and -disappear for hours." - -"A typical boy's trick." - -"Oh, I'm not complaining about the food. Though it plagues me that he -doesn't come right out honest like and ask for it." - -"The boy takes other things?" - -"One of my black silk dresses disappeared. I'd dry cleaned it with -gasoline and hung it up in the shed to air out. To tell you the truth, I -forgot about it for several days. When I went to get it, well it was -gone." - -"What would Jack want with a black silk dress?" Mr. Hatfield questioned -dubiously. - -"You tell!" Mrs. Jones made a despairing gesture. "He chops wood and then -half of it disappears before I can pop it into the stove. I think he -carries it off to build fires in the woods and marsh." - -"It's curious that he would take a dress," said the Cub leader with a -puzzled shake of his head. "The other things more or less fit in with his -overpowering desire to lead an outdoor life. But a woman's dress!" - -"It was an old one without much value," Mrs. Jones admitted. "I liked it -though, on account of the pretty jet buttons." - -At mention of jet buttons, Dan shot Mr. Hatfield a quick glance. He saw -that the Cub leader likewise was startled by the possibility which -presented itself. - -"What kind of buttons, were they?" the boy asked. - -"Just tiny jet buttons, diamond in shape." - -"If we find the boy, we'll send him home," Mr. Hatfield said hastily. - -He was afraid that Dan or one of the other Cubs might say something which -would further disturb the widow. - -Herding the boys together, he led them away from the house. Once beyond -hearing of the widow, they all had plenty to say. - -"Jack swiped our biscuits all right!" Red said indignantly. "We're saps -to let him get by with it too!" - -"We ought to have him sent back to the Child Study Institute!" added -Midge. "Who does that kid think he is? We ought to clip his comb!" - -Mr. Hatfield had not given much thought to the stolen food. However, he -was gravely troubled by Mrs. Jones' reference to the jet buttons. - -"Do you suppose Jack was the one who came to your house that morning?" -Dan asked, falling into step with the Cub leader. - -"Naturally, it raises a question in one's mind, Dan. But for the life of -me, I can't understand how he would know about the tin box." - -"Furthermore, he didn't live here at the time the money disappeared from -your house, Mr. Hatfield." - -"That's so, Dan!" the Cub leader exclaimed, obviously relieved. "For a -minute I was afraid of the worst. It only goes to prove one shouldn't -jump to conclusions. Guess I've said that a dozen times." - -As the Cubs reached the main road, Chips called attention to a curl of -smoke rising lazily from the woods. - -"Someone must have a camp fire back in there," he remarked. - -"It's a rather dangerous place to start a fire," Mr. Hatfield said. -"Suppose we investigate." - -Turning aside from the road, the Cubs climbed a rail fence and made their -way through the thickets. Picking a trail carefully, Mr. Hatfield led -them single file. - -"Quiet, boys," he advised as Babe kept shuffling his feet through the dry -leaves. "No use advertising ourselves." - -Before the Cubs had gone far into the woods, they could smell the aroma -of food cooking. - -Mr. Hatfield signaled for the boys to slow their pace. Treading -noiselessly, they approached with caution. - -At the edge of a small clearing the Cub leader abruptly halted. - -Eager to see what it was that had drawn and held their leaders attention, -the boys closed in about him. - -"Can you beat that!" Dan whispered. - -Directly ahead was a wind-sheltered hollow, framed by bare trees. A camp -fire had been built close to the banks of a winding stream. On a crudely -constructed spit, a dressed rabbit slowly broiled over the coals. - -The one who turned the spit had his back to the Cubs. He was wrapped -deeply in a heavy coat many sizes too large for his lean frame. Beside -him lay a rifle. - -But even though the Cubs could not see the lad's face, they recognized -him instantly. The one who sat so contentedly by his fire, gazing off -into space, was Jack Phillips. - - - - - CHAPTER 15 - A Hint from Jack - - -Mr. Hatfield did not fail to note the rifle, which he knew had been taken -from Mrs. Jones' home. Undoubtedly it was loaded, he reasoned. If Jack -were disposed to make trouble, he easily could do so. - -Saying nothing to the Cubs of his misgivings, the Cub leader stepped -boldly into the clearing. - -Hearing the crackle of a stick, Jack whirled around. - -Instinctively, he reached for the rifle. Then, recognizing Mr. Hatfield, -he merely allowed his hand to rest on the butt. His attitude however, was -wary. - -"How are you, Jack?" the Cub leader greeted him. "A nice little camp you -have here. Did you shoot the rabbit yourself?" - -"Who else?" Jack retorted a trifle defiantly. - -"You did a good job of cleaning it too," the Cub leader praised him. "I -can see you're handy and know how to get along." - -Jack made no reply. Guardedly he eyed the Cubs, who gradually had circled -in around the camp fire. - -"No biscuits?" demanded Red, scanning every inch of the camp. - -"I never learned how to bake 'em," Jack admitted, relaxing a bit. "You -have to have an oven for that." - -"A reflector oven isn't hard to make," Mr. Hatfield said. "Any of the -Cubs could teach you." - -"They could?" Jack gazed at the boys with new respect. "I'd sure like to -learn." - -"You come with us on our next hike, and we'll show you," Mr. Hatfield -promised. - -"But I'm not a Cub." - -"That makes no difference. Glad to have you." Jack's face lighted up, and -then the old look of frustration returned. - -"Thanks," he said, "but I can't make it. The Widow wouldn't let me go. -She keeps me chop, chop, chopping wood night and day." - -"You seem to be enjoying yourself now," Brad remarked significantly. - -Jack stirred the coals and replied: "Oh, I ran off. She'll switch me when -I get back. It only tickles though." - -Mr. Hatfield squatted by the fire and said in a friendly way: "How are -things working out, Jack? You don't much like it at the Widow's place?" - -"Oh, she's okay, I guess," the boy admitted grudgingly. - -"She makes you work too hard?" - -"I have to chop a lot of wood. I hate that. The other work isn't so bad." - -"Mrs. Jones doesn't have much money or any man to help her about the -place. Jack, she really needs you." - -"I guess so," the boy admitted uncomfortably. "I've been trying to please -her. It's just--well, I can't stand being cooped up in the house all the -time. Every so often I have to get away or I'll pop wide open!" - -"I understand," the Cub leader said. "Had that feeling myself when I was -a boy. I never gave way to the urge too much, and I made a point never to -take anything that didn't belong to me." - -Jack rocked back on his heels, regarding the Cub leader with hostility. - -"What do you mean by that crack?" - -"Didn't you swipe our biscuits?" Red demanded before Mr. Hatfield could -speak. - -"I don't know what you're talking about!" - -"Someone took them from our camp," Red went on, ignoring Mr. Hatfield's -warning glance. "If you didn't swipe 'em--" - -"Well, I didn't and you better not accuse me! I've been right here for -the last forty minutes." - -"You're using Mrs. Jones' rifle!" Red accused, refusing to be checked. - -"Why not? She never touched it. A rifle was meant to be used not left to -rust." - -"Mrs. Jones thinks you've been taking things from her." - -"That's a black lie!" - -"Cord wood for instance." - -"What would I steal wood for, when I have to keep chopping more to -replace it?" Jack shouted furiously. "Use your head, or haven't you got -one?" - -At this point, Mr. Hatfield warned Red to drop the argument. - -"Sorry," the boy mumbled. - -Jack however, was not willing to allow the matter to pass. - -"What else did Mrs. Jones say I took?" he demanded. - -"I don't recall that she accused you," Mr. Hatfield answered. "She merely -was disturbed because of the wood and a few other trifles." - -"Someone else had been taking that wood. What else did she say was -missing?" - -"A black dress," Dan answered. "One with jet buttons." - -"Of course we don't think you'd have any use for a woman's dress," Dan -went on, watching the boy intently. - -Jack made no reply. After a long while, he said: - -"I didn't take that dress. If I were a mind to though, I could tell you -something about it!" - -"Suppose you do just that," Mr. Hatfield encouraged him. - -Jack smiled in a superior, insolent way. The wave of friendliness which -he briefly had displayed, now was entirely gone. Once more he seemed the -arrogant, defiant runaway. - -"Why should I tell you anything?" - -"Because it's the right thing to do, Jack. We have a particular reason -for being interested in what became of that black silk dress." - -"You've accused me of being a thief." - -"No, Jack. The Cubs were a bit abrupt perhaps. They believe in being -square and honest. Naturally it made them sore to think you might have -taken the biscuits." - -"I told you, I don't know nothin' about 'em!" - -"And we accept your word, Jack." - -"Then you said I took wood and the Widow's black dress." - -"No, Jack, we merely were telling you what she said. Unfortunately, when -one has a past record, it's apt to plague one unjustly." - -"Sure, I'm a bad kid! I know!" Jack said, his eyes flashing. "Okay! Send -me to an industrial school! But try to keep me there! I'll run away a -thousand times!" - -"You're talking wildly now, Jack. No one wants to send you away. Quite -the opposite. Mrs. Jones likes you. She's willing to overlook a lot to -keep you with her." - -"She's been pretty decent to me," Jack admitted, softening again. "I did -take food out of the ice box without asking her. Not very much though. -Just enough so I could get along out here in the woods." - -"She's worried about you now, Jack. She asked me to send you home, if I -saw you." - -"Oh, I'll go," Jack sighed. "I'd intended to anyhow as soon as this -rabbit finishes cooking. It's done now, I guess." - -The boy removed the rabbit from the spit, and salted it, using a shaker -which the Cubs were certain had come from Mrs. Jones' home. - -"Have some?" he invited the Cubs. - -They declined. - -"Well, I'm hungry," Jack announced. - -Dismembering the rabbit, he gnawed at the tough meat. Now and then as he -ate, he glanced at the Cubs. - -Having finished his meal, he put out the fire and cleaned away the -debris. The Cubs noted that he was efficient at it, leaving not a spark -which could set off a forest fire. - -"I'll go back to Mrs. Jones' place now and chop more wood," Jack said -finally, picking up the rifle. "I'll chop and chop until my hands bleed!" - -"I hardly think Mrs. Jones will require that," Mr. Hatfield said, -smiling. "By the way, Jack, who do you figure may be taking that wood?" - -The boy gave him a quick, knowing look. - -"I don't stay up nights watching!" - -"But you have a fairly good idea where it is going?" - -"Maybe. Maybe not." - -"Jack, if you wanted to cooperate, you could be very helpful." - -"I mind my own business. That's more than I can say about some folks." - -His resentment returning, Jack glared at the Cubs. - -"You guys think you're so smart and know so much about camping out and -the like!" he scoffed. "Why, you're babes in the woods! If you weren't so -dumb, you wouldn't have to ask so many stupid questions. You'd see for -yourselves what's going on around here." - -"Why, you conceited--" Red began, but Dan checked him with a hard kick in -the ankle. - -"Maybe we are sort of dumb," Brad said, falling in with Jack's mood. -"You're probably right, we don't know what's going on around here. That's -because we're not on the scene much of the time. You're roaming the woods -and the marsh every day. I suppose you've seen things we haven't." - -"You're darn right I have," Jack boasted. "I could tell you something -about that black dress, if I had a mind to! What's more, I could tell you -about the money box--" - -The boy broke off, suddenly aware that he was talking entirely too much. - -"What about the money box?" Mr. Hatfield asked quietly. - -Jack, however, started off through the woods. - -"Wait!" Dan called after him. - -Jack turned around, but his eyes were unfriendly and defiant. - -"You won't get anything out of me!" he taunted the Cubs. "I could tell -you a lot if I wanted to. But I won't! I'm not forgetting that it was the -Cubs who took me back to the Child Study Institute!" - - - - - CHAPTER 16 - Inside the Log - - -Jack Phillip's hint that he was in possession of vital information -relative to the missing money box amazed the Cubs. - -Even Mr. Hatfield was so taken by surprise that for the moment he made no -attempt to detain the boy. - -"Say, are we going to let him get away again?" Brad demanded. "He knows -what became of that money box!" - -"He took it himself, that's why!" muttered Chips. "Who does he think he -is, anyhow? Someone that doesn't have to obey the law?" - -"Jack does have a few things to explain," Mr. Hatfield said quietly. -"Now, take it easy, boys. He'll not elude us." - -"He's heading for the road now!" Red said excitedly. "If we don't stop -him quick, he'll slip away and we may never see him again!" - -"We'll head him off," the Cub leader replied, undisturbed. "Brad, you and -Dan and Midge start through the hollow which is shorter than the path -he's taken. The rest of us will come up from the rear." - -"Sure!" Brad said eagerly. "We'll get him!" - -"Just circle in and don't use any force. In fact, don't try to hold him -until I get there. He has a rifle, you know. It may or may not be loaded, -but we're taking no chances." - -"We'll be careful," Brad promised, already starting off with Midge and -Dan. - -At a fast lope, the three boys followed the low ground. For a -considerable distance they were unable to see the boy they pursued. - -However, as they came presently to a rise of ground, they glimpsed him -off to the right not far from the main road. - -"He's taking it easy," Brad said in relief. "I guess he doesn't suspect -we're following him." - -"Shall we show ourselves?" Dan demanded. - -"No need to yet, Dan. The minute we do, he'll either defy us or start to -run. We'll just keep him in sight until Mr. Hatfield catches up." - -"Sure, that's what he told us to do," Midge said nervously. "No telling -how the kid may react." - -Without glancing around, Jack made his way directly to the road. Once he -paused to stare at the crotch of a tree which had been split by -lightning. - -Another time, hearing the crackle of a stick, he looked quickly over his -shoulder. Brad, Dan and Midge froze in their positions and the boy did -not see them. - -"He's heading for the road all right," Brad observed. "We've got to beat -him to it." - -Dropping back into the hollow, the three Cubs hastened on. Presently, -they emerged at a point where they had calculated Jack would come out of -the woods. - -Nor were they mistaken. In a moment, before they fully had caught their -breath, they saw him coming. - -Jack was whistling a slightly off-key tune. Seeing the three boys in -front of him, he broke off and stopped dead in his tracks. - -The moment was a tense one for the three Cubs. They were relieved though -that Jack made no attempt to draw his rifle. - -"What's the idea?" he demanded, trying to shove past them. - -The Cubs stood their ground. - -"Mr. Hatfield wants to talk to you," Brad said pleasantly. "You raised a -few points." - -"You'll learn nothing more from me!" Jack retorted. "I told you that! Let -me past!" - -Brad, Dan and Midge refused to move. Jack glared at them, and then -whirled, evidently intending to run. - -However, he found retreat also blocked. - -During the brief conversation, Mr. Hatfield, his son, Fred, Chips, Red -and Babe quietly had come up from the rear. - -"What's the big idea?" Jack repeated furiously. "You got nothing on me!" - -At a signal from Mr. Hatfield, the Cubs closed about the boy in a tight -circle. - -"Hand over the rifle, Jack," the Cub leader ordered. "You handle it very -well for a boy of your age, but you shouldn't have taken it from Mrs. -Jones without her permission." - -"Aw, she never used it." - -"Nevertheless, it was her property. The rifle, Jack." - -The boy seemed on the verge of defying the Cub leader. Then, he thought -through the matter, and with a gesture of contempt, extended the weapon. - -"It ain't loaded," the boy muttered. "You got nothing to worry about." - -Mr. Hatfield checked the rifle for himself, finding that Jack had spoken -the truth. Evidently he had used his last shot on the rabbit. - -"What d'you aim to do? Turn me over to the cops again?" - -"That depends on what you tell us, Jack. From the start, we've tried to -give you the benefit of every doubt. Your remarks about the tin box, -however, were disturbing." - -"I didn't take the money!" - -"No one has accused you, Jack. It's clear though, that you know plenty -about the matter." - -"I read about it in the paper." - -"I think you know more than the facts you have read, Jack. Why don't you -come clean?" - -"You turned me in!" - -"We're law abiding citizens, Jack," Mr. Hatfield argued. "What else could -we do?" - -"I help only my friends." - -"We are your friends," the Cub leader insisted. "At least we want to be. -Sit down, Jack, and let's talk this over." - -Mr. Hatfield brushed off a hollow log which had fallen near the fence, -and made room for Jack. The other boys gathered around close enough so -the Institute lad could not hope to make a break for freedom. - -"Jack, can't you realize that we're trying to help, not make things hard -for you," Mr. Hatfield attempted to reason with him. "You must return to -Mrs. Jones' home." - -"I was going there anyhow," the boy muttered, his gaze on the ground. - -"You weren't running away again?" - -"'Course not," Jack said irritably. "I wouldn't go away and take her -rifle. I'm not a thief. She's been good to me in her way--better than -anyone else." - -"I'm glad to hear that!" Mr. Hatfield exclaimed. "I knew you had good -stuff if you'd just give it a chance to come out. Now about the money -box--" - -"I don't know anything about it." - -"But you hinted--" - -"I was just blowing," Jack said, avoiding Mr. Hatfield's direct gaze. -"All I know is what I read in the newspaper." - -The Cubs were disgusted. But Jack, they knew, did not abide by their -standards of honor and fair play. - -"Let me go now," Jack muttered, getting up from the log. "You got no -right to keep me." - -"Do we have your word that you'll return to Mrs. Jones' house?" the Cub -leader asked. - -"I told you I would, didn't I?" - -"I'll accept your word, Jack. And here's the rifle. When you return it to -Mrs. Jones, why not ask her if you may borrow it now and then? She'd -likely give her consent and you wouldn't feel low and sneaking about it. -Furthermore, in season you probably could help out by bringing in game -for the table." - -"Maybe she would let me take it," Jack said. "Sure, I'll ask her next -time. I promise." - -Mr. Hatfield smiled and reached out to shake the boy's hand. - -"Good luck, Jack," he said. "You'll do all right. I'm confident of it. -I--" - -An odd expression came over the Cub leader's face. Without finishing what -he had started to say, he stooped down to examine one end of the hollow -log. - -The Cubs then saw what had attracted their leader's attention. A bit of -water-soaked cloth protruded from the end of the log. - -"What's this?" Mr. Hatfield murmured. - -As the boys watched in amazement, he removed a wadded-up garment. The Cub -leader shook it out, revealing a woman's black dress trimmed in -diamond-shaped jet buttons. - -"Why, that must be the costume stolen from Mrs. Jones' place!" exclaimed -Brad as Mr. Hatfield spread the garment over the log. - -"Sure, the same one maybe that was worn by the thief who made off with -the money box!" added Dan, becoming highly excited. - -Mr. Hatfield carefully examined the diamond-shaped buttons. - -"Aren't they the same as the one police found in your desk?" Dan -demanded. - -"They certainly look the same," the Cub leader admitted. "I wonder how -this dress came to be in the log?" - -"Someone must have stuffed it in here just to be rid of it," Brad -ventured. - -His gaze fastened upon Jack Phillips. The boy leaned on his rifle, -staring at the dress with a fixed, almost frozen expression. - -Observing the odd look of his eyes, the Cubs could not fail to wonder -what he knew of the matter. - -"Jack," said Mr. Hatfield, without mincing words, "have you ever seen -this dress before?" - -"Have I seen it?" the boy echoed indignantly. - -"That's what I asked, Jack." - -"No, I never saw the dress before!" the boy answered sullenly. "What's -more I didn't put it in this old log! I had nothing to do with stealing -your money box!" - -"Finding this dress here gave me a bad moment," Mr. Hatfield said. -"Frankly, it's something of a shock." - -"Well, blame me! I always get accused of everything whether I did it or -not!" - -"No one has accused you of anything, Jack. We only want to get at the -truth of the matter. I have a deep-seated feeling that you might help us, -if only you would." - -Jack remained silent. - -Mr. Hatfield examined the dress and then wrapped it into a tight roll. - -"Jack, we'll walk along with you to Mrs. Jones' place," he said. "I think -this is the dress that disappeared from her shed. I want to find out for -certain." - -"I didn't take it," Jack denied. "What would I want with a woman's dress? -If you go back and tell the widow, she'll think I stole it! She'll send -me back to the Institute!" - -"Not if you tell a straight story, Jack," Mr. Hatfield reassured him. -"Come along, boys. We're wasting valuable time." - -Jack did not openly defy Mr. Hatfield or the Cubs, but he made it evident -by glances he directed at them that he resented their interference. - -As the group approached the old farmhouse, Mrs. Jones saw the boys from -afar. She was waiting at the door when they came up. - -"Well, I see you caught the rascal!" she commented grimly. - -"We found him," Mr. Hatfield corrected. "Jack wasn't running away though. -He said he intended to come back." - -"Jack, why do you do it?" the widow asked, taking the rifle from him. -"Haven't I been good to you?" - -"Yes'm," the boy responded, his eyes on the ground. - -"I'll fix you some victuals. You must be hungry." - -"I've had enough to eat. I'm sorry about taking so much from the -refrigerator." - -The tight lines around Mrs. Jones' mouth relaxed. "There! I reckon boys -are all alike," she remarked. "I had three of my own once. I never could -break 'em of taking cookies from the jar." - -The widow cordially invited the Cubs into the kitchen. Mr. Hatfield -declined the invitation for them. - -"Mrs. Jones, here is something we wish to show you," he said, exposing -the rolled-up black gown to her gaze. "Did you ever see this dress -before?" - -"Land sakes! It's the dress that disappeared from the shed!" - -"You're certain it's the same one?" - -"Of course I'm certain. Didn't I wear that dress for six years? Where did -you find it?" - -"In a hollow log not far from here." - -"Well, of all places! How did it get there?" - -"That's what I'd like to know myself. Dan tells me that someone in a -black dress was seen leaving my place on the day the money box -disappeared." - -"A jet button exactly like those on the dress was found by police in Mr. -Hatfield's study," Brad contributed. - -"My stars! Then you think the money was taken by someone who wore my -dress?" - -"Naturally, one wonders," Mr. Hatfield replied. - -Mrs. Jones gazed searchingly at Jack. - -"I didn't do it!" he said, almost fiercely. "Quit lookin' at me like -that! I always get the blame for everything." - -"I'm sure Jack didn't take the dress," Mr. Hatfield declared. "As I -recall, Mrs. Jones, I believe you said it disappeared some time ago." - -"That's so! Before Jack came here! Land sakes, I guess we get so in the -habit of blaming a boy, that we don't give him the benefit of any doubt." - -In a gesture of kindness, she reached out and drew the boy to her. He -resisted, but as her arm remained firm, finally allowed it to remain -thrown around his shoulders. - -"I'm fairly convinced Jack didn't take the dress," Mr. Hatfield resumed. -"Unfortunately, I'm afraid I can't say I think he isn't hiding vital -information. I believe Jack knows more about the affair than he is -willing to tell." - -Mrs. Jones' arm fell from the boy's shoulder. Sternly, she regarded him. - -"Jack, is that the truth?" - -"Maybe!" The boy regarded her defiantly. - -"Then you just tell Mr. Hatfield everything you know!" - -"Wild horses can't drag it from me! I'm no snitcher. I don't help anyone -who made it hard for me!" - -"You little ninny!" Mrs. Jones exclaimed, losing patience. "I declare, I -wonder if you have an ounce of sense. Now march into the house." - -"Yes'm," Jack muttered. - -"Everyone come in," Mrs. Jones invited. "We'll thrash this out right here -and now. If there's one thing I can't stand it's nonsense!" - -The Cubs trooped into the warm kitchen, fairly overflowing the tiny room. -Mr. Hatfield, Babe, Chips and Fred found chairs. Dan perched himself on -the corner of the wood box by the stove. The others stood. - -"Jack, I'd try to switch a little sense into you, but I know now it -doesn't do a mite of good," Mrs. Jones sighed. "Now what's wrong with you -anyhow?" - -"Nothin'." - -"Then why don't you speak up and tell Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs what they -want to know?" - -"They turned me in!" - -"I reckon it was mighty inconsiderate of 'em to give you another chance," -the widow said, her brittle voice edged with sarcasm. "You've had a hard -lot here. I've kept you chopping wood every day and helping with the -housework. At night you've had to do your lessons." - -"The work wasn't so hard," Jack muttered. - -"You've been chained to the house--never could go away--" - -"Aw, quit rubbin' it in," Jack pleaded. "I've liked it here. I'm willing -to stay." - -The widow regarded him steadily. - -"You may be willing," she said, "but I don't want you any more." - -Jack drew in his breath and for a moment could not reply. - -"You--you're sending me back?" he finally stammered. - -"Just as fast as I can send for Mr. Wentworth. I did the best I could for -you, Jack. I needed a boy I could depend on that would help me with the -work, and act like my own son. Well, you let me down. So I'll go on -living here alone." - -The words cut deep into Jack. "I'll do better," he promised. "Please -don't send me back to the Institute. I'll cut all the wood you want me -to--honest I will. I won't take things out of the ice box again or run -off so often. Only just once in a long while, when I get to feeling tight -and mean inside. And I'll tell you ahead that I'm going--I promise!" - -"You're promising a heap, Jack," the widow returned dryly. "Only trouble -is, you've made a lot of 'em before you never kept." - -"I never made any to you." - -"Well, that's a fact. You have kept your word such as you've given." - -"Then let me have another chance. Just one more!" - -"Not unless you tell the truth about that black dress of mine." - -"I never took it!" Jack said desperately. "Believe me, I never did!" - -"But you know how it came to be in the hollow log?" - -"Not for sure," Jack hedged. - -"You could make a pretty shrewd guess." - -"Maybe." - -"Then suppose you come clean and tell the Cubs everything you know." - -"Help 'em after they turned me in?" - -"Did they really do you such a bad turn seeing to it that you were sent -out here to my place?" - -"No'm," Jack murmured. "I'm all mixed up. I don't know what to do--" - -"I want you to stay with me always, Jack. You're a fine boy." - -"You mean that? You ain't just handing me a line so's I'll do what you -want?" - -"I really mean it, Jack. You should know by this time that when I give my -word I keep it." - -Jack debated with himself only a moment longer. Then he arrived at his -decision. - -"I want to stay here," he said earnestly. "I'll do whatever you tell me -to--and I ain't crossin' my fingers when I say it, either! You can switch -me whenever you want to and I won't try to take the switch away from -you." - -"Now that's right considerate of you, Jack," Mrs. Jones smiled. "We'll -get along fine from now on. And we won't need that switch again." - -"I'll fill the woodbox," Jack offered eagerly. "You're most out of -kindling." - -Mrs. Jones hauled him up short. "That job can wait, Jack. You got -something else more important to do." - -"Tell us everything you know about the tin box," Mr. Hatfield urged. -"You'll be doing the Cubs a real service, Jack. You see, not only myself -but the entire organization has been under a cloud since the money -disappeared." - -"I ain't sure what became of it, but I may know," Jack admitted. - -"Then suppose you tell us," the Cub leader urged. - -"I'll show you instead," Jack offered. "Follow me to the woods, and you -may see something kinda interesting!" - - - - - CHAPTER 17 - Through the Window - - -Skirting the marsh, Jack led the Cubs deep into the shadowy woods. -Apparently he had gone that way often, for he seldom hesitated in -choosing the trail. - -"Where do you think he's taking us?" Dan speculated, bringing up the rear -with Brad. - -"It has me guessing, Dan. He seems to know where's he's going though. I -have a hunch he may show us something that will have an important -bearing." - -After a brisk five-minute hike through the woods, Jack abruptly halted. - -"If you want to see anything, you got to be quiet from here on," he -warned. - -All conversation ceased. Still led by Jack, the Cubs moved on at a slower -pace. Carefully they trod, taking care not to step on sticks or dry -leaves. - -Presently Jack again halted. This time he did not speak. - -However, the Cubs, gathering close about, saw that they had neared their -destination. - -Directly ahead, in a tiny clearing close to the stream, stood a crude -shack. Side walls were badly built from odd-shaped lumber which the Cubs -guessed had been taken from near-by construction jobs. - -The flat roof was made of tar paper. Some of it had torn loose and -flapped in the light breeze. - -"You didn't build the shack?" Mr. Hatfield whispered to Jack. He had -noted a tiny curl of smoke rising lazily from a tin pipe cut through the -roof. - -Jack shook his head. Motioning for the Cubs to follow, he moved in a -little closer. - -"Who lives there?" Brad whispered, impatient for information. - -"Wait," Jack said. "We'll get in close, and maybe you can see for -yourselves." - -"If we all move in, we'll likely be seen," Mr. Hatfield insisted. - -It was decided that Jack, Mr. Hatfield, Brad and Dan should go on ahead, -leaving the others in the shelter of the trees. - -Moving softly over the uneven ground, the trio crept close to the shack. -Keeping close to the wall, they reached a broken pane of glass which -served as the only window. - -Jack pressed his face against it and nodded in satisfaction. - -"He's in there! Have a look!" - -Jack moved back to allow Dan to take his place. - -The boy peered into the dark interior of the shack. At first he caught -only an impression of an empty room with an old box which served as a -table. - -Then gradually he made out a balsam-bough bed on the floor, covered with -an army blanket. Sprawled on the bed, fully clothed was a man with a -stubbly beard. - -"It's that same fellow who looked in the church window!" Dan murmured, -startled to recognize him. - -"Careful, Dan!" Mr. Hatfield warned, for in his excitement, the boy very -nearly had spoken aloud. "Let me have a look." - -Dan moved aside so that both the Cub leader and Brad might peer at the -stranger. - -"It's the same man all right," Brad confirmed Dan's identification. "He's -dead to the world!" - -Mr. Hatfield had turned to Jack. "This is all very interesting," he -whispered. "But you promised to show us something that might explain -about the missing money box." - -"I can't show you while he's in there. But he's got it." - -"Not the money?" - -"Sure." Jack thoroughly enjoyed his knowledge. - -"How do you know this, Jack? Did you see the box?" - -"Right from this very window. I was wandering through the woods late one -afternoon when I came onto this shack. I was curious, so I sneaked up and -looked in." - -"And this same tramp was living in there?" Dan asked. "When was that?" - -"Oh, I didn't find the shack until a couple of days ago. I don't know how -long it's been here." - -"Tell us about the money box," Mr. Hatfield urged. - -"Well, as I looked through the window, I saw that tramp take it out from -under his bed. While I watched, he counted the money. I saw a lot of -bills in neat stacks." - -"Jeepers!" Dan whispered. "It must be the money we found in the church!" - -"That hunk of baloney saw us through the window, and probably found out -that the box was taken to Mr. Hatfield's house," Brad reasoned. "But how -did he get it from there?" - -"Remember Mrs. Jones' black dress!" Dan reminded him. - -"Sure, I get it. He must have stolen it from her place and wore the -garment when he slipped into the house." - -"That's why the milkman reported seeing a woman leave the place," Dan -nodded, peering again through the window. "The dope still is sleeping -hard." - -"After stealing the money, it's odd he didn't try to get away from here," -Mr. Hatfield thought aloud. "Well, let's get back and report to the Cubs. -It's risky standing here in the open." - -After taking one more peek through the dirty pane of glass, the boys -followed the Cub leader to the shelter of trees. There they were -bombarded with a multitude of questions. - -"Let's march into that shack in a body and make that tramp give up the -money!" Chips proposed boldly. "Then we'll have him arrested!" - -"Aren't you putting the cart before the horse?" Mr. Hatfield suggested. -"It's far wiser to have him arrested first and let the police demand the -money." - -"That's so," agreed Brad. "We aren't arresting officers." - -"That tramp may sleep another hour or perhaps only five minutes," Mr. -Hatfield said uneasily. "Tell you what! I'll take Red and head for the -nearest telephone. The rest of you stay here in the woods. Watch the -shack but keep out of sight. I'll be back as soon as I can call police or -a state trooper." - -"We won't let him get away," Dan promised. - -"Brad's in charge," Mr. Hatfield said as he and Red started off through -the woods. "Obey his orders." - -After the Cub leader had gone, Brad told the boys to spread out a little -and to flatten themselves on the ground. - -"Hey, I want to take a peek into that window!" Chips announced. - -"Nothing doing!" - -"You and Dan got a chance to look. I guess if you did, the rest of us can -too!" - -"Sure, let's take turns," proposed Midge. - -Brad gave him a withering look. "Am I going to have trouble with you -guys?" he demanded. - -"Mr. Hatfield didn't say we couldn't," Chips argued. - -"Use your head. You know if we all start going back and forth to that -window, sooner or later we'll be seen. We have an important job to do." - -"That's right," Dan supported the older boy. "And Brad's in charge. What -he says goes." - -"That's all right for you," Chips argued. "You already had your look." - -Surprisingly, Jack Phillips now entered the discussion. - -"Pipe down, you!" he flung at the astonished Chips. "You're yapping like -a baby. We do as Mr. Hatfield said--see!" - -Chips and Midge both subsided. - -Time passed very slowly. Brad began to think it was taking Mr. Hatfield -and Red a long while to telephone police. The Cubs, he could see, were -growing cold and restless. Babe in particular, who had not dressed warmly -enough, huddled against the older boy. - -"How much longer will it be?" he asked. - -"I sure wish I knew," Brad replied. "Listen, Babe. You're shivering. Why -don't you hike to Mrs. Jones' place and warm yourself?" - -Babe shook his head. "Nothing doing," he said stoutly. "I'm as tough as -the other fellows any day." - -Another five minutes elapsed. Brad was shifting into a more comfortable -position, when Dan gripped his arm. - -"Look, Brad!" he whispered. - -The door of the shack had opened. For a moment the tramp stood there in -his wrinkled clothes, gazing directly toward the woods. - -"Lie still, fellows!" Brad ordered. "I don't think he sees us." - -"What's he going to do next?" Dan speculated uneasily. - -The tramp stretched himself, and wandering down to the stream, washed his -face. After taking a drink, he re-entered the shack. - -"I sure hope he stays there," Chips whispered. - -The wish was a futile one. A minute or two later, the tramp reappeared, -carrying a few cooking utensils. - -Turning his back to the Cubs, he followed the curve of the creek and -vanished from sight. - -"Is he leaving for good?" whispered Dan. - -"I don't think so," Jack Phillips answered. "I've seen him cook his food -in a rock shelter about a hundred yards down-stream. He doesn't dare have -a fire inside the shack, or he'd likely burn it down." - -"All the same it's our job to keep him in sight until the police get -here," Brad said. "Jack, suppose you and Fred follow and find out where -he goes. Report back as soon as you can." - -"Sure!" agreed Jack, liking the assignment. "We won't let him get away." - -"If he should lead you a chase, mark the trail," the Den Chief advised. -"Fred knows how to do it so the Cubs can follow." - -Fred and Jack hastened off in pursuit of the tramp. However, it seemed -they scarcely had disappeared until they returned again, breathless from -hurrying. - -"Anything wrong?" Brad demanded. - -"Not a thing," Jack reassured him. "It's just as I thought. The tramp is -cooking his meal. He'll be at it a half hour at least." - -"All the same, we ought to keep him in sight," Brad decided. "You two -hustle back and watch. If he starts this way, give some sort of signal." - -"What'll it be?" Fred asked. "I know! I'll whistle like a whippoorwill." - -"Are there any of 'em in the woods at this time of year?" - -"Oh, the tramp won't notice," Fred said. "I could give my siren whistle." - -"No, the whippoorwill signal will be better," Brad decided quickly. "That -siren of yours would send him hot-footing in the opposite direction. But -don't use any signal unless it's absolutely necessary." - -No sooner had the two gone off, than Chips again urged that the Cubs -investigate the shack. - -"Jack said the tramp will be tied up for a half hour," he argued. "This -is our chance! We can get in there and find the money!" - -"Sure, Mr. Hatfield would want us to do it!" Midge backed him up. - -"Well, I don't know--it's sort of risky." - -"Oh, you're too conservative," Chips said hotly. "I'm not afraid!" - -"No one is afraid," Brad retorted. "It's just a matter of common sense. -If the tramp should catch us here before the police arrive--" - -"Heck! We're seven to his one! What do we need? An army?" - -The taunt annoyed Brad. "I'm just trying to do what Mr. Hatfield would -want us to," he retorted. "You're so hot-headed." - -"Then go in there yourself and search the shack!" Chips challenged. "Or -are you afraid?" - -"No, I'm not, and you know it! I just have sense enough to figure that -the tramp could come back here any minute." - -"Fred and Jack are watching, aren't they? If the fellow leaves the creek, -they'll whistle. Go on! The important thing is to get that box of money!" - -Brad gazed thoughtfully toward the creek. From a short distance away, he -could see a few wisps of smoke arising. - -"All right, we'll take a chance!" he decided reluctantly. - -Chips started for the shack, only to have Brad haul him back. - -"Not you!" he said. "Dan and I will search the shack. You and Midge and -Babe stay here and keep watch. If you hear a whistle, or see anyone -coming, give us a warning." - -"Some guys have all the fun!" Chips complained. - -"Fun!" Brad snorted. "We're taking the risk. Don't forget, that tramp may -be armed, either with a revolver or a knife. If he should catch us in the -shack, he might give us a tough time of it." - -"If you're scared, let me go." - -"Oh, you make me tired!" Brad snapped in disgust. "Stay here and watch. -Come on, Dan." - -The two darted across the clearing and opened the door of the shack. - -A few garments hung from pegs on the wall. An orange crate had been -fashioned into a table. Otherwise, except for the balsam bed on the -floor, the room was bare. - -Losing no time, Dan and Brad began to tear the bed apart. - -"It's not here," Dan said in disappointment. "Wait"--his hand struck a -metal object buried deep amid the carefully laid brush. - -Triumphantly, he brought out the tin box. - -"Good work, Dan!" Brad praised. "Is the money still there?" - -Dan raised the lid. The box appeared filled with bills and coins. - -"Not much can be missing at any rate," he said in satisfaction. "Finding -this box will clear Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs!" - -"Now our only problem will be finding out who's entitled to the money--" - -Both boys froze into alert attention. Faintly they had heard a whistle -from down-creek. - -"Gosh!" Brad exclaimed. "We're getting out of here!" - -At that same moment, someone tapped on the glass pane at the rear of the -shack. - -Whirling around, Brad and Dan saw Chips' contorted face pressed against -the window. He motioned frantically. - -Seizing the tin box, Brad and Dan started for the door. - -Before they could reach it, heavy footsteps were heard outside. - -Then the door creaked back, and the tramp stood there blocking the exit! - - - - - CHAPTER 18 - Pursuit - - -"Well!" said the tramp unpleasantly. "Visitors, I see!" - -Dan gripped the tin box, standing close beside Brad. - -The shack had but one exit, the door which was blocked by the tramp. Dan -and Brad knew they were in a spot. Their best bet was to stall for time, -hoping that the other Cubs would circle in from the rear and come to -their aid. - -"Hand over that box!" the tramp ordered. - -"No!" Dan defied him. - -"You'll give it up or I'll break every bone in your body!" - -"You stole the money from the church--or rather from Mr. Hatfield's -place!" Dan accused. "It's not your box!" - -"Hand it over!" the tramp ordered again, moving a step closer. He reached -his hand into his pocket as if for a weapon. - -"Better do it, Dan," Brad advised quietly. - -Even then the boy was reluctant to relinquish the box. - -Appraising his chances, he gazed beyond the tramp. Through the open door -he could see Chips and Midge moving in closer. - -A daring plan flashed into his mind. But should he risk trying it? The -chances were about even that he would fail. - -Chips was a star baseball player and his reactions were fast. But would -they be speedy enough? - -"Listen, you!" the tramp ordered again. "Give me that box!" - -Dan no longer dared stall. Chips and Midge were quite close to the door -now, though not near enough to attack the tramp from the rear. Behind the -two, almost in line were Fred and Jack who had hastened up from the -direction of the creek. - -For Dan's purpose, the line-up was very nearly perfect. The moment had -come. He had to take the chance and hope that the other Cubs didn't muff -it. - -"Sure, I'll give you the box," he said. "CATCH!" - -Even before Dan shouted the word, he had tossed the box in a high arch -over the tramp's head. - -Belatedly the man made a leap for it, but he clutched only air. - -Behind him, the box was falling almost directly into Chips' hands. - -"Get it!" shouted Dan. - -Chips already was closing his hands upon the box. He fumbled, recovered -and held fast. - -"Pass it!" shouted Dan. "PASS!" - -The command momentarily confused Chips. But as the angry tramp started -toward him, he suddenly realized what Dan meant. - -Pivoting, he shoved the box into Midge's hands. - -By now, all the Cubs had caught onto the trick. - -Midge ran a few steps and tossed the box to Fred. - -"Come back here, you!" shouted the tramp furiously. - -Forgetting Dan and Brad, he started in pursuit of Fred and the box. - -The two boys ran out of the shack. - -"Make for Mrs. Jones' place!" Dan shouted. - -Fred was a fast runner and already had a long start on the tramp. - -But to the alarm of the Cubs, the man did not give up the chase. -Determined to recover the box, he kept after him. - -Brad rounded up Jack and the other Cubs, heading for the road, by a -shorter route. Anxiously, they looked about for Mr. Hatfield and police -officers, but the highway was entirely deserted. - -"Something's delayed them," Brad said anxiously, scribbling a note which -he speared on a barb of the wire fence. "I hope he finds this. I've told -him to look for us at Mrs. Jones'." - -The Cubs had reached the road a minute or two ahead of Fred. Soon they -saw him rolling under a fence thirty yards farther down the highway. - -"Good boy!" Dan exclaimed. "He still has the box!" - -The Cubs raced to join Fred. Brad relieved him of the money container. - -"We can't stop to pick any daisies!" Fred panted. "That ape is right on -my heels!" - -"Let's have it out with him!" Chips exclaimed. "We're seven to one--lots -o' fun!" - -"We're heading for Mrs. Jones' place!" Brad ordered firmly. "I think the -fellow has a knife. We're taking no chances on being carved." - -The Cubs loped off, leaving the tramp farther and farther behind. - -"Guess he's given up the chase now," Midge said, as they drew near the -Jones' home. "No, by George! He's still following!" - -"Say, what if Mrs. Jones isn't at home?" Babe quavered. "What'll we do -then?" - -"Don't dig up trouble," Dan advised him. "Wait until it nudges you in the -shoulder." - -He pounded on the door with his fist. The Cubs waited uneasily. The tramp -had turned into the lane and was running faster now. - -"Wait, boys!" he shouted. "I got something to tell you!" - -"He probably wants to give us a stick of candy!" Dan muttered. "Oh, why -doesn't Mrs. Jones open the door--" - -Just then, the widow did answer the knock. - -"Let us in and we'll explain later," Dan said breathlessly. "That tramp -is after us!" - -Without asking questions, Mrs. Jones hustled the Cubs into the house. - -"Better lock the door," Brad advised, setting the money box on the -kitchen table. "That bird may try to break in." - -"Let him!" said Mrs. Jones. Nevertheless, she locked the kitchen door as -the boy had advised. - -The Cubs barely had time to explain where they had obtained the money, -than the man was pounding to be let in. - -"Don't do it," Brad advised the widow. "He's a tough customer. Better let -the police handle him." - -Chips and Midge had gone to the window to look out. - -"Come back, boys," Mrs. Jones ordered. "If that tramp is a criminal, he -might take a shot through the glass." - -Alarmed, the two boys moved back out of range. - -Outside, a door slammed as if in the wind. Mrs. Jones, hearing the sound, -stiffened. - -Then, unmindful of her own warning to the Cubs, she ran to the window. - -"Why, that sneak!" she exclaimed. "He's opened the double doors leading -down into the basement!" - -"Then he'll be up here in another minute!" Babe quavered. "He'll get us!" - -"Oh, no, he won't," said Mrs. Jones confidently. - -Moving across the kitchen, she locked the inside door which led into the -basement. As a double precaution, she then placed the heavy oak table in -front of the door. - -"That should hold him," she announced. "I have another little idea too!" - -The Cubs could not guess what the widow was up to as she darted out of -the house, not even bothering to put on a wrap. - -In a moment though, they understood. Mrs. Jones slammed shut the double -doors entering into the cellar, and bolted them. - -As Dan and Brad ran out to help, she told them to bring several pieces of -heavy machinery from the shed. These the boys trundled out and placed on -top of the double doors. - -"That should hold him!" Mrs. Jones declared, well satisfied with her -work. - -From inside the house, they could hear the tramp pounding on the door. - -"He may break it down!" Dan said uneasily. - -"He could," the widow admitted. "Dan, run down the road and see if you -can find out what's keeping Mr. Hatfield and the state troopers. -Meanwhile, the rest of us will hold the fort. Or to be strictly -accurate--the kitchen!" - - - - - CHAPTER 19 - "I Promise" - - -Knowing that Mrs. Jones and the Cubs might not be able to hold the tramp -a prisoner very long in the barricaded basement, Dan ran as fast as he -could down the road. - -He had no idea which way Mr. Hatfield had gone. However, it seemed to him -that the house most likely to have a telephone, was a large white one a -quarter of a mile farther on toward town. - -Dan was midway there when he saw a state trooper's car approaching. His -heart leaped. Help, he thought, was at hand. - -Even before the boy signaled, the car came to a grinding halt a short -distance away. Two state troopers were in the front seat, with Mr. -Hatfield sitting between them. - -"Get in, Dan," the Cub leader said, as the door swung open. "What -happened at the shack?" - -Dan tersely told him. - -"On to Mrs. Jones' place," one of the state troopers declared, shifting -gears. "We'll get the fellow!" - -As the car swung into the farmyard a few minutes later, Mrs. Jones met -the group at the door. - -"I'm glad you got here!" she said in relief. "That tramp has been making -a frightful fuss in the cellar. We were afraid he would break down the -door." - -The troopers decided to accost the man from the outside exit, rather than -subjecting the Cubs to possible gunfire. - -With weapons drawn, the two officers flung wide the double cellar doors. - -"Come out or we'll shoot!" the order was given. - -The Cubs thought the tramp might defy the officers. However, in a moment -he came out of his dark hole, hands raised. - -Officer Peterson snapped a pair of handcuffs over the man's wrists and -marched him into the house. - -"Your name?" he demanded. - -"Carl Blakemore." The tramp blinked owlishly, his gaze roving from one -face to another. - -"You've been living in a shack near here?" - -"I've been sleeping there nights," the man muttered. - -"You're under arrest for stealing money from the home of Sam Hatfield. -Anything to say?" - -"Not a thing," the tramp muttered. Then he suddenly changed his mind. -"Yes, I have too!" he announced. "I know you'll take me to jail, so I may -as well tell you the whole story. Not that you'll believe me!" - -"Go ahead," the trooper encouraged. - -"All right, I stole the money," the tramp frankly admitted. "The first -place I took it from was the Merrimac house." - -"Then he was telling the truth when he said he'd lost a strongbox!" Dan -exclaimed. "The other claimants were false." - -"It was Merrimac's money," the tramp confirmed. "What's more, except for -twenty-five dollars I used to live on, every cent of it is still here in -the box." - -"How did the box get in the coal bin of the church?" Mr. Hatfield -questioned. - -"I'm coming to that. But first I'd like to tell why I came to Webster -City in the first place." - -"Tell the story in your own way," Trooper Peterson instructed him. "You -can put your hands down now." - -"Thanks." - -"It's only fair to warn you that anything you say may be used against you -in court." - -"I got nothing to hide," the tramp said with a shrug. "I've had a tough -life, knockin' around the world. Sometimes I've had enough to -eat--sometimes I haven't. For awhile I worked on a lake freighter. Then I -got a bad infection in my leg. When I came out of the hospital, I was -broke and discouraged. - -"I began to turn things over in my mind, wishing I could settle down and -start a new life. Then I remembered I had an uncle here in Webster City -that was well fixed. I'd never paid any attention to the old duffer, or -he to me. I couldn't even remember his name. But I thought I'd drift out -this way and look him up. Figured he might stake me to a new start." - -"Who was your uncle?" Mr. Hatfield asked curiously. - -"You'll hear in a minute. Well, as I was saying, I came out here and -tried to look him up. I didn't have any luck. Finally I was down to my -last dime. - -"I was desperate. I tried to get help from charity, but was told they -couldn't help me because I was a non-county resident." - -"Never mind all these details," State Trooper Peterson cut in -impatiently. "You robbed the Merrimac home?" - -"Yes, I heard talk in a pool room that the old man had a strongbox. I -noticed by watching the house that he was careless about locking his -doors. So I watched my chance and slipped in. I found the box without any -trouble. But as I was leaving, I saw a photograph that gave me a terrific -shock." - -"Mr. Merrimac's picture?" questioned the trooper. - -"No, it was a picture of my mother. In a flash, I knew that I was robbing -my own uncle, because he was the only person in Webster City who would -have such a photograph." - -"But you went through with the deed all the same?" Officer Peterson -reminded him. - -"I didn't have time to think things to a conclusion," the tramp said -lamely. "As I was looking at the photograph, a woman came into the house -to do some work. Seeing her, I got panicky and fled." - -"With the money." - -"Yes, I kept it. But right away, my conscience began to bother me. I'd -never stolen anything before. The last thing I wanted to do was take -money from my own relative. - -"I made up my mind I'd return it and then try to get Merrimac to help -me." - -"What changed your mind?" - -"Everything worked against me. First I made the mistake of hiding the -money box in the empty church. It was my bad luck that the Cub Scouts had -a meeting there before I had a chance to get it back again." - -"You were the man we met on the street that night in the rain!" Dan -identified him. - -"Sure, I asked you what was going on. That was the first I knew the -church had been reopened." - -"Then later you peeked through the church window!" - -"I saw a light in the basement first," the tramp explained. "That gave me -a real scare. But I had a worse jolt when I saw you kids had found the -money and were counting it." - -"You followed us in a car after we left the church?" Mr. Hatfield -inquired. - -"Where would I get a car?" - -"Then how did you learn where the money box was taken?" - -"I knew you'd either take it home or to the police station." - -"So you broke into my home later and took the box?" - -"I had to get it back." - -"You dressed as a woman so you wouldn't be recognized?" Mr. Hatfield -resumed the questioning. "You wore a black silk dress with diamond-shaped -jet buttons?" - -"That's right!" - -"You mean you wore my dress!" Mrs. Jones exclaimed indignantly. "Why, -then you stole it from the shed! You've been taking wood too!" - -"Only a little." - -"All this time I wrongfully was blaming Jack," Mrs. Jones said. "And the -boy never once spoke up to set me right!" - -"After using the dress, I suppose you hid it in the hollow log in the -woods," Mr. Hatfield commented. - -"That's right," the tramp agreed. "For a while I slept in an unoccupied -house near here. After the contractor drove me away, I had to throw up -that shack in the woods. It was pretty cold at night." - -"What about the money?" Trooper Peterson reminded him. - -"There's not much more to tell. I made up my mind to return it to -Merrimac like I said." - -"But you never did?" - -"I tried. Once I got into the house, but before I could put the box where -I'd found it, someone rang the doorbell. I had to get out fast!" - -"You could have left the money," the trooper pointed out. - -"I guess so," the tramp admitted. "I was sort of rattled. I just crawled -out the back window and beat it as fast as I could." - -"After that, you didn't make another attempt to return the money?" - -"I didn't know what to do. I used a little to buy food. Oh, I was weak -all right--I admit it. But it's the truth I never intended to steal from -my own uncle. I know you won't believe my story." - -"On the contrary, everything you have told us tallies with the facts as -we know them," Mr. Hatfield assured him. - -"Well, that's my story and it's all there is to it," the tramp said, -making a despairing gesture with his hands. "You may as well take me off -to jail now." - -The troopers escorted the man to the waiting car. As the man left the -home, he paused in the doorway to direct a word to the Cubs. - -"No hard feelings, boys," he said. "You fellows made it plenty tough for -me, but I'm not blaming anyone except myself. I led a useless life and I -got what's coming to me!" - -After the car had driven away, Mr. Hatfield told the Cubs they must -return to Webster City without further delay. So much time had elapsed -that he was afraid lest their parents worry. - -"Jack, we owe you a lot," he said, shaking the boy's hand. "Through your -cooperation, my name will be completely cleared, and Mr. Merrimac will -have his money again. Many thanks not only from me but from all the -Cubs." - -"Sure, that's okay," the boy replied in deep embarrassment. He hesitated, -and then with a darting glance at Mrs. Jones asked: "Are you going to -send me back to the Institute?" - -"Send you back?" Mrs. Jones demanded with a quick laugh which had real -affection. "Why, Jack! What an idea! I need you here to help me." - -"You do? You aren't just saying it?" said Jack. - -"Jack, I truly need and want you," the widow repeated. "Since my own sons -grew up, I've wanted another boy the worst way. One I could depend on. -Shucks! I wouldn't have a boy without spirit!" - -"I'll never run away again," Jack said earnestly. "I promise!" - -"When a Cub gives a promise, he never breaks it," Mr. Hatfield reminded -him. "So be sure you really mean it." - -"I'm not a Cub," Jack said slowly. "I'd like to be one someday." - -"There's no reason why you can't join the organization if you're willing -to live up to the rules," Mr. Hatfield assured him. "We'll give you a -little start now. Boys, show Jack the Cub sign." - -The boys all raised the two first fingers of their right hands, holding -them high. - -"What does that mean?" Jack asked curiously. - -"Those two fingers signify the ears of the Wolf," Dan explained. - -"It's the Indian sign for 'intelligence,'" Mr. Hatfield added. "If you -want to be a Cub, Jack, you must learn to use your head instead of your -emotions. Remember that the next time you're inclined to do something -rash." - -"I'll remember," Jack grinned, making the sign with his right hand. "From -now on, you can depend on me. I promise!" - - - - - CHAPTER 20 - Knights of the Round Table - - -In the Cubs' meeting room at the church, parents had gathered to witness -a knighting ceremony of the entire Pack. - -The room had been gaily decorated with colorful banners made by the boys -of Den 2. Chairs had been arranged in a perfect circle to represent the -Round Table. - -Earlier in the evening Den 1 already had offered its ceremonial -performance. Now it was time for Den 2 to show what it could do. - -From the ante-room where the Cubs were scrambling into their suits of -armor, a buzz of conversation issued forth. - -"Hurry up, fellows!" Dan urged the others. "We're three minutes past -starting time now. Everyone all set?" - -"I can't get this flashlight to work," complained Red. As a torch bearer, -he was assigned to hold a long pole with a flashlight attached to the -end. - -"You've been playing with it too much," Brad told him. "Luckily, I -brought some extra batteries. Here, put this in, and we'll be ready to -start." - -"I'm going to forget my lines," Babe mumbled, repeating them over and -over. - -"You'll do fine," Brad encouraged him. "All ready, fellows? Dan, you're -to do the knighting honors. So get in there!" - -A trumpet, slightly off-key, blared a triumphal salute. - -Pulling his armor into place, Dan marched into the ceremonial hall to -take his position in front of a torch bearer. Addressing the onlooking -parents, he said clearly: - -"Among us tonight there are a few who have not yet joined the Knights of -the Round Table. Although these newcomers have no armor of steel, they -are equipped with armor of good will, squareness and honor. So we are -gathered here to welcome them into our circle. Bring the first man -forward!" - -Brad, holding a torch high, led Jack Phillips from the sidelines. At a -signal, the boy knelt on his left knee in front of Dan, who said: - -"As a knight of the Cub Scout organization, you must promise always to do -your part. You must follow our leader, obey his orders and give good -will." - -"I promise always to do my best," slowly repeated Jack, who had been -coached in his lines. - -With his wooden sword, Dan tapped the boy lightly on the shoulder. - -"I dub thee a Knight of the Round Table," he said. "As a knight and -member of Den 2, you are expected to help with all our crusades. Arise!" - -As Jack scrambled up, everyone cheered and clapped. The ceremony however, -was not over. - -"We welcome you, Sir Jack!" Dan continued. "Don your armor!" - -A suit fashioned from cardboard, burlap and roofing discs had been -prepared for the boy. Babe and Midge helped him get into the costume. - -Then as Jack reappeared all decked out as a knight, the other boys formed -a double column, facing each other. Swords were raised above their heads -to form a long archway. Jack walked through to take his place at the end -of the line. - -Next, Babe, who was only a Bobcat, received the Order of the Wolf. Other -promotions and achievement awards were given out. - -As a climax to the knighting ceremony, Dan was promoted from Wolf to Bear -rank. The boy had worked hard to win the honor, learning rules of safety, -making many handicraft articles and learning how to tie difficult knots. - -His most appreciated task however, had been the making of a fifty-page -Den scrapbook. - -In the book the boy had included press notices of Den meetings and -activities. Ten of the pages were devoted to snapshots of the Cubs and to -published accounts concerning the missing money box and its recovery. - -"This scrapbook will be one of the Den's most treasured possessions," Mr. -Hatfield assured him at conclusion of the knighting ceremony. "It will -serve always as a nice reminder of our little adventure." - -Before the evening was over, the Cubs were to have another very pleasant -surprise. Soon the Cub Master made the announcement for which everyone -had been waiting. Den 2 had won first prize in the knighting ceremony, -with Brad and Dan being awarded individual honors for having the most -original suits of armor. - -After congratulations were over, Dan thought to ask Mr. Hatfield if he -had heard what was to become of the tramp, Carl Blakemore. - -"He was in jail the last I heard," the Cub leader replied. "I was told -though that Mr. Merrimac offered to go his bail. He investigated and -found that the fellow had told the truth about being his nephew." - -"Queer that he didn't know him by sight." - -"He'd never seen him--not even as a boy," Mr. Hatfield explained. "It was -quite humiliating for Mr. Merrimac to find out about Carl. However, he's -making the best of a bad situation, and I understand, wants to help him -if he can." - -The Den Mother and her helpers had prepared a fine supper for all the -Cubs. Dan and Mr. Hatfield were starting toward the table, when at the -same moment they saw a newcomer enter the church meeting room. - -"Why, it's Mr. Merrimac himself!" Dan exclaimed. - -The elderly man never before had attended a Cub meeting, and in fact, -derived little enjoyment from social affairs. - -Now his gaze wandered from Cub to Cub until he had picked out Dan and -Brad from the group. Made aware that he seemed to be looking for them, -they went over to speak to him. - -"Well, boys," he said heartily, "I believe I made you a little promise -several days ago. And according to the code of the Cubs, a promise always -must be kept. Right?" - -"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 assured of a good home with me." - -"Your heart's in the right spot, Mr. Merrimac," Dan declared warmly. - -"Tut!" the old man chuckled, embarrassed 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 scrapbook 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 lusty 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. - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - ---Silently corrected a few typos (but left nonstandard spelling and - dialect as is). - ---Rearranged front matter to a more-logical streaming order. - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Dan Carter and the Money Box, by Mildred A. 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