Add files from /home/DONE/41262.zip

8 files changed, 18302 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/41262-0.txt b/41262-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a9c2b3b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/41262-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,6156 @@
+Project Gutenberg's Dan Carter and the River Camp, 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 River Camp
+
+Author: Mildred A. Wirt
+
+Release Date: November 2, 2012 [EBook #41262]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAN CARTER AND THE RIVER CAMP ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                  He had found a small cardboard box.
+“Dan Carter—Cub Scout and the River Camp”
+                                                         (_See Page 13_)
+
+
+
+
+                               Dan Carter
+                               Cub Scout
+                           and the River Camp
+
+
+                                   by
+                            Mildred A. Wirt
+
+
+                              Illustrated
+
+
+                        CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY
+                         Publishers    New York
+
+
+                          Copyright, 1949, by
+                        CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY
+                         _All Rights Reserved_
+
+                DAN CARTER—CUB SCOUT AND THE RIVER CAMP
+
+                Printed in the United States of America
+
+
+
+
+                                Contents
+
+
+  1 Found in the Sand                                                  1
+  2 A Coded Message                                                   15
+  3 Stolen Furs                                                       30
+  4 Fluke Victory                                                     45
+  5 Paper Bag Eddie                                                   59
+  6 Stranded                                                          71
+  7 Camp Site                                                         80
+  8 “Dan Carter—Take Warning”                                         95
+  9 A Missing Code                                                   108
+  10 The Man at the Spring                                           122
+  11 A Barbecue for the Cubs                                         137
+  12 Following the Trail                                             150
+  13 Identifying a Prisoner                                          161
+  14 Victory for Den 2                                               184
+  15 The Pay-Off                                                     204
+
+
+
+
+                Dan Carter—Cub Scout and the River Camp
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 1
+                           Found in the Sand
+
+
+“Unless a breeze springs up soon, we’ll be late for the Cub Scout meeting
+in the Cave,” Dan Carter complained.
+
+Sprawled in the drifting dinghy, the sandy-haired boy raised his eyes to
+the limp sail which hung in discouraged folds from the tall mast.
+
+“We’ve already missed the first part of it,” remarked Midge Holloway.
+
+A freckled youth of ten, he had draped himself pretzel-fashion over the
+boat’s bow. His skinny legs dangled a bare inch above the placid surface
+of the wide river.
+
+“What time is it anyhow?” he demanded.
+
+At the tiller of the sailboat, Midge’s father, Burton Holloway, snapped
+on his flashlight to see the dial of his wrist watch. An official “Den
+Dad” of Webster City Den No. 2, he frequently made river trips with the
+boys and allowed them to use his sailboat whenever they liked.
+
+On this summer day, the three, after scrubbing the craft’s fouled bottom,
+had set forth for a brief sail. The wind, however, had died suddenly,
+leaving them stranded far from their Yacht Club moorings.
+
+“It’s ten after eight,” Mr. Holloway answered his son. “We’ll have to
+work a little if we expect to get in tonight.”
+
+Reaching for a paddle, he plied it steadily. With snail-like speed the
+awkward-sized dinghy moved toward the twinkling lights visible on shore.
+With the coming of darkness, a cold, penetrating fog had closed in over
+the water.
+
+“Wish I’d brought a jacket,” Dan said with a shiver. “Want me to take a
+turn at the paddle, Mr. Holloway?”
+
+“No thanks, Dan, I’m good for awhile yet. I blame myself for being
+stranded out here. The wind was dying when we left the yacht club. So I
+guess we asked for trouble!”
+
+For some time Mr. Holloway paddled in silence. Now and then a big fish
+would leap and plop into the water nearby. Otherwise, the river seemed
+unusually quiet.
+
+Then unexpectedly from the direction of Skeleton Island came the muffled
+roar of a powerful motor boat engine.
+
+Dan twisted around to gaze upstream. He could hear the sound of the motor
+plainly but the running lights of the approaching craft were not yet
+visible through the mist.
+
+“If that boat comes this way, we’ll ask for a tow,” Mr. Holloway
+remarked. “Maybe we’re in luck.”
+
+Resting on the paddle for a moment, the Den Dad allowed the dinghy to
+drift with the current. The roar of the motorboat engine now had
+increased in volume. Yet strangely, no one in the sailboat had sighted
+the oncoming craft.
+
+“Can it be running without lights?” Mr. Holloway remarked somewhat
+anxiously. “The pilot should know better than that.”
+
+Through the mist, Dan suddenly made out the dark, sleek outline of a
+speed craft which rode low in the water. Foam boiled from her prow as she
+split the waves.
+
+“There she is!” the boy exclaimed. “Heading this way, and coming fast!”
+
+Alarmed lest the craft run down the sailboat in the darkness, Mr.
+Holloway turned the beam of his flashlight upon the limp sail overhead.
+To make certain that they were seen, he flashed the light on and off
+several times.
+
+No answering response came from the motorboat which drove directly toward
+the sailboat.
+
+“Can’t they see us?” Mr. Holloway demanded anxiously.
+
+The motor craft now was so close that those in the stranded sailboat
+caught a fleeting glimpse of a stout man in dungarees who manned the
+wheel. Of square jaw, the upper part of his face was hidden by a billed
+sailor’s cap.
+
+“Hey, look out!” Dan yelled. “Turn on your running lights!”
+
+The pilot evidently heard for he swerved the wheel slightly. And then
+deliberately, as if angered by the boy’s remark, he spun the spokes
+again, bearing directly down upon the drifting sailboat.
+
+Instinctively, Mr. Holloway and the two Cubs braced themselves for a
+crash.
+
+The pilot of the speed boat laughed boisterously. Having accomplished his
+purpose—that of frightening the occupants of the sailing dinghy—he then
+swerved away.
+
+But he had misjudged the distance. As the motorboat swung, its stern
+grazed the mid-section of the sailing craft. Though the blow was a
+glancing one, mahogany splintered with a grinding crash.
+
+Choppy waves flung the sailboat far over on its beam. Water began to seep
+in through a break in the over-lap.
+
+Instead of throttling down, the motorboat sped away into the darkness.
+
+“Why, that dirty crook!” Midge exclaimed furiously. “He’s wrecked our
+boat, and he doesn’t even intend to stop! Hey, you!”
+
+The man at the wheel turned slightly. In the moment before he raised his
+hand to cover the exposed lower part of his face, Dan obtained a fleeting
+but clear view of him. Two others in the boat crouched low and kept their
+backs turned.
+
+Mr. Holloway leaped to his feet in the teetering sailboat. Flashing his
+light on the disappearing craft, he tried to discern the license number.
+None was visible.
+
+Despite the shouts of Mr. Holloway and the Cubs, the boat did not slacken
+speed. Soon it was nearly out of sight, still running without lights.
+
+“Those men should be arrested!” Midge declared. “They struck us on
+purpose!”
+
+Dan had noticed that his feet were resting in an inch of water.
+
+“Say, we’ve sprung a leak!” he cried, scrambling for a bailing can which
+was kept under the seat. “Now we are in a jam!”
+
+The latest emergency caused Mr. Holloway to divert his attention from the
+motorboat. Anxiously, he examined the jagged hole in the mahogany
+over-lap through which a trickle of water oozed.
+
+“Midge, give me that rag under the seat!” he directed.
+
+As his son handed it over, Mr. Holloway wedged it as tightly as he could
+into the larger hole, pressing it in with his knife blade.
+
+“That should help some, but we’re still shipping water,” he said
+anxiously. “We’ll have to bail.”
+
+Already Dan was at work dipping with the tin can which was kept for just
+such an emergency. While Mr. Holloway paddled hard for shore, he and
+Midge took turns dipping water from the bottom of the boat. By working
+steadily, they could keep ahead of it.
+
+“I’d certainly like to know who those men were that struck us,” Mr.
+Holloway remarked. “Aside from the damage they’ve done to our boat,
+they’re a menace on the river.”
+
+“Dad, didn’t you think the boat looked a little like Jonathan Manheim’s?”
+Midge inquired. “It was built on the same general lines.”
+
+“I did notice a resemblance,” Mr. Holloway replied. “But I never before
+saw the man at the wheel. I’d hate to think it was Manheim’s boat.”
+
+Fairly well known to the Cubs, Mr. Manheim was the owner of Skeleton
+Island and a prominent member of the Webster City Yacht Club.
+
+“Do you think he would try to run us down deliberately?” Dan asked,
+working steadily with the bailing can.
+
+“It doesn’t seem so to me, Dan. It’s possible that someone else borrowed
+his boat. However, since we failed to get the license number, it’s
+useless to speculate.”
+
+“Odd that the boat was showing no lights,” Dan said thoughtfully. “Also,
+I wonder if it carried a license?”
+
+By this time even the faint roar of the motorboat’s engine had died away
+far up the river. Mr. Holloway and the Cubs knew by following the sound
+that the craft had not returned to the Webster City Yacht Club. Where it
+would dock they could not guess.
+
+“You’ll try to make those men pay for the damage, won’t you, Dad?” Midge
+demanded. The shore now was so close he could see the twinkling lights
+which marked the outline of the yacht club slip.
+
+“I certainly will if I can, Midge. Unfortunately, we have no proof it was
+Manheim’s boat.”
+
+“He may have a few scratches to show, Dad.”
+
+“Yes, if we notice tomorrow that his speedboat is banged up, we can be
+quite certain he’s the guilty party. Even so, we’ll have to be rather
+careful in taking the matter up with him. Manheim has many friends in the
+club.”
+
+“He won’t have ’em long if he makes a practice of running down
+sailboats,” said Midge. “We’re lucky our boat didn’t sink.”
+
+Five minutes later, the dinghy, heavily logged with water, limped to its
+berth at the yacht club dock.
+
+“Hurry on to your Cub Scout meeting, boys,” Mr. Holloway urged. “I’ll
+look after the boat and make a few inquiries around the club.”
+
+Thus urged, Dan and Midge hastened along a graveled path which curled
+toward a steep hillside overlooking the water front.
+
+A long flight of wooden steps led up to a natural limestone cave in the
+rocks high above the beach. Some months before, the Cubs by hard labor
+had converted this cavern into a meeting place. The room now was
+attractively furnished with a couch, table, magazines and trophies.
+
+Breathless from hurrying, the boys reached the Cave entranceway. Already
+the Cub meeting was in progress.
+
+Sam Hatfield, athletic coach at Webster High School, and Cub leader,
+stood in the center of the cavern talking earnestly to the boys.
+
+Grouped about him in the lighted room were Brad Wilber who was Den Chief,
+Chips Davis, Red Suell, Mack Tibbets, and Sam’s own son, Fred Hatfield.
+
+“Glad to see you, boys,” the Cub leader greeted Dan and Midge. “But
+aren’t you a little late?”
+
+Stammering apologies, Dan and Midge explained that they had been delayed
+on the river. Without mentioning Mr. Manheim’s name, they related how
+their boat had been smashed.
+
+“I knew something unusual must have kept you away from the meeting,”
+declared the Cub leader. “Too bad about Mr. Holloway’s boat. I hope you
+catch those fellows.”
+
+“Have we missed much of the meeting, Mr. Hatfield?” Dan asked anxiously.
+
+“Not the treasure hunt,” the Cub leader reassured him. “We just wound up
+the business meeting. Briefly, the Den has decided upon two goals for the
+summer. The first is to win the Pack swimming meet next month.”
+
+“That’s where you come in, Dan,” spoke up Brad. Nearly fourteen, the
+dark-haired youngster was a Boy Scout and the acknowledged leader of the
+Cubs. Even-tempered, quick of wit and fair, he had earned the respect of
+the younger, boys.
+
+“How so?” Dan caught him up.
+
+“You’re the best swimmer in the outfit. We’re depending on you to crash
+through and win the silver cup for Den 2.”
+
+“I’ll do my best,” Dan promised with a pleased grin. “Guess I’ll have to
+get busy right away and polish off my crawl stroke.”
+
+“What’s the second goal, Mr. Hatfield?” Midge inquired.
+
+“Well, the Cubs have voted to help the Scouts earn enough money to buy a
+permanent camp on Skeleton Island.”
+
+“Skeleton Island?” Midge repeated, glancing quickly at Dan. “Mr.
+Manheim’s place?”
+
+“Yes, the camp will belong to the Scouts, but our Den will have the
+privilege of using it for day trips and occasional over-night jaunts.”
+
+“We need both your votes on the project,” Brad interposed. “Since it’s to
+be a Scout rather than a Cub camp, we don’t aim to go into it unless
+every member of the Den is in favor of the idea.”
+
+“Why buy a chunk of Skeleton Island?” Midge inquired.
+
+“It’s the only suitable island hereabouts,” Mr. Hatfield explained. “We
+figure Mr. Manheim shouldn’t ask too high a figure for a small beach
+section. Of course, if you boys are against the project—”
+
+“You may have my vote,” Dan said after a slight hesitation.
+
+“And mine,” added Midge, a trifle reluctantly. “I just hope you’re right
+about Mr. Manheim being generous enough to sell at a low price.”
+
+Being uncertain that their dinghy had been struck by Mr. Manheim’s
+motorboat, neither Midge nor Dan told the Cubs why mention of his name
+had disturbed them.
+
+The business meeting presently ended with the boys gathering in a circle
+to repeat the Cub Promise.
+
+  “I promise TO DO MY BEST
+  To be SQUARE and
+  To OBEY the law of the Cub Pack.”
+
+Parents began to drift into the Cave. On this particular night, a beach
+treasure hunt had been planned. Everything now was in readiness. Clues
+had been carefully hidden throughout the beach area.
+
+Red Suell’s father handed out typewritten slips of paper containing hints
+in scrambled letters.
+
+“You’re to hunt in pairs,” he instructed the Cubs. “The treasure chest
+has been hidden somewhere within a quarter mile of the Cave. The first
+pair to find it should signal by giving the Cub whistle. Then we’ll all
+join on the beach for a feed before going home.”
+
+Dan and Brad drew identical numbers which meant they were to hunt
+together. Eagerly they scanned their slip of paper on which appeared the
+scrambled sentence:
+
+“Dinf eht glgyascr koa.”
+
+“The first two words are ‘find the—,’” Dan discerned at a glance. “But
+what are those other two mind-teasers?”
+
+“The last one is oak,” Brad contributed. “‘Find the oak!’ But what kind
+of oak?”
+
+“Scraggly oak!” Dan deciphered the final word. “Come on, Brad!”
+
+With a shout, the two boys were off, leaving the other Cubs to puzzle out
+their various clues. Clattering down the steps, the pair raced across the
+smooth sand.
+
+The light of a pale moon plainly silhouetted a stunted oak tree against
+the dark sky. Making a bee line for it, the boys searched diligently for
+another clue.
+
+“Here it is!” Dan suddenly shouted.
+
+At the base of the tree he had found a small cardboard box. Inside was
+another scrambled sentence which directed the boys to search for a large
+piece of driftwood.
+
+“The beach is littered with washed-up debris,” Brad observed. “This game
+is getting tougher.”
+
+Other Cubs now began to appear on the water front. However, as each clue
+was different, the treasure hunters remained widely separated.
+
+Brad and Dan turned up perhaps twenty pieces of driftwood before they
+found their third clue. The scrambled message required a long time to
+decipher. On a ragged piece of cardboard had been printed:
+
+“Kloo denur a toab dna ouy amy dinf a hsoelv.”
+
+“Look under a boat and you may find a shovel!” Dan finally figured it
+out. “A shovel! Yipee! That means we’re getting close to the treasure
+chest. Maybe our next clue will lead us to it.”
+
+“And we’re miles ahead of the other Cubs,” chuckled Brad. “The question
+is, where’s the boat?”
+
+Neither boy could recall having seen one on the beach that day. Because
+their clue had directed them to search beneath the craft, they were
+convinced that the boat must be an old one, probably overturned or
+abandoned somewhere on the sands.
+
+“Let’s look on that stretch that extends out toward the lighthouse,” Brad
+proposed. “It’s a lonely spot—just the type of place you’d expect the Den
+Dads to select for the big treasure chest pay-off.”
+
+Scanning every inch of the sand, the boys dog-trotted toward the
+lighthouse. As its bright beam swept across the water, Dan noticed a dark
+outline on the beach some distance ahead.
+
+“That looks like a boat!” he exclaimed.
+
+Focusing their eyes upon it, the boys plunged on through the loose sand.
+In the semi-darkness Dan paid scant heed to his footing. He stumbled, and
+then suddenly halted, staring ahead.
+
+A dark object lay half hidden behind a little mound of sand.
+Unmistakably, the form was human.
+
+“Jeepers!” he whispered. “_Jeepers!_”
+
+Brad too had seen the figure in the sand and had halted with a jerk.
+
+“What’s this?” he muttered. “Not a joke the Den Dads are pulling on us?”
+
+The form at their feet was that of a boy no older than Dan. One arm
+outstretched, he lay in a posture of complete exhaustion. His clothing
+was water-soaked, his dark hair damp.
+
+“This is no joke,” Brad said soberly. “Whoever this youngster is, he’s in
+bad shape.”
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 2
+                            A Coded Message
+
+
+The dark, curly-haired boy who lay on the sand stirred slightly as Dan
+and Brad bent down to shake his arm.
+
+Seeing their faces above him, he pulled himself up on an elbow, staring
+at them with blank expression.
+
+Fear gleamed momentarily in his steel-gray eyes, and then he seemed to
+relax. With a tired sigh, he settled back, clutching convulsively at the
+sand.
+
+Though the Cubs tried twice to arouse him, he did not respond.
+
+“He’s completely worn out,” Brad said, deeply troubled.
+
+“Obviously he’s been in the river,” Dan added. “My guess is he’s
+exhausted from a long swim. Ever see him before?”
+
+Brad shook his head. “I’m pretty sure he never went to any of the Webster
+City schools or I’d remember him. Must be a newcomer.”
+
+“Whoever he is, he shouldn’t lie here in wet clothes.”
+
+“You’re right, Dan. He’ll catch his death in this night air. And he
+probably needs medical attention.”
+
+“Think we could carry him to the Cave?”
+
+“Not by ourselves, Dan. We need the other Cubs to help.”
+
+Wetting his fingers, Brad gave the shrill whistle which had been agreed
+upon as the signal to mark the end of the treasure hunt.
+
+Immediately the other Cubs began to gather from all sections of the
+beach.
+
+“Gosh! What fast workers you little guys are!” Mack Tibbets complained
+goodnaturedly as he hurried up. “It didn’t take you long to dig up the
+chest!”
+
+“We haven’t found it yet,” Brad replied. “But we have stumbled into
+something else.”
+
+Already Mack’s startled gaze had fastened upon the sprawled figure of the
+boy on the sand. Before he could comment, Mr. Hatfield and the other Cubs
+arrived.
+
+“What’s this?” the Cub leader demanded, stopping short.
+
+Dan explained how he and Brad had found the strange boy lying on the
+sand, adding: “The kid raised up a second and then lapsed off.”
+
+“Unconscious?”
+
+“I don’t think so, sir,” Brad replied. “He seemed more exhausted than
+anything else. We haven’t touched him.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield knelt in the sand, feeling the boy’s pulse which was weak
+and fast. Carefully he turned him over to look directly into his face.
+
+Again the eyelids fluttered open and his lips moved slightly. Mr.
+Hatfield bent closer but could not distinguish the words.
+
+“Any idea who he is?” he asked the Cubs.
+
+“We never saw him before,” Brad answered. “We were looking for the
+treasure when Dan noticed him lying here by the boat.”
+
+“He must have crawled from the water only a few minutes ago,” Mr.
+Hatfield said. The Cub leader had noticed long marks in the sand,
+indicating that the boy had dragged himself beyond reach of the waves. “I
+suppose we’d better send for an ambulance—”
+
+His words trailed off, for the boy on the sand unexpectedly had stirred
+to life. As if aroused by hearing the Cub leader’s remark, he tried to
+sit up.
+
+“Easy, lad,” Mr. Hatfield advised, placing a supporting arm about his
+shoulders. “We’ll get you to a hospital.”
+
+The boy’s head shook in a vigorous negative. His fingers gripped Mr.
+Hatfield’s arm in a hard pressure.
+
+“No!” he whispered fiercely. “No!”
+
+Puzzled by the intensity of the boy’s reaction, Mr. Hatfield studied him
+a moment in silence.
+
+“You’ve been in the river?” he asked as the other offered no information.
+
+Again the head bobbed, this time in an affirmative answer.
+
+“Who are you?” Mr. Hatfield inquired, stripping off his leather jacket
+and wrapping it about the shivering boy. “How did you get in the river?”
+
+The boy merely stared at the Cub leader and did not answer. Then with a
+supreme effort, he tried to pull away from the supporting arm.
+
+“I go,” he mumbled. “All right now.”
+
+“Where will you go?” interposed the Cub leader. “Don’t be foolish. You’re
+in no condition to walk. Come on, boys. Let’s take him to the Cave.”
+
+Having no stretcher or board which could be used as one, Brad and Mr.
+Hatfield made a seat of their arms and carried the boy to the steps
+leading up into the Cave. There they were joined by Mr. Holloway and
+Red’s father who helped.
+
+Once in the Cave, the Cubs made the boy comfortable on a couch. Stripping
+off his wet garments, they wrapped him in a warm blanket.
+
+“Feeling better?” Mr. Hatfield asked him. “I think I should call a
+doctor.”
+
+“No—please,” he mumbled, pleading with his eyes.
+
+To Mr. Hatfield and the fathers of the Cubs it was apparent that the boy
+slowly was recovering from his ordeal in the river. And it also was
+evident that for some reason, he did not wish to reveal anything about
+himself.
+
+“Suppose you tell us your name,” Mr. Hatfield suggested, seating himself
+beside the boy.
+
+The youth regarded him with a stony stare and answered no word.
+
+“Maybe you’ll tell us a little later,” Mr. Hatfield said kindly.
+
+Deciding to leave the boy alone for awhile, he retired to a far corner of
+the Cave to talk over the matter with Mr. Suell and Midge’s father.
+Neither the Cubs nor their fathers ever had seen the boy before.
+
+“It’s queer how he came to be in the river,” Mr. Hatfield remarked in an
+undertone. “Plainly, he’s trying to hide something.”
+
+“Think we should turn him over to the police for investigation?” Mr.
+Holloway asked, looking troubled.
+
+“He seems like a good sort,” the Cub leader replied. “My judgment would
+be to wait and see what develops. He may be suffering from shock, though
+I think his refusal to talk is deliberate.”
+
+Brad and Dan, who had taken charge of the boy’s wet garments, now
+approached Mr. Hatfield.
+
+“What is it, boys?” he inquired, aware by their manner that they had an
+important disclosure to make.
+
+Brad asked the Cub leader if he would step outside to a platform from
+which the wooden steps descended.
+
+Surprised by the request, Mr. Hatfield followed the two Cubs.
+
+“What’s up?” he questioned when they were beyond the hearing of the
+others. “You’ve learned something about that youngster?”
+
+“We were hanging up his clothes, and sort of went through his pockets,”
+Brad confessed. “Maybe we shouldn’t have—”
+
+“On the whole, I think I might have done the same,” Mr. Hatfield
+reassured him. “The boy evidently has no intention of telling us anything
+about himself. So I figure it’s up to us to puzzle out a few facts for
+ourselves.”
+
+“Here’s what we found,” Dan said, offering Mr. Hatfield a scrap of heavy
+wrapping paper.
+
+The Cub leader snapped on his flashlight to study the writing. Only two
+words appeared, preceded by a string of puzzling numerals.
+
+  “020614     7552845     24
+               Skeleton Island.”
+
+“Queer,” Mr. Hatfield commented. “You say this paper came from the boy’s
+pocket?”
+
+“Yes, it was wadded up inside an old cigarette case,” Dan explained.
+“That’s, why it wasn’t water-soaked.”
+
+“Find anything else?”
+
+“Only a couple of handkerchiefs, a pocket knife and a few odds and ends,”
+Brad replied.
+
+“Nothing to indicate who the boy is or where he came from?”
+
+“Not a thing, sir. The only clue is this scrap of paper. What do you make
+of it, Mr. Hatfield?”
+
+“Frankly, I’m puzzled, Brad. This reference to Skeleton Island seems very
+odd.”
+
+“Do you suppose those numerals could be a code of some sort?” Dan asked
+eagerly.
+
+“Well, that’s hard to say. But by all means hang on to this paper, Dan.”
+
+“We sure will,” Dan promised, replacing it in his pocket. “If it should
+be a code maybe we can work it out. The only trouble is, I wouldn’t know
+where to start.”
+
+Footsteps now were heard padding softly on the steps leading to the
+platform.
+
+Gazing down, the Cubs saw that it was Mrs. Holloway, who had arrived. The
+official Den Mother climbed slowly, carrying a heavy hamper of food.
+
+Dan and Brad darted down the stairs to help with the basket.
+
+“Dear me, these steps seem steeper every time I climb them,” she laughed,
+pausing on the platform to recapture her breath.
+
+Observing through the open doorway of the Cave that all the Cubs had
+gathered there, Mrs. Holloway expressed surprise that the treasure hunt
+had ended so early.
+
+“Why, I’m late bringing the food!” she exclaimed. “I expected the beach
+outing to last at least another half hour.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield told her what had occurred, adding: “Perhaps you can do
+something for the boy. He’s inside.”
+
+“You’ve sent for a doctor?” Mrs. Holloway inquired.
+
+“Yes, Mr. Suell went after Dr. Redfield a few minutes ago. The lad seems
+to be coming around all right. He’s a strange sort of boy—so far, he
+won’t tell us his name or anything about himself.”
+
+“I’ll find out,” Mrs. Holloway said confidently.
+
+Inside the Cave, nearly all of the Cubs had gathered about the couch
+where the strange boy lay. His dark brown eyes now appeared alert, and
+roved systematically over the room, taking in every detail.
+
+He noted an animal skin which hung on the wall above the couch, a shelf
+of Indian handicraft articles, and raffia baskets made by the Cubs. His
+gaze dwelt longest upon a silver trophy engraved with the Den 2 name.
+
+“We won that cup in the Pack handicraft show,” Chips volunteered,
+observing the boy’s interest. “Red and I made an Indian headdress which
+took top honors.”
+
+“Aw, cut out the boasting,” Red interposed with a laugh. “Remember, if it
+hadn’t been for Brad and Dan recovering that feather war bonnet after it
+was carried down river with the flood, the Den wouldn’t have won a
+thing.”
+
+“That’s right,” Chips admitted readily. “We all worked together to earn
+the trophy. And to clear the Den name too.”
+
+As all the Cubs knew, the feathers which had been so skillfully woven
+into the headdress had been obtained from the Silverton Pheasant Farm not
+many miles distant.
+
+Due to a misunderstanding, all the Cubs had been accused of trespassing,
+and Chips and Red of stealing. Only by diligent work had Dan and Brad
+cleared the two boys of the charge.
+
+The story of how a group of daring pheasant thieves was brought to
+justice, has been told in the first volume of a series, entitled: “Dan
+Carter, Cub Scout.”
+
+Quietly taking charge, Mrs. Holloway cleared the bedside by assigning the
+Cubs to small tasks about the Cave. From a thermos bottle she poured a
+steaming cup of hot chocolate which she pressed to the boy’s lips.
+
+He drank slowly and then with a grateful smile expressed his thanks.
+
+“You’re feeling better now, aren’t you?” the Den Mother said,
+straightening the blankets on the couch.
+
+The boy nodded.
+
+“Not very talkative, are you?” Mrs. Holloway asked with a warm smile.
+“But then, you’ve had a most harrowing experience. How in the world did
+you get in the river so late at night?”
+
+The strange lad did not rise to this bait, but allowed the question to
+remain unanswered.
+
+“You haven’t told us your name yet,” Mrs. Holloway reminded him.
+
+“Jacques,” he answered after a long hesitation.
+
+“Why, that’s a French name, isn’t it? Jacques—what?”
+
+Again the boy did not answer, merely staring at her with eyes which held
+a troubled expression.
+
+“Never mind,” said Mrs. Holloway. “If you don’t feel like answering
+questions, I won’t press you. Later on perhaps you’ll tell us about
+yourself.”
+
+She sat by the couch for a few minutes and then as Mr. Suell came in with
+Dr. Redfield, retired to talk to the Cub leader again.
+
+“It’s no use—I couldn’t get a word out of him,” she confessed. “My guess
+is that he is foreign-born. And his first name, Jacques, would indicate
+it.”
+
+“None of the Cubs ever have seen him before,” Mr. Hatfield remarked. “A
+slip of paper was found in his pocket bearing the name Skeleton Island.”
+
+“Then he may live there.”
+
+“Possibly,” Mr. Hatfield conceded. “However, the island belongs to
+Jonathan Manheim. I’ve never heard of anyone staying there except a
+caretaker who looks after the property.”
+
+“What’s to be done with the boy?”
+
+“We’ll have to try to find his people. Possibly he’s a runaway. In that
+case, he may refuse to tell us the name of his parents or where he came
+from. It may take a day or two to get his background.”
+
+“I’ll be glad to have him stay at my home tonight.”
+
+“I’d figured on taking him with me,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “That is, if
+the doctor approves. Let’s see what he has to say.”
+
+Dr. Redfield had completed his examination of the boy and was preparing
+to leave the Cave. Not wishing to discuss the patient in his presence, he
+joined the Cub leader and Mrs. Holloway outside on the platform.
+
+“What’s the verdict, doctor?” Mr. Hatfield inquired.
+
+“Oh, he should be all right by tomorrow morning,” the doctor answered.
+“He’s suffering a little from shock, but nothing serious. Mr. Suell told
+me the boy was found on the beach and apparently had become exhausted
+from a long swim.”
+
+“That’s the way we figured it out. He’s told us nothing.”
+
+“The boy has no serious injuries,” Dr. Redfield continued. “In examining
+him, I did find several bruises on his legs and back.”
+
+“What would you say was the cause, doctor?”
+
+“I couldn’t be certain, but offhand I would think he had been beaten.”
+
+“Then our theory that he’s a runaway may be right after all. By the way,
+doctor, the boy can be moved safely? I thought I’d take him to my home
+for the night.”
+
+“He’ll be all right if he doesn’t exert himself,” the doctor replied.
+“Keep him warm and quiet. If you need me in the morning, telephone and
+I’ll make a more complete examination.”
+
+After the doctor had gone, Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs prepared to close up
+the Cave for the night. Deciding to leave the treasure chest buried on
+the beach, the boys voted to resume the interrupted hunt at their next
+weekly meeting.
+
+Mrs. Holloway served sandwiches, chocolate and cookies to all the Cubs.
+Jacques refused to eat anything but did accept another cup of hot
+beverage.
+
+“Now let’s all sing the Cub pledge before we leave,” Mr. Hatfield
+proposed.
+
+The boys gathered around and to the tune of America, warbled:
+
+  “‘Cub friendships, pure and deep,
+  We promise we will keep
+  Our pledge to thee;
+  We will honor and obey Akela all the way
+  And on that twelfth birthday
+  Good Scouts we’ll be!’”
+
+At the end of the song, all the Cubs gave the salute, two fingers raised
+to their foreheads. Then the meeting began to break up.
+
+“Brad, if you and Dan will stay here with Jacques, I’ll go home for my
+car,” the Cub leader said. “Then we can get him down the stairs and
+directly into the automobile. It shouldn’t take me long.”
+
+“We’ll be glad to wait,” Dan offered eagerly.
+
+After Mr. Hatfield had gone, the Cubs and their fathers began to drift
+off home. Soon only Mrs. Holloway, her son Midge, Brad and Dan remained.
+
+“I’ll wait for Mr. Hatfield,” the Den Mother said. “He should be coming
+soon.”
+
+“I see a car parking now on the road across from the beach,” Brad
+observed. From where he stood near the Cave doorway, he could view the
+entire river front.
+
+“Then I’ll run along,” Mrs. Holloway said, gathering up hamper and
+thermos bottles. “Good-bye, Jacques. I’ll certainly see you tomorrow.”
+
+“_Merci_,” he mumbled, using the French word for expressing thanks.
+
+The Cave became deeply silent after Mrs. Holloway had gone. Brad and Dan
+moved close to the couch, studying their guest with curiosity.
+
+“Jacques, can’t you speak English, or don’t you want to?” Brad asked
+presently. “You’re trying to hide something—isn’t that it?”
+
+Again the boy on the couch flashed them an inscrutable smile. But with a
+gesture which plainly bespoke gratitude, he reached out to grasp Dan’s
+hand.
+
+His next act was deliberate. With two fingers extended along Dan’s wrist,
+he squeezed the hand with a grip which unmistakably was the official Cub
+handclasp.
+
+“Gosh all fish hooks!” Dan exclaimed, staring down at the boy in
+astonishment. “You’re a Cub too! And you never let out a hint of it when
+the others were here.”
+
+Jacques allowed the boy’s hand to slip from his own. With a slight shrug
+and another mysterious smile, he closed his eyes and pretended to drowse.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 3
+                              Stolen Furs
+
+
+On the morrow, Dan and Brad called early at Mr. Hatfield’s home to
+inquire as to the condition of Jacques.
+
+They found the boy up and dressed, eating a late breakfast with Mr. and
+Mrs. Hatfield and Fred. Apparently none the worse for his river adventure
+of the previous night, the lad seemed in fairly good spirits.
+
+Taking Brad and Dan aside, Fred reported to them that absolutely no
+progress had been made in learning the boy’s identity or anything about
+his past.
+
+“Just as soon as one asks him a direct question, he pretends not to
+understand,” Fred complained. “It’s all a pose.”
+
+“What does your father plan to do with him?” Brad asked.
+
+“He hasn’t decided yet. This afternoon we’re going down to the Cave to
+clean up after last night’s meeting. We’ll probably take Jacques with
+us.”
+
+“You know he’s a Cub, I suppose,” Dan remarked.
+
+“A Cub!” Fred was astonished. “Why, no! He didn’t give us a hint of it.
+What makes you think so?”
+
+Dan and Brad related how Jacques had grasped the former’s hand in the
+official Cub handclasp, mute evidence that he once had been a member of
+the international organization.
+
+“He’s a queer duck,” Fred declared. “I’m sure he didn’t mention to Dad
+that he ever had been a Cub. Fact is, he’s kept mum about everything.
+Won’t peep a word as to his folks or where he came from.”
+
+The Cubs discussed Jacques a little longer, and then Brad and Dan left,
+but not before promising Fred they would drop around at the Cave later to
+help with the cleaning.
+
+Anxious to learn how much damage had been done the previous night to Mr.
+Holloway’s sailboat, the boys next stopped at the Webster City Yacht
+Club. From Midge, who loitered on the dock, they learned that the sailing
+craft already had been hauled to a nearby boat yard to be repaired.
+
+“The job will cost at least forty dollars,” Midge reported. “What’s
+worse, the boat will be out of water for at least two or three days. It
+makes me sick!”
+
+“Did your father learn if it was Manheim’s boat that struck us last
+night?” Dan questioned.
+
+“Not yet. We inquired around the clubhouse, but no one has seen the
+Manheim speedboat the last couple of days.”
+
+Brad had noticed a mahogany speedcraft which was plowing up the channel
+at half-speed. “Isn’t that Manheim’s boat coming now?” he demanded. “It
+looks like it to me.”
+
+“Likewise the same one that struck us last night,” Midge muttered,
+shading his eyes as he gazed toward the sun.
+
+As the three Cubs watched, the boat drew closer until they could read the
+license numbers—D 351, and see the bright gleam of her brasswork.
+
+“The boat that hit us had no visible license,” Dan said, a little
+troubled. “If it weren’t for that, I’d say it was Manheim’s craft that
+smashed into us.”
+
+“Who’s at the wheel?” Brad demanded. “Not Manheim.”
+
+The operator of the boat wore a striped red and blue jersey and soiled
+brown trousers. His square jaw and grizzled sun-brown face of set
+expression marked him as a man of surly temper.
+
+As the boat slid along toward the Manheim berth, he glanced briefly at
+the Cubs. Then deliberately he looked away.
+
+“Wonder who he is?” Midge muttered. “He doesn’t resemble anyone in that
+boat last night.”
+
+“Not the operator anyway,” Dan agreed. “Actually, we didn’t see the other
+two fellows well enough to recognize them again.”
+
+The Cubs kept the boat in view as it maneuvered into a reserved space at
+the far end of the dock. Midge asked a club member, who loitered nearby,
+if the speedboat belonged to Mr. Manheim.
+
+“Yes, that’s his boat,” the club member identified it.
+
+“But that isn’t Mr. Manheim at the wheel?”
+
+“No, the pilot is a fellow who works for him at Skeleton Island. A new
+man he hired a few months ago. I’ve heard him called Wilson Jabowski.”
+
+After the club member had moved on, the three Cubs watched the Manheim
+boat fill its gas tank at a private pump.
+
+“Notice her stern,” Dan whispered to his companions. “Can you see any
+scratches?”
+
+“We’re too far away,” Midge returned. “But I’ll bet a frosted doughnut it
+was Manheim’s boat that rammed us last night! I’ll find out!”
+
+Unable to restrain himself, the boy descended three steps to the lower
+level, there to inspect the craft’s hull.
+
+“Hey!” the boat operator shouted as Midge bent to look closely at the
+mahogany. “What d’you think you’re doing?”
+
+“Nothing,” Midge mumbled, startled. “Just looking.”
+
+“Well, do your lookin’ somewhere else!” the man snapped. “Mr. Manheim
+doesn’t want kids hangin’ around his boat.”
+
+“I’m not doing any harm,” Midge defended himself. “I was just noticing a
+few scratches on your boat. Have you been in an accident?”
+
+“No,” the boat operator answered gruffly. “I may have scratched the
+mahogany a couple of days ago when I was backing out of the berth. Grazed
+a dock post.”
+
+“Oh, I see,” Midge said, pretending to accept the explanation. “I thought
+maybe you might have been in a collision last night.”
+
+“Collision! What you drivin’ at, you young whelp? Trying to make out it
+was Mr. Manheim’s boat that run into your Dad’s sailboat?”
+
+“I didn’t say so, did I? Anyhow, how did you know of it?”
+
+“Heard about the accident here at the club,” the boat operator retorted.
+“Let me tell you something! This boat wasn’t away from Skeleton Island
+last night! And another thing, Mr. Manheim doesn’t go around smashing
+sailboats.”
+
+“Who said he did?” Midge demanded, now on the defensive. “I never accused
+him.”
+
+“No, but you’re thinking it was this boat that hit yours. Oh, I heard you
+boys whispering! Well, get this straight! You better not go to Mr.
+Manheim with your complaints.”
+
+“I’m sorry if I said anything to offend,” Midge replied, his voice stony.
+“To tell you the truth, I did think maybe it was his boat that struck
+ours in the dark. If I’ve made a mistake I apologize.”
+
+“You sure made a mistake, kid. Now get going all of you! I want to fill
+this gasoline tank and get back to Skeleton Island.”
+
+Embarrassed by the reprimand, the three Cubs took themselves to the club
+where they sat on the veranda drinking cokes.
+
+“I sure made the old boy sore,” Midge said between sips of the iced
+drink. “I never intended to accuse him or say anything about the
+accident. He snapped me up so fast.”
+
+“Almost as if he had a guilty conscience,” Dan agreed. “Maybe he heard
+about the accident here at the club the way he said. Then again, maybe he
+didn’t.”
+
+“Those scratches on the boat weren’t very deep,” Midge said thoughtfully.
+“All in all, I guess I’d better not exercise my gums too much over the
+thing. Dad wouldn’t like it.”
+
+Brad, who had been scanning the morning paper while his companions
+talked, now uttered a startled snort.
+
+“Say, will you look at this!” he exclaimed, tapping a front page news
+story. “Guess what happened last night?”
+
+“Break it to us gently, Brad, my boy,” Midge laughed.
+
+“It says here that a box of furs valued at $8,500 was stolen last night
+from Pier 23. So far the police haven’t traced the thieves.”
+
+Dan relieved Brad of the newspaper and read the account for himself. The
+story related that during the early hours of the evening, a fast
+motorboat had pulled alongside of Pier 23 where a box of furs had been
+piled up with other merchandise for shipment. Before the warehouse
+watchman had suspected what was happening, the craft with its unknown
+occupants had sped away into the darkness.
+
+“Say, do you suppose that could have been the same boat that struck us
+last night?” Dan demanded as he finished reading the story.
+
+“What time did the robbery occur?” Midge asked thoughtfully.
+
+“The story doesn’t say. But you remember, the boat was showing no lights,
+and coming from the general direction of the docks.”
+
+“That’s true,” Midge admitted, impressed. “All the same, Manheim isn’t
+the type of man to get mixed up in a fur theft. In the first place, he
+has plenty of money.”
+
+“We may have been mistaken about it being the Manheim boat,” Dan argued.
+
+“In any case, this story about the fur theft is interesting,” Brad said,
+rereading it. “It looks to me as if the river pirates are getting pretty
+bold when they can pull off a robbery practically under the eyes of the
+watchman.”
+
+“I wish we had more information,” Midge remarked. “Pier 23 isn’t far from
+here. Why not go there and see if we can pick up any more information.”
+
+The proposal appealed to Brad and Dan. Finishing their drinks, they
+caught a bus which dropped them off a few minutes later at the commercial
+area of the river.
+
+Midge, who was fairly familiar with this section of the waterfront, led
+his companions toward a small warehouse whose corrugated steel door stood
+slightly ajar.
+
+Inside, an elderly man was taking an inventory of boxes and crates
+stacked against the wall. A spry, wiry little fellow with white hair and
+energy that belied his sixty-nine years, he whirled around as he heard
+the boys enter.
+
+“You startled me,” he chuckled, obviously relieved. “After last night,
+I’m a mite jumpy.”
+
+The Cubs noticed then that the warehouse man carried a revolver in a
+holster at his belt.
+
+“I’m Hank Hawkins, at your service,” he announced cheerfully. “What can I
+do for you youngsters?”
+
+“We’d like a little information about the robbery last night,” Dan spoke
+up. “We’re not just asking questions out of curiosity. We may have some
+information for you too.”
+
+“You kids know something about it?”
+
+“We may have seen the boat that pulled away from the pier. We’re not
+sure. What time did the robbery take place?”
+
+“Say, who are you kids anyhow?” the watchman demanded, without answering
+the question.
+
+Brad gave his name and introduced his companions, explaining that they
+were Cub Scouts. “I guess you think we have our nerve barging in like
+this,” he added. “We read about the fur robbery in the paper, and we want
+to learn the details.”
+
+“I see.” Hank sat down on a packing case to light his pipe. “Well, there
+ain’t much to tell. The Hodur and Fameister firm sent through a box of
+expensive furs. They were to have been picked up at 10 o’clock last night
+by the freighter _Albone_. At eight thirty I set out the box along with
+some others that were to go. Then I stepped back into the warehouse for a
+minute, and it happened.”
+
+“You say the theft occurred about eight thirty?” Dan asked thoughtfully.
+
+“It was about that time. Ordinarily, it wouldn’t have been dark, but a
+heavy fog had rolled in.”
+
+“Did you see the motorboat and the men in it?” Midge asked.
+
+“Caught a glimpse of ’em as they pulled away—that was all. It all
+happened so fast. They had that box off the pier and were gone before I
+knew what was up.”
+
+“What sort of boat was it?” Brad inquired.
+
+“A 20-ft. high-powered speedboat. Mostly she was a blur in the dark. Not
+a light showing.”
+
+“How many in the boat?”
+
+“Three, I’d say.”
+
+The information tended to convince the Cubs that the craft was the same
+one that had smashed into Mr. Holloway’s sailboat.
+
+As they were telling Hank about the incident, a tapping sound was heard
+on the planking outside the door. A moment later, a blindman led by a
+seeing-eye dog, groped his way into the warehouse.
+
+“Good morning, Joe,” the watchman greeted him. “How’s business today?”
+
+“Lousy,” the blindman complained. “I’ve sold only four packages of
+pencils all morning. The sun’s so hot it’s wilting me. Mind if I chin for
+a few minutes while I cool off?”
+
+“Glad to have you,” Hank said, guiding the man to a seat on a box. “Boys,
+meet Joe Matt, a friend of mine.”
+
+The Cubs gave their own names. Feeling sorry for the man, Brad then
+bought a package of pencils for a quarter. However, the blindman pocketed
+the coin rather indifferently.
+
+“What do you hear from the cops?” he asked Hank. “Any clue as to the fur
+thieves?”
+
+“Apparently it was a clean get-away. The box was insured for only half
+its value and that makes it tough for Hodur and Fameister. I’m lucky I
+didn’t lose my job?”
+
+“Why should anyone blame you?” the blindman demanded. “It wasn’t your
+fault.”
+
+“No, but maybe my employer will figure I should have had my eyes open a
+little wider. It’s the first time I’ve lost anything in the eighteen
+years I’ve been workin’ on the waterfront.”
+
+Hank discussed the theft at length and then began to tell other tales of
+the waterfront which kept the Cubs enthralled. Brad, Dan, and Midge
+presently found themselves drawn into the conversation. They told of
+their Cave on the hillside and the exciting treasure hunt which had led
+to the discovery of Jacques lying on the beach.
+
+“Jacques?” the blindman interposed. “Is that his name? Must be one of
+those foreigners.”
+
+“French, we think,” Midge revealed, failing to notice the look of intent
+interest in the blindman’s otherwise mask-like face. “He’s not much to
+talk.”
+
+“Hasn’t told you anything about himself?”
+
+“Not yet.”
+
+“Where is the youngster now?”
+
+“He may be at the Cave.”
+
+The blindman talked a few minutes more and then arose to leave. Dan also
+slid down from the packing box on which he had perched himself.
+
+Slight as was the movement, it disturbed the seeing-eye dog. With a
+snarl, he sprang at the boy.
+
+Startled, Dan leaped backward. The blindman uttered a sharp command.
+
+“Here, Rudy! Come here! Behave yourself!”
+
+Still growling and eyeing Dan with deep hate, the dog allowed his master
+to grasp him by the leash.
+
+“Quite a vicious dog you have there,” Brad said, edging away. “He might
+have taken a chunk out of Dan.”
+
+“Rudy isn’t vicious,” the blindman denied. “Now and then he takes a
+dislike to someone. Usually he won’t attack unless he’s annoyed.”
+
+“That’s encouraging,” Dan said with a wry grin. “Believe me, in the
+future I’ll take pains not to annoy him.”
+
+Without apologizing for the incident, the blindman took the dog and went
+off down the wharf. For a long while, the Cubs could hear his cane
+tapping on the planks.
+
+“Joe Matt isn’t a bad sort after you know him,” the watchman remarked,
+aware that the Cubs had not been favorably impressed by the man’s
+manners. “Being blind would make anyone out-of-sorts, I guess.”
+
+“Sure,” Brad agreed. “I suppose he’s attached to that dog—though he’s an
+ugly animal. Wouldn’t want to meet him on a dark night.”
+
+“You can bet I’ll give him a wide berth,” Dan added with a laugh. “Rudy
+didn’t go for me. And the feeling’s mutual! By the way, Hank, how long
+have you known Joe Matt?”
+
+“Oh, I don’t remember,” the watchman replied indifferently, knocking the
+ashes from his pipe. “Six months maybe. Well, I’ve been spinning yarns
+long enough. Got to do a little work now.”
+
+Accepting the remark as a dismissal, Dan, Brad and Midge said goodbye,
+and left the warehouse. At the bus line, they debated, and finally
+decided to make an appearance at the Cave.
+
+“Mr. Holloway and Fred will need some help cleaning up the place,” Dan
+declared. “Also, if Jacques is there, I’d like to talk to him again.”
+
+“He seemed to go for you more than anyone else,” Brad said, signaling to
+a bus driver. “Maybe you can get him to loosen up a bit.”
+
+The sun was high overhead as the three Cubs alighted from the bus ten
+minutes later. Crossing the beach, they climbed to the Cave.
+
+Entering, they saw at once that something was amiss. Mr. Holloway and
+Fred were there alone, their brooms discarded. Rather dejectedly they sat
+at a table, studying an object which was hidden from view.
+
+“Hi!” Dan greeted the pair. “Where’s Jacques? We thought you were
+bringing him here.”
+
+“We did,” replied Fred significantly.
+
+The other Cubs looked quickly about the disordered room. Plainly Jacques
+was nowhere in the Cave.
+
+“Where is he?” Brad demanded. “Don’t keep us in suspense. He didn’t take
+a turn for the worse?”
+
+Mr. Hatfield shook his head.
+
+“No, Jacques appeared fine when last we saw him. This will explain.” He
+thrust a note into Brad’s hand. “The lad left it here a few minutes ago.”
+
+In a large, hard-to-read scrawl, the boy had written:
+
+“Thanks for everything. Goodbye.”
+
+Beneath the message appeared a crudely drawn Wolf cub, its sharp ears
+pointing to the final word: “Jacques.”
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 4
+                             Fluke Victory
+
+
+Jacques’ unexpected leave-taking came as a bitter disappointment to Brad
+and Dan who had hoped to learn more about the boy.
+
+“We don’t know where he went or why,” Fred explained to the Cubs as they
+reread the farewell message. “Dad and I carried a basket of trash down to
+the beach, leaving Jacques here. When we came back, he was gone.”
+
+“That was only a few minutes ago,” Mr. Hatfield added. “Dan, you and Brad
+didn’t see the boy anywhere on the beach?”
+
+Dan replied that they had observed no one.
+
+“Dad and I weren’t away from the Cave ten minutes,” Fred further
+explained. “I can’t understand what got into Jacques. He seemed cheerful
+earlier this morning.”
+
+“Maybe he was afraid we’d ask too many questions,” Brad commented, his
+gaze roving slowly about the room. “Say, isn’t there something different
+about this place?”
+
+“Different?” Mr. Hatfield echoed. “A chair has been upset and another one
+shoved against the wall. Come to think of it, both those chairs were in
+place when Fred and I carried out the trash!”
+
+“Maybe someone came here while you were away and forced Jacques to
+leave!” Dan exclaimed.
+
+“The boy seemed well enough satisfied this morning,” Mr. Hatfield said,
+folding and buttoning the note into his jacket pocket. “That’s what makes
+it seem strange that he’d leave without explaining. Suppose we look
+around down on the beach.”
+
+Eager to search for clues, the boys clattered down the stairway ahead of
+the Cub leader.
+
+At the foot of the steps they noticed several freshly made footsteps in
+the sand. Scattered among the imprints left by a small shoe were those of
+a man’s heavy-soled footgear.
+
+“Dan, your theory about someone forcing Jacques to leave may be correct!”
+Mr. Hatfield exclaimed. “The boy may have gone willingly enough. But that
+upset chair makes me wonder.”
+
+Now rather excited by their discoveries, the Cubs followed the footprint
+trail for twenty yards along the beach.
+
+Now and then, a small circular mark appeared near the shoe prints. To the
+observing Cubs this indicated that a stick or similar round object had
+been carried by Jacques’ companion.
+
+“And see here!” Midge exclaimed, staring at a confusion of prints in the
+sand. “Doesn’t this look as if a scuffle took place, Mr. Hatfield?”
+
+“It does,” agreed the Cub leader, praising Midge for his observation.
+“Either Jacques stumbled or was given a hard shove. One can see plainly
+where he fell down.”
+
+The trail of footprints led the Cubs on to a paved road paralleling the
+river front. There it abruptly ended.
+
+“Well, we’ve lost them,” Mr. Hatfield said, gazing up and down the
+deserted highway.
+
+“And now we’ll never know who Jacques was or where he came from,” Dan
+said. “About all he told us was that he’s a Cub.”
+
+“Even that seems odd,” Mr. Hatfield commented. “I’ve checked, and Jacques
+never was a member of any Webster City Den. I only hope that whoever took
+the boy away treats him right. Those bruises the doctor mentioned, rather
+trouble me.”
+
+Failure to learn what had become of Jacques disturbed not only Mr.
+Hatfield but all of the Cubs. During the next three days, the topic was a
+major one discussed at the Cave.
+
+The Cub leader reported Jacques’ disappearance to police, but was
+informed that no boy of his description had been reported missing.
+
+At first, the Cubs spent many hours trying to decipher the coded message
+which Dan and Brad had removed from Jacques’ clothing.
+
+Failing to figure it out or to hear more of the boy, the matter began to
+fade into the background. Only Dan remained determined to work out the
+code.
+
+Meanwhile, the Cubs turned their attention to an important swimming meet
+which had been scheduled with the boys of Den 1.
+
+In a meet held the month before, the rival Den had captured top honors by
+a score of 20 to 16. Defeat rankled in the hearts of the Den 2 Cubs who
+were determined to make a better showing in the second contest.
+
+A total of three meets had been scheduled for the season. An engraved
+silver loving cup would be awarded to the Den which won two of the
+contests.
+
+“I’m afraid Ross Langdon will win the Saturday meet too,” Dan remarked
+glumly one afternoon as he practiced with the other Cubs at the “Y” pool.
+“That guy swims as if he’s jet propelled!”
+
+Although Den 1 boasted several fine swimmers, 11-year-old Ross was by far
+the greatest threat to the rival Cubs. Muscularly built, the boy had the
+energy of a youngster of fifteen. His crawl stroke lacked form, but by
+sheer strength he managed to win every race he entered.
+
+“You swim as well as Ross does,” Brad told Dan loyally. “Your form is
+better.”
+
+“Maybe,” Dan admitted, “but I lack his endurance. I hold out fairly well
+in the 25-yard free style, but in the 50, I began to lose my wind. And
+you know we’ve got to capture both events to nose out Den 1 in the final
+tally.”
+
+“Sure, I know,” Brad acknowledged, easing his body snake-fashion down the
+pool wall into the chlorinated water. “Just get in and pitch, old boy.
+Remember, the Den is counting on you!”
+
+“That’s what makes me worried, Brad. I want to do my best. I practice and
+practice, but where does it get me?”
+
+Sam Hatfield emerged from the dressing room in time to hear Dan’s final
+remark.
+
+“You just keep plugging and top speed will come, Dan,” he said
+cheerfully. “Stop worrying about Ross Langdon. One of these days his lack
+of form will catch up with him. Now dive into that pool and swim eight
+lengths.”
+
+“Eight?” Dan groaned.
+
+“Eight,” the Cub leader repeated firmly. “It’s the only way you’ll ever
+build up your endurance. When the going gets hard—just keep going.”
+
+Inspired by this advice, Dan dived into the water, and with smooth
+strokes slashed his way the first length of the pool.
+
+After a turn at the wall, his breath became a little short and he slowed
+down a little. By the end of the third length, his stroke lost some of
+its hard drive. At five lengths, his steady six-beat leg thrash became a
+tired wiggle. Finally at the end of the eighth length, Dan was holding
+out by sheer will power.
+
+“Keep it up!” Mr. Hatfield called encouragingly. “You’re doing fine.”
+
+At that moment Ross Langdon sauntered into the pool. Large for his age
+and a natural athlete, the boy’s appearances at the “Y” were few and far
+between, for he disliked to practice. On this afternoon, however, he had
+donned satin trunks, showered, and evidently intended to swim.
+
+Observing Dan’s now jerky stroke, he uttered a loud horse-laugh. Then to
+show off, he plunged into the pool, and swam the length with a speed
+which tossed foam ahead of his thrashing arms.
+
+Thoroughly discouraged by the display, Dan wheeled over to the side to
+watch.
+
+“What’s the use?” he muttered to Brad who slithered alongside in the
+water. “I couldn’t quite finish eight lengths and here Ross blazes in and
+tears up the pool!”
+
+“That’s all right, Dan,” Brad encouraged him. “You won’t see him doing
+more than a few lengths before he caves in. You just keep plugging the
+way Mr. Hatfield said.”
+
+“But the meet is Saturday. And look at that guy travel! His form may not
+be so hot, but how he can chop the water!”
+
+Well aware that the Cubs of Den 2 were watching, Ross swam another
+length, finishing off with a snappy turn at the wall.
+
+Then he pulled himself from the pool, stretching out on the tile floor to
+relax.
+
+“See, I told you!” Brad muttered. “As soon as the going gets hard, he
+quits.”
+
+“To win the 25-yard and the 50-yard dash, he won’t need too much
+reserve,” Dan sighed. “Well, I’ll sure do my best to win, but I’ve got a
+dark brown feeling.”
+
+On Saturday, the day set for the swimming meet, enthusiasm had mounted to
+high pitch. By two o’clock, all the Cubs, their parents and many other
+spectators had gathered at the “Y” to witness the contest.
+
+Five events had been scheduled, fancy diving, the 25-yard free style
+race, the 50-yard swim, a 100-yard relay, and a back stroke event.
+
+Points were to be awarded on the basis of five for first place, three for
+second, and one for third place. According to the rules, each team was
+allowed to enter two contestants in an event.
+
+Den 2 swung off to a good start with Brad taking top honors and Midge
+Holloway coming in third. This lead of six to three brought enthusiastic
+cheers from the gallery.
+
+The second event, the racing back crawl, proved discouraging to Den 2.
+Though Chips Davis swam an excellent race, he lost to one of the Den 1
+boys. Den 2, however, managed to snare both second and third places,
+giving them a total score of 10 to 8.
+
+“From now on it will be nip and tuck,” Brad said grimly as the 25-yard
+free style was called. “So far Ross Langdon hasn’t had a chance to swim.”
+
+At the crack of the gun, Dan and Ross hit the water together. From that
+first moment of the race it was evident to the spectators that the
+remainder of the meet would resolve itself into a battle between the two
+swimmers.
+
+Though Dan exerted his best efforts, Ross won the event by an easy
+six-foot margin. Dan was awarded second place, while another swimmer from
+Den 1 captured third position. The scoreboard proclaimed the discouraging
+totals: Den 1—14. Den 2—13.
+
+Only two events remained, the 50-yard free style and the 100-yard relay.
+However, Ross was entered in both events and the Cubs knew his flashy
+speed could be counted upon to win for his den.
+
+“That boy is in top form today—if you can say he has any form,” Midge
+muttered, slapping Dan encouragingly on the back. “Well, get in there and
+show him!”
+
+“Sure, sure,” Dan laughed, but his words had a hollow ring.
+
+As the Cubs of Den 2 expected, their rivals walked away with the relay by
+a score of 20 to 16.
+
+“Fat chance we have of winning now,” Dan said as the final event of the
+meet was called. “We’d have to make a complete sweep, and we’ll be lucky
+to capture one place.”
+
+“It sure looks bad for Den 2,” Brad agreed. “But get in there and fight,
+boy! Ross acts a bit winded. He may not hold out.”
+
+In the 50-yard free style, the Cubs were required to swim two lengths of
+the pool. Before the start of the race, an official reminded the boys
+that they must remain in their lanes and touch the wall at the turn or be
+disqualified.
+
+At the crack of the gun Ross and Dan were off to a fast start, followed
+by the field of slower swimmers.
+
+As Brad had observed, Ross seemed somewhat tired from his earlier
+performances. His stroke looked ragged and jerky. Dan by contrast forged
+smoothly ahead, pressing him hard every inch of the way.
+
+At the turn, the two rivals were racing almost even. Determined to gain
+the lead, Ross lunged for the wall, his finger tips missing it by a scant
+margin. So rapidly did he turn, that few noticed.
+
+Dan, tucking into a tight ball, also made a fast turn, but touched the
+wall. His shove-off however, was weak. When his head came out of water
+for a gulp of air, he was disconcerted to see that Ross was a full body
+length ahead.
+
+“Come on, Dan!” his teammates yelled encouragingly. “You can do it!”
+
+Dan dug in, but his breath was coming hard. Despite his best efforts he
+could not recapture the lead. In a moment, it seemed, the race was over.
+Ross had touched the finish wall a scant arm’s length ahead, and was
+congratulated as the winner.
+
+For the members of Den 2 it was slight consolation that Mack had won
+third place, nosing out a Den 1 swimmer. The scoreboard proclaimed Den 1
+the victor by a total of 25 to 20.
+
+“Congratulations, Ross,” Dan said, offering his hand. “You swam a fine
+race!”
+
+“Thanks,” the other boy grinned. “You weren’t so bad yourself. Pressed me
+plenty at first.”
+
+Other members of Den 1 had gathered in a little group. After talking
+rather excitedly, they called Ross over. The other Cubs could not hear
+what was said, but they gathered that Ross himself was the topic of
+conversation. Apparently, he disagreed with his teammates about some
+matter, for his voice rose in sharp protest.
+
+Then the Cubs heard him say sullenly: “Okay, if you want to be saps, go
+ahead! It makes me sick, after the way I worked to win for the team!”
+
+Ross’ teammates talked to their coach briefly. Then before the audience
+or Den 2 swimmers could leave the pool, a whistle blasted for attention.
+
+“Ladies and gentlemen, we regret that an error has been made in scoring,”
+an official announced. “It has been brought to notice that one of the
+contestants, Ross Langdon, failed to touch the wall at the end of the
+first length.”
+
+A buzz of conversation greeted this announcement. Brad and Dan glanced
+quickly at each other, and then at Ross. The face of the latter was as
+black as a summer rainstorm.
+
+“Due to this infraction of the rules, Ross has been disqualified,” the
+official continued. “Dan Carter wins first place.”
+
+A mighty cheer rocked the pool gallery. Even heavier applause broke out
+as new figures went up on the scoreboard:
+
+  Den 2—24    Den 1—21.
+
+Brad and the other Den 2 teammates swarmed about Dan, clapping him on his
+dripping shoulders.
+
+“Dan, you did it!” Red Suell congratulated him. “Now the matches are
+even! If we win the third meet, that silver cup is in the bag.”
+
+“IF is right,” Dan laughed. “Don’t forget, this victory was a fluke.”
+
+From Mr. Hatfield, the Cubs learned that only the good sportsmanship of
+the Den 1 teammates had been responsible for their success. Ross himself
+had made no mention of his failure to touch the wall, and his error had
+gone unnoticed by officials.
+
+“Two of Den 1 swimmers saw Ross miss the turn,” the Cub leader revealed.
+“They reasoned that honor means more than victory.”
+
+“A Cub Always is Square,” Dan quoted thoughtfully.
+
+“That’s right,” Mr. Hatfield agreed. “I’m proud of our boys for winning,
+but equally proud of the other team for reporting the incident.”
+
+The swimmers of Den 1 gathered around to congratulate Dan and his
+teammates. Ross, however, had slipped away to the dressing room without a
+word.
+
+“He’s a little sore,” one of his teammates remarked. “But he’ll get over
+it. The coach warned Ross plenty of times to be careful about that turn.
+He never paid much attention.”
+
+Feeling on top of the world, Dan showered and dressed. As he was getting
+his things from the locker, he bumped squarely into Ross.
+
+Dan waited a moment, expecting the other boy to offer some word of
+congratulation. When Ross said nothing, he remarked:
+
+“You had a tough break, fellow.”
+
+Ross gave a snort of disgust. “I’ll say it was a tough break,” he agreed.
+“In a straight race, you couldn’t win and we both know it!”
+
+The remark annoyed Dan.
+
+“Oh, I don’t know,” he drawled. “My stroke is improving every day. I
+noticed you were pretty well winded at the finish.”
+
+“Bunk. I didn’t even exert myself!”
+
+“Anyway, now that the two teams are tied, it will make a good meet when
+the final contest is scheduled,” Dan said, trying to ease out of a
+disagreeable conversation.
+
+“Sure,” Ross said, his eyes flashing. “Maybe you can dig up another
+technical point and win the cup! You’ll never earn it on merit!”
+
+And with that challenge, he brushed past Dan and slouched out of the
+dressing room.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 5
+                            Paper Bag Eddie
+
+
+Stung by Ross’ jibe, Dan spent much of his time the next few days at the
+“Y” pool. To build endurance and smooth out his stroke, he also swam in
+the river. Always on these occasions he was accompanied by Brad or
+Midge’s father in a boat.
+
+Now that the swimming meet was over, the other Cubs temporarily turned
+their attention to various Den activities. Brad tried to assist Dan in
+deciphering the code message which had been found in Jacques’ pocket.
+
+However, after three days of work, he gave up in disgust.
+
+“Maybe it isn’t a code after all,” he said, returning the paper to Dan.
+“I figure those numerals must stand for letters that spell out a message.
+But I can’t get the hang of it.”
+
+“I think I’ll keep on trying,” Dan said. “Not that it will mean much if
+we do puzzle out the thing. Jacques is gone, and probably we’ll never see
+him again.”
+
+“Wonder what became of that kid anyhow?” Brad mused. “It sure was funny,
+finding him on the beach the way we did.”
+
+“And he never told us his name or explained anything. I’d say there was
+every indication someone came and took him away.”
+
+“Mr. Hatfield made inquiries,” Brad added. “No one saw the boy leave the
+Cave. He’s unknown in Webster City.”
+
+Although Dan and the other Cubs had kept a close watch of the waterfront,
+they had sighted no boat which resembled the one that had damaged Mr.
+Holloway’s craft. Therefore, the conviction steadily grew that Mr.
+Manheim’s speedboat might be the one involved.
+
+“Mr. Manheim is well spoken of at the club,” Midge’s father told the
+boys. “It would be a serious mistake if we made any accusation against
+him or any of his employees. The boat has been repaired, and as far as
+I’m concerned, the matter will be dropped.”
+
+Dan and Midge said no more about the affair, but in private they often
+remarked that they thought Wilson Jabowski, the caretaker on Skeleton
+Island, would bear investigation.
+
+“I hear he hasn’t worked very long for Mr. Manheim,” Dan remarked. “And
+folks say that when his employer is out of town, he rides around in that
+speedboat like a king.”
+
+“Maybe if we keep our eyes open we’ll catch up with him yet,” Midge said.
+“He may crack into another boat.”
+
+On the regular Friday night meeting of the Den, the Cubs enjoyed the
+beach treasure hunt which had been interrupted at the previous gathering.
+Mack and Fred came off victorious, their clues leading them to the buried
+chest which contained carpenter’s tools.
+
+“The Den needs a bookcase,” Mr. Hatfield reminded the pair as they
+admired their ‘find’. “We’ll expect you boys to produce something
+handsome now that you have the tools.”
+
+“We’ll do it too,” Mack promised.
+
+With the treasure hunt over, all the Cubs gathered on the beach for a
+council fire and “feed.” Mrs. Holloway passed out hot dog sandwiches,
+chocolate and thick wedges of pie.
+
+When the boys could eat no more, they stretched out on the sand, and
+begged Mr. Hatfield to tell them a ghost story.
+
+“I might tell you about the ghost of Skeleton Island,” he chuckled.
+
+“A true story?” Dan demanded.
+
+“It may have elements of truth,” the Cub leader replied. “Basically
+though, the tale is a product of the imagination.”
+
+“You mean you’re making up the story?” Midge asked in disappointment.
+
+“No,” the Cub leader corrected. “I first heard about Skeleton Island as a
+boy. According to the tale, it once was an old pirate stronghold. River
+pirates would come upstream and hide their loot on the island.”
+
+“Was any of it ever dug up?” Midge demanded.
+
+“Not that I ever heard. But thirty years ago, a man’s skeleton was found
+on the island. That’s how the place received its name.”
+
+“What about the ghost?” Dan inquired.
+
+“I’m coming to that part. The old freebooters supposedly built a tunnel
+which connected some point of the beach with an old inn that was on the
+island.”
+
+“Not the hotel that’s there now?” Brad interposed. “I mean the abandoned
+one that Mr. Manheim converted into the caretaker’s premises.”
+
+“I doubt it is the same place, Brad. However, I believe that after the
+old inn burned down, the present building was erected in its place. That
+was at least fifty years ago.”
+
+“And the ghost?” Red Suell reminded him.
+
+“The ghost? Oh, yes, to be sure. The fellow, I’m told, never was very
+active. On windy nights, shore residents reported seeing a white, misty
+figure moving along the beach.”
+
+“Mist—that’s probably what it was,” Brad said with a snort. “Anyone knows
+there are no ghosts. I’m more interested in that tunnel. Do you think one
+actually was built, Mr. Hatfield?”
+
+“I’m inclined to think that part of the story is true, Brad.”
+
+“Then what became of the tunnel? No one has heard of it in recent years.”
+
+“I was asking an old timer about that only yesterday.”
+
+“And what did he tell you?” Dan demanded, eager for additional details.
+
+“This old salt claimed that heavy wind storms blocked off the beach
+entrance to the tunnel.”
+
+“Couldn’t it be relocated and dug out?”
+
+“Probably, if anyone wanted to go to that much work. It would be a big
+job shifting so much sand even if the entranceway could be found. I don’t
+suppose Mr. Manheim ever was interested.”
+
+“He owns the entire island, doesn’t he?” Brad asked thoughtfully. Picking
+up a piece of driftwood, he fed it to the dying embers of the fire.
+
+“That’s right,” the Cub leader agreed. “The Scouts have been dickering
+with him for nearly six months to purchase a stretch of beach for their
+permanent camp. They’re also considering a site two miles farther down
+river.”
+
+“Which will they take?” Chips asked. “I should think Skeleton Island
+would be better, because it’s closer to Webster City.”
+
+“So far, Mr. Manheim has asked a fairly steep price and doesn’t seem
+inclined to come down,” the Cub leader replied. “The Scout director has
+made two inspection trips and is well satisfied. Now he wants me to make
+my recommendation.”
+
+“You said the Cubs might go there on an over-night camping trip,” Red
+reminded him.
+
+All the Cubs waited expectantly for the answer.
+
+“Yes, if plans work out, we’ll make it next weekend,” Mr. Hatfield
+answered. “The Den fathers are planning the trip.”
+
+The Cubs began to talk about the proposed excursion, discussing what they
+would take with them to camp.
+
+“Maybe we’ll see the ghost of Skeleton Island while we’re there!” Chips
+declared hopefully. “Or find the entrance to the old tunnel!”
+
+The Cub meeting broke up shortly after nine o’clock. Dan and Brad
+remained a few minutes after the others had gone to make certain that the
+last embers of the beach fire had been extinguished.
+
+Then together, they started home, selecting a route which took them along
+the deserted waterfront.
+
+At Clinton Street, the boys turned at the corner, passing a cafe from
+which issued the discordant notes of a player piano.
+
+On the curb outside the restaurant stood a short little man, who was
+munching popcorn from a paper bag. His face was sharp and weasel-like,
+his eyes darting and shrewd.
+
+The Cubs might have passed him with scarcely a second glance, had he not
+been talking to another man who looked faintly familiar to Dan. The
+fellow plainly was a sailor, dark of hair and with sturdy body build.
+
+“That fellow looks like one of the men who were in the motorboat that
+struck the Holloway sailboat!” Dan said in an undertone to Brad.
+
+“Not the little one with the paper bag?”
+
+“No, the other. I’m sure I’ve seen him somewhere. Let’s watch for a
+minute.”
+
+Sliding into a shadowy doorway, Brad and Dan kept their eyes on the pair.
+However, they were too far away to hear the conversation. A newsboy
+noticed their interest.
+
+“Know those guys?” he asked, sidling up to them.
+
+Dan shook his head, hoping that the boy would move on.
+
+“See that guy with the paper sack,” the lad continued, eager to impart
+information. “Know who he is?”
+
+Dan shook his head.
+
+“That’s the one they call ‘Paper Bag Eddie,’” the boy said, awe in his
+voice. “He’s a bad one.”
+
+“Paper Bag Eddie?” Dan repeated, keeping his voice low. “Never heard of
+him.”
+
+“You never heard of Paper Bag Eddie? Why, he’s known to every cop in
+town, but they never get much on him.”
+
+“He’s a crook then?” Brad interposed.
+
+“Sure, they say he’s the brains of a waterfront gang. Guess what he
+carries around in those paper bags of his’n?”
+
+“Popcorn,” said Dan.
+
+“Guess again. He packs a revolver. Eddie loafs around the waterfront and
+you hardly ever see him without his little paper bag.”
+
+“I should think the police would pick him up for carrying a concealed
+weapon,” Brad said.
+
+“Oh, Eddie ain’t dumb enough to go around with the revolver all the time.
+Mostly you’ll see him munching peanuts or popcorn, and if the cops search
+him that’s what they find. But if he pulls a job, he slips the revolver
+into the sack. The cops figure he only has a bag of popcorn.”
+
+“Eddie never has been arrested?” Brad inquired.
+
+“Oh, the cops run him in regular, but they’ve never dug up enough
+evidence to convict him. Eddie’s a slick one.”
+
+“Who is his companion?” Dan asked.
+
+“Never saw him before,” the newsboy said indifferently. “Some sailor, I
+guess.”
+
+Apparently aware that they were under scrutiny, Paper Bag Eddie and his
+company glanced briefly at the Cubs and sauntered on down the street. A
+few doors farther on they entered the Green Parrot Cafe.
+
+“Let’s get on home,” Brad urged.
+
+Dan, however, had another idea.
+
+“Brad, I’m dead certain that sailor with Paper Bag Eddie is the one who
+was operating the motorboat when it crashed into Mr. Holloway’s
+sailboat,” he insisted. “I’d like to try to pin it on him.”
+
+“And end up in plenty of trouble. You know Mr. Holloway advised that the
+entire matter be dropped.”
+
+“Sure, I know. But that was mostly because Mr. Manheim is well known at
+the club. I have a hunch he didn’t know anything about the boat accident.
+And it may not have been his speed craft either.”
+
+“Even so, I say we’re asking for trouble if we try striking up an
+acquaintance with that pair!”
+
+“We don’t have to speak to them,” Dan argued. “Why not follow them into
+the cafe and take a table nearby? We might hear something interesting.”
+
+“W-e-ll,” Brad hesitated, “I suppose it wouldn’t do any harm. Okay.”
+
+Feeling somewhat ill at ease, the two boys entered the Green Parrot. The
+room was dingy and dimly lighted, its plaster walls streaked with smoke.
+Only a few customers were visible.
+
+Brad and Dan slipped into a booth diagonally opposite a table where Paper
+Bag Eddie and his companion sat.
+
+“You know your orders, Frisk,” they heard the one with the weasel-like
+face say. “When you get the signal—”
+
+He broke off as his gaze fastened upon Dan and Brad. The Cubs instantly
+looked away but Paper Bag Eddie’s suspicions had been aroused.
+
+Shoving back his chair, he walked over to the booth.
+
+“Say, what’s the idea?” he demanded in a soft, purring voice.
+
+“I don’t know what you mean,” Brad returned, meeting his gaze steadily.
+
+“You followed me in here. Now you’re trying to eavesdrop.”
+
+“This is a free country,” Brad retorted. “If my friend and I want to come
+in here for a sandwich, I’d like to see you stop us!”
+
+“You would, eh?” the man replied, his lips parting in an ugly smile. He
+grasped Brad by the shoulder, pulling him half-way out of the booth. “Who
+are you and what’s your game?”
+
+Before Brad could answer, the proprietor of the Green Parrot came quickly
+from the direction of the kitchen. He had seen what was happening and did
+not want any trouble in his place.
+
+“Cut it out, Eddie,” he said. “No rough stuff here.”
+
+“Who are these kids?”
+
+“How should I know? Never saw ’em before.”
+
+“They were standing outside the cafe, watching,” Eddie informed the
+proprietor. “When we came in, they followed. I say, throw ’em out.”
+
+The proprietor hesitated, reluctant to antagonize either party.
+
+“Throw ’em out!” Paper Bag Eddie repeated in a tone not to be denied.
+
+“I’m sorry, boys,” the proprietor apologized. “I don’t want any trouble
+here. I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave.”
+
+“We’ll go,” Brad said. “Come on, Dan.”
+
+In sliding out from the booth seat, Dan bestowed another glance upon the
+man Paper Bag Eddie had called “Frisk.” More than ever he was convinced
+that he had not been mistaken in identifying him as the motorboat
+operator.
+
+“I’ve seen you before,” he said, halting beside the table. “You were
+handling the wheel of the motorboat that struck our dinghy!”
+
+“That’s a lie!” the florid-faced man rasped. “I never set eyes on either
+of you before—and what’s more, I don’t want to again. Now if you know
+what’s healthy, get out of here!”
+
+Dan would have stood his ground, but Brad grasped his arm, pulling him
+firmly along. The proprietor followed the two boys to the door.
+
+“I’m sorry,” he apologized once more. Then in an undertone, he added:
+“Don’t come back. For some reason Eddie has taken a dislike to you—and
+when he’s crossed, he’s bad medicine!”
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 6
+                                Stranded
+
+
+Three days elapsed during which Brad, Dan and the other Cubs spent much
+time at the “Y” and at the river practicing for the final swimming meet
+of the year with Den 1.
+
+Annoyed by the manner in which they had been treated by Paper Bag Eddie
+and his friend “Frisk,” the two Cubs interested themselves in making a
+few inquiries along the waterfront.
+
+They learned that a sailor by the last name of Fagan frequently was seen
+with Eddie. Although known to have no employment, he was reported always
+with enough money in his pocket.
+
+“I’m as sure as anything Fagan was in the motorboat that struck us,” Dan
+repeated to Brad one afternoon when the two boys were at the river
+preparing for a swim. “I suspect that was why he acted so sore in the
+cafe. He was afraid we’d accuse him.”
+
+Since their meeting with Paper Bag Eddie and the sailor, the two Cubs had
+not seen either of them again. Nor had they glimpsed Mr. Manheim’s boat
+or any that resembled it.
+
+On this particular afternoon, Mr. Holloway had promised to take Brad, Dan
+and Midge for a sail. Four o’clock, the hour appointed for their meeting
+at the Yacht Club dock, came and went. Finally, Mr. Holloway telephoned
+from his office to say that he had been held up and would be unable to
+make the excursion.
+
+“There’s no reason why you boys can’t take the boat by yourselves,” he
+urged. “You’re both experienced at handling the tiller, and good
+swimmers. Go ahead! Only don’t go too far from the Yacht Club. A storm
+could kick up before dusk.”
+
+Fortifying themselves with bottles of pop, Dan and Brad hoisted sail and
+cast off. With Brad at the tiller, they sailed down the channel, past
+Fish Island, and on toward Skeleton Island. They had been anxious to
+explore this island for some time.
+
+Dan lounged in the bottom of the boat, lazily sipping his drink.
+
+“Let’s sail all the way around Skeleton Island,” he proposed. “Okay?”
+
+“Sure, if we have time,” Brad agreed, glancing at the darkening sky.
+“Those clouds are rolling up rather fast though. We might have rain in a
+couple of hours.”
+
+“We’ll make it back before then,” Dan replied, stretching luxuriously.
+“The breeze is just right now.”
+
+In a long tack, they crossed to the far shore of the river and came
+about, pointing toward Skeleton Island.
+
+As Dan dropped an empty pop bottle overboard, he noticed a mahogany
+motorboat almost directly opposite the island.
+
+The craft had pulled up along shore, its motor idle. The boy was unable
+to see the occupants or to obtain a clear view of the boat itself, for it
+lay half-hidden in a clump of bushes.
+
+“That boat looks a little like Mr. Manheim’s,” he remarked, calling
+Brad’s attention to it. “Wonder what it’s doing over there? No one
+appears to be fishing.”
+
+Holding the sailboat to its course, the two Cubs kept watch of the idle
+motorboat. Though they were too far away to be certain the craft was Mr.
+Manheim’s, they thought it bore a marked resemblance to the craft
+operated by Wilson Jabowski.
+
+Presently, as the boys watched, they saw someone aboard the motorboat
+lower and raise a red flag three times in succession.
+
+“What’s the idea of that?” Dan demanded, all attention. “They’re
+signaling!”
+
+“To someone on Skeleton Island,” Brad added quietly.
+
+Dan turned his gaze toward the island beach. A man stood there,
+apparently focusing his attention upon the motorboat. In answer to the
+signal, he raised and lowered his arm three times.
+
+“What goes?” Brad muttered.
+
+For awhile, the Cubs witnessed nothing more of interest. The man on the
+beach vanished from their range of vision, while the motorboat remained
+in the clump of bushes.
+
+“Guess there’s nothing more to see,” Dan remarked in disappointment.
+
+“Yes, there is!” Brad corrected, bringing the sailboat closer into the
+wind. “Listen!”
+
+The two boys distinctly could hear the putt-putt-putt of a gasoline
+engine. For a minute they could not localize the sound. Then, from the
+far shoulder of the island, they saw a flat gasoline-propelled raft
+scooting across the river.
+
+“That looks like Jabowski,” Dan observed. “And he’s heading straight
+toward the motorboat! Can we get closer, Brad?”
+
+“Unless the breeze shifts it will take us two or three tacks to come even
+with the island.”
+
+“And by that time, there may be nothing to see,” Dan grumbled. “I sure
+wish we had a pair of binoculars!”
+
+Dividing their attention between pressing more speed out of their own
+craft, and watching the raft, the boys begrudged the time it took to make
+the long tack.
+
+The raft, they noted, moved directly to the waiting motorboat. What
+transpired at the meeting place, they were unable to see.
+
+So intent were the Cubs on watching the boat and raft, that they paid
+scant heed to the low cumulus clouds which had gathered close to the
+horizon.
+
+Black underneath and hard-edged, they were moving up fast from the
+leeward!
+
+The Cubs, however, were elated because a stiffening breeze rapidly bore
+them toward Skeleton Island. Now they could discern two men aboard the
+motorboat. Though they could not see the face of the man on the raft,
+they were convinced he was Jabowski.
+
+“What do you figure they’re doing?” Dan speculated. “And who are those
+men that have Mr. Manheim’s speedboat?”
+
+“Maybe it isn’t his,” Brad replied. “I’d say it’s the same length and
+make though.”
+
+Apparently observing the approach of the sailboat, the raft began to pull
+away from the motor craft.
+
+At that same moment, a dead calm fell upon the river. Startled, Brad
+raised his eye to the sail which had been drawing well. Now it had
+slumped into listless, discouraged folds.
+
+“Just our luck!” Dan muttered in disgust. “The breeze plays out!”
+
+“It’s worse than that,” Brad said, thoroughly alarmed. “We’re in the calm
+that precedes a bad thunderstorm!”
+
+Both the sky and the water had taken on a dark cast. Although not a
+breath of air stirred, heavy waves pounded against the drifting boat.
+
+“Gosh, we’re a long ways from shore too!” Dan said in dismay. “Skeleton
+Island is the closest point of land. Think we can make it before the
+storm breaks?”
+
+“Not a chance,” Brad muttered. “She’s coming now!”
+
+Across the water they could see a misty sheet of water descending.
+
+“There will be wind in a minute! Plenty of it! Dan! Help me get the sail
+down before it strikes us.”
+
+Working with all speed, the boys lowered the sail from the mast. Before
+they could furl it, the wind struck, throwing the boat far over on its
+side.
+
+Dan’s Cub cap was lifted from his head, and carried far down river. For a
+moment it floated on the surface, and then slowly sank out of sight.
+
+Dan scrambled to fasten down all other loose objects. Rain now was coming
+down in a torrent. Unable to see many feet ahead of them, the boys lost
+sight of the raft and the motorboat. For a time they could hear the
+chug-chug of the raft’s engine, and then all sound except the howl of the
+wind died away.
+
+“This is awful!” Dan exclaimed as a vivid streak of lightning cut across
+the dark sky. “Let’s strike for Skeleton Island. We can find shelter
+there, at least.”
+
+He reached for the paddle. Already the strong wind was propelling the
+boat in the general direction of the island.
+
+At the tiller, Brad guided the craft more by instinct than sight. Wind
+and rain had blotted out all view of the shore.
+
+Finally, the shadowy island loomed up. Worn out from hard paddling, Dan
+put on a last burst of energy which drove the boat onto the sandy beach.
+
+Leaping out, he and Brad pulled the craft high up on the sand beyond
+reach of the waves. Then they raced for the shelter of a heavily wooded
+section some distance back from the beach.
+
+“Jabowski lives in the caretaker’s quarters at the other end of the
+island,” Brad remarked, huddling against the trunk of a sheltering oak.
+“We might go there.”
+
+“I’d rather wait here, Brad. This storm shouldn’t last long. Then we can
+hoist canvas and sail back to the clubhouse.”
+
+Already the rain had slackened. The Cubs waited twenty minutes under the
+trees. By that time the downpour had dwindled to a drizzle. Then they
+made their way back through the dripping bushes to the beach.
+
+“Hey! Where’s our boat?” Dan demanded, stopping short.
+
+The stretch of beach where the craft had been left less than thirty
+minutes before, now was deserted.
+
+“But the boat can’t be gone!” Brad exclaimed, refusing to believe his
+eyes. “We pulled it well up on the sand before we took shelter! The waves
+weren’t high enough to have washed it away!”
+
+“Well, it’s gone all right. And there it is, Brad.”
+
+Dan pointed two hundred yards from shore where the empty sailboat drifted
+aimlessly. Slowly the craft was being carried downstream by the current.
+
+The Cubs stared at it in stunned dismay. Without the sailboat, they were
+stranded on Skeleton Island!
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 7
+                               Camp Site
+
+
+The Cubs stood a long while, silently viewing the drifting boat. No other
+craft now was visible on the river, and no one appeared aware of their
+plight.
+
+“Maybe I could swim out there before the boat moves farther downstream,”
+Dan proposed, estimating the distance.
+
+“Not on your life!” Brad promptly vetoed the suggestion. “You’re an
+expert swimmer and might make it, but we’re taking no chances. We’ve
+already messed things up enough.”
+
+“Mr. Holloway warned us a storm might blow up,” Dan added, kicking
+disgustedly at the wet sand. “We’d have been more alert if we hadn’t been
+so interested in that raft and motorboat.”
+
+“Mr. Holloway just had his boat repaired too. Now if it sinks or rams
+into something, we have no one to blame except ourselves.”
+
+Dan’s gaze had focused upon a man’s large footprint visible in the sand.
+
+“Say! Maybe we do have someone else to blame besides ourselves!” he
+cried. “Look at that!”
+
+Brad stared at the footprint which plainly had been made since the Cubs
+had pulled their boat up on shore. Half-protected from the rain by a
+piece of driftwood, it remained the only mark on an otherwise smooth
+beachway.
+
+“Someone’s been here since we were!” he exclaimed, stooping to examine
+the shoe print.
+
+“And that someone must have set our boat free to drift, Brad!”
+
+“Jabowski?”
+
+“Could be, Brad. He took a dislike to me, I know.”
+
+“Even so, it would be a contemptible trick. I hate to think he’d do it.”
+
+“Who else is on the island?”
+
+“No one so far as I know,” Brad replied, his eyes troubled. “Well, it’s a
+relief to know the boat didn’t drift off due to our own carelessness.
+Even so, we’re in a jam.”
+
+Dan nodded, his face sober. The afternoon had grown dark and night would
+come on earlier than usual. When the sailboat failed to return to the
+clubhouse, he knew Mr. Holloway would be very worried.
+
+“We’ll be picked up eventually,” he said, shivering in his wet clothing.
+“Meanwhile, we’re in for an uncomfortable time of it.”
+
+“Let’s find Jabowski’s place,” Brad proposed. “He might be willing to
+pick up our boat with his raft, or at least take us ashore.”
+
+“Think he’d do it? After the way he set our boat loose—”
+
+“We may suspect he did it, but it could have been someone else, Dan.
+Anyway, isn’t it better than standing here?”
+
+“Sure,” Dan agreed. “It’s our only chance.”
+
+From the beach, the boys could see no buildings on the island. However,
+from previous sails in the locality, they knew that the old hotel
+building was situated in a heavily wooded section to the north.
+
+Setting off diagonally through a thicket of saplings, they found a trail
+which led in the direction they wished to go. After wading through a
+patch of weeds and rushes which came to waist-depth, they emerged into an
+area of thin green turf.
+
+Beyond they spied the old hotel, a sprawling building with grimy windows
+and broken shutters. Unpainted in recent years, it had a look of utter
+abandonment. The foundation had crumbled in many places and the roof
+sagged. Broken window panes in the upper story windows had not been
+replaced.
+
+“Why, the place is deserted,” Dan said in disappointment.
+
+“Then why is smoke coming from the chimney?” Brad demanded. Trained as a
+Scout to be observing, he had noticed the blue-white wisp curling from
+the rear of the building.
+
+“You’re right. Someone must be there now. Let’s knock.”
+
+They pushed on, circling the old building. Brad rapped on the rear door.
+There was no answer.
+
+He pounded. Still no one came to the door. Glancing upward, however, Dan
+fancied he saw a face at a dirt-streaked window almost directly overhead.
+Before he could be sure, the shadow was gone.
+
+“It’s no use,” Brad said, after rapping again on the door. “Someone must
+be living here, but the place seems to be deserted now.”
+
+“Either that, or Jabowski’s hiding out. I thought I saw a face at the
+window.”
+
+“Where, Dan?”
+
+The younger boy indicated the window.
+
+“No one there now,” Brad said. “But I think you may be right. Ever since
+we came here, I’ve had a feeling as if we’re being watched. There’s
+something about this place I don’t like.”
+
+Convinced they were to obtain no help from the caretaker, the boys sought
+an easier route back to the beach.
+
+Not far from the rear of the hotel, they noticed an abandoned pier which
+had fallen into decay. Tied to it was the same raft they had observed
+earlier that afternoon.
+
+Farther down the shore extended a long stretch of loose sand which
+gradually merged into turf and wooded area.
+
+“Wonder if that tale Mr. Hatfield told us about the tunnel is true?” Brad
+speculated as they dog-trotted along. “No evidence of it anywhere
+around.”
+
+Without seeing anyone, the boys struck across the dunes, and finally
+emerged on the beach not far from where they first had taken refuge.
+
+Gazing down-river, they sought to determine the position of their
+drifting boat. To their astonishment it was nowhere to be seen.
+
+“Well, for crying out loud!” Dan yipped. “Now what became of it? How
+could that boat have drifted out of sight so fast?”
+
+“It couldn’t. Either someone has hauled it in or—”
+
+“Or what?” Dan demanded as his companion broke off.
+
+Instead of answering, Brad pointed far upstream. The missing sailboat had
+been taken in tow by a motor launch from the Yacht Club.
+
+“There goes our boat now, Dan! And with it our chance for a rescue.”
+
+“Let’s yell. Maybe we can attract attention.”
+
+In unison, the boys shouted and waved their arms. Running far down the
+beach, they watched the receding launch anxiously.
+
+“They see us!” Brad cried in relief. “She’s turning around.”
+
+True to his observation, the motor craft had come about. With the
+sailboat still in tow, it set a direct course for the island.
+
+“Lucky break for us,” Brad mumbled in relief. “I had visions of spending
+the night on this place.”
+
+Within a few minutes the launch came close to the island. Brad and Dan
+saw then that Mr. Hatfield was at the wheel, accompanied by Midge, Red
+and Chips. The owner of the launch, a man they did not know, also was in
+the boat.
+
+The Cub leader eased the craft as near shore as he could. When the launch
+could approach no closer without grounding, he advised Brad and Dan to
+wade out. Eager hands pulled them over the side into the launch.
+
+“We’ve been worried about you,” Mr. Hatfield said, wrapping his coat
+about Dan. “Didn’t Midge’s father warn you to remain close to the
+clubhouse?”
+
+“He did, sir. We meant to carry out his orders. But a lot happened.”
+
+“We’ll discuss that later, Dan. The important thing is that you’re both
+safe. By the way, meet Mr. Fisher.”
+
+Dan and Brad grasped the launch owner’s horny hand, expressing gratitude
+for the rescue. From him they learned that their drifting boat had been
+sighted by Midge from the Cave. The Cub had summoned Mr. Hatfield, who
+had sought the help of Mr. Fisher in finding them.
+
+“You and Brad scared us out of a year’s growth,” Chips said accusingly.
+“Seeing that empty boat made us think you might have drowned.”
+
+“Me drown?” Dan snorted.
+
+“You may be a crack swimmer, but accidents do occur,” Mr. Hatfield
+interposed. “Suppose you tell us what happened that caused you to sail so
+far from the clubhouse.”
+
+Together Dan and Brad explained how their attention had been drawn to the
+raft and motorboat.
+
+“The storm struck us unexpectedly,” Brad added. “We barely had time to
+get the sail down.”
+
+“I’m glad you managed that,” Mr. Hatfield approved. “The wind didn’t last
+long but it was strong when it came. If it had hit you with the sail up,
+the dinghy probably would have capsized.”
+
+“We made Skeleton Island,” Dan took up the account. “After beaching the
+boat, we dashed back into the bushes to get out of the rain. When we
+returned to the beach, our boat was gone.”
+
+“Oh, Dan,” Mr. Hatfield sighed. “How many times have I warned the Cubs
+always to pull a boat beyond reach of the waves?”
+
+“But we did, sir! Someone deliberately set the dinghy loose.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield braced himself as the launch swung sharply around a buoy
+which marked a river shoal.
+
+“Your boat was set loose?” he demanded. “Are you sure, Dan?”
+
+“Well, we found a man’s footprint in the sand. That boat couldn’t have
+broken away by itself.”
+
+“We have an idea who did it,” Brad added.
+
+“Let’s mention no names,” Mr. Hatfield said quickly. “That is, not unless
+you’re certain.”
+
+Being unable to prove that it was Jabowski who had shoved their boat from
+the beach, Dan and Brad remained silent.
+
+“I know you believe you were careful about the boat,” Mr. Hatfield said.
+“Perhaps you were. On the other hand, you might have been mistaken.”
+
+“Hardly,” commented Brad in quick protest.
+
+“Bear in mind that Mr. Manheim, the island owner, has been very friendly
+to the Scouts and Cubs. He’s given permission for us to camp on Skeleton
+Island this weekend. Now if wild accusations should reach his ears, it
+might prove embarrassing to say the least.”
+
+Brad and Dan grasped the idea Mr. Hatfield intended to convey.
+
+“After all, maybe we were mistaken,” Brad grinned. “Those waves were
+pretty big.”
+
+No more was said about the sailboat mishap at that time. But later at the
+Cave, the two boys told Mr. Hatfield why they had been so interested in
+the raft operator’s contact with the motorboat.
+
+“It seemed queer the men in the motorboat would signal,” Dan remarked.
+“We figured it must have been Jabowski who ferried across the river to
+meet them. No one else appears to be living on the island.”
+
+“We’ll know more about Skeleton Island after this weekend,” Mr. Hatfield
+remarked. “The camping trip should give us an opportunity to see that
+everything is satisfactory before the property is purchased.”
+
+“Then you think something queer may be going on there?” Brad demanded
+alertly.
+
+Mr. Hatfield smiled and did not answer the question directly. “Oh, one
+can’t tell,” he replied. “No use exciting the Cubs in any case. So not a
+word of this to the other boys!”
+
+During the remainder of the week, preparations for the camping trip kept
+Dan and Brad so busy they had little time to think of possible mystery at
+Skeleton Island.
+
+However, unknown to them, Mr. Hatfield was more disturbed by the sailboat
+incident than he cared to admit.
+
+On two occasions he telephoned Mr. Manheim, intending to inquire as to
+any possible intruders on Skeleton Island.
+
+He was informed that the island owner was out of the city and would not
+return before Saturday.
+
+Though Brad and Dan were careful to say nothing of their unfortunate
+experience on Skeleton Island, the other Cubs guessed that there was more
+to the story than had been told.
+
+“Come on—give,” Midge urged. “I know you boys are too smart to let a boat
+get away from you, even in a storm.”
+
+“Nothing to report,” Dan replied with a wide grin.
+
+His silence only made the Cubs more curious. They discussed the proposed
+camping trip at great length, building up elements of mystery and
+adventure. And to make their rivals, the Cubs of Den 1, envious, they
+passed out hints that something queer already had happened there.
+
+In due time, these rumors reached the ears of Ross Langdon.
+
+Still smarting from his defeat in the swimming meet, he told his buddies
+that he intended to have a little wholesome fun at Dan Carter’s expense.
+
+“Just be sure it’s fun and not revenge,” a fellow Cub warned him. “Seems
+to me you’ve been a sore-head ever since you lost the race.”
+
+“Who lost a race?” Ross retorted. “I wuz robbed!”
+
+Unaware that Ross was plotting revenge, Dan continued to practice his
+swimming faithfully at the “Y” pool.
+
+Between times, he slaved on the coded message left by Jacques. But try as
+he would, he could not decipher it.
+
+“When it comes to solving a puzzle, I’m a dud,” Dan remarked one
+afternoon as he and Brad lounged in the cave. “And that reminds me—we’ve
+heard nothing more about Paper Bag Eddie or his friend Fagan.”
+
+“You know, that fellow’s hook-up with a man of Eddie’s shady reputation
+makes me wonder if he could have had any part in the fur theft,” Brad
+said thoughtfully. “I’ve not seen a word in the paper lately about any
+hauls by river pirates.”
+
+“Neither have I, Brad. That robbery was pulled just about the time of
+night Mr. Holloway’s boat was hit.”
+
+“Sure, that’s what I’ve been thinking, Dan. Why not drop around and talk
+to Hank Hawkins? He may have heard of this bird Fagan.”
+
+Having nothing more pressing to do, Dan agreed to the proposal.
+
+The boys found the warehouseman at the dock chatting with his friend, Joe
+Matt. The seeing-eye dog, upon sighting Dan, began to strain at his
+leash. Only after the blindman had restrained the animal were the Cubs
+able to enter the warehouse.
+
+For awhile the conversation centered on river commerce. Then presently,
+Dan and Brad steered it to the topic of river pirates.
+
+“I wish the police would get busy and catch these pug-uglies that have
+been makin’ so much trouble along the waterfront,” Hank said irritably.
+“Trouble is, they’re slick operators.”
+
+“Have you lost any shipments lately?” Joe Matt inquired.
+
+“Not since the furs were snatched. All the same, I’m keeping my fingers
+crossed.”
+
+“You don’t think the river pirates would strike twice in the same area?”
+the blindman scoffed. “Especially with police on the lookout.”
+
+“I wouldn’t put anything past those boys!” Hank retorted as he studied a
+bill of lading. “I’m taking no chances! Not with another valuable
+shipment due any day.”
+
+“Another box of furs?”
+
+“That’s right.”
+
+“Coming through around the 24th,” the blindman remarked casually.
+
+“That happens to be the date,” Hank admitted, gazing at the other rather
+sharply. “But I don’t remember saying anything about it. Fact is—”
+
+“You told me the other day.”
+
+“Then it was a slip of the tongue,” Hank replied. “You’ll do me a favor
+not to speak of the date. It’s confidential information.”
+
+“Sorry,” Joe Matt apologized. “I didn’t know there was any secret about
+it.”
+
+“Every precaution is being taken to safeguard the shipment. Special
+police will guard the docks. I got nothing to worry about—and yet I do it
+anyhow.”
+
+“You’re jittery,” the blindman said, starting away. “Well, see you later.
+Come on, Rudy!”
+
+After he had tapped off down the dock, Brad and Dan lingered a few
+minutes longer. Hank, however, seemed preoccupied. Dan asked him if he
+knew any sailor by the name of Frisk Fagan.
+
+“No, I don’t,” he answered a trifle irritably. “Now I wish you boys
+wouldn’t pester me. I got work to do.”
+
+Thus dismissed, Brad and Dan took themselves off.
+
+“Hank was out of sorts because we overhead Joe Matt mention that 24th
+shipping date,” Dan remarked as they tramped along together. “Say, that’s
+funny!”
+
+“What is, Dan?”
+
+“Those two dates being the same!”
+
+“What two dates?”
+
+“Don’t you recall?” Dan demanded excitedly. “That coded message Jacques
+had in his pocket mentioned the 24th!”
+
+“The note included the numerals 24,” Brad admitted. “But what does that
+prove?”
+
+“Nothing perhaps. Then again, it may mean plenty!” Dan spoke with quiet
+conviction. “I know one thing. I’m really going to work on that message.
+I’ll break the code if it’s humanly possible!”
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 8
+                       “Dan Carter—Take Warning”
+
+
+On the night prior to the departure of Den 2 for Skeleton Island, all the
+Cubs gathered at the Cave to receive final instructions.
+
+Mr. Hatfield informed the boys they were to meet at the Webster City
+Yacht Club promptly at eight o’clock the next morning. Transportation
+would be provided to the island in a launch contributed by a friend of
+Midge’s father.
+
+“Now don’t oversleep,” he warned as the meeting broke up. “And don’t
+arrive at the dock before the crack of dawn either! Try to make it about
+a quarter to eight so we can leave on the hour.”
+
+After nearly all of the Cubs had gone, Mr. Hatfield and Brad busied
+themselves straightening the clubroom. Dan brought the record of the
+meeting up to date. Then, pulling a chair up beside the gasoline lamp, he
+reverted to his favorite occupation—that of trying to solve the coded
+message left by Jacques.
+
+“Having any luck?” Mr. Hatfield presently inquired.
+
+“Not yet.” Dan dropped his pencil in a gesture of utter discouragement.
+“I guess I’m a sap to waste time trying to figure it out. Maybe it isn’t
+even a code.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield paused at the table to study the scratch pad on which the
+boy had been writing.
+
+“Don’t give up, Dan,” he advised, resting his hand for a moment on his
+shoulder. “Worthwhile things usually come hard. Keep plugging.”
+
+“I’ve tried every possible combination of letters. No soap.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield studied the odd grouping of numerals: “020614 7552845 24.”
+
+“Number 5 reappears three times,” he observed. “If only you could figure
+that one out, it might give you a start.”
+
+“I’ve tried at least twenty combinations with no luck.”
+
+“Well, don’t give up hope, Dan. Bring the message along with you to camp.
+Perhaps some of the Den Dads can figure it out while we’re there.”
+
+“Guess I’ll have to,” Dan sighed. “I’d rather do it myself though. I have
+one more idea I want to try.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield, who was ready to leave for home, remarked that the hour was
+growing rather late.
+
+“Shouldn’t you break it off for tonight, Dan?” he suggested. “Remember,
+we leave early for Skeleton Island.”
+
+“I’ll be there, Mr. Hatfield. I just want to try one more idea. Don’t
+wait for me. You and Brad go on.”
+
+The Cub leader was reluctant to leave the boy alone in the Cave. Twice
+during the week, Red and Chips had reported that they thought someone
+might be spying on the clubroom.
+
+Although inclined to believe the boys were fanciful, Mr. Hatfield
+nevertheless disliked to leave Dan by himself.
+
+“Sure you’ll be all right?” he asked.
+
+“Of course.”
+
+“Brad and I will be glad to wait if you’re set on working longer on that
+code.”
+
+“No need, Mr. Hatfield. I’ll put out the light and see that everything is
+ship-shape when I leave.”
+
+“Well, don’t stay too long, Dan.”
+
+In departing, Mr. Hatfield and Brad lowered a canvas covering which
+served as a door across the cave entrance. Of no practical value in
+protecting the clubroom from intruders, it kept out wind and rain.
+
+Left to himself, Dan devoted himself once more to the task at hand.
+
+Writing out the letters of the alphabet in orderly rows, he gave each a
+number, thus:
+
+  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
+  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4
+
+and on through the alphabet.
+
+When this brought no solution he tried a second combination, starting
+with the number “2” instead of “1”.
+
+  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
+  2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5
+
+For the next twenty minutes he worked on, trying many combinations. Each
+time, he started off with a higher number for the letter “A,” working up
+as high as “7”.
+
+“It’s no use,” he decided at last. “I may as well go home.”
+
+On the pad before Dan was a string of unused alphabetical letters.
+Absently, with no hope of striking upon anything that would work, he
+wrote in corresponding numbers, starting with “8.”
+
+  A B C D E F G H I J K L
+  8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
+  M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
+  0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3
+
+Referring to Jacques’ coded message, he then began to transfer the
+numbers into counterpart letters.
+
+“Let’s see,” he mused. “‘0’ could be either C, M or W; and ‘2’ might be
+E, O or Y. Number 6 would have to be I or S. Number 1 could represent D,
+N or X. And 4 would have to be G—”
+
+Dan went no further, for suddenly he saw that the puzzle actually was
+beginning to make sense. Excitedly he wrote in the first combination of
+letters:
+
+  020614
+  COMING
+
+“Yipee! I’ve got it!” he muttered. “I’ve found the key!”
+
+A strong gust of wind unexpectedly flapped the light canvas which hung
+across the cave doorway.
+
+So engrossed was Dan that he did not notice. Nor did he see a shadowy
+figure crouching on the platform.
+
+Then the light suddenly was extinguished. Startled, Dan jerked to
+attention.
+
+As he groped for a match with which to relight the lamp, a deep voice
+entoned:
+
+“_Take warning, Dan Carter! Remain away from Skeleton Island!_”
+
+Dan felt the hair rise on his neck. Chills slithered down his spine. The
+mysterious voice, he realized, came from the cave entranceway.
+
+Recovering from the first shock of surprise, the boy sprang to his feet,
+upsetting his chair.
+
+In three long strides he reached the entrance and jerked aside the canvas
+flap.
+
+No one was there. But disappearing down the steps Dan saw a lean, dark
+figure.
+
+“Hey, you!” he shouted furiously.
+
+The intruder only ran the faster, pulling a jacket high around his neck
+to shield his face.
+
+Angered by the threat and determined to learn who had been spying upon
+him, Dan started down the steps in hot pursuit.
+
+The intruder, a fleet runner, raced across the beach, heading for a clump
+of bushes along the highway. Dan pounded closer and closer at his heels.
+
+Then, the one ahead unexpectedly tripped in the loose sand. He stumbled
+and fell. In a flash Dan was upon him, pulling the jacket away so that he
+could see the culprit’s face.
+
+“Ross!” he recognized him. “Ross Langdon! Well, of all the dirty, low
+tricks!”
+
+“Take it easy, will you?” panted the Cub from the rival Den. “You’re
+smashing my ribs!”
+
+“Serves you right! So you’ve been spying on the Cave!”
+
+“Aw, I wasn’t spying,” Ross protested. “Can’t you take a joke?”
+
+“How long were you hiding there behind the canvas flap?”
+
+“Only a minute or two, Dan. Honest! I saw the light burning, so I thought
+I’d take a peek and see who was there.”
+
+“It was a lousy trick—especially that warning about going to Skeleton
+Island.”
+
+“Scared you, didn’t I?” Ross chuckled, squirming to free himself from the
+other’s tight grasp.
+
+“You startled me. But I don’t scare that easily.”
+
+“Like fun! You nearly jumped through the roof of the Cave! What were you
+working on so late, anyhow?”
+
+“Oh, nothing.”
+
+“Nothing? You were so absorbed you didn’t hear a thing until I waved the
+canvas flap to make the light go out. You were figuring out something
+with paper and pencil. Your income tax?”
+
+“Just a little work for the Den,” Dan replied vaguely.
+
+“Keeping it to yourself, eh? If you’ll climb off my mid-section, I’ll
+amble back there with you. I’ve always been curious to see the set-up of
+your much advertised Cave.”
+
+Dan made no comment as he let Ross up. Both boys dusted their clothing
+free of sand.
+
+“Well, let’s go,” Ross said impatiently. He started toward the Cave.
+
+“I was just thinking it’s time to go home,” Dan said, following the other
+boy reluctantly. “It’s getting late—”
+
+“I’ll help you close up the Cave for the night.”
+
+“I don’t need any help.”
+
+“Sure you do. Don’t be so inhospitable,” Ross chuckled. “You may as well
+invite me, because I’m going along anyhow.”
+
+Dan made no further protest as he fell into step with the Den 1 boy. He
+knew that Ross had in mind learning if he could, the nature of the paper
+upon which he had been working. Dan was equally determined to keep
+Jacques’ coded message a Den 2 secret.
+
+“If Ross hadn’t pulled that fool trick, I’d have had the code completely
+broken by this time,” he thought. “Now I’ll have to take the message
+home, because I don’t want him to see it.”
+
+The two Cubs climbed the stairs and entered the dark Cave. Dan groped his
+way to the table and lighted the wick of the kerosene lamp.
+
+In its flickering light, the room somehow did not appear exactly as he
+had left it. His chair lay overturned. Papers on the table were very
+disordered. Dan did not recall having left them so.
+
+Not wishing Ross to see the coded message upon which he had been working,
+the boy looked about for it. But the paper was not on the table. Nor
+could he find it anywhere on the floor.
+
+Even the scratch papers on which he had written various combinations of
+letters, had disappeared.
+
+“Lose something?” Ross inquired as his gaze traveled about the
+well-furnished room. He added admiringly: “Nice diggings you have here!
+Wish our Den had a cave.”
+
+Dan, thumbing through the loose papers on the table, made no reply.
+
+“What’s wrong?” Ross demanded.
+
+“I’m looking for some work I was doing when you broke in here,” Dan
+answered reluctantly. “Ross, you didn’t—”
+
+“How could I have taken anything?” the other demanded. “You were hot on
+my heels every minute.”
+
+“Yeah, that’s right, Ross. You were alone when you came here?”
+
+“Sure. What you driving at anyhow?”
+
+“I’ve lost something—an important paper. You saw me working on it when
+you came up here.”
+
+“I remember, Dan. Maybe you stuffed it in your pocket when you took after
+me.”
+
+“I don’t think so. I left everything here on the table.”
+
+To make certain, Dan searched all his pockets. The coded message was in
+none of them.
+
+Thinking that perhaps a gust of wind had carried the paper far across the
+floor of the cave, he looked in every corner and even under the couch.
+
+“Ross, it’s gone,” he said with sudden conviction.
+
+“But how could it have disappeared? Honest, Dan, I didn’t take a thing.
+And none of the Cubs from Den 1 were with me.”
+
+“I believe you, Ross,” Dan assured him. “But someone has been in here
+while we were on the beach. I sensed it the instant I came in.”
+
+“Anything else missing?”
+
+“Not that I’ve noticed. Mr. Hatfield never allows us to keep anything of
+great value here because we can’t lock up the cave.”
+
+“Gosh, if it was my fault, I’m sorry,” Ross said. “I wouldn’t have pulled
+that stunt, only it struck me as a good joke. Who would have come here?”
+
+“That’s what I can’t figure.”
+
+“We didn’t see anyone on the beach, Dan.”
+
+“I know, but we weren’t paying particular attention.” Dan prepared to
+blow out the kerosene lamp. “Let’s go down there now and look around.”
+
+The boys descended the long flight of wooden steps to the beach. A pale
+half-moon only faintly illuminated the stretch of glistening sand.
+
+“No one around, Dan,” Ross said, looking up and down the beach. “You’ll
+probably find that paper in the morning.”
+
+The other boy made no reply. He was staring at the sand near the base of
+the steps.
+
+“What do you see now?” Ross demanded.
+
+“Someone has been here,” Dan said quietly.
+
+“Footprints, you mean?” Ross was inclined to scoff at the other boy’s
+observation. “You can’t tell anything by that. You had a Den meeting
+tonight. Probably those large footprints were made by one of the Den
+Dads.”
+
+“That could be, Ross. But I’m noticing something else too.”
+
+“Well, don’t keep it a secret, Wise Guy,” Ross said, a trifle irritably.
+“What have those bright little searchlights of yours picked up?”
+
+Dan pointed to a series of tiny circular marks in the hard-packed sand.
+Approximately one-half inch deep and perhaps a foot and a half apart, the
+imprints led down-beach into a clump of bushes.
+
+“What’s so strange about that?” Ross demanded.
+
+Offering no reply, Dan walked over to the bush. As he had expected, no
+one now was hiding there.
+
+However, in the soft sand appeared additional footprints from a large
+man’s shoe. And beside them were several mysterious circular marks which
+he thought might have been made by someone using a walking stick.
+
+Dan turned to Ross who had followed him. “Will you do me a favor?” he
+asked.
+
+“What kind?” the other boy asked with caution.
+
+“Say nothing to any of the Cubs about what happened tonight—either those
+in your Den or mine.”
+
+“W-e-ll,” Ross hesitated, for he knew the story would make good telling.
+“Okay, I’ll keep mum if you will. The joke didn’t pan out quite as I
+expected. But why do you care?”
+
+“I’ll tell you, Ross. What happened tonight convinces me someone has been
+spying on the Cave. I know Mr. Hatfield would just as soon the fact isn’t
+advertised.”
+
+“You think a gang of boys—fellows who aren’t Cubs—are aiming to make
+trouble?”
+
+“I don’t believe boys are mixed up in it, Ross.”
+
+“Grownups?”
+
+“That would be my guess.”
+
+Ross was inclined to make light of Dan’s theory. “Oh, you’re building up
+too much out of nothing,” he insisted. “You’ll find that missing paper in
+the morning. Mark my words.”
+
+“Let’s hope you’re right,” Dan said as the two boys started for home.
+
+Actually, he had no hope whatsoever. A conviction had grown upon him that
+the paper left by Jacques never would be seen again.
+
+And with its disappearance had vanished his last chance to solve the
+mysterious coded message.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 9
+                             A Missing Code
+
+
+Dan was at the Cave before seven o’clock the next morning. Early as was
+the hour, Mr. Hatfield had arrived ahead of him and already had moved out
+most of the camping equipment which was to be taken to Skeleton Island.
+
+“Why, hello, Dan,” the Cub leader greeted him in pleased surprise. “I
+hardly expected to see you before eight o’clock.”
+
+“I scarcely expected to see myself,” Dan grinned. “Fact is, I came to
+look for a paper I lost last night. Mr. Hatfield, I nearly broke the code
+only to have the message disappear!”
+
+Quickly the boy related everything that had occurred.
+
+“Ross and I agreed not to tell any of the Cubs,” he added. “I figured it
+would only worry them.”
+
+“You’re right in keeping quiet about it,” Mr. Hatfield said at once. “I
+hadn’t intended to mention it, but for several days I’ve had a feeling
+this place is being spied upon. Frankly, I don’t like it.”
+
+“Any idea who may be doing it, Mr. Hatfield?”
+
+“None whatsoever.”
+
+“Do you think it has anything to do with that message we found, or
+Jacques?”
+
+“I’ve wondered, Dan. My mind is not at rest with regard to that boy.
+Obviously he was a Cub, yet I’ve been unable to find any Den or Pack in
+which he ever was registered. Of course, he could have given us a
+fictitious first name.”
+
+“It was miserable luck losing the coded message last night,” Dan
+complained. “I’d just figured out the first word—‘Coming’—when whiff went
+the light.”
+
+“The paper may be here. Let’s make a thorough search.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield swept the cave floor while Dan searched every possible
+cranny. The missing paper was not found.
+
+“Well, at least nothing else appears to be missing,” the Cub leader said
+after he had checked all the camping equipment. “It seems that whoever
+came here last night must have been after that coded message. Dan, if I’d
+known this earlier—”
+
+“You’d have called off the camping trip,” Dan completed, guessing at his
+thought.
+
+“Yes, Jacques must have had a connection with Skeleton Island or the name
+wouldn’t have appeared on the paper. I have an uneasy feeling about going
+there.”
+
+“The camp will be well guarded with so many of the fathers going along.”
+
+“I realize that, Dan, but even so—”
+
+“The Cubs would be terribly disappointed if you called off the trip now,”
+Dan interposed. “Oh, heck, Mr. Hatfield, I shouldn’t have told you about
+losing that paper!”
+
+“On the contrary, you did exactly right. Well, I suppose it wouldn’t be
+fair to call off the trip on such short notice. We’ll go on just as we
+planned.”
+
+“Oh, thanks, Mr. Hatfield!”
+
+“Don’t thank me,” the Cub leader rejoined. “Just keep your lips buttoned
+and your eyes open after we reach Skeleton Island. If you notice anything
+out of the ordinary, report to me. But don’t say or do anything to worry
+or stir up the Cubs.”
+
+“I’ll remember,” Dan promised.
+
+“Now lend a hand with this camping equipment,” Mr. Hatfield said briskly.
+“I want to have everything at the dock before eight o’clock.”
+
+Two hours later found the Cubs in their temporary camp on Skeleton
+Island. Tents already were up, balsam beds in preparation of making, and
+a trench fire started for the noon-day meal.
+
+A beach near the camp sloped gently out into the river more than fifteen
+yards. This the Den Dads marked off with ropes and floats. Beyond was a
+somewhat deeper area, suitable for the more experienced swimmers.
+
+“I wish we had a diving raft,” Brad remarked, surveying the
+possibilities.
+
+“Why not build one?” proposed Mr. Hatfield. “I saw some old boards and a
+log or two lying back in the brush. We easily can build a small raft.”
+
+For an hour the Cubs busied themselves carrying boards and logs to the
+riverside. Mr. Hatfield supervised the work, showing the boys how to fit
+the logs together to make a firm framework for the platform.
+
+When it was ready for use, Dan, Brad and Sam Hatfield anchored the raft
+in deep water.
+
+“I’m all tuckered out,” Dan announced, pulling himself up on the platform
+to rest. “You know, camping is mighty hard work!”
+
+“It is until your camp is set up right,” Sam Hatfield agreed. “After
+that, it’s easy. If the Scouts decide to buy this property, we’ll have
+cabins and an improved beach. The brush will need to be cleared away. But
+it will make a first class camp.”
+
+“I hope the Scouts decide to buy,” Dan said, rolling over so that the sun
+would warm his back.
+
+“The site seems ideal to me. It’s close to Webster City. The beach area
+is unusually good, and the island has a natural spring. Plenty of
+woodland for nature trails too.”
+
+“You think the Scouts will buy it?” Brad asked. Seated on the edge of the
+raft, his dangling feet beat a steady tattoo in the water.
+
+“That remains to be seen,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “There are several
+factors to be considered.”
+
+He did not amplify the statement, for just then Midge’s father called
+from shore to warn that lunch would be ready in twenty minutes.
+
+With a shout of pleasure, the Cubs scrambled for the beach. Dan and Brad
+dived from the raft, racing each other in.
+
+“No fooling, you get faster every day,” Brad praised his companion. “If
+you don’t take Ross for a cleaning in our next swimming meet, I’ll miss
+my guess.”
+
+“I only hope if I win I do it in a straightaway race, not on a technical
+point,” the younger boy rejoined. “Ross still figures he lost on a
+fluke.”
+
+By the time the Cubs were dressed, lunch was ready. Squatting around the
+glowing coals, they filled their plates with steak, potatoes and generous
+helpings of carrots.
+
+As his crowning achievement, Mr. Holloway produced a pan of delicately
+browned biscuits baked in a home-made reflector oven which he had
+fashioned.
+
+“How does the meal taste, boys?” he asked.
+
+“Swell!” approved Red, reaching for another biscuit. “As a cook, we’ll
+give you the tin medal!”
+
+When the last scrap of food had disappeared, the Cubs doused sand on the
+fires, dispatched the dishes and then stretched out to enjoy a rest.
+
+Chips, however, soon became restless.
+
+“I think I’ll amble down the beach and explore,” he announced. “Who
+knows? Maybe I’ll find the entrance to that old tunnel Mr. Hatfield told
+us about!”
+
+“If you do, write me a letter about it,” Brad joked, stretching lazily.
+“I’m treating myself to a snooze. That swim made me drowsy.”
+
+“Don’t go out of sight of camp, Chips,” Mr. Hatfield advised the boy as
+he started away.
+
+“Aw, Mr. Hatfield—”
+
+“I’m asking the Cubs to stay pretty much in this section of the island,”
+the Cub leader explained. “Later on, we’ll do our exploring in a group.”
+
+“Oh, all right,” Chips consented reluctantly.
+
+“Want me to go along?” Fred asked.
+
+Chips, acting as if he had not heard, ambled off. Fred, who preferred to
+remain in camp, let him go alone.
+
+Fresh water was needed, so Dan and Mack went to the nearby spring for a
+bucket of water. The other Cubs finished making their balsam beds. This
+work completed, they joined Brad under the shade trees.
+
+“Wonder what’s become of Chips?” Mr. Hatfield presently remarked,
+scanning the beach area. “I don’t see him anywhere.”
+
+“You know Chips,” said Brad significantly.
+
+“I do indeed. His intentions are good, but he’s apt to wander off.”
+
+“Odd that he went by himself,” Brad mused. “He really gave Fred the
+brush-off. Want me to see what’s become of him, Mr. Hatfield?”
+
+“I may look him up myself,” the Cub leader replied, getting to his feet.
+
+However, it was unnecessary for him to go in search. Scarcely five
+minutes later, Chips came running up the beach, obviously excited.
+
+“Hey, fellows!” he shouted. “Come quick!”
+
+The Cubs uncurled themselves from comfortable nooks, and hastened to see
+what was wrong.
+
+“What’s up, Chips?” Brad demanded.
+
+“I want to show you something,” the boy said impressively. “Gosh, it
+scared me half out of my wits!”
+
+“What did you find?” Dan demanded.
+
+“Just follow me.”
+
+At a dog-trot, Chips led the Cubs down the beach to a clump of willows.
+There he pointed dramatically to an object lying in a slight depression.
+
+“A skeleton!” Midge exclaimed, recoiling at the gruesome sight.
+
+“Chips, how did you happen to find it here?” asked Mack with a shudder.
+
+“Oh, I was just walking along the beach,” the boy answered vaguely.
+“There it was in the sand.”
+
+Brad bent down to examine the bones and the grinning skull.
+
+“Don’t touch the thing,” Fred said, pulling back. “I’ll call my father.”
+
+“Wait a minute,” Brad stopped him. “Chips, you say you just happened
+along here and found this skeleton?”
+
+“It was exactly where you see it now.”
+
+“Sure it was! After _you_ put it there!”
+
+“Why, such an accusation,” Chips protested, but his grin gave him away.
+“Okay, Wise Guy!”
+
+“I’m wise enough to know varnish when I see it! These bones all have been
+treated. So ’fess up, Chips. Where did you get the skeleton?”
+
+“From the school laboratory,” the boy admitted with a laugh. “Professor
+Johnson let me borrow it to play a joke on the Cubs. It would have worked
+too, if you hadn’t been so smart.”
+
+“The joke doesn’t seem funny to me,” Brad replied severely. “It would
+have given us all a bad feeling to think anyone had died on the island.
+We want this camping trip to be a pleasant experience.”
+
+“Guess I made a mistake,” Chips muttered, gathering up the skeleton. “It
+seemed like a good idea when I first thought of it.”
+
+Disheartened by the failure of his joke, he carefully replaced the bones
+in a carrying box which he had hidden in the willows.
+
+“Don’t take it so hard,” Brad said, clapping him on the shoulder. “I know
+you went to a lot of bother to pull off that joke.”
+
+“The Cubs would have fallen for it too.”
+
+“Sure, they would have, Chips. But it would have stirred them up. You
+know as well as I do that if things go wrong while we’re here, the Scouts
+may decide not to buy the island site for their camp.”
+
+“You’re right, Brad,” Chips admitted. “I’m sorry. I won’t pull any more
+stunts while we’re here.”
+
+Back in camp once more, several of the Cubs elected to try their luck
+fishing. Dan, Chips and Brad, who were to help Mr. Holloway with the
+cooking that night, remained behind to check over supplies.
+
+“The boys may bring in a few fish,” the Den Dad remarked. “If so, we
+should have a good meal tonight. But just in case—we’ll be prepared to
+fall back on ham and eggs.”
+
+Dan wandered off to gather wood for the fire. Upon his return with a
+large armful of dry pieces, he noticed that the water pail was empty
+again.
+
+“There must be a herd of thirsty camels around here,” he complained. “I
+filled that bucket not twenty minutes ago!”
+
+“I’ll do it this time,” Chips offered, eager to make amends for the
+skeleton. “You’ve done your share of work already.”
+
+Seizing the bucket, the boy disappeared in the direction of the spring.
+
+Brad, Dan and Mr. Holloway busied themselves with preparations for the
+evening meal, setting out supplies that would be needed.
+
+“How about another batch of biscuits?” the Den Dad proposed. “The Cubs
+went for them in a big way this noon.”
+
+“Fine!” approved Dan. “And baked potatoes will be easy to fix. We can
+wrap them in wet clay and roast them on the coals.”
+
+“Know where we can get any clay?” Mr. Holloway asked, searching through
+the supplies for a package of flour. “It’s mostly sand around here.”
+
+“There’s some back by the spring. I noticed it when I was filling the
+water bucket awhile ago.”
+
+“Suppose you see if you can dig up some, Dan. Take an old tin can.”
+
+The spring was situated well back from the camp site in a natural shelter
+of willows, ferns and vines.
+
+Dan had covered less than half the distance when Chips suddenly plunged
+into view. The water pail left behind, he obviously was excited as he ran
+toward the other boy.
+
+“Dan!” he exclaimed breathlessly. “I—I saw someone at the spring!”
+
+Dan scarcely knew whether to laugh or take Chips seriously.
+
+“What’s so strange about that?” he demanded. “Was it one of the Den
+Dads?”
+
+“Of course not!” Chips retorted, exasperated. “What do you think I am,
+anyhow? A scared cat? I saw this man peering at me as I reached down to
+dip water from the pool at the spring.”
+
+“Sure you aren’t pulling another skeleton trick?”
+
+“Heck, no! I swear it! Dan, I really saw this man—an ugly looking fellow.
+It gave me a bad start. I dropped the water bucket and ran.”
+
+“It may have been Jabowski. I’ve been told he stays on the island while
+Mr. Manheim is away.”
+
+“This man had dark bushy hair and hadn’t shaved in three or four days.”
+
+“You’re sure he didn’t have horns sprouting from his forehead?”
+
+“Wise guy! You think I’m making it up!” Chips said indignantly. “It gave
+me a bad feeling, I tell you. I wish you could have seen the way he
+looked at me. It froze my blood.”
+
+“Where was this monster?”
+
+“Lurking back behind the bushes. As I started to fill the pail, I glanced
+up. He was staring at me with hatred in his eyes. Then he ducked back out
+of sight. I dropped the water bucket and ran.”
+
+Dan was only half convinced that Chips was not trying to play another
+joke. However, he noticed that the boy was breathing hard and actually
+looked a trifle pale.
+
+“You probably saw Mr. Jabowski,” he said with a shrug.
+
+“Like fun I did! I’ve seen Jabowski at the Webster City Yacht Club. It
+was someone else.”
+
+“A fisherman maybe who came to the island by boat.”
+
+“We haven’t seen any boats around all day,” Chips contended.
+
+“I’ll go back there with you,” Dan offered. “Come on.”
+
+“You wouldn’t be so brave if you’d seen that leering face,” Chips said,
+following unwillingly.
+
+The two boys approached the spring warily. All was tranquil. A gentle
+breeze stirred the dense growth of bushes which hemmed in the spring and
+pool. Otherwise there was no movement.
+
+“No one here,” Dan observed. “Sure you didn’t imagine it, Chips?”
+
+“I certainly did not.”
+
+“Well, no one is here now, at any rate. I’ll fill the water bucket while
+you look around to see if you can find any clay. We need it to wrap baked
+potatoes in.”
+
+Dan moved on to the spring. He stooped to drink deeply of the cool water
+and then reached down to pick up the tin bucket which Chips had
+abandoned.
+
+In the still water of the circular pool he could see his own reflection.
+And then he saw something more!
+
+Merging with the dark of the bushes was a face, the evil countenance that
+Chips had described so vividly. As he watched, fascinated, a hand slowly
+was raised.
+
+“Look out, Dan!” called Chips.
+
+Dan ducked. As he flattened himself, a stone was hurled by the man who
+crouched in the bushes. Sailing over his head, it struck the pool with a
+hard splash.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 10
+                         The Man at the Spring
+
+
+A commotion in the bushes informed Dan and Chips that the man who had
+thrown the stone now was retreating.
+
+“You see!” Chips cried excitedly, joining his friend at the pool’s edge.
+“I told you the truth, didn’t I?”
+
+“You sure did,” Dan muttered, scrambling to his feet. “If I hadn’t
+ducked, that stone would have clipped me on the back of the head. Come
+on, let’s nail him!”
+
+Angry to think that the intruder had dared to risk injuring them by
+deliberately hurling a stone, the Cubs started after him.
+
+Already the man was far away, moving with cat-like tread through the
+dense growth of vines and underbrush. Apparently familiar with the
+terrain, he slipped between the trees like a shadow.
+
+“No use trying to follow,” Dan decided after they had gone only a few
+yards. “We’ve already missed our chance to see who he was.”
+
+“And if we trail him a long distance from camp, he might try some of his
+tricks,” Chips added in an undertone. “Dan, that man’s face scared me. He
+looked downright ugly.”
+
+“He did,” Dan agreed. “I only caught one glimpse of his face, but that
+was enough.”
+
+“Ever see him before?”
+
+“N-o-o,” Dan replied slowly. “For just a minute I thought—”
+
+The boy was on the verge of saying that the man had resembled “Frisk,”
+the associate of Paper Bag Eddie. However, his identification had been
+most uncertain.
+
+“You thought what, Dan?”
+
+“Oh, nothing. I didn’t really see the man’s face plainly. Wonder why he’d
+try to harm us?”
+
+“Let’s report to Mr. Hatfield.”
+
+To this suggestion, Dan promptly agreed. Picking their way back to the
+pool, the boys made short work of filling the water pail and gathering
+clay.
+
+Back in camp once more, they took Mr. Holloway and the Cub leader aside
+to relate what had happened.
+
+“The man actually hurled a stone?” Mr. Hatfield questioned, his face
+sober.
+
+“He certainly did,” Dan confirmed. “It missed my head by inches.”
+
+Very much disturbed, Mr. Hatfield and Midge’s father warned the two boys
+to make no mention of the incident to the other Cubs.
+
+“I’ll take Mr. Suell and explore the island,” the Cub leader decided.
+“Mr. Holloway will remain in camp with the boys. Without letting them
+know that anything is amiss, keep them there.”
+
+“It soon will be supper time,” Mr. Holloway agreed. “I’ll find enough
+work to occupy their time.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Suell set off at once to search for the stranger who
+had accosted the boys at the spring.
+
+Meanwhile, Chips and Dan helped with supper preparations, trying not to
+reveal their inner excitement to the other Cubs. As time wore on and
+neither the Cub leader nor Mr. Suell returned, it became increasingly
+difficult to contain their secret.
+
+The boys were nearly through supper when the two finally appeared in
+camp. Slipping almost unnoticed into the group around the fire, they
+dished up their own suppers.
+
+“Learn anything?” Dan asked the Cub leader in a whisper.
+
+“Tell you later.” Mr. Hatfield’s glance warned the boy to say no more at
+the moment.
+
+In silence, but with no show of uneasiness, the Cub leader ate his
+supper. While the other boys were clearing away the dishes, he took Dan,
+Brad and Chips aside to relate what he and Mr. Suell had noted in their
+explorations.
+
+“Did you find that fellow we saw by the spring?” Chips questioned before
+Mr. Hatfield could speak.
+
+“No, Chips. We tramped the island from one end to the other. Not a sign
+of him.”
+
+“No signs?” Dan echoed.
+
+“My statement wasn’t quite accurate,” Mr. Hatfield corrected. “We found
+signs in the way of footprints, a well-beaten trail, and broken bushes.
+But we failed to catch up with the man himself.”
+
+“Where did the trail lead?” inquired Chips.
+
+“We picked it up by the spring and followed it the entire length of the
+island through the woodland and marsh. It emerged not far from the old
+hotel.”
+
+“Maybe the fellow hid in there,” Dan suggested.
+
+“That’s what Mr. Suell thought. We looked the place over, but couldn’t
+get in. All the doors were locked and the blinds drawn. If Mr. Jabowski
+looks after the place for Mr. Manheim, he doesn’t hurt himself working at
+the job.”
+
+Having told the boys everything he and Mr. Suell had learned, the Cub
+leader again warned them to say nothing of the affair to the other boys.
+
+“Frankly, I can’t figure out why anyone would hurl a stone without
+provocation,” he said. “I’m afraid someone may be annoyed because the
+Cubs have camped here.”
+
+“But we had a perfect right to do it,” Dan protested.
+
+“Of course. Mr. Manheim granted permission. But things may be going on
+here of which he has no knowledge.”
+
+“For instance?” interposed Brad.
+
+“I can’t say, because I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I have. Mr. Suell
+and I will take turns guarding the camp tonight.”
+
+“Then you think the Cubs may be in danger here?” Brad asked, startled.
+
+“No, Brad, if I thought so, we’d break camp and pull out tonight. We’ll
+set up a watch as a precaution. First thing in the morning, I’ll go to
+the mainland to have a talk with Mr. Manheim.”
+
+After the camp work was out of the way, the Den Dads built a huge fire on
+the beach. Mr. Suell then gave the boys a brief talk on Cubbing in other
+countries of the world, telling them that the organization extended to 50
+lands.
+
+“And are the ideals and aims the same everywhere?” Brad questioned,
+tossing another stick of wood into the flames.
+
+“Practically so, Brad. In most countries, the Kipling Jungle stories have
+been made the basis of Cubbing. Akela is the name of the Cub leader in
+nearly all nations. The two-fingered sign of the Wolf is the Cub sign
+around the world.”
+
+Dan, who lounged on the sand beside Brad, had listened with keen
+interest. But now his attention wandered.
+
+Beyond the rim of flickering light, he thought he saw movement. Was that
+shadowy form a trick of wind and tree boughs? Or might someone be spying
+upon the camp?
+
+“Wake up, Dan!” Brad nudged him hard in the ribs. “Mr. Hatfield just
+asked you to lead in the singing of ‘Cheer, Cheer, the Den’s All Here.’
+Are you asleep?”
+
+Dan tore his eyes from the area of darkness. After all, he told himself,
+he probably had fancied the shadow. Imagination played strange tricks
+upon a fellow.
+
+“Sorry,” he apologized. “I didn’t hear. Guess I was half asleep.”
+
+He launched into the song which was sung to the tune of “Hail, hail, the
+gang’s all here.” The Cubs joined in, singing lustily.
+
+At its conclusion, the boys all repeated the Law of the Pack, and the
+council fire came to an end.
+
+As the Den fathers were tramping out the last of the coals, Dan walked
+over to the clump of bushes which had been directly in his line of
+vision. He was relieved to find no one hiding there.
+
+But on the ground beneath a blackberry bush was a sheet of paper torn
+from a cheap writing tablet. Unable to read it in the darkness, Dan took
+it to Mr. Hatfield.
+
+The beam of his flashlight picked out the scrawled words: “GET OFF THIS
+ISLAND. STAY AWAY!”
+
+“A warning, eh?” Mr. Hatfield commented. “This little affair has gone
+quite far enough!”
+
+“Whoever left the note must have done it only a few minutes ago,” Dan
+said. “I thought I saw someone in the bushes just as you asked me to lead
+that song.”
+
+“The coward!” Mr. Hatfield muttered, folding the warning and placing it
+in his pocket. “Afraid to show his face. Instead he throws rocks and
+sneaks up in the darkness.”
+
+More annoyed than afraid, the Cub leader made a thorough inspection of
+the bush where the unknown intruder had hidden only a few minutes before.
+A few large footprints had been imbedded in the moist turf. But the one
+who had left the note, had fled.
+
+“No use trying to track him down in the dark,” Mr. Hatfield said in
+disgust. “Tomorrow I’ll take this up with Mr. Manheim.”
+
+With another reminder that no mention was to be made of the matter to the
+other Cubs, the leader sent Dan off to bed.
+
+However, the boy observed that neither Mr. Hatfield nor Mr. Suell turned
+in. Instead, the two men posted themselves near the entrance to the
+tents. Throughout the night, they kept a small fire burning.
+
+Dan was awakened by the excited shouts of the other Cubs who were donning
+trunks for a pre-breakfast swim.
+
+At the beach he raced Brad to the raft where they rested for a moment.
+
+“Anything happen last night?” Dan asked, eager for a report.
+
+“Not that I heard of. Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Suell sat up until dawn. No
+one came near the camp.”
+
+“That’s good,” Dan said in relief. “If things start popping, our camping
+trip will be called off. I like it here.”
+
+“So do I, Dan. I hope the Scouts buy this site, because if they do, the
+Cubs will get to come here often. But I know Mr. Hatfield is worried. The
+way matters are going, he isn’t likely to recommend the place as a
+permanent camp.”
+
+“I’m thinking the same,” Dan agreed. “Oh, well, maybe Mr. Manheim will
+take a hand in finding out who’s hiding on the island. After all, it’s
+his property.”
+
+A call to breakfast sent the two boys racing full-blast for shore. By the
+time they had scrambled into their uniforms, an appetizing meal of orange
+juice, bacon and eggs awaited them.
+
+The Cubs ate their fill and then listened as Mr. Hatfield outlined plans
+for the morning.
+
+“I’ll take Dan, Brad and Chips with me to Webster City to pick up a few
+supplies,” the Cub leader said. “Also to attend to an important errand.
+Mr. Suell has planned a hike for those who remain behind.”
+
+“I’d rather go to Webster City,” said Mack, who suspected that he was
+being excluded from an important mission.
+
+“Me too,” chimed in Midge. “Can’t we all go?”
+
+“Not this time,” Mr. Hatfield turned them down. “We’ll make a full report
+when we get back.”
+
+At nine o’clock, the three Cubs and their leader were picked up by
+launch, according to an arrangement made with a member of the yacht club.
+Once on shore, they purchased a few small items. Thereafter, they
+presented themselves at Mr. Manheim’s office and were elated to learn
+that the island owner was in.
+
+“He’ll see you at once,” a secretary told them. “First door to your
+left.”
+
+The room which Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs entered through a frosted door
+was padded with rich, soft carpet.
+
+A heavy-set man with steel-blue eyes sat in a swivel chair behind a desk
+at the window. Recognizing the Cub leader, he smiled in welcome.
+
+“Hello, Sam! What brings you here so bright and early? Another
+proposition to buy that camp site on Skeleton Island?”
+
+“Not exactly, Mr. Manheim. We’re not so sure it’s a safe place.”
+
+“Skeleton Island not safe?” Mr. Manheim demanded. “What gave you that
+idea? Sit down and tell me all about it.” He waved everyone into chairs.
+
+Mr. Hatfield introduced the three Cubs and then went directly to the
+point. He related how a stone had been tossed at Dan and showed Mr.
+Manheim the warning note.
+
+“Why, someone is playing a joke on you,” the island owner said after
+reading the message. “Don’t tell me you take this seriously?”
+
+“We did and do, Mr. Manheim.”
+
+“I see nothing to cause alarm. Probably some boys from a rival troop are
+having a little fun at your expense.”
+
+“The stone was hurled by a man,” Dan interposed. “I saw his face quite
+plainly.”
+
+“It’s possible that tramps have taken up quarters in the underbrush,” Mr.
+Manheim said reluctantly. “Jabowski’s orders are to keep hoodlums away
+from the island. I’ll jack him up a bit if he’s been remiss in his duty.”
+
+“Jabowski is your caretaker at Skeleton Island?” Mr. Hatfield inquired.
+
+“Yes, he lives there with his nephew.”
+
+“We saw neither of them. In fact, the old hotel building seemed to be
+locked up.”
+
+“Jabowski has orders not to leave the island without notifying me,” Mr.
+Manheim said, frowning. “He must be there.”
+
+To Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs it became obvious that the information they
+had brought was displeasing to the island owner. Apparently to end the
+interview, he arose and said:
+
+“Now don’t worry about a thing. I’ll get in touch with Jabowski and have
+him ascertain that the island is free of trespassers.”
+
+“Thank you, Mr. Manheim. We wouldn’t have troubled you only—”
+
+“No trouble at all,” Mr. Manheim interrupted the Cub leader. “I always
+like to help out the Cubs or Scouts. Fact is, I’ve been thinking for
+several weeks I’d like to give ’em a bang-up time—a regular jamboree.”
+
+“Jamboree?” Mr. Hatfield repeated, rather mystified.
+
+The island owner ignored the Cub leader, turning to Brad, Dan and Chips.
+
+“How would you boys like a beach barbecue? A really big affair?”
+
+“Swell!” Chips agreed.
+
+“We’ll invite all the Cubs in Webster City. Make it a bang-up affair.
+Tonight, shall we say?”
+
+“You’re moving a bit fast for me,” said Mr. Hatfield. “How can you plan
+such an affair on short notice?”
+
+“Leave that to me,” said Mr. Manheim, pressing the desk buzzer. “We’ll
+call in a caterer, a friend of mine who will take care of every detail.
+Your job, Mr. Hatfield, will be to have the Cubs there on the island.”
+
+“I don’t doubt the boys will jump at the chance for a barbecue even on
+short notice,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “But what about transportation?”
+
+“My motorboat will be available. And Jabowski can take the overflow on a
+motor raft he has at the island.”
+
+“Well—” Mr. Hatfield gazed dubiously at the Cubs. “I hardly know what to
+say. It’s such short notice—”
+
+“The trouble with you, Sam, is that you’re not in the habit of making
+quick decisions,” the other said jovially. “You have your boys at the
+dock at seven o’clock. I’ll take care of everything else.”
+
+“All right,” Mr. Hatfield agreed. “I’ll get in touch with the Cub leader
+of Den 1. I only hope you aren’t biting off more than you can chew.”
+
+“Never have yet,” the island owner said, escorting the party to the door.
+“See you tonight. We’ll have a jamboree that will give those Cubs the
+thrill of their young lives!”
+
+“But what about that man we saw at the spring?” Dan half-protested. “If
+he should be hanging around—”
+
+“Leave that to Jabowski,” Mr. Manheim dismissed the subject. “Don’t give
+the matter another thought.”
+
+The island owner bowed the Cubs out. When the door had closed firmly
+behind them, they eyed each other a trifle askance.
+
+“Well, that was fast work if you ask me,” Brad said, sucking in his
+breath. “Mr. Manheim takes care of everything!”
+
+“In typical Manheim style,” added the Cub leader unhappily.
+“Unfortunately, I’ve learned from past experience that his plans don’t
+always pan out right.”
+
+“Then you’re afraid the barbecue won’t come off tonight?” Chips asked as
+the four started down the hallway.
+
+“Oh, it will be held after a fashion,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “But Mr.
+Manheim is apt to leave too many details unplanned. Another thing—”
+
+“That man at the spring?” Dan supplied as the Cub leader hesitated.
+
+“Yes, I’m not entirely satisfied that Jabowski will attend to him. For
+that matter, where is Jabowski?”
+
+“No one has seen him since we landed on the island,” Brad replied.
+
+“It all adds up to an uncertain picture,” Mr. Hatfield said soberly.
+“Everything may go well tonight. I hope so. But between you and me and
+the gate-post, I’m wondering if Mr. Manheim’s barbecue may not be a
+mistake!”
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 11
+                        A Barbecue for the Cubs
+
+
+Despite Mr. Hatfield’s misgivings, the jamboree came off that night
+according to schedule.
+
+At the appointed hour, the island owner’s motorboat and the power raft
+were at the Webster City Yacht Club docks to pick up members of Den 1.
+
+Mr. Manheim personally took command of the speedboat, while his man
+Jabowski carried the overflow of boys across the river on the open raft.
+
+In an ugly mood, the caretaker complained that the barbecue was “a lot of
+stupid nonsense.”
+
+Actually, he smarted from a lecture delivered by his employer. For three
+hours that afternoon the island owner had tried to find Jabowski. Finally
+tracing him to a waterfront tavern, he had warned the man that unless he
+paid attention to his duties, he would be discharged.
+
+Jabowski blamed the Cubs for the reprimand, and so did his utmost to make
+them feel uncomfortable.
+
+“Sit still!” he ordered Ross Langdon, who shifted his weight as the raft
+chugged across the river. “You want to upset us?”
+
+“Aw, I hardly moved,” Ross growled. “Anyway, if this raft isn’t safe, you
+shouldn’t be taking kids across the river in it.”
+
+“The raft’s safe enough, if you behave yourselves.”
+
+“We are behaving,” Ross retorted. “For crying out loud, what’s eating you
+anyhow? You’ve done nothing but crab since we left the dock.”
+
+“You’d crab too if your boss gave orders to have a barbecue on eight
+hours notice! But that’s Manheim for you. Always doing things in the
+grand manner—only someone else has to do the work!”
+
+Not much impressed by the caretaker’s complaints, the Cubs eagerly turned
+their faces toward Skeleton Island. Huge fires burned on the beach and
+they could hear the music of an eight-piece band.
+
+“Say, this is going to be a shing-ding!” Ross said, pleased. “We should
+have a swell time tonight. Good grub, Mr. Jabowski?”
+
+“Baked clams and lobster and roasted ox! That ought to be enough to
+satisfy you kids and your parents.”
+
+“Say! Mr. Manheim’s doing all right by us,” Ross said, impressed. “We’ll
+have a swell time tonight.”
+
+Although the caretaker could have landed the raft at the beach, he
+proceeded up-island to a dock which extended out into much deeper water.
+
+“Hey, what’s the idea, bringing us clear up here?” Ross protested, eager
+to join the other boys on the island.
+
+“Give your gums a rest, will you?” Jabowski demanded rudely. “I’m
+handling this raft.”
+
+At last after taking his time in fastening the craft to a dock post, he
+allowed the boys to disembark. Quickly they joined the Cubs from Den 2.
+
+Nearly thirty Cubs and their parents already had arrived at the island.
+Mr. Manheim went here and there, shaking hands with the grownups and
+joking with the boys. The music was excellent, the food plentiful. Yet
+despite the efforts of everyone to have a good time, the party soon began
+to go a trifle flat.
+
+At that point Mr. Hatfield and Midge’s father took a hand, introducing
+various games. The fun revived. However, everyone appeared relieved when
+the gathering began to break up at nine-thirty.
+
+Mr. Manheim took two boatloads of Cubs and their parents to shore and
+returned for the third. Meanwhile, Jabowski had made one trip in the much
+slower raft.
+
+“One more trip will wind it up,” the island owner estimated, counting the
+Cubs who were to remain overnight at their camp. “I can take five, and
+the others all can get on the raft.”
+
+“Seven on the raft?” Mr. Hatfield interposed in disapproval. “Isn’t that
+loading it rather heavily?”
+
+“Not at all,” Mr. Manheim returned, annoyed to have his judgment
+questioned. “The raft was built to carry a much heavier load.”
+
+“It seems sturdy enough, but there are no rails—”
+
+“Jabowski will keep his eye on the boys.”
+
+Dismissing the matter, the island owner filled his speedboat to capacity
+and pulled away. Following orders, Jabowski herded the remaining Cubs
+aboard the raft.
+
+When all were seated who were to leave the island, not a spare inch of
+space remained.
+
+Mr. Hatfield, who had been watching the loading with troubled gaze,
+stepped to the edge of the dock to speak to Jabowski.
+
+“Why not make another trip?” he suggested. “The raft is overloaded.”
+
+“Mr. Manheim’s orders were to take ’em all in one load,” Jabowski said
+stubbornly. “I do as he tells me.”
+
+He started the motor and the raft slowly pulled away.
+
+“Hey, wait!” Ross Langdon shouted. “I forgot my cap!”
+
+Before anyone could stop him, he leaped to his feet. The over-weighted
+raft tilted sharply to the left.
+
+“Sit down!” Jabowski yelled.
+
+The warning came much too late. Other Cubs, their feet under water, were
+scrambling frantically for safety.
+
+As the raft became even more off-balance, it tilted to a sharper angle,
+sliding all the Cubs except one into the river. Jabowski, clinging to the
+motor box, managed to hold on.
+
+The water into which the Cubs had fallen was well over their heads.
+Weighted down by shoes and clothing, they churned the surface in a
+frantic effort to keep up.
+
+Ross, an expert swimmer, seized one of the Cubs and towed him ashore.
+
+Mr. Hatfield and Midge’s father both plunged in to assist others to
+safety.
+
+Two of the Cubs grasped the side of the raft and were pulled aboard by
+the frightened Jabowski.
+
+Meanwhile, on shore, Dan had kicked off his shoes, ready to help.
+
+“Where’s Tim Tyler?” he shouted.
+
+Tim was the youngest and smallest member of Den 1. Also, as all the boys
+knew, he was the only Cub who had never learned to swim a stroke.
+
+In the darkness there now was no glimpse of the boy. He was neither on
+the raft nor anywhere visible in the water.
+
+“He was aboard when the raft upset,” Dan cried. “I saw him just before it
+went over. Maybe he’s pinned underneath!”
+
+Without waiting for others to act, the boy made a clean dive from the end
+of the dock. With the speed of a bullet he shot beneath the raft.
+
+To his confusion, it was not flat underneath as he had expected. Instead,
+the craft was laced with four large metal tanks.
+
+At the moment, Dan had no time to think of their significance or to
+wonder why they were there. Holding his breath, he groped about in the
+dark waters of the cool river.
+
+He felt rather than saw the body which was wedged between the tanks in
+the very centermost portion of the raft.
+
+Seizing Tim by an arm, Dan attempted to swim out with him. His head and
+shoulders came hard against the metal tanks and he could make no
+progress.
+
+Dan’s breath now was growing short and he knew he must work fast.
+Treading water, he used both arms to try to free the imprisoned Cub.
+
+At first he could not move the boy an inch. Then Dan’s hand encountered a
+jagged nail, and he realized that Tim’s clothing had speared on it.
+
+With a hard jerk, he ripped the garment free. Then, with the limp form of
+the boy on his left hip, he swam and pulled them both toward the outer
+edge of the raft.
+
+His heart began to pound and his lungs to feel as if they would explode.
+Could he keep going? He _had_ to, Dan told himself. To abandon Tim never
+entered his thoughts. Only a stroke or two more—
+
+When it seemed to Dan that he had reached the very end, a strong hand
+grasped his clothing. Both he and Tim, to whom he clung desperately, were
+hauled up onto the raft.
+
+“Good work, Dan!” Mr. Hatfield’s praise rang in his ears. “You saved
+Tim.”
+
+All the Cubs were taken ashore to dry out by the fire. Mr. Holloway and
+the Cub leader stretched Tim out on the dock, wrapping him in blankets.
+It was unnecessary to apply artificial respiration, for he soon opened
+his eyes and began to breathe normally.
+
+“We’ll look after Tim,” Mr. Hatfield advised Dan as the shivering boy
+hovered near. “Hike to the tent and change your clothes.”
+
+“Mr. Hatfield, there’s something I want to tell you—”
+
+“Later, Dan.”
+
+Brad threw a blanket over the boy’s shoulders and led him away.
+
+“The Den is proud of you, Dan,” he declared as he waited while the other
+changed into dry clothing. “You earned yourself a medal tonight.”
+
+“I didn’t do anything,” Dan replied. “Or rather, anyone would have done
+the same.”
+
+“You thought and acted in a split-second. That was what counted, Dan. If
+Mr. Manheim hadn’t been so bull-headed about taking too many Cubs on the
+raft, the accident wouldn’t have occurred.”
+
+“It was badly balanced from the start, Brad. I can’t understand those
+tanks—”
+
+“What tanks, Dan?”
+
+“Why there were four of them on the underside of the raft.”
+
+“Tanks? You’re sure?”
+
+“I certainly am. They were long and flat and made of metal. Tim was
+wedged between them, his trousers snagged on a nail.”
+
+“Maybe they were gasoline tanks.”
+
+“They looked like it. But why would the raft need so many? These tanks
+would hold fifteen or twenty gallons each.”
+
+“Another thing, the gas tank that feeds the motor is on the top side of
+the raft,” Brad said thoughtfully. “It does seem queer. You told Mr.
+Hatfield?”
+
+“I aim to. He was too busy working on Tim.”
+
+Dan finished dressing and the two boys sought the warmth of the fire.
+Tim, wrapped in blankets, was brought there.
+
+The other drenched Cubs were lent clothing by the more fortunate boys of
+Den 2.
+
+Presently Mr. Manheim returned from across the river. Informed by
+Jabowski as to what had occurred, he was profuse in his apologies for the
+mishap.
+
+“I can’t understand how it happened,” he said to Mr. Hatfield. “Why,
+we’ve transported lumber and very heavy objects on that raft. We never
+had an accident before.”
+
+“There’s always a first time,” the Cub leader replied. “Fortunately, no
+serious harm has been done. But it was a miracle the raft upset at the
+dock and not in mid-stream.”
+
+After Mr. Manheim had taken the Den 1 Cubs ashore in the motorboat, the
+Skeleton Island camp settled down for the night.
+
+Not until then did Dan have opportunity to tell Mr. Hatfield of seeing
+the gasoline tanks beneath the raft.
+
+“I think that’s what made it upset,” he declared. “When the load shifted,
+all the fuel ran to the same side.”
+
+“Fuel tanks on the underside of a raft,” Sam Hatfield mused. “That seems
+odd. Why would a raft need such large carrying capacity?”
+
+“Maybe to supply another boat.”
+
+“But Mr. Manheim’s motorcraft has a large tank. It doesn’t make sense to
+me.”
+
+“I figure Jabowski’s been supplying that motorboat Brad and I saw signal
+from across the river,” Dan said.
+
+“He may be selling Mr. Manheim’s gasoline and picking up a little extra
+money for himself, Dan. I wouldn’t put it past him. That, I suppose,
+would explain those tanks underneath the raft.”
+
+“I’m wondering too if Jabowski may not be mixed up with the river
+pirates.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield gazed at the boy in amazement.
+
+“Hold on, Dan!” he exclaimed. “You’re going too fast for me.”
+
+“No one likes Jabowski,” Dan argued. “He has no friends. I know because
+I’ve inquired.”
+
+“The man isn’t very likeable, I’ll grant, but to accuse him of being a
+crook is something I wouldn’t venture to do.”
+
+“I’m not accusing him, Mr. Hatfield. I’m only wondering. You recall, on
+the night the furs were stolen, a motorboat almost like Mr. Manheim’s
+tore into Mr. Holloway’s sailboat.”
+
+“I remember, Dan.”
+
+“Since then, police have watched the waterfront for that boat. Especially
+gasoline outlets.”
+
+“I’ve read so in the papers, Dan.”
+
+“According to the stories, police have been puzzled as to where the boat
+owners put in for fuel.”
+
+“I see you’re well informed on the subject, Dan,” Mr. Hatfield said,
+smiling.
+
+“I’ve read every word, because I’m interested. Maybe those river thieves
+have moved out of here, but I have a hunch they’re just biding their time
+before pulling another job.”
+
+“Be that as it may, Dan, the Cubs can’t afford to mix themselves in any
+such business. As I said before, if I thought Skeleton Island had become
+a hideout for the river thieves, I’d never recommend that this camp site
+be bought.”
+
+“But if we don’t investigate, how can you know if the camp’s really
+safe?” Dan argued.
+
+“So that’s where this conversation has been pointing,” Mr. Hatfield
+chuckled. “You’re proposing that the Cubs do a little sleuthing before we
+leave here?”
+
+“Couldn’t we?”
+
+“What could we learn, Dan?”
+
+“I’d like to find out more about Jabowski and his habits. I have an idea,
+Mr. Hatfield, if you’d hear of it.”
+
+“What is this idea, Dan?”
+
+“You know that game we sometimes play of ‘Follow the Trail.’ One Cub goes
+ahead and lays out a trail which the others tried to follow.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield nodded. “It’s excellent training in observation for the
+Cubs.”
+
+“Well, I thought, if you’re willing, we might lay the trail across the
+island and around Jabowski’s place. The Cubs could be instructed to
+notice anything unusual and report.”
+
+“Spy out the old hotel, you mean?”
+
+“That’s right. Maybe it wouldn’t net anything. Then again, we might pick
+up considerable information about Jabowski.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield thought the matter over for a moment.
+
+“We’ll be here only one day longer,” he said. “If we tried out your idea,
+it would have to be early in the morning.”
+
+“Then we may do it?”
+
+“I’ll think it over,” Mr. Hatfield replied in a tone which was a
+half-promise. “Get to sleep now, Dan. We’ll talk further of this
+tomorrow.”
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 12
+                          Following the Trail
+
+
+Excitement swept the camp the next morning when Mr. Hatfield told the
+Cubs they were to play the trail game Dan had proposed.
+
+Taking the boys partially into his confidence, the Cub leader explained
+that he wished to obtain as much information as possible about Jabowski
+or any other occupants of the island.
+
+“What sort of information?” Mack asked, puzzled.
+
+“It’s a request that can’t be explained,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “Just
+keep your eyes open. If you notice anything unusual report it after the
+hunt is over. Dan will lay the trail.”
+
+“I’ll need twenty minutes start of the gang,” Dan announced, already
+making his plans.
+
+Mr. Hatfield told the Cubs that he might be absent from camp upon their
+return. He had arranged for a yacht club boat to pick him up, as he
+wished to visit Tim Tyler to make certain the boy had suffered no ill
+effects from his previous night’s ducking.
+
+“I shan’t be gone long,” he told the Cubs. “During my absence, Brad will
+be in charge.”
+
+“And that means you all must do just as I say,” Brad instructed the
+younger boys. “I’ll lead the clue hunt, and I want you to stick close to
+me. No stragglers!”
+
+The Cubs allowed Dan a full twenty minutes start and then set out in
+pursuit.
+
+Midge found the first clue, a bit of bush broken off and weighted down
+with stones.
+
+Farther on, Red spied a forked stick which pointed the direction. The
+trail avoided the marsh, skirting the shore much of the way. Finally it
+wound through a brushy hollow and came out within view of the old hotel
+where Jabowski lived.
+
+“What’s the idea of all this?” Red demanded, sinking down on a rock to
+rest. “Dan brought us to this old hotel on purpose, didn’t he?”
+
+“That’s right,” Brad agreed. “And here’s a note from him.” His keen eyes
+had sighted a slip of paper speared on a nearby tree branch.
+
+Obtaining it, he read aloud: “Watch the windows of the hotel.”
+
+“The windows?” Red repeated. “What does he mean by that?”
+
+“Don’t know,” Brad shrugged. “Just keep your eyes peeled for anything
+unusual.”
+
+“Such as what?” Midge demanded.
+
+“I can’t tell you that. I don’t know myself. If you see Jabowski or
+anyone around, keep tab on ’em. Pick up any information you can, no
+matter how trivial it may seem.”
+
+“But why are we doing this?” Mack complained. “I don’t get it.”
+
+“Mr. Hatfield will explain later.”
+
+“You and Dan seem to be on the inside,” Chips grumbled.
+
+“If you don’t want to play the game, you can trot back to camp. And that
+goes for all of you!”
+
+“Oh, don’t get tough,” Chips retorted. “We’re willing to spy out the
+enemy camp, but it would be more to the point if you’d do a little
+explaining.”
+
+“All in good time, all in good time,” Brad rejoined, restored to good
+humor.
+
+Following the trail Dan had marked, the Cubs slowly circled the hotel
+building.
+
+“I don’t believe Jabowski lives there,” Midge declared. “The place is
+deserted.”
+
+“No, it isn’t,” corrected Red. “I see smoke coming from the chimney at
+the rear.”
+
+Brad praised the boy for his observation and urged the others to be on
+the lookout for other signs.
+
+A little farther on, the Den Chief paused to study the grimy windows of
+the ancient building.
+
+“Jabowski doesn’t hurt himself keeping the place clean or tidy,” he
+remarked. “Look at those windows! And the weeds in the yard!”
+
+“And the shutters,” contributed Fred. “They’re banging around at every
+angle.”
+
+Brad suddenly froze into alert attention. His gaze had focused hard upon
+one of the upstairs hotel windows. The glare of the sun was upon it, and
+for a moment the others could not see what had attracted his interest.
+
+“Fellows, there’s someone standing at the window!” he exclaimed. “Not
+Jabowski either!”
+
+“It looks like a boy,” Chips declared, shifting his position so that the
+reflected sunlight would not blind him.
+
+Huddled together, the Cubs all fastened their gaze upon the window.
+Plainly they could see a youth standing there, his face pressed close
+against the dirty pane.
+
+“_Jeepers!_” Chips whispered in stunned recognition. “_It’s Jacques!_”
+
+Almost at the same instant, Brad and the other Cubs had made a similar
+observation. The boy who stood at the window was the same one who had
+vanished from the Cave only a few days earlier.
+
+As the boys watched, a hand appeared from nowhere to jerk Jacques back
+from the window. They waited several minutes, but the boy did not
+reappear.
+
+“You know what I think!” Midge cried, recovering from stunned surprise.
+“Jacques is being held a prisoner in there!”
+
+“Either Jabowski or someone else saw him trying to signal us, and pulled
+him back out of sight!” Fred added excitedly. “I say we ought to break in
+and rescue him!”
+
+“Not so fast,” Brad cautioned as the other Cubs were ready to back up the
+proposal. “Our orders were to report back to camp. Remember?”
+
+“But this is an emergency,” Chips argued. “If Jacques is being held a
+prisoner, we ought to get him out!”
+
+“And maybe get ourselves into a peck of trouble. Nope! Dan must have seen
+that boy too or he wouldn’t have left the note. We’re hiking back to
+camp. It’s up to Mr. Hatfield to decide what to do.”
+
+Turning deaf ears upon all protests, Brad led the Cubs back the way they
+had come. Suddenly, a figure loomed up ahead of the boys. It was Jabowski
+who confronted them. From where he had come or how long he had been
+secreted in the bushes, they could not guess.
+
+The caretaker’s voice was hard and unfriendly as he demanded:
+
+“What d’you think you’re doing here?”
+
+“Why, we’re playing ‘follow the trail’,” Brad said as the other Cubs were
+too abashed to reply.
+
+“You were spying on the house!”
+
+“Spying?” Brad asked innocently. “Why, what is there to see?”
+
+“Nothing. Not a thing,” Jabowski retorted, made uncomfortable by the
+manner in which the boy had turned the accusation. “I just don’t like
+kids swarming over the place. See?”
+
+“Mr. Manheim gave us permission to camp on the island.”
+
+“But not to run wild over it. This here place is mine and I don’t want
+snoopers. Now get back to your own end of the island and stay there!”
+
+“Sure, sure,” Brad said, signaling the Cubs to make no resistance. “We
+were leaving anyhow.”
+
+“I don’t aim to be mean,” Jabowski said, mollified by the boy’s
+willingness to obey. “But a guy has to have some privacy. That raft
+upsetting last night set my nerves on edge. You the boy that dived under
+it?”
+
+“No, that was Dan Carter.”
+
+“Which one is he?” Jabowski’s keen gaze swept the group.
+
+“Dan isn’t here,” Midge informed the caretaker.
+
+“Well, no matter,” Jabowski said. “Git along now, and mind what I said.
+You keep to your end of the island and there’ll be no hard feelings. By
+the way, when you leaving?”
+
+“For good you mean?” Brad asked. “Why, late this afternoon, I guess.”
+
+“Then you won’t be camping here another night.” Unmistakable relief was
+stamped on the caretaker’s face. “Good-bye, boys.”
+
+“Oh, you may see us again,” Brad said with mischievous intent. “Oh, say!
+Have you run into that tramp who annoyed us the first day we camped
+here?”
+
+“Tramp? The one who threw the stone?” Jabowski’s expression became
+guarded. “No, I searched the island after Mr. Manheim complained to me.
+No one around. If anyone scared you, he’s gone now.”
+
+“Let’s hope so, at least,” replied Brad evenly. “Well, so long, Mr.
+Jabowski. Sorry to have bothered you.”
+
+The Cubs tramped off, and because they knew the caretaker was watching,
+did not look back until they were a long distance from the old hotel.
+
+Once out of sight and hearing, the boys discussed the important discovery
+they had made.
+
+“There’s no question that it was Jacques we saw at the window,” Brad
+declared. “But what’s he doing here? And was it Jabowski who pulled him
+away from the window, or someone else?”
+
+“He’s a prisoner, for sure,” Midge insisted. “We know someone spirited
+him away from the Cave. He’s probably been held here ever since.”
+
+“Come on, let’s find Mr. Hatfield,” Brad urged, starting along the trail
+again.
+
+At the camp a few minutes later, the Cubs were surprised to find the site
+entirely deserted. Dan was nowhere around. Nor was Mr. Hatfield or
+Midge’s father to be found.
+
+Belatedly, Brad recalled that the Cub leader and Mr. Holloway had
+expected to make a brief trip that morning to the mainland.
+
+“That’s probably where they are,” he remarked, his gaze anxiously
+sweeping the river. “But where’s Dan?”
+
+“Maybe he went along,” Fred suggested.
+
+“Maybe,” Brad agreed doubtfully. “But he couldn’t have returned to camp
+very long ago.”
+
+While the other boys aired their bedding and attended to camp tasks, the
+older boy wandered along the shore.
+
+On the west beach he noticed where a boat had been pulled up on the wet
+sand. The area was splattered with footprints, both large and small.
+
+“A boat landed after the Cubs went trail hunting,” Brad reconstructed the
+scene. “Dan must have come down here to meet the folks, whoever they
+were. Maybe he went away with them, or was taken away!”
+
+As far as Brad could see, the river was deserted of small craft. However,
+the dense bushes lining both sides of the wide stream provided ample
+protection for any boat which might seek to keep out of view.
+
+Recalling the motorcraft which apparently had been serviced by the island
+raft, Brad became increasingly uneasy.
+
+“It isn’t like Dan to go away without leaving word,” he told himself.
+“Something’s happened to him!”
+
+Just then his roving gaze fastened upon a pile of three stones placed
+conspicuously on the beach. Plainly they had been left there to attract
+attention.
+
+Brad kicked aside the stones. Folded beneath the lowermost one was a note
+from Dan.
+
+“Called to Police Station,” it read. “No chance to see Mr. Hatfield. See
+you soon—I hope.”
+
+Brad read the message twice, trying to figure it out.
+
+“Now why would Dan be called to the police station?” he speculated. “It
+must be something important to bring the cops here after him.”
+
+Brad was certain that his chum had committed no crime. But why otherwise
+would he be sought by police?
+
+“See you soon—I hope,” he reread the final words of the note. “That
+sounds as if he thinks he may run into trouble. I wonder if Jabowski or
+someone who dislikes having the Cubs on Skeleton Island turned in a false
+complaint?”
+
+Decidedly worried, the Den Chief pocketed the note and walked slowly back
+toward camp.
+
+Without a motorboat, he knew he could do nothing until Mr. Hatfield and
+Midge’s father returned from the mainland.
+
+“A nice kettle of fish,” he muttered. “Dan at the police station, and
+Jacques apparently a prisoner in the old hotel. No telling what may
+happen next! And me with all the responsibility!”
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 13
+                         Identifying a Prisoner
+
+
+After laying the trail for the other Cubs to follow, Dan had spent some
+minutes watching the old hotel at the far end of the island. He too had
+observed Jacques standing at the window. Greatly excited by the
+discovery, he left a note for the Cubs and then hastened back to camp to
+report.
+
+However, neither Mr. Hatfield nor Midge’s father was there, having
+crossed the river a few minutes earlier.
+
+Dan nervously paced the camp, wondering what he should do. Far across the
+island, he could hear an occasional shout from the Cubs as they noisily
+followed the trail he had marked.
+
+After awhile, the boy became aware of the approach of a high-powered
+speedboat. Turning to look, he was astonished to see that a Webster City
+police patrol boat was beaching on the island.
+
+As he went down to the water’s edge, a sergeant and plainclothesman
+stepped out of the boat.
+
+“Is this the Cub camp?” the sergeant inquired.
+
+“Yes, sir, it is,” Dan replied. He wondered what had brought police to
+the island at such an early hour, or for that matter, at any hour.
+
+“We’re looking for a Mr. Hatfield.”
+
+“He isn’t here just now. But I expect him back in a half hour or so.”
+
+“Mr. Holloway?”
+
+“They’re together.”
+
+“We came to take one of the boys back to the station with us,” the
+sergeant explained. “A kid by the name of Dan Carter. Is he around?”
+
+Dan drew in his breath, and answered uneasily: “I’m Dan Carter. Why do
+you want me? What have I done now?”
+
+“Why, nothing—not a thing,” the police officer reassured him. “Weren’t
+you one of the youngsters who saw the operator of a motorboat that struck
+Mr. Holloway’s sailboat?”
+
+“That’s right. But how did you know?”
+
+“Oh, we check up,” the sergeant replied with a friendly grin. “Remember
+the blindman?”
+
+“I did tell him about the crash,” Dan recalled. “He passed the
+information on to you?”
+
+“Right. You saw the men in that boat?”
+
+“Yes, but not plainly. The boat was running without lights.”
+
+“Think you could identify any of the men if you saw ’em again?”
+
+“One of them, I might.”
+
+“Describe him.”
+
+“Well, he was short and muscular—heavily built. His jaw was sort of
+square and his face puffy. I couldn’t see the color of his hair, but
+would say he was on the dark side.”
+
+“That’s a pretty fair description, Dan,” the sergeant praised. “You’re
+observing.”
+
+“Actually, I think I saw him twice,” Dan replied. “Once in the boat and
+then again on shore talking to a little fellow with a paper bag. ‘Paper
+Bag Eddie’, they called him.”
+
+The police sergeant and plainclothesman exchanged a quick glance.
+
+“Kid, you’re the one we need to help us,” the latter said. “Now this is
+the set-up. We’ve picked up a man we think may have been mixed up in the
+fur robbery. Also, he may be the one that rammed Mr. Holloway’s boat. We
+want you to identify him.”
+
+“I don’t know if I can,” Dan said doubtfully. “I’ll be glad to try.”
+
+Excited at the prospect before him, Dan scribbled a note for Mr. Hatfield
+and the Cubs. This he placed under a pile of stones on the beach where he
+was certain it would be seen. He then boarded the police boat and was
+ferried across the river.
+
+At the police station, Dan was told to wait in an ante-room. He sat down,
+thumbing through the pages of a magazine. Policemen went in and out, but
+save for an occasional glance at the boy, no one paid any attention to
+him.
+
+Dan began to wonder if he had been entirely forgotten.
+
+After awhile, he arose and wandered out into the first floor corridor. As
+he stood there watching men and women pass through from James St. to
+Whitehill Ave., he suddenly stiffened.
+
+Through the revolving doors came Paper Bag Eddie. The man was alone. His
+hat had been pulled low over his eyes, and his coat collar was high, but
+he carried the familiar paper sack.
+
+A policeman, recognizing the man, stopped him for a moment.
+
+“Hello, Eddie,” he said, eyeing him guardedly. “What brings you here?”
+
+“The measles,” Eddie retorted, his thin lips curling into a sneer. “You
+got nothing on me, copper. It’s a free corridor, ain’t it?”
+
+“Just keep moving, Eddie.”
+
+“I’m here to pay a traffic fine,” the man replied. “Any law against it?”
+
+“Go ahead,” the policeman said. “Just make it snappy and get out. We
+don’t want you loitering around here.”
+
+Eddie eyed the police officer insolently, but made no reply. Passing Dan,
+he entered a door which bore a sign: “Pay Traffic Fines Here.”
+
+However, he did not remain three minutes inside the room. No sooner had
+the policeman stepped into one of the court rooms, than Eddie emerged
+into the corridor again.
+
+His fox-like eyes darted back and forth, noting that no other policemen
+were anywhere in sight.
+
+This ascertained, he sidled over to Dan.
+
+“You’re here to identify a man you’re supposed to have seen in a
+motorboat,” his purring voice said. “Get this! You never saw the guy
+before.”
+
+Taken by surprise, Dan stared at Eddie and made no reply.
+
+“Have some popcorn?” the man invited.
+
+Dan shook his head, and made uncomfortable by those dark boring eyes,
+moved a step back against the wall.
+
+Eddie had opened the bag. Now he thrust it directly under the boy’s eyes.
+Dan saw then that it contained not popcorn, but a 32-caliber revolver.
+
+“You never saw the guy before,” Eddie repeated. “If you forget—you’ll
+hear from me. I got a way of taking care of my friends and them that
+ain’t.”
+
+Two policemen had emerged from one of the offices. Dan turned to signal
+to them. Before he could do so, Eddie wheeled and departed by way of the
+revolving doors.
+
+“You’re Dan Carter?” one of the policemen called, noticing the boy.
+“They’re waiting for you.”
+
+“That man who was talking to me!” Dan exclaimed. “Did you notice him?”
+
+Neither of the policemen had seen Eddie.
+
+“He threatened me,” Dan revealed. “Warned me not to identify someone in
+the line-up. And he had a revolver.”
+
+Now very much interested, the policemen went outside the building to look
+up and down the street. Paper Bag Eddie was nowhere to be seen.
+
+“Probably hailed a taxi and made a quick getaway,” one of the officers
+said. “Listen, Dan. Don’t pay any attention to what he told you. It was
+all bluff. You go in there and identify your man if you can.”
+
+“I intend to,” Dan announced, his face grim. “He can’t scare me.”
+
+“Good!” the policeman approved. “Now follow me.”
+
+Dan was led through a series of corridors and up an elevator to an inner
+room. There he was introduced to Detective Jim Blackwell and Sergeant
+Amos Davis.
+
+“Now in a moment, several men will walk across a lighted stage in front
+of you,” Sergeant Davis explained. “You’ll be behind this screen,
+protected from their view. Don’t say anything, but look closely at each
+man. If you recognize any of them, tell me later. Got it?”
+
+Dan nodded. His heart pounded with excitement. He had made up his mind to
+identify the motorboat operator if he possibly could.
+
+But he couldn’t forget about Eddie and the revolver in the paper bag.
+Somehow he had a feeling that the threat had not been entirely bluff.
+
+The stage now was flooded with blinding light. One at a time, six men
+walked into Dan’s range of vision.
+
+The first three he had never seen before and resembled no one he had ever
+known. Dan gave them scarcely a second glance.
+
+At sight of the fourth man in the line-up, he stiffened. Although the
+fellow tried to look unconcerned, Dan could see that he was worried. He
+knew him instantly as the sailor he had seen talking to Paper Bag Eddie.
+
+Also, he was reasonably certain that the man was the same one who had
+operated the motorboat.
+
+“He’s the one!” Dan whispered.
+
+“Sure?”
+
+“Almost positive.”
+
+The men in the line-up were taken away and the stage darkened. Dan then
+was led to an adjoining room where he was questioned as to his
+identification and other information.
+
+Dan told the entire story, including his suspicions that Jabowski might
+be supplying the river pirates with gasoline.
+
+He related also how Jacques had disappeared from the Cave under
+mysterious circumstances, the theft of the coded message, and finally, of
+seeing the boy again on the island.
+
+“It gave me a real shock to see him standing there at the window,” he
+ended the account. “I tried to signal him, but I don’t think he saw me.
+After awhile, he stepped back out of sight. I figure though that Jabowski
+is holding him there against his will.”
+
+“You’ve given us some good tips, kid,” the police officer praised Dan.
+“Maybe we’ll drop around at the island and give it a thorough going
+over.”
+
+“A raid on the hotel?”
+
+“You might call it that.”
+
+“Whatever you do, don’t arrest any of the Cubs that are camped on the
+island,” Dan said anxiously.
+
+His remark amused the officer. “You figure we can’t tell a Cub from a
+crook?” he chuckled.
+
+“I didn’t mean that, sir,” Dan replied, flushing.
+
+“We’ll look out for your friends,” the officer reassured him. “Don’t you
+worry.”
+
+Orders were given for squad members to contact Mr. Manheim, the island
+owner, and then to proceed to the old hotel for a search of the premises.
+
+“We’ll take you along with us, Dan,” the officer told him. “You’ll be
+needed to point out this boy Jacques who is being held a prisoner, you
+say.”
+
+In the squad car, the boy was driven to Mr. Manheim’s office. As his
+accusations were repeated, the island owner bristled with anger.
+
+“Tommy rot!” he exploded. “My man Jabowski is to be trusted completely!
+This boy must be out of his head! Such gratitude. And after all I’ve done
+for the Cubs!”
+
+After storming about for awhile, Mr. Manheim agreed to accompany police
+to the island. During the swift boat ride across the river, he refused to
+speak to Dan.
+
+At the Cub camp, Mr. Hatfield and Midge’s father both had returned.
+Already they had received a report from Brad and the other boys. But to
+see Dan arrive with a squad of policemen was something of a surprise.
+
+“I hope you’re making no mistake,” Mr. Hatfield remarked to the boy after
+he had been informed that the hotel was to be searched. “Mr. Manheim
+looks as angry as a hornet! If you should be wrong—”
+
+“All the Cubs saw Jacques at the window,” Brad said, coming to Dan’s
+defense. “The boy must be somewhere on the island.”
+
+While the Cubs and their leaders approached the hotel by an overland
+route, police made a swift motorboat descent upon the building, tying up
+at the old dock.
+
+Accompanied by Mr. Manheim, they presented themselves at the front door.
+There was no response to their knock.
+
+“I should have a key,” Mr. Manheim said, searching for it in his pocket.
+“Don’t know what became of it. I’ve not used it in six months.”
+
+Just then an upstairs window opened and Jabowski looked down on the
+group.
+
+“What d’you want?” he demanded. Then, recognizing his employer, he said
+quickly: “Oh, it’s you, Mr. Manheim.”
+
+“Open the door,” the island owner ordered. “Police insist on searching
+the place.”
+
+“I’ll be right down,” the caretaker replied, leaving the window.
+
+A moment later he unlocked the front door, staring curiously at the
+members of the police squad.
+
+“Sorry, our orders are to search the place,” one of the officers
+apologized. “Mind if we look around?”
+
+“Go ahead,” Jabowski shrugged. “I only work here.”
+
+By this time all the Cubs had reached the hotel. However, except for Dan,
+Mr. Hatfield would not allow them inside the building.
+
+The lobby of the old hotel had been converted into a makeshift living
+room. Scantily furnished with a few cast-off pieces of rickety furniture,
+the floor was unswept and the windows dirty.
+
+Climbing a flight of squeaky stairs, the policemen began a systematic
+search of the bedrooms. Nearly all were empty and unfurnished.
+
+“Jacques was in the room to the right of the corridor,” Dan said,
+pointing it out.
+
+The officer thrust open the door. A boy who had been lying on an unmade
+bed, quickly got to his feet. Fully dressed, he stared first at Dan and
+then at the policemen.
+
+“This the boy?” the officer demanded.
+
+“Yes, it’s Jacques,” Dan answered as the youth stood mute.
+
+Mr. Manheim and Jabowski had followed the policemen into the bedroom.
+
+“Your name, boy?” the police officer questioned.
+
+“Jacques—Jacques Jabowski.”
+
+“Jabowski? You’re related to the caretaker?”
+
+“He’s my nephew,” Jabowski answered before the boy could speak. “Anything
+wrong with that?”
+
+The police officer fixed Dan with an annoyed glance. “You didn’t mention
+a relationship, kid.”
+
+“Well, I didn’t know,” Dan said in embarrassment. “That is, I’d heard
+Jabowski had a nephew, but I never once thought of his being Jacques. The
+boy was taken away from the Cave, and when I saw him here—”
+
+“You jumped to wild conclusions,” Mr. Manheim cut in furiously.
+
+“Jacques will tell you I take good care of him and provide him with
+everything he needs,” Jabowski added.
+
+“But you’ve kept him a prisoner,” Dan accused.
+
+“That’s not so,” Jabowski denied. He gazed hard at his nephew. “You tell
+’em, Jacques. Are you held a prisoner here?”
+
+Jacques remained silent.
+
+“Answer up,” Jabowski ordered harshly.
+
+“No!” the boy replied, his face sullen.
+
+“Jacques don’t like it much here in this country,” his uncle explained.
+“He came over from France six months ago and is learning to speak
+English.”
+
+“You see,” Mr. Manheim broke in again. “This entire situation has been
+misunderstood. Everything is in order here. I foolishly gave the Cub
+Scouts permission to camp on my island and they’ve allowed their
+imaginations to run riot.”
+
+“If any mistake has been made, it was entirely mine,” Dan said. “But I
+can’t understand—”
+
+He gazed at Jacques who was looking at him with a strange expression in
+his eyes. It seemed to Dan that the boy wanted to speak, that he was
+trying to make something known, and yet was afraid. Dan decided to
+question him.
+
+“Jacques,” he said earnestly. “Why did you leave the Cave? Who took you
+away?”
+
+“You came here of your own free will, Jacques,” his uncle replied,
+putting words in the boy’s mind. “Wasn’t that it? Tell the officers.”
+
+“Yes,” Jacques replied, his eyes downcast. “_Oui_.”
+
+Obviously disgusted by the turn of events, the policemen made a quick and
+casual inspection of other rooms in the old hotel.
+
+“Everything seems to be in order here,” they informed Mr. Manheim. “Sorry
+to have caused you annoyance.”
+
+Mr. Hatfield and Dan also apologized to the island owner. However, he was
+in no mood to accept an explanation or to forgive.
+
+“I made a mistake allowing the Cubs to come here,” Mr. Manheim declared.
+“You’ve spread damaging rumors about the island.”
+
+“If that’s the way you feel, we’ll leave at once,” the Cub leader
+replied. “An error of judgment was made, but under the circumstance, I
+don’t feel Dan should be too severely criticized.”
+
+The island owner and Mr. Hatfield now stood on the sagging veranda,
+surrounded by Cubs. A few splatters of rain drove into their faces.
+
+“I’ll not ask you to break camp with a storm coming on,” Mr. Manheim
+said. “If you’ll leave by tomorrow morning, that will be satisfactory.”
+
+“We’ll endeavor to depart before that. I’ll contact the mainland as
+quickly as I can and have a launch come to pick up our equipment.”
+
+“Suit yourselves,” Mr. Manheim shrugged. “I’m not driving you away.
+You’re free to stay until tomorrow morning. After that, I’ll consider it
+a favor if you’ll not bring the Cubs here again.”
+
+“Rest assured we will remain away, Mr. Manheim.”
+
+“Another thing. I’ve changed my mind about selling the camp site. You
+readily can see that it would never work out to have Cubs or Scouts here.
+There would be constant friction.”
+
+“On that point I could give you an argument, Mr. Manheim. However, I
+realize you’ve made up your mind, so I’ll say no more.”
+
+Leaving Mr. Manheim with Jabowski, the discouraged Cubs trudged back to
+camp with their leaders. Rain now was falling steadily, adding to the
+gloom of the boys.
+
+“Brace up, Dan,” Brad said as the two sought the shelter of a tent. “It
+wasn’t exactly your fault.”
+
+“Sure it was,” Dan insisted. “I’ve messed things up for fair. Mr.
+Hatfield’s being mighty decent about it, but I can see he’s bothered. And
+the Scouts will blame us for cutting them out of their camp site.”
+
+“Who wants this old island anyhow? We’ve had plenty of trouble since we
+came here.”
+
+“All caused by our own wild imagination, as Manheim puts it! Brad,
+Jacques was hiding the truth from the police! I’m sure of it. He’s
+completely under the thumb of that uncle of his.”
+
+“Maybe so, but if we can’t prove it, what’s the good in knowing? We’ll be
+leaving here as soon as this rain lets up.”
+
+Dan nodded gloomily. Already Mr. Hatfield and Midge’s father were making
+arrangements to have a launch sent from the yacht club. The moment that
+the storm cleared, he knew an order would be given to strike the tents.
+
+“Brad, if we could talk to Jacques alone, maybe we could get something
+out of him,” he proposed suddenly.
+
+“Jabowski wouldn’t let us within a mile of the kid.”
+
+“Not if he could help himself.”
+
+Brad regarded Dan speculatively. “You’re suggesting that we try to see
+him when Jabowski isn’t around, Dan?”
+
+“That’s the general idea. If we could get to him he might talk. I’ve
+messed things up for the Cubs and I’d like to square myself if I could.”
+
+Brad thought over the proposal. “How’d we get to him?” he asked.
+
+“We’d have to watch the place and sneak in whenever we got the chance.”
+
+“I don’t think it will work,” Brad said slowly. “But I’m willing to try.
+Shall we tell the other Cubs?”
+
+“Let’s not, Brad. The idea may flop. Let’s just slip away.”
+
+“I’ll leave a note for Mr. Hatfield,” Brad said, scribbling on the page
+of a notebook he took from his pocket. “If anything should happen that we
+don’t get back right away, he might worry.”
+
+The older boy left the message in plain view on his bed. Buttoning
+themselves into their slickers, the pair then quitted the tent.
+Unnoticed, they followed the shore for a distance, and then sliced
+through the dunes to the woodland surrounding Jabowski’s place.
+
+As upon the first occasion they had viewed the old hotel, it appeared
+completely deserted. This time, however, the boys were not deceived.
+
+“Jabowski and his nephew both are inside probably,” Brad said. “Our only
+chance is to lie in wait until we see Jabowski leave. Then we might try
+to get in. We’re taking a fearful chance though.”
+
+For three quarters of an hour, the two Cubs shivered in their inadequate
+shelter of bushes. Rain continued to fall. During the entire time, no one
+entered or left the hotel.
+
+“We can’t stick here forever,” Brad said at length. “Mr. Hatfield will be
+sending a searching party after us.”
+
+“I guess my idea was a bum one again,” Dan admitted, brushing a mop of
+damp hair from his eyes. “Want to leave?”
+
+“Let’s make a tour around the hotel first,” Brad said.
+
+Keeping out of sight, the pair crept through the bushes, completely
+circling the old building. No one was visible at any of the windows.
+
+Finally they came to the river. Thrusting through a particularly dense
+thicket, Brad abruptly halted.
+
+“Hello?” he muttered. “What’s this?”
+
+Progress was barred by an accumulation of brush and debris. Pulling some
+of it aside, Brad saw a dark opening leading back under the rise of
+ground.
+
+“Gosh, Dan,” he murmured in awe. “This looks like the entrance to the old
+tunnel Mr. Hatfield told us about.”
+
+“It sure does,” Dan agreed excitedly. “And someone’s found it ahead of
+us. The sand which blocked the entrance was dug out, and then the opening
+hidden with all this brush!”
+
+“Let’s find out where it goes!”
+
+With no thought of personal danger, the boys pulled away enough debris to
+permit them to squeeze through into the dark tunnel.
+
+In years past it had been bricked over, but now water oozed through many
+breaks in the walls and low ceiling.
+
+“This must lead to the old hotel,” Dan said, groping his way along the
+damp wall. “Maybe we’ll get in after all!”
+
+Before the boys had gone very far they came upon four sturdy sawhorses
+where a boat obviously had been allowed to rest while being painted.
+Varnish and cans of half-used paint remained, but the boat had been
+removed.
+
+“Dan, I get it all now!” Brad exclaimed. “That boat which struck Mr.
+Holloway’s sailing craft was painted and outfitted here in the tunnel!”
+
+“And painted to resemble Mr. Manheim’s speedboat!”
+
+“That’s the way I dope it, Dan. Let’s see what lies further on.”
+
+Highly excited by their discovery, the two boys moved rapidly on down the
+tunnel. Presently, a series of ten stone steps led up to a small bricked
+room which they judged must be directly beneath the hotel.
+
+But to the disappointment of the Cubs, the room was empty save for a few
+empty boxes, from which all markings carefully had been removed.
+
+“Dan, you know what I think!” Brad exclaimed, taking care to keep his
+voice low-pitched so that it would not carry to the rooms above. “This
+room has been used for the storage of loot!”
+
+“The furs stolen from the warehouse!”
+
+“It wouldn’t surprise me. Why, it was a perfect set-up! The crooks
+snatched the stuff and made a quick dash across the river. No one became
+suspicious, because the boat looked exactly like Manheim’s.”
+
+“They unloaded the boxes here, and then if police checked the boat, of
+course they’d find nothing!”
+
+“Exactly! Then after the theft blew over and police weren’t watching the
+waterfront as closely, they moved the stuff out and disposed of it.”
+
+“Brad, I was right after all! Jabowski is mixed up in this!”
+
+“Maybe so, but we have no proof,” Brad brought him up short. “While we’re
+pretty certain in our own minds what happened, the evidence isn’t
+conclusive. All we have here is a few empty boxes. It doesn’t establish
+anyone’s guilt.”
+
+“That’s true,” Dan admitted unwillingly. “If we went to the police with
+this, they’d probably give me the jolly ha-ha again.”
+
+“Let’s see where this tunnel comes out,” Brad proposed.
+
+Quitting the bricked room, the boys followed a dark passageway until they
+came to a solid oak door. It was locked.
+
+“This is the end,” Brad whispered. “The door must enter the hotel.
+Jabowski may go back and forth, but he’d never admit it.”
+
+“What do you think we should do?”
+
+“We’ll tell Mr. Hatfield, of course. He may go to the police, but I doubt
+it. The Cubs already are in Dutch with Mr. Manheim. If we make any more
+accusations we can’t prove, he’ll have a right to be furious.”
+
+“But this we can prove,” Dan argued. “The tunnel is here.”
+
+“That’s the unfortunate part, Dan. It always has been here. We can’t tie
+a thing onto Jabowski or those other fellows unless police should catch
+’em red-handed.”
+
+“Fine chance of that!”
+
+“They may try to pull another job. What was the date on that coded
+message?”
+
+“The 24th. I remember because it’s the day of our Pack swimming meet.”
+
+“That date may have significance,” Brad speculated. “But it’s not for us
+to decide. Let’s get out of here now and give Mr. Hatfield all the facts.
+Then he can take the responsibility.”
+
+Dan knew that the older boy’s advice was sound and should be followed.
+But it was with a sinking heart that he followed Brad through the damp
+tunnel to the river.
+
+He was willing to bet that neither the Cub leader nor police would favor
+another raid on the island. His attempt to straighten out matters had
+failed! Time had run out.
+
+Through his bungling, the Cubs would lose their island camp. And there
+wasn’t a thing he could do.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 14
+                           Victory for Den 2
+
+
+At the “Y” swimming pool, Dan Carter and the Cubs lounged against the
+tiled wall, awaiting the signal for start of the long-awaited Pack meet.
+
+The gallery was jammed with spectators, for parents and friends of both
+teams had turned out in large numbers to witness this decisive contest of
+the season. A large silver cup, to be awarded the winning Den, stood on a
+table in plain view of the swimmers.
+
+“Gosh, I sure hope we can win that beautiful baby,” Midge said, gazing
+longingly at the trophy. “Dan, we’re depending on you to do your stuff!”
+
+“I’ll sure try,” Dan replied, shivering in his wet suit. “But you know
+Ross! He’s jet propelled. Furthermore, he hasn’t forgotten how we won
+that last meet.”
+
+As the boys talked, Ross himself sauntered past. He paused to hitch up
+his trunks and fix Dan with an amused eye.
+
+“It’s going to be too bad for you, little shrimp,” he jeered. “This time,
+you won’t win on a fluke! In fact, you won’t win. Period.”
+
+“Don’t be too sure,” Midge cut in. “Take a look at the events that have
+been posted.”
+
+“What’s different about ’em?” Ross demanded suspiciously.
+
+“The coaches got together and substituted a 75-yard free style for the
+50-yard. They figure it’s a better test of swimming form. In the shorter
+distance, a good turn at the wall gives a fellow a big advantage.”
+
+“No one told me about changing the distance,” Ross muttered. “I’m going
+to find out about this!”
+
+The Cubs saw him arguing vigorously with his own coach and Mr. Hatfield.
+The two men listened to his complaint but did not change the list of
+scheduled events.
+
+“It’s this way, Ross,” Mr. Hatfield explained. “The Cubs steadily have
+increased their endurance as well as their speed. At the beginning of the
+season, a 50-yard swim was a hard race for everyone concerned. Now it’s a
+breeze. The 75-yard freestyle is a far better test of one’s real
+ability.”
+
+“Sure, I guess so,” Ross admitted, but he looked worried. Though the Den
+1 coach had urged him many times to practice the longer length, he nearly
+always had stopped short at the end of two turns.
+
+While waiting for the starting signal, Dan at the other end of the pool
+allowed his gaze to wander over the packed audience. In the back row near
+the door he caught a glimpse of a short little man whose sharp-featured
+face gave him a start.
+
+“Midge, look over there!” he muttered, nudging his companion.
+
+“Where?”
+
+“He’s gone now,” Dan returned. “Slipped out through the door. For just a
+minute I thought—”
+
+A shrill blast from Mr. Hatfield’s whistle drove the matter from his mind
+entirely. Scrambling to his feet, he lined up for the first event of the
+meet.
+
+In rapid order the events were run through, the back stroke, fancy
+diving, the 100-yard relay race, and a breast stroke event. With only one
+event remaining—the 75-yard freestyle, the score stood 20 to 16 in favor
+of Den 2.
+
+To win the meet the Cubs of Den 2 knew that Dan must defeat Ross for
+first place. But in the freestyle relay event, the Den 1 swimmer had put
+on a spectacular burst of speed to capture the event. The prospects
+looked discouraging.
+
+“Just swim your own race, Dan,” Mr. Holloway advised as the boy went to
+the starting line.
+
+The swimmers crouched above their lanes awaiting the signal. Sensing that
+the race would be a close one, the audience rose to its feet.
+
+Mr. Hatfield’s revolver cracked and the swimmers were off.
+
+Almost together Ross and Dan struck the water in flat, fast racing dives.
+From the start, the Den 1 swimmer took the lead.
+
+Dan heard the groans of dismay from his teammates and instinctively
+increased the tempo of his thrashing legs. Then he told himself he could
+not hold the pace. Deliberately, he dropped back to his former rhythm.
+
+The race would be a gruelling one at the end. He must save a little
+reserve for that final spurt!
+
+At the turn, Ross was nearly two body lengths ahead of Dan, his closest
+competitor. Midge and a youth who swam for Den 1 were almost
+neck-and-neck another three feet behind.
+
+After the second length, Ross slowed down a bit. Dan’s arms and legs now
+were moving with the easy precision of well-oiled machinery. Going into
+the final turn, the boy suddenly realized that for the first time in the
+race, he was a foot ahead!
+
+The knowledge shocked him into losing the smooth rhythm of his stroke.
+Ross, desperate to regain the lead, spurted ahead once more.
+
+“Come on, Dan!” his teammates pleaded. “Come on!”
+
+Across the pool, the Cubs of Den 1 were urging Ross to give his all. Both
+boys put on a final thrust of speed.
+
+Dan’s arms ached with fatigue but his breath was good. _Fight, fight,
+fight!_ The words pounded through his brain and conveyed themselves to
+his thrashing legs. His driving arms churned the water to foam as he put
+forth a supreme effort.
+
+The finish line was just ahead. As Dan surged for it with a feel of power
+and strength, Ross suddenly seemed to cave in. His stroke lost all
+rhythm, arm and leg movements became jerky.
+
+Dan moved steadily ahead of him, touching the wall a full length ahead.
+The audience burst into loud applause. Midge who came in third, after
+Ross, also was given a big hand.
+
+“Well, you did it, boy!” Brad declared, clapping Dan on the back. “Look
+at that scoreboard!”
+
+Mr. Hatfield was writing up the chalk figures—26 to 19 in favor of Den 2.
+
+“We’ve won the silver cup!” Chips Davis added, joining in the
+congratulations. “And not on any fluke either!”
+
+His breath recovered, Ross came around to offer Dan his hand.
+
+“You swam a dandy race and deserved to win,” he said warmly. “From now
+on, I’m going in for heavy practice!”
+
+“Next year we’ll have a real race,” Dan grinned. “You gave me stiff
+competition this season.”
+
+Following his teammates to the dressing room, the boy showered and
+scrambled into street clothes. Victory had brought a warm inner glow. He
+felt at peace with the world.
+
+The feeling, however, was short lived. In leaving the dressing room, he
+chanced to hear Mr. Holloway and the Den 1 coach discussing prospects of
+obtaining Skeleton Island as a Scout camp.
+
+“The deal’s definitely washed up,” Midge’s father told the coach. “Too
+bad, because the site is the best one around Webster City.”
+
+Since the weekend when the Cubs had camped on the island, Dan had not
+seen Mr. Manheim or the caretaker, Jabowski. He and Brad had reported to
+Mr. Hatfield their discovery of the old tunnel leading under the hotel.
+However, the Cub leader had not considered it advisable to take the
+matter up.
+
+“It’s useless to speculate on what may have happened there,” he told the
+disappointed boys. “To impress Mr. Manheim or the police, we need
+evidence. Without it, we’ll be wise to let matters rest as they are.”
+
+Dan also had been discouraged to learn that Frisk Fagan, the motorboat
+operator, had been released from jail on bond. Realization that the man
+was at liberty gave the boy a few uneasy moments. Though he expected no
+trouble, he could not forget that he had been warned not to identify the
+man.
+
+As Dan removed his coat from the locker, Mack came hurrying up.
+
+“Say, you’re wanted outside,” he informed. “A man wants to talk to you.”
+
+“Who is he, Mack?”
+
+“Didn’t say,” the other flung over his shoulder as he went on toward the
+dressing room. “He’s waiting out in front of the building.”
+
+Dan put on his coat and started for the street. By this time the main
+part of the “Y” building was nearly deserted of visitors.
+
+As he stepped out onto a stone porch giving exit to the street, a little
+man in an overcoat pulled high around his neck emerged from the shadows.
+Dan recoiled.
+
+The man was Paper Bag Eddie.
+
+“Hello, Dan,” the other said in his purring voice. “Want to take a little
+ride with me?”
+
+Dan started to retreat into the building, but Eddie blocked the doorway.
+The dark street was deserted except for a taxi cab.
+
+“Don’t let out a peep or make a false move,” the man said, tapping the
+little paper bag he carried. “You’re coming with me.”
+
+Taking a firm grasp upon Dan’s arm, he shoved him toward the waiting taxi
+cab.
+
+The boy braced his feet and started to resist. But as he opened his mouth
+to let out a yell for help, Eddie jammed the paper bag into his ribs. He
+felt the pressure of a revolver press against his flesh.
+
+“Don’t yip, or I’ll let you have it,” the little man said in his pleasant
+voice. “Just get in that taxi.”
+
+Dan obeyed. As he slumped in the rear seat, he took a quick glance at the
+driver. Though the face was unfamiliar, he thought the man resembled one
+of the persons he had seen on the night Mr. Holloway’s motorboat had been
+struck. It was an ugly face, cold and unfriendly. He realized with a
+sinking heart that any appeal to the driver for help would be a waste of
+breath.
+
+Eddie sat close beside Dan, his stubby legs stretched out in front of
+him.
+
+“We have a little score to settle, Dan,” the man said, eyeing the boy
+narrowly. “Remember?”
+
+The words sent an icy chill chasing down Dan’s spine. Eddie hadn’t
+forgotten his identification of Frisk Fagan. And this was the payoff!
+
+“Where are you taking me?” he demanded.
+
+Eddie merely smiled and settled back in the cab. The taxi driver, without
+an order, shifted gears and they sped away.
+
+Along the brightly lighted street, Dan saw many persons he knew walking
+home from the swimming meet. But he was helpless to signal them or to let
+anyone know of his plight.
+
+At the next corner, the taxi turned, seeking a narrow, dark street.
+Gradually it came to Dan that he was being driven to the waterfront. His
+uneasiness increased.
+
+The cab presently pulled up not far from a familiar group of warehouses.
+Eddie made no move to leave the taxi. Instead, he seemed to be waiting
+for someone.
+
+Within five minutes, a tapping sound was heard along the dark street.
+Craning his neck, Dan saw the blindman and his dog approaching the cab.
+
+The boy’s heart leaped with hope. If only he could get word to the man,
+or in some manner make known his predicament!
+
+But a moment later Dan’s hopes nose-dived. The blindman came directly to
+the cab. He greeted Eddie as an old friend.
+
+“Sorry to be late,” he apologized. “You got the kid, I see.”
+
+“Sure,” Eddie replied, lowering the cab window. “Everything set?”
+
+“The shipment’s in, settin’ out on Dock 23 covered with canvas. All we
+gotta do is distract the watchman while the sawing goes on.”
+
+As he spoke, the blindman removed his dark glasses. His eyes as they
+coldly appraised Dan looked perfectly normal. With a shock the boy
+realized that Joe Matt never had been blind.
+
+“He’s been a spotter for the gang of river pirates!” Dan thought. “All
+the time he’s kept watch of shipments to learn when valuable ones go
+through! Hank foolishly told him everything!”
+
+Belatedly, it occurred to him that this was the night of the 24th. The
+blindman had learned long ago that a valuable shipment of furs or other
+merchandise was to be sent through on this day.
+
+As Dan figured it out, the boy Jacques undoubtedly had been assigned to
+relay the information to a member of the gang. The coded message must
+have referred to the shipment and was in effect “Coming through on the
+24th!” But something had gone awry. Either Jacques had rebelled or had
+met with an accident as he crossed the river.
+
+“That’s why the boy wouldn’t talk,” he thought. “He didn’t dare. He was
+afraid of what the gang would do to him.”
+
+Dan’s meditation was cut short by a poke in the ribs from Paper Bag
+Eddie.
+
+“Get out!” the man ordered. “If you do exactly as you’re told, you won’t
+be hurt. But don’t try any monkey business.”
+
+Dan was forced to walk along the dock ahead of the blindman and his dog.
+Eddie loitered far behind.
+
+“Now get this,” Joe Matt said. “One false move and Rudy will tear you to
+shreds. You’ll do exactly as I say. These are your orders: You’re to talk
+to Hank and keep him occupied. I don’t care what you say, just so you
+hold his attention. If you fail—”
+
+“So I’m to be a decoy?”
+
+“You’re to throw him off his guard. Just keep him away from the dock
+while our work goes on.”
+
+“Work! You’re stealing another shipment of furs!”
+
+“Right, my boy. From under Hank’s very nose too!” The blindman paused in
+the shadow of the warehouse. “See the stupid fool!”
+
+The warehouseman nervously paced back and forth along the dock.
+Frequently he paused to glance at a pile of boxes which had been covered
+by a heavy canvas.
+
+“How do you aim to get the furs?” Dan whispered. “If you make any false
+move, Hank will blow his whistle and the river police will be here in a
+flash.”
+
+“Don’t you worry yourself, my boy. Just do as you’re told and don’t ask
+questions.”
+
+The blindman gave Dan a shove, following a pace behind. At sound of his
+tapping cane, the warehouseman whirled around.
+
+“Oh, it’s you,” he said in relief. “I’m a mite jumpy tonight. Guarding a
+valuable cargo. She’s due to be picked up in another hour. It sure will
+be a load off my mind.”
+
+“Hank, I got a sliver in my hand a minute ago,” the blindman said in a
+half-whine intended to arouse sympathy. “Will you help me get it out?”
+
+“Can’t see a thing out here.”
+
+“Come inside where there’s a good light.”
+
+The warehouseman hesitated. “I shouldn’t leave the dock—”
+
+“Oh, it will only take a minute. You can watch the canvas from the
+doorway. Dan here can help you keep an eye on it.”
+
+“My eyesight isn’t very good at night,” Dan said significantly.
+
+The blindman’s arm pressed hard into his flesh.
+
+“Lead me inside, Dan,” the man ordered. “That’s a good boy. You’re a real
+help to a poor soul without any eyes.”
+
+The three entered the warehouse where they switched on a bright electric
+light. Carefully he examined the blindman’s hand.
+
+“It’s only a little sliver,” he said. “Hardly worth bothering about.
+Here, I’ll get it out in a jiffy.”
+
+With his knife he removed the tiny piece of wood.
+
+Dan, who stood where he could see the canvas which covered the crate of
+furs, thought he could hear the indistinct sound of someone sawing wood.
+But he could see no one.
+
+Then the explanation dawned upon him! Hours before, a boat had slipped in
+beneath the dock, lying in wait for this moment. Now the river pirates
+boldly were carving through the dock with steel braces, bits and saws!
+
+Undoubtedly the blindman himself had given the go-ahead signal by tapping
+with his cane.
+
+“Those crooks will have the box through the hole and into their boat
+before Hank catches on!” he thought.
+
+Dan sidled toward the door. Rudy growled and barred his way.
+
+Outside the warehouse, Eddie lounged against a wall, smoking a cigarette.
+All escape was cut off. Even if he could let Hank know what was
+happening, Dan knew it was too late to prevent the theft.
+
+“Well, Dan, how did you do in the swimming meet tonight?” Hank asked,
+making conversation. “Give us a full account.”
+
+“We won,” Dan answered shortly.
+
+Again he felt Matt’s hard pressure on his arm. Knowing that he was
+expected to keep the warehouseman interested, he grudgingly added a few
+details.
+
+From where the boy stood, he could see the high mound of canvas. Suddenly
+it deflated like a pricked balloon.
+
+The river pirates had succeeded in lowering the loot through the dock
+hole into their boat! In another moment they would speed away unchecked.
+
+The sight goaded Dan beyond thought of personal risk.
+
+“Quick, Hank!” he shouted. “They’re stealing the furs!”
+
+The watchman whirled toward the door, only to have Joe Matt’s cane crash
+down on his head. Hank staggered back, slowly collapsing on the floor.
+
+When Dan would have leaped to the man’s assistance, the dog barred his
+way.
+
+Joe Matt seized the boy by the arm, pushing him roughly out the door. Dan
+resisted with all his strength. But he was powerless in the grasp of the
+other.
+
+The motorboat, loaded with the boxes and crates of furs, had emerged from
+beneath the dock. As it coasted alongside, the blindman shoved Dan ahead
+of him and down into the craft.
+
+Frisk Fagan crouched at the steering wheel. Jabowski, his face well
+hidden beneath a cap, huddled beside one of the boxes which had been
+shoved half way into the cabin. Jacques sat slumped over in the stern of
+the boat.
+
+“Hey! What’s the idea?” Frisk Fagan growled. “We can’t take that kid
+along. We’re overloaded now.”
+
+“We got to take him along,” Joe Matt answered. “If we don’t, he’ll spill
+everything to the cops. Git going!”
+
+Leaping down into the boat, the man bound Dan’s legs and wrists with a
+stout piece of cord.
+
+“Better gag him too,” Fagan advised. “The river is swarming with cops.
+Three boats out watching the shore. We can’t risk having him yip at the
+wrong minute.”
+
+“I’ll fix him right,” Joe muttered. He pulled the thongs tighter about
+the boy’s wrists and stuffed a handkerchief into his mouth.
+
+The motorboat sped away from the dock, nosing directly toward Skeleton
+Island.
+
+Scarcely was the craft well out from shore than those aboard heard the
+shrill blast of a police whistle. Dan’s heart leaped with hope.
+
+“We’ve been seen!” Joe Matt muttered. “Either that, or Hank has revived
+and given the alarm! Faster, Frisk!”
+
+“I’m pushin’ her as hard as I can.”
+
+“A police boat is putting out from shore now,” Joe Matt informed,
+scanning the river. “Probably armed with a 45-calibre submachine gun!”
+
+“Keep cool,” Frisk advised. “We have a head start. We’ll make the island
+okay and can hide the boat in the tunnel.”
+
+“And if it’s found there I’ll take the rap,” Jabowski whined. “I wish
+you’d never mixed me up in this dirty mess. And you dragged Jacques in
+against his will—”
+
+“Shut up!” Frisk said harshly. “We’ll get out of this. But if we don’t,
+we’ll all take the rap together.”
+
+“Throw the cargo overboard,” Jabowski pleaded. “Then the cops won’t find
+any evidence even if they do catch up with us.”
+
+He arose and reached for one of the smaller boxes. Joe Matt shoved him
+back.
+
+“Lay off!” he ordered. “We went to plenty of risk to carry out this job
+tonight. We ain’t pitching any $10,000 haul just because a copper blows a
+little tin whistle!”
+
+By this time, a powerfully motored police boat had taken up the pursuit.
+Jabowski watched anxiously as its brilliant searchlight swept the water.
+
+“She’s coming up fast!” he exclaimed. “They’ll soon be within firing
+distance.”
+
+“Keep your shirt on,” Frisk advised, hunching lower over the steering
+wheel. “The cops don’t know for sure we got the stuff. They may take the
+boat for Manheim’s just as we figured. While they’re wondering whether
+they dare risk taking a shot, we’ll make the island.”
+
+“I dunno,” Jabowski said fearfully. “They’re gaining.”
+
+“We’ll make the island,” Frisk repeated with more confidence. “The Dawson
+Street bridge is just ahead. Once past there, we’ll be hidden from view.
+We’ll slip behind the island into the tunnel. You left Manheim’s boat
+tied to the wharf?”
+
+“Sure, just as you ordered.”
+
+“Good. If the cops come by and check they’ll find the motor cold. You can
+claim you haven’t been away from the island all night.”
+
+“They’ll question me. I’m not willing to take the rap while the rest of
+you get away.”
+
+“The cops can’t prove a thing once we make the tunnel,” Fagan growled.
+“This is our last haul in this area. You’ll get your share and we pull
+out to a safer spot.”
+
+“We pull out all right,” Jabowski muttered. “After tonight I’m through. I
+never should have dragged poor Jacques into this mess—he tried to run
+away—”
+
+The caretaker glanced briefly at his nephew, huddled in the stern of the
+boat. Jacques gave no sign he had heard.
+
+“If the cops overtake us—” Jabowski whined.
+
+“Oh, pipe down,” Frisk said irritably. “We’re coming to the bridge now.
+We’re safe!”
+
+Lying quite helpless on the deck of the speeding motorboat, Dan suddenly
+saw Jacques come to life.
+
+With no warning whatsoever, the boy sprang to his feet. Savagely, he
+hurled himself upon the surprised Frisk Fagan, wresting the steering
+wheel from him.
+
+“Hey, have you gone crazy?” Frisk shouted.
+
+With both hands he gave the boy a mighty shove which sent him reeling
+backwards over the gunwale.
+
+Out of control, the motorboat crashed with terrific impact into the
+bridge pier.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 15
+                              The Pay-Off
+
+
+Dan was hurled violently into the foaming water. As he went under, he
+held his breath and instinctively turned his head upward.
+
+After what seemed an eternity, his face emerged from the water.
+
+But the boy was helpless, bound hand and foot. He rolled over on his
+back, trying to float. The gag in his mouth had become water soaked. He
+began to choke.
+
+This, he thought, was it.
+
+As black despair claimed him, a hand reached out of nowhere to support
+his back. The gag was jerked from his mouth so that he could breath
+again. Gratefully, he sucked in big mouthfuls of air.
+
+Twisting his head, Dan saw that it was Jacques who had saved him. The boy
+was treading water beside him, supporting his body with his left hand.
+
+“Lie still,” Jacques commanded. “I tow you. Police boat come. Pick us
+up.”
+
+Even as he spoke, the powerful beam from the approaching launch
+spotlighted the water about them. A moment later, both boys were hauled
+aboard.
+
+“Jacques, you saved me,” Dan murmured gratefully as the other boy bent to
+unfasten the ropes which bound him. “Thanks.”
+
+Gravely they shook hands and wrung the water from their dripping
+garments.
+
+“And you deliberately crashed the boat so the police would catch up with
+us,” Dan added. “Why, Jacques?”
+
+The boy shrugged. “Only way,” he answered briefly.
+
+After freeing Dan, Jacques watched anxiously while police picked up his
+uncle, Frisk Fagan and Joe Matt. The three had saved themselves by
+clinging to the sinking motorboat.
+
+Before the men could release the boxes of stolen furs, police had them
+covered. They were forced aboard the launch, and the smashed motorboat
+taken in tow. Fagan’s forehead was cut and Jabowski nursed an injured
+arm. Otherwise the crash had left them unscathed.
+
+“This was your fault!” Joe Matt accused Jacques savagely as a policeman
+snapped handcuffs on his wrists. “Yellow rat! I wish I’d let you go that
+time you sneaked away!”
+
+During the ride back to the dock, police officers took detailed
+statements from both Dan and Jacques. The later spoke in broken English
+and had difficulty in telling his story.
+
+However, he revealed that in recent weeks he had been held virtually a
+prisoner at Skeleton Island. Brought to America from France by his uncle,
+everything had gone well until Jabowski had fallen in with evil
+companions.
+
+On the night that the Cubs had found him lying exhausted on the beach,
+the boy had been assigned to carry a message in code to Joe Matt.
+
+“And what did that message say?” Dan asked. “I figured out only the first
+word before it was snatched from the Cave.”
+
+“Coming through 24,” Jacques revealed. “Today the 24th.”
+
+“That meant the fur shipment?”
+
+Jacques nodded, explaining that the message, relayed by tip-off men to
+his uncle, had been intended for Joe Matt. But instead of delivering it,
+the boy had made up his mind to run away.
+
+“I leap from my uncle’s boat and swim away in dark,” he added. “Reach
+shore. Hard swim.”
+
+“You were plenty tired when we found you,” Dan recalled. “I understand
+now why you were unwilling to talk. You were deeply involved with your
+uncle and the gang.”
+
+“Uncle good to me,” Jacques said simply. “Bring me to America.”
+
+“I get the picture now,” Dan said. “Without meaning to, I let Joe Matt
+know you were staying at the Cave. He came there and made you return to
+your uncle, didn’t he?”
+
+Jacques nodded, his eyes on the shore lights which now were close by.
+
+“That explains those peculiar circular marks in the sand,” Dan went on
+piecing the story together. “They were made by Joe Matt’s cane! Oh, he
+was clever, pretending to be blind. All the while, he picked up
+information and relayed it to members of the ring. Hank considered him a
+friend!”
+
+The launch reached the dock and the three prisoners were herded ashore.
+Hank Hawkins, having revived from the blow Joe Matt had struck, readily
+identified the boxes of furs as the ones stolen from his company.
+
+“Another one of the gang got away!” he told police excitedly. “He pulled
+out in a taxi cab.”
+
+“That would be Paper Bag Eddie,” Dan informed. “The driver of the cab was
+in on the deal too.”
+
+“We’ll get ’em both,” the boy was assured. “If not tonight, within a day
+or two. Eddie is the key man of a ring of river pirates. The gang is
+composed of tip-off men, highjackers, a lawyer and a bail bondsman. Also
+a fence or two who sell the loot. But we’ll round ’em up in time.”
+
+All three prisoners and Jacques as well, were taken to the police station
+to be booked on larceny charges. However, officers assured Jacques that
+he would not be held for trial, providing he would testify against Joe
+Matt and other members of the gang. This the boy agreed to do.
+
+Dan’s narrow escape at the hands of the river pirates became the talk of
+Webster City during the next few days. Especially was his adventure the
+chief topic of conversation among the Cubs of both Dens 1 and 2.
+
+“You’re a hero, Dan,” Brad told him proudly. “Why, you brought that gang
+to heel single-handed!”
+
+“Don’t give me that line,” Dan laughed. “I was just an unwilling
+passenger. Jacques was the one who brought about the capture. To do it he
+had to turn his own uncle in and risk prison himself. That kid sure has
+what it takes.”
+
+“He’s a Cub too,” Brad said proudly. “He joined in France. Mr. Hatfield’s
+trying to make arrangements to keep him here in Webster City.”
+
+“Maybe he’ll join our Den!”
+
+“Here’s hoping. He’ll be a live wire, that’s certain.”
+
+As both boys knew, Jacques had been released on probation to Mr.
+Hatfield. Temporarily, the French lad was living in the Cub leader’s home
+where he would remain until called to testify in court.
+
+Three days elapsed. At the end of that time the Cubs were elated to learn
+that Paper Bag Eddie had been captured in a neighboring city. Thereafter,
+one by one, other members of the ring were arrested and returned to
+Webster City to face charges.
+
+“Now that the entire gang is in the jug, I feel a lot safer,” Dan
+remarked one night to Brad. The two boys had arrived early at the Cave
+prior to a Den meeting at which Jacques was to be taken in as a member.
+“For awhile, I couldn’t look a sack of popcorn in the face!”
+
+One by one, the Cubs and their parents began to arrive for the meeting.
+Mr. Hatfield started it off with a little talk. First he told the boys
+how proud he was that Den 2 had won the swimming meet and the silver
+trophy which now graced a table in the Cave.
+
+Next the Cub leader paid tribute to Dan for his coolness in the face of
+danger. Finally he spoke of the Cub ideals and the honor of the
+organization.
+
+“A real Cub always is square,” he emphasized, smiling across the room at
+Jacques. “Crooked people are unfair, even to themselves. So the Cub
+follows the law of God and man. I commend Jacques for being true to the
+ideals he was taught as a Cub. The organization is proud to claim him as
+a member.”
+
+“Three cheers for Jacques!” proposed Dan.
+
+The Cubs gave them with a will. Mr. Hatfield was on the verge of
+proposing a song, when footsteps were heard on the steps leading up to
+the Cave.
+
+Everyone turned to see Mr. Manheim standing in the doorway. The owner of
+Skeleton Island looked a little embarrassed.
+
+“Hope I’m not intruding,” he said awkwardly.
+
+“Certainly not, Mr. Manheim,” the Cub leader replied. “The Cubs always
+are pleased to have visitors.”
+
+“Matter of fact, I came here on business,” the island owner said,
+entering the clubroom. “May I have permission to speak a few words?”
+
+“The floor is yours,” the Cub leader told him.
+
+Mr. Manheim faced the circle of Cubs. He cleared his throat and then
+began:
+
+“Boys, I owe you an apology. I’ve meant to come here before, but the
+truth is, I’ve been ashamed. You all know what happened at Skeleton
+Island. My man Jabowski, in whom I placed great trust, deceived me.”
+
+Suddenly made aware that Jacques was in the group, Mr. Manheim coughed in
+embarrassment and added quickly: “But that is not what I came here to
+say. I apologize to the Cubs for misjudging them. Events have proven
+conclusively that Dan Carter was right and that I was wrong.”
+
+“Under the circumstance, your mistake was natural, Mr. Manheim,” the Cub
+leader said politely. “After all, the Cubs were a trifle hasty in their
+actions.”
+
+The island owner waved aside the apology. “This is what I really came to
+say. I hope the Cubs will forget that I ever ordered them away from the
+island. I’m engaging a new caretaker, and the property is yours to use
+whenever you like.”
+
+“That’s most generous of you, Mr. Manheim,” the Cub leader thanked him.
+
+“Furthermore, I’m deeding the camp site to the Scouts without charge.
+It’s the least I can do to make amends.”
+
+The island owner’s generosity delighted the Cubs. Dan proposed a cheer
+for Mr. Manheim which was given with a will.
+
+“One thing more,” the island owner said. “I understand that Mr.
+Holloway’s sailboat was struck either by my motorboat or one which
+closely resembled it. In either case, Jabowski was mixed up in the
+affair. I’ll send my check to cover the damage.”
+
+“It really isn’t necessary,” Mr. Holloway protested.
+
+“I want to do it,” Mr. Manheim insisted. “Shall we say it eases my
+conscience? Well, good-bye boys. I’ll see you at the new camp.” With a
+friendly wave of his hand, he departed.
+
+The Cub meeting now ended quietly with the singing of “The Star Spangled
+Banner.” After the last note had died away, the boys clustered about
+Jacques to grasp his hand and welcome him to the organization.
+
+“Very glad to be a Cub,” the boy grinned. “Glad to be American too.”
+
+“Don’t think we aren’t tickled to have you!” Brad said warmly.
+
+“Oh, we’ll have wonderful times next summer at Skeleton Island,” Dan
+added with an air of deep satisfaction. He linked arms with Jacques and
+Brad as the boys trooped out of the Cave. “Best of all, we’ve proved to
+Mr. Manheim that Cubs really know their stuff!”
+
+
+
+
+                          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 River Camp, by Mildred A. Wirt
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAN CARTER AND THE RIVER CAMP ***
+
+***** This file should be named 41262-0.txt or 41262-0.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/1/2/6/41262/
+
+Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
+  www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+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
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
+contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
+Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  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.
diff --git a/41262-0.zip b/41262-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..de9539d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/41262-0.zip
diff --git a/41262-h.zip b/41262-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a3d2cf9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/41262-h.zip
diff --git a/41262-h/41262-h.htm b/41262-h/41262-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..40f6190
--- /dev/null
+++ b/41262-h/41262-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,5989 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" />
+<!-- terminate if block for class html -->
+
+<title>Dan Carter&mdash;Cub Scout and the River Camp, by Mildred A. Wirt</title>
+<meta name="author" content="Mildred A. Wirt" />
+<link rel="schema.DC" href="http://dublincore.org/documents/1998/09/dces/" />
+<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Mildred A. Wirt (1905-2002)" />
+<meta name="DC.Title" content="Dan Carter&mdash;Cub Scout and the River Camp" />
+<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" />
+<meta name="DC.Format" content="text/html" />
+<meta name="pss.pubdate" content="1949" />
+<style type="text/css">
+xbody, table.twocol tr td  { margin-left:2em; margin-right:2em; }   /* BODY */
+
+h1, h2, h3, h5, h6, .titlepg p { text-align:center; clear:right; }   /* HEADINGS */
+h2, h3      { margin-top:3em; margin-bottom:2em; }
+h6          { font-size:100%; font-style:italic; }
+h6.var      { font-size:80%; font-style:normal; }
+.titlepg    { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; border-style:double; clear:both; }
+
+/* == BOXES == */
+.dbox       { border-style:double; }
+div.box, .dbox { margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; max-width:25em;}
+.nbox          { margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; max-width:18em;}
+div.box, div.subbox, div.nbox { border-style:solid; border-width:1px;  margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em; }
+div.subbox  { margin:.2em; }
+div.box  dl  dd, div.subbox dl dd, div.nbox dl dd  {margin-left:2em; font-size:90%; }
+div.box  dl  dt, div.subbox dl dt, div.nbox dl dt  {margin-left:1em; }
+h4 { font-size:80%; text-align:center; clear:right; }
+span.chaptertitle { font-style:normal; display:block; text-align:center; font-size:150%; }
+
+p, blockquote, li { text-align:justify; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; }                              /* PARAGRAPHS */
+p.bq, blockquote  { margin-left:2em; margin-right:2em; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em; }
+div.verse    { font-size:100%; }
+p.indent  {text-indent:2em; text-align:left; }
+p.tb, p.tbcenter      { margin-top:2em; }
+span.pb, div.pb, dt.pb, p.pb { text-align: right; float:right; } /* PAGE BREAKS */
+div.pb { display:inline; }
+.pb    { text-align:right; float:right; margin-left: 1.5em;
+margin-top:.5em; margin-bottom:.5em; display:inline;
+font-size:80%; font-style:normal; font-weight:bold; }
+.bq  div.pb, .bq span.pb  { font-size:90%; margin-right:2em; }
+.index dt  { margin-left:3em; text-indent:-3em; }
+.index dd  { margin-left:3em; text-indent:-1em; }
+
+div.img, body a img, .imgcenter  {text-align:center; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; margin-top:2em; }
+
+sup { font-size:75%; vertical-align:100%; line-height:50%; }
+.center, .tbcenter    { text-align:center;  clear:both; }                  /* TEXTUAL MARKUP */
+table.center { clear:both; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; }
+.small    { font-size:80%; }
+.smaller  { font-size:66%; }
+.smallest { font-size:50%; }
+.larger   { font-size:150%; }
+.large    { font-size:125%; }
+.gs       { letter-spacing:1em; }
+.gs3      { letter-spacing:1.5em; }
+.gslarge  { letter-spacing:.3em; font-size:110%; }
+.sc       { font-variant:small-caps; font-style: normal; }
+.sc i     { font-variant:normal; }
+.rubric   { color: red; }
+hr        { width:40%; }
+.shorthr  { width:20%; }
+.jl       { text-align:left; }
+span.jl   { float:left; }
+.jr, .jr1 { text-align:right; }
+span.jr, span.jr1, span.center, span.jl  { display:block; }
+.jr1      { margin-right:2em; }
+.ind1     { text-align:left;  margin-left:2em; }
+.u        { text-decoration:underline; }
+
+table.center  { border-style: groove; }
+table.center, table.hymntab { clear:both; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; }
+
+dd.t           { text-align:left; margin-left: 5.5em; }
+
+span.date, span.author    { text-align:right; font-variant:small-caps; display:block; margin-right:1em; }
+span.center               { text-align:center; display:block; }
+span.hst                  { margin-left:1.5em; }
+.biblio  dt               { margin-top:1em; }
+.biblio  dd               { font-size:90%; }
+
+/* INDEX (.INDEX) */
+
+div.notes p  { margin-left:1em; text-indent:-1em;                 /* FOOTNOTE BLOCKS */
+text-align:justify; }
+
+.lnum   { text-align:right; float:right; margin-left:.5em;        /* POETRY LINE NUMBER */
+display:inline; }
+
+.hymn     { text-align:left; }                                  /*  HYMN AND VERSE: HTML  */
+.verse    { text-align:left; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:0em; }
+p.t0, p.l, .t0, .l, div.l, l { margin-left:4em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.tw, div.tw, .tw    { margin-left:1em; text-indent:-1em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t,  div.t,  .t     { margin-left:5em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t2, div.t2, .t2    { margin-left:6em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t3, div.t3, .t3    { margin-left:7em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t4, div.t4, .t4    { margin-left:8em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t5, div.t5, .t5    { margin-left:9em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t6, div.t6, .t6    { margin-left:10em; text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t7, div.t7, .t7    { margin-left:11em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t8, div.t8, .t8    { margin-left:12em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t9, div.t9, .t9    { margin-left:13em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t10,div.t10,.t10   { margin-left:14em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t11,div.t11,.t11   { margin-left:15em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t12,div.t12,.t12   { margin-left:16em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t13,div.t13,.t13   { margin-left:17em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t14,div.t14,.t14   { margin-left:18em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+p.t15,div.t15,.t15   { margin-left:19em;text-indent:-3em; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; text-align:left; }
+
+                                      /* CONTENTS (.TOC) */
+  .toc  dt.center    { text-align:center; clear:both; margin-top:3em; margin-bottom:1em; }
+  .toc  dt     { text-align:right; clear:left;
+                 margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:20em; }
+  .toc  dt.jr  { text-align:right; }
+  .toc  dt.smaller { max-width:25em; }
+  .toc  dd     { text-align:right; clear:both; margin-left:2em; }
+  .toc  dd.t   { text-align:right; clear:both; margin-left:4em; text-indent:0em; }
+  .toc  dt  a, .toc dd a { text-align:left; clear:right; float:left; }
+  .toc  dt.sc  { text-align:right; clear:both; }
+  .toc  dt.scl { text-align:left;  clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; }
+  .toc  dt.sct { text-align:right; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; margin-left:1em; }
+  .toc  dt.jl  { text-align:left;  clear:both; font-variant:normal; }
+  .toc  dt.scc { text-align:center; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; }
+  .toc  dt span.lj { text-align:left; display:block; float:left; }
+  .toc  dt a   { font-variant:normal; font-style:normal; }
+  .toc  dt a  i  { font-variant:normal; }
+  dt .large {font-weight:bold; }
+  div.bcat dl dd  { margin-left:4em; max-width:21em; }
+  div.bcat dl dt  { text-indent:-2em; margin-left:2em; }
+
+.clear     { clear:both; }
+.htab      { margin-left:8em; }
+                            /* MAXWIDTH FOR JUVENILE BOOKS */
+  p, blockquote, li, dd, dt, div.bcat { text-align:justify; max-width:25em;  margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; }
+  pre               { max-width:25em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto;  }
+  div.verse         { max-width:25em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; }
+  div.bq            { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:23em; }
+  hr                { max-width:20em; }
+
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's Dan Carter and the River Camp, 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 River Camp
+
+Author: Mildred A. Wirt
+
+Release Date: November 2, 2012 [EBook #41262]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAN CARTER AND THE RIVER CAMP ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<div id="cover" class="img">
+<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Dan Carter&mdash;Cub Scout and the River Camp" width="500" height="716" />
+</div>
+<div class="img" id="front"><img src="images/front.jpg" alt="He had found a small cardboard box." width="500" height="792" /></div>
+<p><span class="center">He had found a small cardboard box.</span>
+&ldquo;<span class="sc">Dan Carter&mdash;Cub Scout and the River Camp</span>&rdquo;
+<span class="jr">(<i><a href="#Page_13">See Page 13</a></i>)</span></p>
+<div class="box"><div class="subbox">
+<h1>Dan Carter
+<br />Cub Scout
+<br />and the River Camp</h1>
+<p class="tbcenter"><span class="small">by</span>
+<br /><span class="large"><b>Mildred A. Wirt</b></span></p>
+<p class="tbcenter"><span class="small">Illustrated</span></p>
+<p class="tbcenter">CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY
+<br />Publishers <span class="hst">New York</span></p>
+<p class="tbcenter"><span class="small"><span class="sc">Copyright, 1949, by
+<br />CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY</span>
+<br /><i>All Rights Reserved</i></span></p>
+<p class="center">DAN CARTER&mdash;CUB SCOUT AND THE RIVER CAMP</p>
+<p class="center"><span class="small">Printed in the United States of America</span></p>
+</div></div>
+<h2 title="">Contents</h2>
+<dl class="toc">
+<dt><a href="#c1">1 Found in the Sand</a> 1</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c2">2 A Coded Message</a> 15</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c3">3 Stolen Furs</a> 30</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c4">4 Fluke Victory</a> 45</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c5">5 Paper Bag Eddie</a> 59</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c6">6 Stranded</a> 71</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c7">7 Camp Site</a> 80</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c8">8 &ldquo;Dan Carter&mdash;Take Warning&rdquo;</a> 95</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c9">9 A Missing Code</a> 108</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c10">10 The Man at the Spring</a> 122</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c11">11 A Barbecue for the Cubs</a> 137</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c12">12 Following the Trail</a> 150</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c13">13 Identifying a Prisoner</a> 161</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c14">14 Victory for Den 2</a> 184</dt>
+<dt><a href="#c15">15 The Pay-Off</a> 204</dt>
+</dl>
+<h2 title=""><span class="small">Dan Carter&mdash;Cub Scout and the River Camp</span></h2>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_1">[1]</div>
+<h2 id="c1"><span class="small">CHAPTER 1</span>
+<br />Found in the Sand</h2>
+<p>&ldquo;Unless a breeze springs up soon, we&rsquo;ll be late
+for the Cub Scout meeting in the Cave,&rdquo; Dan Carter
+complained.</p>
+<p>Sprawled in the drifting dinghy, the sandy-haired
+boy raised his eyes to the limp sail which hung in
+discouraged folds from the tall mast.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve already missed the first part of it,&rdquo; remarked
+Midge Holloway.</p>
+<p>A freckled youth of ten, he had draped himself
+pretzel-fashion over the boat&rsquo;s bow. His skinny legs
+dangled a bare inch above the placid surface of the
+wide river.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What time is it anyhow?&rdquo; he demanded.</p>
+<p>At the tiller of the sailboat, Midge&rsquo;s father, Burton
+Holloway, snapped on his flashlight to see the
+dial of his wrist watch. An official &ldquo;Den Dad&rdquo; of
+Webster City Den No. 2, he frequently made river
+trips with the boys and allowed them to use his
+sailboat whenever they liked.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_2">[2]</div>
+<p>On this summer day, the three, after scrubbing
+the craft&rsquo;s fouled bottom, had set forth for a brief
+sail. The wind, however, had died suddenly, leaving
+them stranded far from their Yacht Club moorings.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s ten after eight,&rdquo; Mr. Holloway answered his
+son. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll have to work a little if we expect to get
+in tonight.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Reaching for a paddle, he plied it steadily. With
+snail-like speed the awkward-sized dinghy moved
+toward the twinkling lights visible on shore. With
+the coming of darkness, a cold, penetrating fog had
+closed in over the water.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Wish I&rsquo;d brought a jacket,&rdquo; Dan said with a
+shiver. &ldquo;Want me to take a turn at the paddle, Mr.
+Holloway?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No thanks, Dan, I&rsquo;m good for awhile yet. I blame
+myself for being stranded out here. The wind was
+dying when we left the yacht club. So I guess we
+asked for trouble!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>For some time Mr. Holloway paddled in silence.
+Now and then a big fish would leap and plop into
+the water nearby. Otherwise, the river seemed unusually
+quiet.</p>
+<p>Then unexpectedly from the direction of Skeleton
+Island came the muffled roar of a powerful motor
+boat engine.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_3">[3]</div>
+<p>Dan twisted around to gaze upstream. He could
+hear the sound of the motor plainly but the running
+lights of the approaching craft were not yet
+visible through the mist.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If that boat comes this way, we&rsquo;ll ask for a tow,&rdquo;
+Mr. Holloway remarked. &ldquo;Maybe we&rsquo;re in luck.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Resting on the paddle for a moment, the Den Dad
+allowed the dinghy to drift with the current. The
+roar of the motorboat engine now had increased in
+volume. Yet strangely, no one in the sailboat had
+sighted the oncoming craft.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Can it be running without lights?&rdquo; Mr. Holloway
+remarked somewhat anxiously. &ldquo;The pilot should
+know better than that.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Through the mist, Dan suddenly made out the
+dark, sleek outline of a speed craft which rode low
+in the water. Foam boiled from her prow as she
+split the waves.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There she is!&rdquo; the boy exclaimed. &ldquo;Heading this
+way, and coming fast!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Alarmed lest the craft run down the sailboat in
+the darkness, Mr. Holloway turned the beam of his
+flashlight upon the limp sail overhead. To make
+certain that they were seen, he flashed the light on
+and off several times.</p>
+<p>No answering response came from the motorboat
+which drove directly toward the sailboat.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_4">[4]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Can&rsquo;t they see us?&rdquo; Mr. Holloway demanded
+anxiously.</p>
+<p>The motor craft now was so close that those in
+the stranded sailboat caught a fleeting glimpse of
+a stout man in dungarees who manned the wheel.
+Of square jaw, the upper part of his face was hidden
+by a billed sailor&rsquo;s cap.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hey, look out!&rdquo; Dan yelled. &ldquo;Turn on your running
+lights!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The pilot evidently heard for he swerved the
+wheel slightly. And then deliberately, as if angered
+by the boy&rsquo;s remark, he spun the spokes again,
+bearing directly down upon the drifting sailboat.</p>
+<p>Instinctively, Mr. Holloway and the two Cubs
+braced themselves for a crash.</p>
+<p>The pilot of the speed boat laughed boisterously.
+Having accomplished his purpose&mdash;that of frightening
+the occupants of the sailing dinghy&mdash;he then
+swerved away.</p>
+<p>But he had misjudged the distance. As the motorboat
+swung, its stern grazed the mid-section of the
+sailing craft. Though the blow was a glancing one,
+mahogany splintered with a grinding crash.</p>
+<p>Choppy waves flung the sailboat far over on its
+beam. Water began to seep in through a break in
+the over-lap.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_5">[5]</div>
+<p>Instead of throttling down, the motorboat sped
+away into the darkness.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, that dirty crook!&rdquo; Midge exclaimed furiously.
+&ldquo;He&rsquo;s wrecked our boat, and he doesn&rsquo;t even
+intend to stop! Hey, you!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The man at the wheel turned slightly. In the
+moment before he raised his hand to cover the
+exposed lower part of his face, Dan obtained a fleeting
+but clear view of him. Two others in the boat
+crouched low and kept their backs turned.</p>
+<p>Mr. Holloway leaped to his feet in the teetering
+sailboat. Flashing his light on the disappearing
+craft, he tried to discern the license number. None
+was visible.</p>
+<p>Despite the shouts of Mr. Holloway and the
+Cubs, the boat did not slacken speed. Soon it was
+nearly out of sight, still running without lights.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Those men should be arrested!&rdquo; Midge declared.
+&ldquo;They struck us on purpose!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan had noticed that his feet were resting in an
+inch of water.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Say, we&rsquo;ve sprung a leak!&rdquo; he cried, scrambling
+for a bailing can which was kept under the seat.
+&ldquo;Now we are in a jam!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_6">[6]</div>
+<p>The latest emergency caused Mr. Holloway to
+divert his attention from the motorboat. Anxiously,
+he examined the jagged hole in the mahogany over-lap
+through which a trickle of water oozed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Midge, give me that rag under the seat!&rdquo; he
+directed.</p>
+<p>As his son handed it over, Mr. Holloway wedged
+it as tightly as he could into the larger hole, pressing
+it in with his knife blade.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That should help some, but we&rsquo;re still shipping
+water,&rdquo; he said anxiously. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll have to bail.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Already Dan was at work dipping with the tin
+can which was kept for just such an emergency.
+While Mr. Holloway paddled hard for shore, he
+and Midge took turns dipping water from the bottom
+of the boat. By working steadily, they could
+keep ahead of it.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;d certainly like to know who those men were
+that struck us,&rdquo; Mr. Holloway remarked. &ldquo;Aside
+from the damage they&rsquo;ve done to our boat, they&rsquo;re
+a menace on the river.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Dad, didn&rsquo;t you think the boat looked a little like
+Jonathan Manheim&rsquo;s?&rdquo; Midge inquired. &ldquo;It was built
+on the same general lines.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I did notice a resemblance,&rdquo; Mr. Holloway replied.
+&ldquo;But I never before saw the man at the wheel.
+I&rsquo;d hate to think it was Manheim&rsquo;s boat.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_7">[7]</div>
+<p>Fairly well known to the Cubs, Mr. Manheim was
+the owner of Skeleton Island and a prominent member
+of the Webster City Yacht Club.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Do you think he would try to run us down deliberately?&rdquo;
+Dan asked, working steadily with the
+bailing can.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t seem so to me, Dan. It&rsquo;s possible that
+someone else borrowed his boat. However, since we
+failed to get the license number, it&rsquo;s useless to speculate.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Odd that the boat was showing no lights,&rdquo; Dan
+said thoughtfully. &ldquo;Also, I wonder if it carried a
+license?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>By this time even the faint roar of the motorboat&rsquo;s
+engine had died away far up the river. Mr.
+Holloway and the Cubs knew by following the
+sound that the craft had not returned to the Webster
+City Yacht Club. Where it would dock they could
+not guess.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;ll try to make those men pay for the damage,
+won&rsquo;t you, Dad?&rdquo; Midge demanded. The shore
+now was so close he could see the twinkling lights
+which marked the outline of the yacht club slip.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I certainly will if I can, Midge. Unfortunately,
+we have no proof it was Manheim&rsquo;s boat.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He may have a few scratches to show, Dad.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_8">[8]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, if we notice tomorrow that his speedboat is
+banged up, we can be quite certain he&rsquo;s the guilty
+party. Even so, we&rsquo;ll have to be rather careful in
+taking the matter up with him. Manheim has many
+friends in the club.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He won&rsquo;t have &rsquo;em long if he makes a practice
+of running down sailboats,&rdquo; said Midge. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re
+lucky our boat didn&rsquo;t sink.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Five minutes later, the dinghy, heavily logged
+with water, limped to its berth at the yacht club
+dock.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hurry on to your Cub Scout meeting, boys,&rdquo;
+Mr. Holloway urged. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll look after the boat and
+make a few inquiries around the club.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Thus urged, Dan and Midge hastened along a
+graveled path which curled toward a steep hillside
+overlooking the water front.</p>
+<p>A long flight of wooden steps led up to a natural
+limestone cave in the rocks high above the beach.
+Some months before, the Cubs by hard labor had
+converted this cavern into a meeting place. The
+room now was attractively furnished with a couch,
+table, magazines and trophies.</p>
+<p>Breathless from hurrying, the boys reached the
+Cave entranceway. Already the Cub meeting was
+in progress.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_9">[9]</div>
+<p>Sam Hatfield, athletic coach at Webster High
+School, and Cub leader, stood in the center of the
+cavern talking earnestly to the boys.</p>
+<p>Grouped about him in the lighted room were
+Brad Wilber who was Den Chief, Chips Davis, Red
+Suell, Mack Tibbets, and Sam&rsquo;s own son, Fred Hatfield.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Glad to see you, boys,&rdquo; the Cub leader greeted
+Dan and Midge. &ldquo;But aren&rsquo;t you a little late?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Stammering apologies, Dan and Midge explained
+that they had been delayed on the river. Without
+mentioning Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s name, they related how
+their boat had been smashed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I knew something unusual must have kept you
+away from the meeting,&rdquo; declared the Cub leader.
+&ldquo;Too bad about Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s boat. I hope you
+catch those fellows.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Have we missed much of the meeting, Mr. Hatfield?&rdquo;
+Dan asked anxiously.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not the treasure hunt,&rdquo; the Cub leader reassured
+him. &ldquo;We just wound up the business meeting.
+Briefly, the Den has decided upon two goals for
+the summer. The first is to win the Pack swimming
+meet next month.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s where you come in, Dan,&rdquo; spoke up Brad.
+Nearly fourteen, the dark-haired youngster was a
+Boy Scout and the acknowledged leader of the
+Cubs. Even-tempered, quick of wit and fair, he had
+earned the respect of the younger, boys.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_10">[10]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;How so?&rdquo; Dan caught him up.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re the best swimmer in the outfit. We&rsquo;re depending
+on you to crash through and win the silver
+cup for Den 2.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do my best,&rdquo; Dan promised with a pleased
+grin. &ldquo;Guess I&rsquo;ll have to get busy right away and
+polish off my crawl stroke.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s the second goal, Mr. Hatfield?&rdquo; Midge
+inquired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, the Cubs have voted to help the Scouts
+earn enough money to buy a permanent camp on
+Skeleton Island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Skeleton Island?&rdquo; Midge repeated, glancing
+quickly at Dan. &ldquo;Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s place?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, the camp will belong to the Scouts, but our
+Den will have the privilege of using it for day trips
+and occasional over-night jaunts.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We need both your votes on the project,&rdquo; Brad
+interposed. &ldquo;Since it&rsquo;s to be a Scout rather than a
+Cub camp, we don&rsquo;t aim to go into it unless every
+member of the Den is in favor of the idea.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why buy a chunk of Skeleton Island?&rdquo; Midge
+inquired.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_11">[11]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s the only suitable island hereabouts,&rdquo; Mr.
+Hatfield explained. &ldquo;We figure Mr. Manheim
+shouldn&rsquo;t ask too high a figure for a small beach
+section. Of course, if you boys are against the
+project&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You may have my vote,&rdquo; Dan said after a slight
+hesitation.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And mine,&rdquo; added Midge, a trifle reluctantly. &ldquo;I
+just hope you&rsquo;re right about Mr. Manheim being
+generous enough to sell at a low price.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Being uncertain that their dinghy had been struck
+by Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s motorboat, neither Midge nor
+Dan told the Cubs why mention of his name had
+disturbed them.</p>
+<p>The business meeting presently ended with the
+boys gathering in a circle to repeat the Cub Promise.</p>
+<div class="verse">
+<p class="t0">&ldquo;I promise TO DO MY BEST</p>
+<p class="t0">To be SQUARE and</p>
+<p class="t0">To OBEY the law of the Cub Pack.&rdquo;</p>
+</div>
+<p>Parents began to drift into the Cave. On this particular
+night, a beach treasure hunt had been
+planned. Everything now was in readiness. Clues
+had been carefully hidden throughout the beach
+area.</p>
+<p>Red Suell&rsquo;s father handed out typewritten slips
+of paper containing hints in scrambled letters.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_12">[12]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re to hunt in pairs,&rdquo; he instructed the Cubs.
+&ldquo;The treasure chest has been hidden somewhere
+within a quarter mile of the Cave. The first pair to
+find it should signal by giving the Cub whistle. Then
+we&rsquo;ll all join on the beach for a feed before going
+home.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan and Brad drew identical numbers which
+meant they were to hunt together. Eagerly they
+scanned their slip of paper on which appeared the
+scrambled sentence:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Dinf eht glgyascr koa.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The first two words are &lsquo;find the&mdash;,&rsquo;&rdquo; Dan discerned
+at a glance. &ldquo;But what are those other two
+mind-teasers?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The last one is oak,&rdquo; Brad contributed. &ldquo;&lsquo;Find the
+oak!&rsquo; But what kind of oak?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Scraggly oak!&rdquo; Dan deciphered the final word.
+&ldquo;Come on, Brad!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>With a shout, the two boys were off, leaving the
+other Cubs to puzzle out their various clues. Clattering
+down the steps, the pair raced across the
+smooth sand.</p>
+<p>The light of a pale moon plainly silhouetted a
+stunted oak tree against the dark sky. Making a bee
+line for it, the boys searched diligently for another
+clue.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Here it is!&rdquo; Dan suddenly shouted.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_13">[13]</div>
+<p>At the base of the tree he had found a small cardboard
+box. Inside was another scrambled sentence
+which directed the boys to search for a large piece
+of driftwood.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The beach is littered with washed-up debris,&rdquo;
+Brad observed. &ldquo;This game is getting tougher.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Other Cubs now began to appear on the water
+front. However, as each clue was different, the treasure
+hunters remained widely separated.</p>
+<p>Brad and Dan turned up perhaps twenty pieces
+of driftwood before they found their third clue. The
+scrambled message required a long time to decipher.
+On a ragged piece of cardboard had been
+printed:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Kloo denur a toab dna ouy amy dinf a hsoelv.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Look under a boat and you may find a shovel!&rdquo;
+Dan finally figured it out. &ldquo;A shovel! Yipee! That
+means we&rsquo;re getting close to the treasure chest.
+Maybe our next clue will lead us to it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And we&rsquo;re miles ahead of the other Cubs,&rdquo;
+chuckled Brad. &ldquo;The question is, where&rsquo;s the boat?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Neither boy could recall having seen one on the
+beach that day. Because their clue had directed
+them to search beneath the craft, they were convinced
+that the boat must be an old one, probably
+overturned or abandoned somewhere on the sands.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_14">[14]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s look on that stretch that extends out toward
+the lighthouse,&rdquo; Brad proposed. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a lonely spot&mdash;just
+the type of place you&rsquo;d expect the Den Dads
+to select for the big treasure chest pay-off.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Scanning every inch of the sand, the boys dog-trotted
+toward the lighthouse. As its bright beam
+swept across the water, Dan noticed a dark outline
+on the beach some distance ahead.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That looks like a boat!&rdquo; he exclaimed.</p>
+<p>Focusing their eyes upon it, the boys plunged on
+through the loose sand. In the semi-darkness Dan
+paid scant heed to his footing. He stumbled, and
+then suddenly halted, staring ahead.</p>
+<p>A dark object lay half hidden behind a little
+mound of sand. Unmistakably, the form was human.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jeepers!&rdquo; he whispered. &ldquo;<i>Jeepers!</i>&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad too had seen the figure in the sand and had
+halted with a jerk.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s this?&rdquo; he muttered. &ldquo;Not a joke the Den
+Dads are pulling on us?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The form at their feet was that of a boy no older
+than Dan. One arm outstretched, he lay in a posture
+of complete exhaustion. His clothing was water-soaked,
+his dark hair damp.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This is no joke,&rdquo; Brad said soberly. &ldquo;Whoever
+this youngster is, he&rsquo;s in bad shape.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_15">[15]</div>
+<h2 id="c2"><span class="small">CHAPTER 2</span>
+<br />A Coded Message</h2>
+<p>The dark, curly-haired boy who lay on the sand
+stirred slightly as Dan and Brad bent down to shake
+his arm.</p>
+<p>Seeing their faces above him, he pulled himself
+up on an elbow, staring at them with blank expression.</p>
+<p>Fear gleamed momentarily in his steel-gray eyes,
+and then he seemed to relax. With a tired sigh, he
+settled back, clutching convulsively at the sand.</p>
+<p>Though the Cubs tried twice to arouse him, he
+did not respond.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s completely worn out,&rdquo; Brad said, deeply
+troubled.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Obviously he&rsquo;s been in the river,&rdquo; Dan added.
+&ldquo;My guess is he&rsquo;s exhausted from a long swim. Ever
+see him before?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad shook his head. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m pretty sure he never
+went to any of the Webster City schools or I&rsquo;d remember
+him. Must be a newcomer.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Whoever he is, he shouldn&rsquo;t lie here in wet
+clothes.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_16">[16]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re right, Dan. He&rsquo;ll catch his death in this
+night air. And he probably needs medical attention.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Think we could carry him to the Cave?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not by ourselves, Dan. We need the other Cubs
+to help.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Wetting his fingers, Brad gave the shrill whistle
+which had been agreed upon as the signal to mark
+the end of the treasure hunt.</p>
+<p>Immediately the other Cubs began to gather from
+all sections of the beach.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Gosh! What fast workers you little guys are!&rdquo;
+Mack Tibbets complained goodnaturedly as he hurried
+up. &ldquo;It didn&rsquo;t take you long to dig up the
+chest!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We haven&rsquo;t found it yet,&rdquo; Brad replied. &ldquo;But we
+have stumbled into something else.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Already Mack&rsquo;s startled gaze had fastened upon
+the sprawled figure of the boy on the sand. Before
+he could comment, Mr. Hatfield and the other Cubs
+arrived.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s this?&rdquo; the Cub leader demanded, stopping
+short.</p>
+<p>Dan explained how he and Brad had found the
+strange boy lying on the sand, adding: &ldquo;The kid
+raised up a second and then lapsed off.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_17">[17]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Unconscious?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think so, sir,&rdquo; Brad replied. &ldquo;He seemed
+more exhausted than anything else. We haven&rsquo;t
+touched him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield knelt in the sand, feeling the boy&rsquo;s
+pulse which was weak and fast. Carefully he turned
+him over to look directly into his face.</p>
+<p>Again the eyelids fluttered open and his lips
+moved slightly. Mr. Hatfield bent closer but could
+not distinguish the words.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Any idea who he is?&rdquo; he asked the Cubs.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We never saw him before,&rdquo; Brad answered. &ldquo;We
+were looking for the treasure when Dan noticed him
+lying here by the boat.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He must have crawled from the water only a
+few minutes ago,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield said. The Cub leader
+had noticed long marks in the sand, indicating that
+the boy had dragged himself beyond reach of the
+waves. &ldquo;I suppose we&rsquo;d better send for an ambulance&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>His words trailed off, for the boy on the sand unexpectedly
+had stirred to life. As if aroused by hearing
+the Cub leader&rsquo;s remark, he tried to sit up.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Easy, lad,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield advised, placing a supporting
+arm about his shoulders. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll get you to
+a hospital.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_18">[18]</div>
+<p>The boy&rsquo;s head shook in a vigorous negative. His
+fingers gripped Mr. Hatfield&rsquo;s arm in a hard pressure.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No!&rdquo; he whispered fiercely. &ldquo;No!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Puzzled by the intensity of the boy&rsquo;s reaction, Mr.
+Hatfield studied him a moment in silence.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;ve been in the river?&rdquo; he asked as the other
+offered no information.</p>
+<p>Again the head bobbed, this time in an affirmative
+answer.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who are you?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield inquired, stripping
+off his leather jacket and wrapping it about
+the shivering boy. &ldquo;How did you get in the
+river?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The boy merely stared at the Cub leader and did
+not answer. Then with a supreme effort, he tried to
+pull away from the supporting arm.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I go,&rdquo; he mumbled. &ldquo;All right now.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where will you go?&rdquo; interposed the Cub leader.
+&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be foolish. You&rsquo;re in no condition to walk.
+Come on, boys. Let&rsquo;s take him to the Cave.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Having no stretcher or board which could be used
+as one, Brad and Mr. Hatfield made a seat of their
+arms and carried the boy to the steps leading up
+into the Cave. There they were joined by Mr. Holloway
+and Red&rsquo;s father who helped.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_19">[19]</div>
+<p>Once in the Cave, the Cubs made the boy comfortable
+on a couch. Stripping off his wet garments,
+they wrapped him in a warm blanket.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Feeling better?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield asked him. &ldquo;I think
+I should call a doctor.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No&mdash;please,&rdquo; he mumbled, pleading with his
+eyes.</p>
+<p>To Mr. Hatfield and the fathers of the Cubs it was
+apparent that the boy slowly was recovering from
+his ordeal in the river. And it also was evident that
+for some reason, he did not wish to reveal anything
+about himself.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Suppose you tell us your name,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+suggested, seating himself beside the boy.</p>
+<p>The youth regarded him with a stony stare and
+answered no word.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe you&rsquo;ll tell us a little later,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+said kindly.</p>
+<p>Deciding to leave the boy alone for awhile, he retired
+to a far corner of the Cave to talk over the
+matter with Mr. Suell and Midge&rsquo;s father. Neither
+the Cubs nor their fathers ever had seen the boy
+before.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s queer how he came to be in the river,&rdquo; Mr.
+Hatfield remarked in an undertone. &ldquo;Plainly, he&rsquo;s
+trying to hide something.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_20">[20]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Think we should turn him over to the police for
+investigation?&rdquo; Mr. Holloway asked, looking troubled.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He seems like a good sort,&rdquo; the Cub leader replied.
+&ldquo;My judgment would be to wait and see what
+develops. He may be suffering from shock, though
+I think his refusal to talk is deliberate.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad and Dan, who had taken charge of the boy&rsquo;s
+wet garments, now approached Mr. Hatfield.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What is it, boys?&rdquo; he inquired, aware by their
+manner that they had an important disclosure to
+make.</p>
+<p>Brad asked the Cub leader if he would step outside
+to a platform from which the wooden steps
+descended.</p>
+<p>Surprised by the request, Mr. Hatfield followed
+the two Cubs.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s up?&rdquo; he questioned when they were beyond
+the hearing of the others. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve learned
+something about that youngster?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We were hanging up his clothes, and sort of
+went through his pockets,&rdquo; Brad confessed. &ldquo;Maybe
+we shouldn&rsquo;t have&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;On the whole, I think I might have done the
+same,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield reassured him. &ldquo;The boy evidently
+has no intention of telling us anything about
+himself. So I figure it&rsquo;s up to us to puzzle out a few
+facts for ourselves.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_21">[21]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Here&rsquo;s what we found,&rdquo; Dan said, offering Mr.
+Hatfield a scrap of heavy wrapping paper.</p>
+<p>The Cub leader snapped on his flashlight to study
+the writing. Only two words appeared, preceded by
+a string of puzzling numerals.</p>
+<pre>  &ldquo;020614     7552845     24
+               Skeleton Island.&rdquo;</pre>
+<p>&ldquo;Queer,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield commented. &ldquo;You say this
+paper came from the boy&rsquo;s pocket?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, it was wadded up inside an old cigarette
+case,&rdquo; Dan explained. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s, why it wasn&rsquo;t water-soaked.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Find anything else?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Only a couple of handkerchiefs, a pocket knife
+and a few odds and ends,&rdquo; Brad replied.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing to indicate who the boy is or where he
+came from?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not a thing, sir. The only clue is this scrap of
+paper. What do you make of it, Mr. Hatfield?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Frankly, I&rsquo;m puzzled, Brad. This reference to
+Skeleton Island seems very odd.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Do you suppose those numerals could be a code
+of some sort?&rdquo; Dan asked eagerly.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_22">[22]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, that&rsquo;s hard to say. But by all means hang
+on to this paper, Dan.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We sure will,&rdquo; Dan promised, replacing it in his
+pocket. &ldquo;If it should be a code maybe we can work
+it out. The only trouble is, I wouldn&rsquo;t know where
+to start.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Footsteps now were heard padding softly on the
+steps leading to the platform.</p>
+<p>Gazing down, the Cubs saw that it was Mrs. Holloway,
+who had arrived. The official Den Mother
+climbed slowly, carrying a heavy hamper of food.</p>
+<p>Dan and Brad darted down the stairs to help with
+the basket.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Dear me, these steps seem steeper every time I
+climb them,&rdquo; she laughed, pausing on the platform
+to recapture her breath.</p>
+<p>Observing through the open doorway of the Cave
+that all the Cubs had gathered there, Mrs. Holloway
+expressed surprise that the treasure hunt had ended
+so early.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, I&rsquo;m late bringing the food!&rdquo; she exclaimed.
+&ldquo;I expected the beach outing to last at least another
+half hour.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield told her what had occurred, adding:
+&ldquo;Perhaps you can do something for the boy. He&rsquo;s
+inside.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_23">[23]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;ve sent for a doctor?&rdquo; Mrs. Holloway inquired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, Mr. Suell went after Dr. Redfield a few minutes
+ago. The lad seems to be coming around all
+right. He&rsquo;s a strange sort of boy&mdash;so far, he won&rsquo;t
+tell us his name or anything about himself.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll find out,&rdquo; Mrs. Holloway said confidently.</p>
+<p>Inside the Cave, nearly all of the Cubs had
+gathered about the couch where the strange boy lay.
+His dark brown eyes now appeared alert, and roved
+systematically over the room, taking in every
+detail.</p>
+<p>He noted an animal skin which hung on the wall
+above the couch, a shelf of Indian handicraft articles,
+and raffia baskets made by the Cubs. His gaze
+dwelt longest upon a silver trophy engraved with
+the Den 2 name.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We won that cup in the Pack handicraft show,&rdquo;
+Chips volunteered, observing the boy&rsquo;s interest.
+&ldquo;Red and I made an Indian headdress which took
+top honors.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Aw, cut out the boasting,&rdquo; Red interposed with
+a laugh. &ldquo;Remember, if it hadn&rsquo;t been for Brad and
+Dan recovering that feather war bonnet after it was
+carried down river with the flood, the Den wouldn&rsquo;t
+have won a thing.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_24">[24]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s right,&rdquo; Chips admitted readily. &ldquo;We all
+worked together to earn the trophy. And to clear the
+Den name too.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>As all the Cubs knew, the feathers which had
+been so skillfully woven into the headdress had
+been obtained from the Silverton Pheasant Farm
+not many miles distant.</p>
+<p>Due to a misunderstanding, all the Cubs had been
+accused of trespassing, and Chips and Red of stealing.
+Only by diligent work had Dan and Brad
+cleared the two boys of the charge.</p>
+<p>The story of how a group of daring pheasant
+thieves was brought to justice, has been told in the
+first volume of a series, entitled: &ldquo;Dan Carter, Cub
+Scout.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Quietly taking charge, Mrs. Holloway cleared the
+bedside by assigning the Cubs to small tasks about
+the Cave. From a thermos bottle she poured a
+steaming cup of hot chocolate which she pressed to
+the boy&rsquo;s lips.</p>
+<p>He drank slowly and then with a grateful smile
+expressed his thanks.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re feeling better now, aren&rsquo;t you?&rdquo; the Den
+Mother said, straightening the blankets on the
+couch.</p>
+<p>The boy nodded.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_25">[25]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Not very talkative, are you?&rdquo; Mrs. Holloway
+asked with a warm smile. &ldquo;But then, you&rsquo;ve had a
+most harrowing experience. How in the world did
+you get in the river so late at night?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The strange lad did not rise to this bait, but allowed
+the question to remain unanswered.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You haven&rsquo;t told us your name yet,&rdquo; Mrs. Holloway
+reminded him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jacques,&rdquo; he answered after a long hesitation.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, that&rsquo;s a French name, isn&rsquo;t it? Jacques&mdash;what?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Again the boy did not answer, merely staring at
+her with eyes which held a troubled expression.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Never mind,&rdquo; said Mrs. Holloway. &ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t
+feel like answering questions, I won&rsquo;t press you.
+Later on perhaps you&rsquo;ll tell us about yourself.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>She sat by the couch for a few minutes and then
+as Mr. Suell came in with Dr. Redfield, retired to
+talk to the Cub leader again.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s no use&mdash;I couldn&rsquo;t get a word out of him,&rdquo;
+she confessed. &ldquo;My guess is that he is foreign-born.
+And his first name, Jacques, would indicate it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;None of the Cubs ever have seen him before,&rdquo;
+Mr. Hatfield remarked. &ldquo;A slip of paper was found in
+his pocket bearing the name Skeleton Island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then he may live there.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_26">[26]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Possibly,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield conceded. &ldquo;However, the
+island belongs to Jonathan Manheim. I&rsquo;ve never
+heard of anyone staying there except a caretaker
+who looks after the property.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s to be done with the boy?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll have to try to find his people. Possibly he&rsquo;s
+a runaway. In that case, he may refuse to tell us the
+name of his parents or where he came from. It may
+take a day or two to get his background.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll be glad to have him stay at my home tonight.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;d figured on taking him with me,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+replied. &ldquo;That is, if the doctor approves. Let&rsquo;s see
+what he has to say.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dr. Redfield had completed his examination of
+the boy and was preparing to leave the Cave. Not
+wishing to discuss the patient in his presence, he
+joined the Cub leader and Mrs. Holloway outside
+on the platform.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s the verdict, doctor?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield inquired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, he should be all right by tomorrow morning,&rdquo;
+the doctor answered. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s suffering a little
+from shock, but nothing serious. Mr. Suell told me
+the boy was found on the beach and apparently
+had become exhausted from a long swim.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_27">[27]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the way we figured it out. He&rsquo;s told us
+nothing.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The boy has no serious injuries,&rdquo; Dr. Redfield
+continued. &ldquo;In examining him, I did find several
+bruises on his legs and back.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What would you say was the cause, doctor?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t be certain, but offhand I would think
+he had been beaten.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then our theory that he&rsquo;s a runaway may be
+right after all. By the way, doctor, the boy can be
+moved safely? I thought I&rsquo;d take him to my home
+for the night.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;ll be all right if he doesn&rsquo;t exert himself,&rdquo; the
+doctor replied. &ldquo;Keep him warm and quiet. If you
+need me in the morning, telephone and I&rsquo;ll make a
+more complete examination.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After the doctor had gone, Mr. Hatfield and the
+Cubs prepared to close up the Cave for the night.
+Deciding to leave the treasure chest buried on the
+beach, the boys voted to resume the interrupted
+hunt at their next weekly meeting.</p>
+<p>Mrs. Holloway served sandwiches, chocolate and
+cookies to all the Cubs. Jacques refused to eat anything
+but did accept another cup of hot beverage.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now let&rsquo;s all sing the Cub pledge before we
+leave,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield proposed.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_28">[28]</div>
+<p>The boys gathered around and to the tune of
+America, warbled:</p>
+<div class="verse">
+<p class="t0">&ldquo;&lsquo;Cub friendships, pure and deep,</p>
+<p class="t0">We promise we will keep</p>
+<p class="t0">Our pledge to thee;</p>
+<p class="t0">We will honor and obey Akela all the way</p>
+<p class="t0">And on that twelfth birthday</p>
+<p class="t0">Good Scouts we&rsquo;ll be!&rsquo;&rdquo;</p>
+</div>
+<p>At the end of the song, all the Cubs gave the
+salute, two fingers raised to their foreheads. Then
+the meeting began to break up.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Brad, if you and Dan will stay here with Jacques,
+I&rsquo;ll go home for my car,&rdquo; the Cub leader said. &ldquo;Then
+we can get him down the stairs and directly into
+the automobile. It shouldn&rsquo;t take me long.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll be glad to wait,&rdquo; Dan offered eagerly.</p>
+<p>After Mr. Hatfield had gone, the Cubs and their
+fathers began to drift off home. Soon only Mrs.
+Holloway, her son Midge, Brad and Dan remained.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll wait for Mr. Hatfield,&rdquo; the Den Mother said.
+&ldquo;He should be coming soon.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I see a car parking now on the road across from
+the beach,&rdquo; Brad observed. From where he stood
+near the Cave doorway, he could view the entire
+river front.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_29">[29]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Then I&rsquo;ll run along,&rdquo; Mrs. Holloway said, gathering
+up hamper and thermos bottles. &ldquo;Good-bye,
+Jacques. I&rsquo;ll certainly see you tomorrow.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;<i>Merci</i>,&rdquo; he mumbled, using the French word for
+expressing thanks.</p>
+<p>The Cave became deeply silent after Mrs. Holloway
+had gone. Brad and Dan moved close to the
+couch, studying their guest with curiosity.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jacques, can&rsquo;t you speak English, or don&rsquo;t you
+want to?&rdquo; Brad asked presently. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re trying to
+hide something&mdash;isn&rsquo;t that it?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Again the boy on the couch flashed them an inscrutable
+smile. But with a gesture which plainly
+bespoke gratitude, he reached out to grasp Dan&rsquo;s
+hand.</p>
+<p>His next act was deliberate. With two fingers extended
+along Dan&rsquo;s wrist, he squeezed the hand
+with a grip which unmistakably was the official Cub
+handclasp.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Gosh all fish hooks!&rdquo; Dan exclaimed, staring
+down at the boy in astonishment. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re a Cub
+too! And you never let out a hint of it when the
+others were here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Jacques allowed the boy&rsquo;s hand to slip from his
+own. With a slight shrug and another mysterious
+smile, he closed his eyes and pretended to drowse.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_30">[30]</div>
+<h2 id="c3"><span class="small">CHAPTER 3</span>
+<br />Stolen Furs</h2>
+<p>On the morrow, Dan and Brad called early at Mr.
+Hatfield&rsquo;s home to inquire as to the condition of
+Jacques.</p>
+<p>They found the boy up and dressed, eating a late
+breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield and Fred.
+Apparently none the worse for his river adventure
+of the previous night, the lad seemed in fairly good
+spirits.</p>
+<p>Taking Brad and Dan aside, Fred reported to
+them that absolutely no progress had been made in
+learning the boy&rsquo;s identity or anything about his
+past.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Just as soon as one asks him a direct question,
+he pretends not to understand,&rdquo; Fred complained.
+&ldquo;It&rsquo;s all a pose.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What does your father plan to do with him?&rdquo;
+Brad asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He hasn&rsquo;t decided yet. This afternoon we&rsquo;re
+going down to the Cave to clean up after last night&rsquo;s
+meeting. We&rsquo;ll probably take Jacques with us.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_31">[31]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;You know he&rsquo;s a Cub, I suppose,&rdquo; Dan remarked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A Cub!&rdquo; Fred was astonished. &ldquo;Why, no! He
+didn&rsquo;t give us a hint of it. What makes you think
+so?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan and Brad related how Jacques had grasped
+the former&rsquo;s hand in the official Cub handclasp,
+mute evidence that he once had been a member of
+the international organization.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s a queer duck,&rdquo; Fred declared. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure he
+didn&rsquo;t mention to Dad that he ever had been a Cub.
+Fact is, he&rsquo;s kept mum about everything. Won&rsquo;t
+peep a word as to his folks or where he came from.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Cubs discussed Jacques a little longer, and
+then Brad and Dan left, but not before promising
+Fred they would drop around at the Cave later to
+help with the cleaning.</p>
+<p>Anxious to learn how much damage had been
+done the previous night to Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s sailboat,
+the boys next stopped at the Webster City Yacht
+Club. From Midge, who loitered on the dock, they
+learned that the sailing craft already had been
+hauled to a nearby boat yard to be repaired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The job will cost at least forty dollars,&rdquo; Midge
+reported. &ldquo;What&rsquo;s worse, the boat will be out of
+water for at least two or three days. It makes me
+sick!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_32">[32]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Did your father learn if it was Manheim&rsquo;s boat
+that struck us last night?&rdquo; Dan questioned.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not yet. We inquired around the clubhouse, but
+no one has seen the Manheim speedboat the last
+couple of days.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad had noticed a mahogany speedcraft which
+was plowing up the channel at half-speed. &ldquo;Isn&rsquo;t
+that Manheim&rsquo;s boat coming now?&rdquo; he demanded.
+&ldquo;It looks like it to me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Likewise the same one that struck us last night,&rdquo;
+Midge muttered, shading his eyes as he gazed
+toward the sun.</p>
+<p>As the three Cubs watched, the boat drew closer
+until they could read the license numbers&mdash;D 351,
+and see the bright gleam of her brasswork.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The boat that hit us had no visible license,&rdquo; Dan
+said, a little troubled. &ldquo;If it weren&rsquo;t for that, I&rsquo;d
+say it was Manheim&rsquo;s craft that smashed into
+us.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who&rsquo;s at the wheel?&rdquo; Brad demanded. &ldquo;Not
+Manheim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The operator of the boat wore a striped red and
+blue jersey and soiled brown trousers. His square
+jaw and grizzled sun-brown face of set expression
+marked him as a man of surly temper.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_33">[33]</div>
+<p>As the boat slid along toward the Manheim berth,
+he glanced briefly at the Cubs. Then deliberately
+he looked away.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Wonder who he is?&rdquo; Midge muttered. &ldquo;He
+doesn&rsquo;t resemble anyone in that boat last night.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not the operator anyway,&rdquo; Dan agreed. &ldquo;Actually,
+we didn&rsquo;t see the other two fellows well
+enough to recognize them again.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Cubs kept the boat in view as it maneuvered
+into a reserved space at the far end of the dock.
+Midge asked a club member, who loitered nearby,
+if the speedboat belonged to Mr. Manheim.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, that&rsquo;s his boat,&rdquo; the club member identified
+it.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But that isn&rsquo;t Mr. Manheim at the wheel?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No, the pilot is a fellow who works for him at
+Skeleton Island. A new man he hired a few months
+ago. I&rsquo;ve heard him called Wilson Jabowski.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After the club member had moved on, the three
+Cubs watched the Manheim boat fill its gas tank at
+a private pump.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Notice her stern,&rdquo; Dan whispered to his companions.
+&ldquo;Can you see any scratches?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re too far away,&rdquo; Midge returned. &ldquo;But I&rsquo;ll
+bet a frosted doughnut it was Manheim&rsquo;s boat that
+rammed us last night! I&rsquo;ll find out!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_34">[34]</div>
+<p>Unable to restrain himself, the boy descended
+three steps to the lower level, there to inspect the
+craft&rsquo;s hull.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hey!&rdquo; the boat operator shouted as Midge bent
+to look closely at the mahogany. &ldquo;What d&rsquo;you think
+you&rsquo;re doing?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing,&rdquo; Midge mumbled, startled. &ldquo;Just looking.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, do your lookin&rsquo; somewhere else!&rdquo; the man
+snapped. &ldquo;Mr. Manheim doesn&rsquo;t want kids hangin&rsquo;
+around his boat.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not doing any harm,&rdquo; Midge defended himself.
+&ldquo;I was just noticing a few scratches on your
+boat. Have you been in an accident?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; the boat operator answered gruffly. &ldquo;I may
+have scratched the mahogany a couple of days ago
+when I was backing out of the berth. Grazed a dock
+post.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, I see,&rdquo; Midge said, pretending to accept the
+explanation. &ldquo;I thought maybe you might have been
+in a collision last night.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Collision! What you drivin&rsquo; at, you young whelp?
+Trying to make out it was Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s boat that
+run into your Dad&rsquo;s sailboat?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t say so, did I? Anyhow, how did you
+know of it?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_35">[35]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Heard about the accident here at the club,&rdquo; the
+boat operator retorted. &ldquo;Let me tell you something!
+This boat wasn&rsquo;t away from Skeleton Island last
+night! And another thing, Mr. Manheim doesn&rsquo;t go
+around smashing sailboats.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who said he did?&rdquo; Midge demanded, now on
+the defensive. &ldquo;I never accused him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No, but you&rsquo;re thinking it was this boat that hit
+yours. Oh, I heard you boys whispering! Well, get
+this straight! You better not go to Mr. Manheim
+with your complaints.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry if I said anything to offend,&rdquo; Midge
+replied, his voice stony. &ldquo;To tell you the truth, I
+did think maybe it was his boat that struck ours in
+the dark. If I&rsquo;ve made a mistake I apologize.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You sure made a mistake, kid. Now get going
+all of you! I want to fill this gasoline tank and get
+back to Skeleton Island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Embarrassed by the reprimand, the three Cubs
+took themselves to the club where they sat on the
+veranda drinking cokes.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I sure made the old boy sore,&rdquo; Midge said between
+sips of the iced drink. &ldquo;I never intended to
+accuse him or say anything about the accident. He
+snapped me up so fast.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_36">[36]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Almost as if he had a guilty conscience,&rdquo; Dan
+agreed. &ldquo;Maybe he heard about the accident here
+at the club the way he said. Then again, maybe he
+didn&rsquo;t.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Those scratches on the boat weren&rsquo;t very deep,&rdquo;
+Midge said thoughtfully. &ldquo;All in all, I guess I&rsquo;d
+better not exercise my gums too much over the
+thing. Dad wouldn&rsquo;t like it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad, who had been scanning the morning paper
+while his companions talked, now uttered a startled
+snort.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Say, will you look at this!&rdquo; he exclaimed, tapping
+a front page news story. &ldquo;Guess what happened last
+night?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Break it to us gently, Brad, my boy,&rdquo; Midge
+laughed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It says here that a box of furs valued at $8,500
+was stolen last night from Pier 23. So far the police
+haven&rsquo;t traced the thieves.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan relieved Brad of the newspaper and read the
+account for himself. The story related that during
+the early hours of the evening, a fast motorboat had
+pulled alongside of Pier 23 where a box of furs had
+been piled up with other merchandise for shipment.
+Before the warehouse watchman had suspected
+what was happening, the craft with its unknown
+occupants had sped away into the darkness.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_37">[37]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Say, do you suppose that could have been the
+same boat that struck us last night?&rdquo; Dan demanded
+as he finished reading the story.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What time did the robbery occur?&rdquo; Midge asked
+thoughtfully.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The story doesn&rsquo;t say. But you remember, the
+boat was showing no lights, and coming from the
+general direction of the docks.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s true,&rdquo; Midge admitted, impressed. &ldquo;All
+the same, Manheim isn&rsquo;t the type of man to get
+mixed up in a fur theft. In the first place, he has
+plenty of money.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We may have been mistaken about it being the
+Manheim boat,&rdquo; Dan argued.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;In any case, this story about the fur theft is interesting,&rdquo;
+Brad said, rereading it. &ldquo;It looks to me
+as if the river pirates are getting pretty bold when
+they can pull off a robbery practically under the
+eyes of the watchman.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I wish we had more information,&rdquo; Midge remarked.
+&ldquo;Pier 23 isn&rsquo;t far from here. Why not go
+there and see if we can pick up any more information.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The proposal appealed to Brad and Dan. Finishing
+their drinks, they caught a bus which dropped
+them off a few minutes later at the commercial
+area of the river.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_38">[38]</div>
+<p>Midge, who was fairly familiar with this section
+of the waterfront, led his companions toward a small
+warehouse whose corrugated steel door stood
+slightly ajar.</p>
+<p>Inside, an elderly man was taking an inventory
+of boxes and crates stacked against the wall. A spry,
+wiry little fellow with white hair and energy that
+belied his sixty-nine years, he whirled around as
+he heard the boys enter.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You startled me,&rdquo; he chuckled, obviously relieved.
+&ldquo;After last night, I&rsquo;m a mite jumpy.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Cubs noticed then that the warehouse man
+carried a revolver in a holster at his belt.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m Hank Hawkins, at your service,&rdquo; he announced
+cheerfully. &ldquo;What can I do for you youngsters?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;d like a little information about the robbery
+last night,&rdquo; Dan spoke up. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re not just asking
+questions out of curiosity. We may have some information
+for you too.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You kids know something about it?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We may have seen the boat that pulled away
+from the pier. We&rsquo;re not sure. What time did the
+robbery take place?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Say, who are you kids anyhow?&rdquo; the watchman
+demanded, without answering the question.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_39">[39]</div>
+<p>Brad gave his name and introduced his companions,
+explaining that they were Cub Scouts. &ldquo;I guess
+you think we have our nerve barging in like this,&rdquo;
+he added. &ldquo;We read about the fur robbery in the
+paper, and we want to learn the details.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I see.&rdquo; Hank sat down on a packing case to light
+his pipe. &ldquo;Well, there ain&rsquo;t much to tell. The Hodur
+and Fameister firm sent through a box of expensive
+furs. They were to have been picked up at 10 o&rsquo;clock
+last night by the freighter <i>Albone</i>. At eight thirty
+I set out the box along with some others that were
+to go. Then I stepped back into the warehouse for
+a minute, and it happened.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You say the theft occurred about eight thirty?&rdquo;
+Dan asked thoughtfully.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It was about that time. Ordinarily, it wouldn&rsquo;t
+have been dark, but a heavy fog had rolled in.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Did you see the motorboat and the men in it?&rdquo;
+Midge asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Caught a glimpse of &rsquo;em as they pulled away&mdash;that
+was all. It all happened so fast. They had that
+box off the pier and were gone before I knew what
+was up.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What sort of boat was it?&rdquo; Brad inquired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A 20-ft. high-powered speedboat. Mostly she was
+a blur in the dark. Not a light showing.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_40">[40]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;How many in the boat?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Three, I&rsquo;d say.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The information tended to convince the Cubs
+that the craft was the same one that had smashed
+into Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s sailboat.</p>
+<p>As they were telling Hank about the incident, a
+tapping sound was heard on the planking outside
+the door. A moment later, a blindman led by a seeing-eye
+dog, groped his way into the warehouse.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Good morning, Joe,&rdquo; the watchman greeted him.
+&ldquo;How&rsquo;s business today?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lousy,&rdquo; the blindman complained. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve sold
+only four packages of pencils all morning. The sun&rsquo;s
+so hot it&rsquo;s wilting me. Mind if I chin for a few minutes
+while I cool off?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Glad to have you,&rdquo; Hank said, guiding the man
+to a seat on a box. &ldquo;Boys, meet Joe Matt, a friend of
+mine.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Cubs gave their own names. Feeling sorry for
+the man, Brad then bought a package of pencils for
+a quarter. However, the blindman pocketed the coin
+rather indifferently.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What do you hear from the cops?&rdquo; he asked
+Hank. &ldquo;Any clue as to the fur thieves?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_41">[41]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Apparently it was a clean get-away. The box
+was insured for only half its value and that makes
+it tough for Hodur and Fameister. I&rsquo;m lucky I didn&rsquo;t
+lose my job?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why should anyone blame you?&rdquo; the blindman
+demanded. &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t your fault.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No, but maybe my employer will figure I should
+have had my eyes open a little wider. It&rsquo;s the first
+time I&rsquo;ve lost anything in the eighteen years I&rsquo;ve
+been workin&rsquo; on the waterfront.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Hank discussed the theft at length and then began
+to tell other tales of the waterfront which kept
+the Cubs enthralled. Brad, Dan, and Midge presently
+found themselves drawn into the conversation.
+They told of their Cave on the hillside and the exciting
+treasure hunt which had led to the discovery
+of Jacques lying on the beach.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jacques?&rdquo; the blindman interposed. &ldquo;Is that his
+name? Must be one of those foreigners.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;French, we think,&rdquo; Midge revealed, failing to
+notice the look of intent interest in the blindman&rsquo;s
+otherwise mask-like face. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s not much to
+talk.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hasn&rsquo;t told you anything about himself?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not yet.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where is the youngster now?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He may be at the Cave.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_42">[42]</div>
+<p>The blindman talked a few minutes more and
+then arose to leave. Dan also slid down from the
+packing box on which he had perched himself.</p>
+<p>Slight as was the movement, it disturbed the
+seeing-eye dog. With a snarl, he sprang at the boy.</p>
+<p>Startled, Dan leaped backward. The blindman
+uttered a sharp command.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Here, Rudy! Come here! Behave yourself!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Still growling and eyeing Dan with deep hate,
+the dog allowed his master to grasp him by the
+leash.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Quite a vicious dog you have there,&rdquo; Brad said,
+edging away. &ldquo;He might have taken a chunk out of
+Dan.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Rudy isn&rsquo;t vicious,&rdquo; the blindman denied. &ldquo;Now
+and then he takes a dislike to someone. Usually he
+won&rsquo;t attack unless he&rsquo;s annoyed.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s encouraging,&rdquo; Dan said with a wry grin.
+&ldquo;Believe me, in the future I&rsquo;ll take pains not to
+annoy him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Without apologizing for the incident, the blindman
+took the dog and went off down the wharf. For
+a long while, the Cubs could hear his cane tapping
+on the planks.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Joe Matt isn&rsquo;t a bad sort after you know him,&rdquo;
+the watchman remarked, aware that the Cubs had
+not been favorably impressed by the man&rsquo;s manners.
+&ldquo;Being blind would make anyone out-of-sorts,
+I guess.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_43">[43]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure,&rdquo; Brad agreed. &ldquo;I suppose he&rsquo;s attached to
+that dog&mdash;though he&rsquo;s an ugly animal. Wouldn&rsquo;t
+want to meet him on a dark night.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You can bet I&rsquo;ll give him a wide berth,&rdquo; Dan
+added with a laugh. &ldquo;Rudy didn&rsquo;t go for me. And
+the feeling&rsquo;s mutual! By the way, Hank, how long
+have you known Joe Matt?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, I don&rsquo;t remember,&rdquo; the watchman replied
+indifferently, knocking the ashes from his pipe. &ldquo;Six
+months maybe. Well, I&rsquo;ve been spinning yarns long
+enough. Got to do a little work now.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Accepting the remark as a dismissal, Dan, Brad
+and Midge said goodbye, and left the warehouse.
+At the bus line, they debated, and finally decided
+to make an appearance at the Cave.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Holloway and Fred will need some help
+cleaning up the place,&rdquo; Dan declared. &ldquo;Also, if
+Jacques is there, I&rsquo;d like to talk to him again.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He seemed to go for you more than anyone
+else,&rdquo; Brad said, signaling to a bus driver. &ldquo;Maybe
+you can get him to loosen up a bit.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The sun was high overhead as the three Cubs
+alighted from the bus ten minutes later. Crossing
+the beach, they climbed to the Cave.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_44">[44]</div>
+<p>Entering, they saw at once that something was
+amiss. Mr. Holloway and Fred were there alone,
+their brooms discarded. Rather dejectedly they sat
+at a table, studying an object which was hidden
+from view.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hi!&rdquo; Dan greeted the pair. &ldquo;Where&rsquo;s Jacques?
+We thought you were bringing him here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We did,&rdquo; replied Fred significantly.</p>
+<p>The other Cubs looked quickly about the disordered
+room. Plainly Jacques was nowhere in the
+Cave.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where is he?&rdquo; Brad demanded. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t keep us
+in suspense. He didn&rsquo;t take a turn for the worse?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield shook his head.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No, Jacques appeared fine when last we saw
+him. This will explain.&rdquo; He thrust a note into Brad&rsquo;s
+hand. &ldquo;The lad left it here a few minutes ago.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In a large, hard-to-read scrawl, the boy had
+written:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Thanks for everything. Goodbye.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Beneath the message appeared a crudely drawn
+Wolf cub, its sharp ears pointing to the final word:
+&ldquo;Jacques.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_45">[45]</div>
+<h2 id="c4"><span class="small">CHAPTER 4</span>
+<br />Fluke Victory</h2>
+<p>Jacques&rsquo; unexpected leave-taking came as a bitter
+disappointment to Brad and Dan who had hoped
+to learn more about the boy.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t know where he went or why,&rdquo; Fred
+explained to the Cubs as they reread the farewell
+message. &ldquo;Dad and I carried a basket of trash down
+to the beach, leaving Jacques here. When we came
+back, he was gone.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That was only a few minutes ago,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+added. &ldquo;Dan, you and Brad didn&rsquo;t see the boy anywhere
+on the beach?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan replied that they had observed no one.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Dad and I weren&rsquo;t away from the Cave ten minutes,&rdquo;
+Fred further explained. &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t understand
+what got into Jacques. He seemed cheerful earlier
+this morning.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe he was afraid we&rsquo;d ask too many questions,&rdquo;
+Brad commented, his gaze roving slowly
+about the room. &ldquo;Say, isn&rsquo;t there something different
+about this place?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_46">[46]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Different?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield echoed. &ldquo;A chair has
+been upset and another one shoved against the wall.
+Come to think of it, both those chairs were in place
+when Fred and I carried out the trash!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe someone came here while you were away
+and forced Jacques to leave!&rdquo; Dan exclaimed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The boy seemed well enough satisfied this morning,&rdquo;
+Mr. Hatfield said, folding and buttoning the
+note into his jacket pocket. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s what makes it
+seem strange that he&rsquo;d leave without explaining.
+Suppose we look around down on the beach.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Eager to search for clues, the boys clattered down
+the stairway ahead of the Cub leader.</p>
+<p>At the foot of the steps they noticed several
+freshly made footsteps in the sand. Scattered among
+the imprints left by a small shoe were those of a
+man&rsquo;s heavy-soled footgear.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Dan, your theory about someone forcing Jacques
+to leave may be correct!&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield exclaimed.
+&ldquo;The boy may have gone willingly enough. But that
+upset chair makes me wonder.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Now rather excited by their discoveries, the Cubs
+followed the footprint trail for twenty yards along
+the beach.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_47">[47]</div>
+<p>Now and then, a small circular mark appeared
+near the shoe prints. To the observing Cubs this
+indicated that a stick or similar round object had
+been carried by Jacques&rsquo; companion.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And see here!&rdquo; Midge exclaimed, staring at a
+confusion of prints in the sand. &ldquo;Doesn&rsquo;t this look
+as if a scuffle took place, Mr. Hatfield?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It does,&rdquo; agreed the Cub leader, praising Midge
+for his observation. &ldquo;Either Jacques stumbled or was
+given a hard shove. One can see plainly where he
+fell down.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The trail of footprints led the Cubs on to a paved
+road paralleling the river front. There it abruptly
+ended.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, we&rsquo;ve lost them,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield said, gazing
+up and down the deserted highway.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And now we&rsquo;ll never know who Jacques was or
+where he came from,&rdquo; Dan said. &ldquo;About all he told
+us was that he&rsquo;s a Cub.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Even that seems odd,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield commented.
+&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve checked, and Jacques never was a member of
+any Webster City Den. I only hope that whoever
+took the boy away treats him right. Those bruises
+the doctor mentioned, rather trouble me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Failure to learn what had become of Jacques disturbed
+not only Mr. Hatfield but all of the Cubs.
+During the next three days, the topic was a major
+one discussed at the Cave.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_48">[48]</div>
+<p>The Cub leader reported Jacques&rsquo; disappearance
+to police, but was informed that no boy of his description
+had been reported missing.</p>
+<p>At first, the Cubs spent many hours trying to decipher
+the coded message which Dan and Brad had
+removed from Jacques&rsquo; clothing.</p>
+<p>Failing to figure it out or to hear more of the boy,
+the matter began to fade into the background. Only
+Dan remained determined to work out the code.</p>
+<p>Meanwhile, the Cubs turned their attention to an
+important swimming meet which had been scheduled
+with the boys of Den 1.</p>
+<p>In a meet held the month before, the rival Den
+had captured top honors by a score of 20 to 16.
+Defeat rankled in the hearts of the Den 2 Cubs who
+were determined to make a better showing in the
+second contest.</p>
+<p>A total of three meets had been scheduled for the
+season. An engraved silver loving cup would be
+awarded to the Den which won two of the contests.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m afraid Ross Langdon will win the Saturday
+meet too,&rdquo; Dan remarked glumly one afternoon as
+he practiced with the other Cubs at the &ldquo;Y&rdquo; pool.
+&ldquo;That guy swims as if he&rsquo;s jet propelled!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_49">[49]</div>
+<p>Although Den 1 boasted several fine swimmers,
+11-year-old Ross was by far the greatest threat to
+the rival Cubs. Muscularly built, the boy had the
+energy of a youngster of fifteen. His crawl stroke
+lacked form, but by sheer strength he managed to
+win every race he entered.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You swim as well as Ross does,&rdquo; Brad told Dan
+loyally. &ldquo;Your form is better.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe,&rdquo; Dan admitted, &ldquo;but I lack his endurance.
+I hold out fairly well in the 25-yard free style,
+but in the 50, I began to lose my wind. And you
+know we&rsquo;ve got to capture both events to nose out
+Den 1 in the final tally.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, I know,&rdquo; Brad acknowledged, easing his
+body snake-fashion down the pool wall into the
+chlorinated water. &ldquo;Just get in and pitch, old boy.
+Remember, the Den is counting on you!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what makes me worried, Brad. I want to
+do my best. I practice and practice, but where does
+it get me?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Sam Hatfield emerged from the dressing room in
+time to hear Dan&rsquo;s final remark.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You just keep plugging and top speed will come,
+Dan,&rdquo; he said cheerfully. &ldquo;Stop worrying about Ross
+Langdon. One of these days his lack of form will
+catch up with him. Now dive into that pool and
+swim eight lengths.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_50">[50]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Eight?&rdquo; Dan groaned.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Eight,&rdquo; the Cub leader repeated firmly. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the
+only way you&rsquo;ll ever build up your endurance.
+When the going gets hard&mdash;just keep going.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Inspired by this advice, Dan dived into the water,
+and with smooth strokes slashed his way the first
+length of the pool.</p>
+<p>After a turn at the wall, his breath became a little
+short and he slowed down a little. By the end of
+the third length, his stroke lost some of its hard
+drive. At five lengths, his steady six-beat leg thrash
+became a tired wiggle. Finally at the end of the
+eighth length, Dan was holding out by sheer will
+power.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Keep it up!&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield called encouragingly.
+&ldquo;You&rsquo;re doing fine.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>At that moment Ross Langdon sauntered into the
+pool. Large for his age and a natural athlete, the
+boy&rsquo;s appearances at the &ldquo;Y&rdquo; were few and far between,
+for he disliked to practice. On this afternoon,
+however, he had donned satin trunks, showered,
+and evidently intended to swim.</p>
+<p>Observing Dan&rsquo;s now jerky stroke, he uttered a
+loud horse-laugh. Then to show off, he plunged into
+the pool, and swam the length with a speed which
+tossed foam ahead of his thrashing arms.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_51">[51]</div>
+<p>Thoroughly discouraged by the display, Dan
+wheeled over to the side to watch.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s the use?&rdquo; he muttered to Brad who slithered
+alongside in the water. &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t quite finish
+eight lengths and here Ross blazes in and tears up
+the pool!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s all right, Dan,&rdquo; Brad encouraged him.
+&ldquo;You won&rsquo;t see him doing more than a few lengths
+before he caves in. You just keep plugging the way
+Mr. Hatfield said.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But the meet is Saturday. And look at that guy
+travel! His form may not be so hot, but how he can
+chop the water!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Well aware that the Cubs of Den 2 were watching,
+Ross swam another length, finishing off with a
+snappy turn at the wall.</p>
+<p>Then he pulled himself from the pool, stretching
+out on the tile floor to relax.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;See, I told you!&rdquo; Brad muttered. &ldquo;As soon as the
+going gets hard, he quits.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;To win the 25-yard and the 50-yard dash, he
+won&rsquo;t need too much reserve,&rdquo; Dan sighed. &ldquo;Well,
+I&rsquo;ll sure do my best to win, but I&rsquo;ve got a dark brown
+feeling.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_52">[52]</div>
+<p>On Saturday, the day set for the swimming meet,
+enthusiasm had mounted to high pitch. By two
+o&rsquo;clock, all the Cubs, their parents and many other
+spectators had gathered at the &ldquo;Y&rdquo; to witness the
+contest.</p>
+<p>Five events had been scheduled, fancy diving,
+the 25-yard free style race, the 50-yard swim, a 100-yard
+relay, and a back stroke event.</p>
+<p>Points were to be awarded on the basis of five for
+first place, three for second, and one for third place.
+According to the rules, each team was allowed to
+enter two contestants in an event.</p>
+<p>Den 2 swung off to a good start with Brad taking
+top honors and Midge Holloway coming in third.
+This lead of six to three brought enthusiastic cheers
+from the gallery.</p>
+<p>The second event, the racing back crawl, proved
+discouraging to Den 2. Though Chips Davis swam
+an excellent race, he lost to one of the Den 1 boys.
+Den 2, however, managed to snare both second and
+third places, giving them a total score of 10 to 8.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;From now on it will be nip and tuck,&rdquo; Brad said
+grimly as the 25-yard free style was called. &ldquo;So far
+Ross Langdon hasn&rsquo;t had a chance to swim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>At the crack of the gun, Dan and Ross hit the
+water together. From that first moment of the race
+it was evident to the spectators that the remainder
+of the meet would resolve itself into a battle between
+the two swimmers.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_53">[53]</div>
+<p>Though Dan exerted his best efforts, Ross won
+the event by an easy six-foot margin. Dan was
+awarded second place, while another swimmer from
+Den 1 captured third position. The scoreboard proclaimed
+the discouraging totals: Den 1&mdash;14. Den
+2&mdash;13.</p>
+<p>Only two events remained, the 50-yard free style
+and the 100-yard relay. However, Ross was entered
+in both events and the Cubs knew his flashy speed
+could be counted upon to win for his den.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That boy is in top form today&mdash;if you can say
+he has any form,&rdquo; Midge muttered, slapping Dan
+encouragingly on the back. &ldquo;Well, get in there and
+show him!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, sure,&rdquo; Dan laughed, but his words had a
+hollow ring.</p>
+<p>As the Cubs of Den 2 expected, their rivals walked
+away with the relay by a score of 20 to 16.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Fat chance we have of winning now,&rdquo; Dan said
+as the final event of the meet was called. &ldquo;We&rsquo;d
+have to make a complete sweep, and we&rsquo;ll be lucky
+to capture one place.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_54">[54]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;It sure looks bad for Den 2,&rdquo; Brad agreed. &ldquo;But
+get in there and fight, boy! Ross acts a bit winded.
+He may not hold out.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In the 50-yard free style, the Cubs were required
+to swim two lengths of the pool. Before the start of
+the race, an official reminded the boys that they
+must remain in their lanes and touch the wall at the
+turn or be disqualified.</p>
+<p>At the crack of the gun Ross and Dan were off
+to a fast start, followed by the field of slower
+swimmers.</p>
+<p>As Brad had observed, Ross seemed somewhat
+tired from his earlier performances. His stroke
+looked ragged and jerky. Dan by contrast forged
+smoothly ahead, pressing him hard every inch of
+the way.</p>
+<p>At the turn, the two rivals were racing almost
+even. Determined to gain the lead, Ross lunged for
+the wall, his finger tips missing it by a scant margin.
+So rapidly did he turn, that few noticed.</p>
+<p>Dan, tucking into a tight ball, also made a fast
+turn, but touched the wall. His shove-off however,
+was weak. When his head came out of water for a
+gulp of air, he was disconcerted to see that Ross
+was a full body length ahead.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Come on, Dan!&rdquo; his teammates yelled encouragingly.
+&ldquo;You can do it!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_55">[55]</div>
+<p>Dan dug in, but his breath was coming hard. Despite
+his best efforts he could not recapture the lead.
+In a moment, it seemed, the race was over. Ross
+had touched the finish wall a scant arm&rsquo;s length
+ahead, and was congratulated as the winner.</p>
+<p>For the members of Den 2 it was slight consolation
+that Mack had won third place, nosing out a
+Den 1 swimmer. The scoreboard proclaimed Den 1
+the victor by a total of 25 to 20.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Congratulations, Ross,&rdquo; Dan said, offering his
+hand. &ldquo;You swam a fine race!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Thanks,&rdquo; the other boy grinned. &ldquo;You weren&rsquo;t so
+bad yourself. Pressed me plenty at first.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Other members of Den 1 had gathered in a little
+group. After talking rather excitedly, they called
+Ross over. The other Cubs could not hear what was
+said, but they gathered that Ross himself was the
+topic of conversation. Apparently, he disagreed with
+his teammates about some matter, for his voice rose
+in sharp protest.</p>
+<p>Then the Cubs heard him say sullenly: &ldquo;Okay,
+if you want to be saps, go ahead! It makes me sick,
+after the way I worked to win for the team!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Ross&rsquo; teammates talked to their coach briefly.
+Then before the audience or Den 2 swimmers could
+leave the pool, a whistle blasted for attention.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_56">[56]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Ladies and gentlemen, we regret that an error
+has been made in scoring,&rdquo; an official announced.
+&ldquo;It has been brought to notice that one of the contestants,
+Ross Langdon, failed to touch the wall at
+the end of the first length.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A buzz of conversation greeted this announcement.
+Brad and Dan glanced quickly at each other,
+and then at Ross. The face of the latter was as black
+as a summer rainstorm.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Due to this infraction of the rules, Ross has been
+disqualified,&rdquo; the official continued. &ldquo;Dan Carter
+wins first place.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A mighty cheer rocked the pool gallery. Even
+heavier applause broke out as new figures went up
+on the scoreboard:</p>
+<div class="verse">
+<p class="t0">Den 2&mdash;24 <span class="hst">Den 1&mdash;21.</span></p>
+</div>
+<p>Brad and the other Den 2 teammates swarmed
+about Dan, clapping him on his dripping shoulders.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Dan, you did it!&rdquo; Red Suell congratulated him.
+&ldquo;Now the matches are even! If we win the third
+meet, that silver cup is in the bag.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;IF is right,&rdquo; Dan laughed. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t forget, this
+victory was a fluke.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>From Mr. Hatfield, the Cubs learned that only
+the good sportsmanship of the Den 1 teammates
+had been responsible for their success. Ross himself
+had made no mention of his failure to touch the
+wall, and his error had gone unnoticed by officials.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_57">[57]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Two of Den 1 swimmers saw Ross miss the
+turn,&rdquo; the Cub leader revealed. &ldquo;They reasoned that
+honor means more than victory.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A Cub Always is Square,&rdquo; Dan quoted thoughtfully.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s right,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield agreed. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m proud
+of our boys for winning, but equally proud of the
+other team for reporting the incident.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The swimmers of Den 1 gathered around to congratulate
+Dan and his teammates. Ross, however,
+had slipped away to the dressing room without a
+word.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s a little sore,&rdquo; one of his teammates remarked.
+&ldquo;But he&rsquo;ll get over it. The coach warned
+Ross plenty of times to be careful about that turn.
+He never paid much attention.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Feeling on top of the world, Dan showered and
+dressed. As he was getting his things from the locker,
+he bumped squarely into Ross.</p>
+<p>Dan waited a moment, expecting the other boy
+to offer some word of congratulation. When Ross
+said nothing, he remarked:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You had a tough break, fellow.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_58">[58]</div>
+<p>Ross gave a snort of disgust. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll say it was a
+tough break,&rdquo; he agreed. &ldquo;In a straight race, you
+couldn&rsquo;t win and we both know it!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The remark annoyed Dan.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, I don&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; he drawled. &ldquo;My stroke is
+improving every day. I noticed you were pretty well
+winded at the finish.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Bunk. I didn&rsquo;t even exert myself!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Anyway, now that the two teams are tied, it will
+make a good meet when the final contest is scheduled,&rdquo;
+Dan said, trying to ease out of a disagreeable
+conversation.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure,&rdquo; Ross said, his eyes flashing. &ldquo;Maybe you
+can dig up another technical point and win the
+cup! You&rsquo;ll never earn it on merit!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>And with that challenge, he brushed past Dan
+and slouched out of the dressing room.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_59">[59]</div>
+<h2 id="c5"><span class="small">CHAPTER 5</span>
+<br />Paper Bag Eddie</h2>
+<p>Stung by Ross&rsquo; jibe, Dan spent much of his time
+the next few days at the &ldquo;Y&rdquo; pool. To build endurance
+and smooth out his stroke, he also swam in
+the river. Always on these occasions he was accompanied
+by Brad or Midge&rsquo;s father in a boat.</p>
+<p>Now that the swimming meet was over, the other
+Cubs temporarily turned their attention to various
+Den activities. Brad tried to assist Dan in deciphering
+the code message which had been found in
+Jacques&rsquo; pocket.</p>
+<p>However, after three days of work, he gave up
+in disgust.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe it isn&rsquo;t a code after all,&rdquo; he said, returning
+the paper to Dan. &ldquo;I figure those numerals must
+stand for letters that spell out a message. But I can&rsquo;t
+get the hang of it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I think I&rsquo;ll keep on trying,&rdquo; Dan said. &ldquo;Not that
+it will mean much if we do puzzle out the thing.
+Jacques is gone, and probably we&rsquo;ll never see him
+again.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_60">[60]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Wonder what became of that kid anyhow?&rdquo; Brad
+mused. &ldquo;It sure was funny, finding him on the beach
+the way we did.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And he never told us his name or explained anything.
+I&rsquo;d say there was every indication someone
+came and took him away.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Hatfield made inquiries,&rdquo; Brad added. &ldquo;No
+one saw the boy leave the Cave. He&rsquo;s unknown in
+Webster City.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Although Dan and the other Cubs had kept a
+close watch of the waterfront, they had sighted no
+boat which resembled the one that had damaged
+Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s craft. Therefore, the conviction
+steadily grew that Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s speedboat might
+be the one involved.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Manheim is well spoken of at the club,&rdquo;
+Midge&rsquo;s father told the boys. &ldquo;It would be a serious
+mistake if we made any accusation against him or
+any of his employees. The boat has been repaired,
+and as far as I&rsquo;m concerned, the matter will be
+dropped.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan and Midge said no more about the affair, but
+in private they often remarked that they thought
+Wilson Jabowski, the caretaker on Skeleton Island,
+would bear investigation.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_61">[61]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I hear he hasn&rsquo;t worked very long for Mr. Manheim,&rdquo;
+Dan remarked. &ldquo;And folks say that when his
+employer is out of town, he rides around in that
+speedboat like a king.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe if we keep our eyes open we&rsquo;ll catch up
+with him yet,&rdquo; Midge said. &ldquo;He may crack into
+another boat.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>On the regular Friday night meeting of the Den,
+the Cubs enjoyed the beach treasure hunt which
+had been interrupted at the previous gathering.
+Mack and Fred came off victorious, their clues leading
+them to the buried chest which contained carpenter&rsquo;s
+tools.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The Den needs a bookcase,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield reminded
+the pair as they admired their &lsquo;find&rsquo;. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll
+expect you boys to produce something handsome
+now that you have the tools.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll do it too,&rdquo; Mack promised.</p>
+<p>With the treasure hunt over, all the Cubs gathered
+on the beach for a council fire and &ldquo;feed.&rdquo; Mrs.
+Holloway passed out hot dog sandwiches, chocolate
+and thick wedges of pie.</p>
+<p>When the boys could eat no more, they stretched
+out on the sand, and begged Mr. Hatfield to tell
+them a ghost story.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I might tell you about the ghost of Skeleton
+Island,&rdquo; he chuckled.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A true story?&rdquo; Dan demanded.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_62">[62]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;It may have elements of truth,&rdquo; the Cub leader
+replied. &ldquo;Basically though, the tale is a product of
+the imagination.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You mean you&rsquo;re making up the story?&rdquo; Midge
+asked in disappointment.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No,&rdquo; the Cub leader corrected. &ldquo;I first heard
+about Skeleton Island as a boy. According to the
+tale, it once was an old pirate stronghold. River
+pirates would come upstream and hide their loot
+on the island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Was any of it ever dug up?&rdquo; Midge demanded.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not that I ever heard. But thirty years ago, a
+man&rsquo;s skeleton was found on the island. That&rsquo;s how
+the place received its name.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What about the ghost?&rdquo; Dan inquired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m coming to that part. The old freebooters supposedly
+built a tunnel which connected some point
+of the beach with an old inn that was on the island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not the hotel that&rsquo;s there now?&rdquo; Brad interposed.
+&ldquo;I mean the abandoned one that Mr. Manheim
+converted into the caretaker&rsquo;s premises.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I doubt it is the same place, Brad. However,
+I believe that after the old inn burned down, the
+present building was erected in its place. That was
+at least fifty years ago.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And the ghost?&rdquo; Red Suell reminded him.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_63">[63]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;The ghost? Oh, yes, to be sure. The fellow, I&rsquo;m
+told, never was very active. On windy nights, shore
+residents reported seeing a white, misty figure moving
+along the beach.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mist&mdash;that&rsquo;s probably what it was,&rdquo; Brad said
+with a snort. &ldquo;Anyone knows there are no ghosts.
+I&rsquo;m more interested in that tunnel. Do you think one
+actually was built, Mr. Hatfield?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m inclined to think that part of the story is
+true, Brad.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then what became of the tunnel? No one has
+heard of it in recent years.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I was asking an old timer about that only yesterday.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And what did he tell you?&rdquo; Dan demanded,
+eager for additional details.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This old salt claimed that heavy wind storms
+blocked off the beach entrance to the tunnel.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t it be relocated and dug out?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Probably, if anyone wanted to go to that much
+work. It would be a big job shifting so much sand
+even if the entranceway could be found. I don&rsquo;t
+suppose Mr. Manheim ever was interested.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He owns the entire island, doesn&rsquo;t he?&rdquo; Brad
+asked thoughtfully. Picking up a piece of driftwood,
+he fed it to the dying embers of the fire.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_64">[64]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s right,&rdquo; the Cub leader agreed. &ldquo;The Scouts
+have been dickering with him for nearly six months
+to purchase a stretch of beach for their permanent
+camp. They&rsquo;re also considering a site two miles
+farther down river.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Which will they take?&rdquo; Chips asked. &ldquo;I should
+think Skeleton Island would be better, because it&rsquo;s
+closer to Webster City.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;So far, Mr. Manheim has asked a fairly steep
+price and doesn&rsquo;t seem inclined to come down,&rdquo; the
+Cub leader replied. &ldquo;The Scout director has made
+two inspection trips and is well satisfied. Now he
+wants me to make my recommendation.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You said the Cubs might go there on an over-night
+camping trip,&rdquo; Red reminded him.</p>
+<p>All the Cubs waited expectantly for the answer.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, if plans work out, we&rsquo;ll make it next weekend,&rdquo;
+Mr. Hatfield answered. &ldquo;The Den fathers are
+planning the trip.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Cubs began to talk about the proposed excursion,
+discussing what they would take with them
+to camp.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe we&rsquo;ll see the ghost of Skeleton Island
+while we&rsquo;re there!&rdquo; Chips declared hopefully. &ldquo;Or
+find the entrance to the old tunnel!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_65">[65]</div>
+<p>The Cub meeting broke up shortly after nine
+o&rsquo;clock. Dan and Brad remained a few minutes after
+the others had gone to make certain that the last
+embers of the beach fire had been extinguished.</p>
+<p>Then together, they started home, selecting a
+route which took them along the deserted waterfront.</p>
+<p>At Clinton Street, the boys turned at the corner,
+passing a cafe from which issued the discordant
+notes of a player piano.</p>
+<p>On the curb outside the restaurant stood a short
+little man, who was munching popcorn from a paper
+bag. His face was sharp and weasel-like, his eyes
+darting and shrewd.</p>
+<p>The Cubs might have passed him with scarcely a
+second glance, had he not been talking to another
+man who looked faintly familiar to Dan. The fellow
+plainly was a sailor, dark of hair and with sturdy
+body build.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That fellow looks like one of the men who were
+in the motorboat that struck the Holloway sailboat!&rdquo;
+Dan said in an undertone to Brad.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not the little one with the paper bag?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No, the other. I&rsquo;m sure I&rsquo;ve seen him somewhere.
+Let&rsquo;s watch for a minute.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_66">[66]</div>
+<p>Sliding into a shadowy doorway, Brad and Dan
+kept their eyes on the pair. However, they were
+too far away to hear the conversation. A newsboy
+noticed their interest.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Know those guys?&rdquo; he asked, sidling up to them.</p>
+<p>Dan shook his head, hoping that the boy would
+move on.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;See that guy with the paper sack,&rdquo; the lad continued,
+eager to impart information. &ldquo;Know who
+he is?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan shook his head.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the one they call &lsquo;Paper Bag Eddie,&rsquo;&rdquo; the
+boy said, awe in his voice. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s a bad one.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Paper Bag Eddie?&rdquo; Dan repeated, keeping his
+voice low. &ldquo;Never heard of him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You never heard of Paper Bag Eddie? Why, he&rsquo;s
+known to every cop in town, but they never get
+much on him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s a crook then?&rdquo; Brad interposed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, they say he&rsquo;s the brains of a waterfront
+gang. Guess what he carries around in those paper
+bags of his&rsquo;n?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Popcorn,&rdquo; said Dan.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Guess again. He packs a revolver. Eddie loafs
+around the waterfront and you hardly ever see him
+without his little paper bag.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I should think the police would pick him up for
+carrying a concealed weapon,&rdquo; Brad said.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_67">[67]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, Eddie ain&rsquo;t dumb enough to go around with
+the revolver all the time. Mostly you&rsquo;ll see him
+munching peanuts or popcorn, and if the cops search
+him that&rsquo;s what they find. But if he pulls a job, he
+slips the revolver into the sack. The cops figure he
+only has a bag of popcorn.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Eddie never has been arrested?&rdquo; Brad inquired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, the cops run him in regular, but they&rsquo;ve
+never dug up enough evidence to convict him.
+Eddie&rsquo;s a slick one.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who is his companion?&rdquo; Dan asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Never saw him before,&rdquo; the newsboy said indifferently.
+&ldquo;Some sailor, I guess.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Apparently aware that they were under scrutiny,
+Paper Bag Eddie and his company glanced briefly
+at the Cubs and sauntered on down the street. A few
+doors farther on they entered the Green Parrot Cafe.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s get on home,&rdquo; Brad urged.</p>
+<p>Dan, however, had another idea.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Brad, I&rsquo;m dead certain that sailor with Paper
+Bag Eddie is the one who was operating the motorboat
+when it crashed into Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s sailboat,&rdquo;
+he insisted. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d like to try to pin it on him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And end up in plenty of trouble. You know Mr.
+Holloway advised that the entire matter be
+dropped.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_68">[68]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, I know. But that was mostly because Mr.
+Manheim is well known at the club. I have a hunch
+he didn&rsquo;t know anything about the boat accident.
+And it may not have been his speed craft either.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Even so, I say we&rsquo;re asking for trouble if we try
+striking up an acquaintance with that pair!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t have to speak to them,&rdquo; Dan argued.
+&ldquo;Why not follow them into the cafe and take a table
+nearby? We might hear something interesting.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;W-e-ll,&rdquo; Brad hesitated, &ldquo;I suppose it wouldn&rsquo;t
+do any harm. Okay.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Feeling somewhat ill at ease, the two boys entered
+the Green Parrot. The room was dingy and dimly
+lighted, its plaster walls streaked with smoke. Only
+a few customers were visible.</p>
+<p>Brad and Dan slipped into a booth diagonally opposite
+a table where Paper Bag Eddie and his companion
+sat.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You know your orders, Frisk,&rdquo; they heard the
+one with the weasel-like face say. &ldquo;When you get
+the signal&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>He broke off as his gaze fastened upon Dan and
+Brad. The Cubs instantly looked away but Paper
+Bag Eddie&rsquo;s suspicions had been aroused.</p>
+<p>Shoving back his chair, he walked over to the
+booth.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_69">[69]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Say, what&rsquo;s the idea?&rdquo; he demanded in a soft,
+purring voice.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what you mean,&rdquo; Brad returned,
+meeting his gaze steadily.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You followed me in here. Now you&rsquo;re trying to
+eavesdrop.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This is a free country,&rdquo; Brad retorted. &ldquo;If my
+friend and I want to come in here for a sandwich,
+I&rsquo;d like to see you stop us!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You would, eh?&rdquo; the man replied, his lips parting
+in an ugly smile. He grasped Brad by the shoulder,
+pulling him half-way out of the booth. &ldquo;Who are
+you and what&rsquo;s your game?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Before Brad could answer, the proprietor of the
+Green Parrot came quickly from the direction of the
+kitchen. He had seen what was happening and did
+not want any trouble in his place.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Cut it out, Eddie,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;No rough stuff
+here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who are these kids?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;How should I know? Never saw &rsquo;em before.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;They were standing outside the cafe, watching,&rdquo;
+Eddie informed the proprietor. &ldquo;When we came in,
+they followed. I say, throw &rsquo;em out.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The proprietor hesitated, reluctant to antagonize
+either party.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_70">[70]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Throw &rsquo;em out!&rdquo; Paper Bag Eddie repeated in a
+tone not to be denied.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry, boys,&rdquo; the proprietor apologized. &ldquo;I
+don&rsquo;t want any trouble here. I&rsquo;m afraid I&rsquo;ll have to
+ask you to leave.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll go,&rdquo; Brad said. &ldquo;Come on, Dan.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In sliding out from the booth seat, Dan bestowed
+another glance upon the man Paper Bag Eddie had
+called &ldquo;Frisk.&rdquo; More than ever he was convinced
+that he had not been mistaken in identifying him as
+the motorboat operator.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve seen you before,&rdquo; he said, halting beside the
+table. &ldquo;You were handling the wheel of the motorboat
+that struck our dinghy!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s a lie!&rdquo; the florid-faced man rasped. &ldquo;I
+never set eyes on either of you before&mdash;and what&rsquo;s
+more, I don&rsquo;t want to again. Now if you know what&rsquo;s
+healthy, get out of here!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan would have stood his ground, but Brad
+grasped his arm, pulling him firmly along. The proprietor
+followed the two boys to the door.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry,&rdquo; he apologized once more. Then in an
+undertone, he added: &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t come back. For some
+reason Eddie has taken a dislike to you&mdash;and when
+he&rsquo;s crossed, he&rsquo;s bad medicine!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_71">[71]</div>
+<h2 id="c6"><span class="small">CHAPTER 6</span>
+<br />Stranded</h2>
+<p>Three days elapsed during which Brad, Dan and
+the other Cubs spent much time at the &ldquo;Y&rdquo; and at the
+river practicing for the final swimming meet of the
+year with Den 1.</p>
+<p>Annoyed by the manner in which they had been
+treated by Paper Bag Eddie and his friend &ldquo;Frisk,&rdquo;
+the two Cubs interested themselves in making a few
+inquiries along the waterfront.</p>
+<p>They learned that a sailor by the last name of
+Fagan frequently was seen with Eddie. Although
+known to have no employment, he was reported always
+with enough money in his pocket.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m as sure as anything Fagan was in the motorboat
+that struck us,&rdquo; Dan repeated to Brad one afternoon
+when the two boys were at the river preparing
+for a swim. &ldquo;I suspect that was why he acted so sore
+in the cafe. He was afraid we&rsquo;d accuse him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Since their meeting with Paper Bag Eddie and the
+sailor, the two Cubs had not seen either of them
+again. Nor had they glimpsed Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s boat
+or any that resembled it.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_72">[72]</div>
+<p>On this particular afternoon, Mr. Holloway had
+promised to take Brad, Dan and Midge for a sail.
+Four o&rsquo;clock, the hour appointed for their meeting
+at the Yacht Club dock, came and went. Finally, Mr.
+Holloway telephoned from his office to say that he
+had been held up and would be unable to make the
+excursion.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no reason why you boys can&rsquo;t take the
+boat by yourselves,&rdquo; he urged. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re both experienced
+at handling the tiller, and good swimmers. Go
+ahead! Only don&rsquo;t go too far from the Yacht Club.
+A storm could kick up before dusk.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Fortifying themselves with bottles of pop, Dan
+and Brad hoisted sail and cast off. With Brad at the
+tiller, they sailed down the channel, past Fish Island,
+and on toward Skeleton Island. They had been
+anxious to explore this island for some time.</p>
+<p>Dan lounged in the bottom of the boat, lazily sipping
+his drink.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s sail all the way around Skeleton Island,&rdquo; he
+proposed. &ldquo;Okay?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, if we have time,&rdquo; Brad agreed, glancing at
+the darkening sky. &ldquo;Those clouds are rolling up
+rather fast though. We might have rain in a couple
+of hours.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_73">[73]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll make it back before then,&rdquo; Dan replied,
+stretching luxuriously. &ldquo;The breeze is just right
+now.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In a long tack, they crossed to the far shore of the
+river and came about, pointing toward Skeleton
+Island.</p>
+<p>As Dan dropped an empty pop bottle overboard,
+he noticed a mahogany motorboat almost directly
+opposite the island.</p>
+<p>The craft had pulled up along shore, its motor
+idle. The boy was unable to see the occupants or to
+obtain a clear view of the boat itself, for it lay half-hidden
+in a clump of bushes.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That boat looks a little like Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s,&rdquo; he
+remarked, calling Brad&rsquo;s attention to it. &ldquo;Wonder
+what it&rsquo;s doing over there? No one appears to be
+fishing.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Holding the sailboat to its course, the two Cubs
+kept watch of the idle motorboat. Though they were
+too far away to be certain the craft was Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s,
+they thought it bore a marked resemblance
+to the craft operated by Wilson Jabowski.</p>
+<p>Presently, as the boys watched, they saw someone
+aboard the motorboat lower and raise a red flag
+three times in succession.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s the idea of that?&rdquo; Dan demanded, all
+attention. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re signaling!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_74">[74]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;To someone on Skeleton Island,&rdquo; Brad added
+quietly.</p>
+<p>Dan turned his gaze toward the island beach. A
+man stood there, apparently focusing his attention
+upon the motorboat. In answer to the signal, he
+raised and lowered his arm three times.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What goes?&rdquo; Brad muttered.</p>
+<p>For awhile, the Cubs witnessed nothing more of
+interest. The man on the beach vanished from their
+range of vision, while the motorboat remained in
+the clump of bushes.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Guess there&rsquo;s nothing more to see,&rdquo; Dan remarked
+in disappointment.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, there is!&rdquo; Brad corrected, bringing the sailboat
+closer into the wind. &ldquo;Listen!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The two boys distinctly could hear the putt-putt-putt
+of a gasoline engine. For a minute they could
+not localize the sound. Then, from the far shoulder
+of the island, they saw a flat gasoline-propelled raft
+scooting across the river.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That looks like Jabowski,&rdquo; Dan observed. &ldquo;And
+he&rsquo;s heading straight toward the motorboat! Can we
+get closer, Brad?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Unless the breeze shifts it will take us two or three
+tacks to come even with the island.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_75">[75]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;And by that time, there may be nothing to see,&rdquo;
+Dan grumbled. &ldquo;I sure wish we had a pair of binoculars!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dividing their attention between pressing more
+speed out of their own craft, and watching the raft,
+the boys begrudged the time it took to make the
+long tack.</p>
+<p>The raft, they noted, moved directly to the waiting
+motorboat. What transpired at the meeting place,
+they were unable to see.</p>
+<p>So intent were the Cubs on watching the boat and
+raft, that they paid scant heed to the low cumulus
+clouds which had gathered close to the horizon.</p>
+<p>Black underneath and hard-edged, they were moving
+up fast from the leeward!</p>
+<p>The Cubs, however, were elated because a stiffening
+breeze rapidly bore them toward Skeleton
+Island. Now they could discern two men aboard the
+motorboat. Though they could not see the face of
+the man on the raft, they were convinced he was
+Jabowski.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What do you figure they&rsquo;re doing?&rdquo; Dan speculated.
+&ldquo;And who are those men that have Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s
+speedboat?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe it isn&rsquo;t his,&rdquo; Brad replied. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d say it&rsquo;s the
+same length and make though.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_76">[76]</div>
+<p>Apparently observing the approach of the sailboat,
+the raft began to pull away from the motor
+craft.</p>
+<p>At that same moment, a dead calm fell upon the
+river. Startled, Brad raised his eye to the sail which
+had been drawing well. Now it had slumped into listless,
+discouraged folds.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Just our luck!&rdquo; Dan muttered in disgust. &ldquo;The
+breeze plays out!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s worse than that,&rdquo; Brad said, thoroughly
+alarmed. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re in the calm that precedes a bad
+thunderstorm!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Both the sky and the water had taken on a dark
+cast. Although not a breath of air stirred, heavy
+waves pounded against the drifting boat.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Gosh, we&rsquo;re a long ways from shore too!&rdquo; Dan
+said in dismay. &ldquo;Skeleton Island is the closest point
+of land. Think we can make it before the storm
+breaks?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not a chance,&rdquo; Brad muttered. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s coming
+now!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Across the water they could see a misty sheet of
+water descending.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There will be wind in a minute! Plenty of it! Dan!
+Help me get the sail down before it strikes us.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_77">[77]</div>
+<p>Working with all speed, the boys lowered the sail
+from the mast. Before they could furl it, the wind
+struck, throwing the boat far over on its side.</p>
+<p>Dan&rsquo;s Cub cap was lifted from his head, and carried
+far down river. For a moment it floated on the
+surface, and then slowly sank out of sight.</p>
+<p>Dan scrambled to fasten down all other loose objects.
+Rain now was coming down in a torrent. Unable
+to see many feet ahead of them, the boys lost
+sight of the raft and the motorboat. For a time they
+could hear the chug-chug of the raft&rsquo;s engine, and
+then all sound except the howl of the wind died
+away.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This is awful!&rdquo; Dan exclaimed as a vivid streak
+of lightning cut across the dark sky. &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s strike for
+Skeleton Island. We can find shelter there, at
+least.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>He reached for the paddle. Already the strong
+wind was propelling the boat in the general direction
+of the island.</p>
+<p>At the tiller, Brad guided the craft more by instinct
+than sight. Wind and rain had blotted out all view
+of the shore.</p>
+<p>Finally, the shadowy island loomed up. Worn out
+from hard paddling, Dan put on a last burst of
+energy which drove the boat onto the sandy beach.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_78">[78]</div>
+<p>Leaping out, he and Brad pulled the craft high up
+on the sand beyond reach of the waves. Then they
+raced for the shelter of a heavily wooded section
+some distance back from the beach.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jabowski lives in the caretaker&rsquo;s quarters at the
+other end of the island,&rdquo; Brad remarked, huddling
+against the trunk of a sheltering oak. &ldquo;We might go
+there.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;d rather wait here, Brad. This storm shouldn&rsquo;t
+last long. Then we can hoist canvas and sail back to
+the clubhouse.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Already the rain had slackened. The Cubs waited
+twenty minutes under the trees. By that time the
+downpour had dwindled to a drizzle. Then they
+made their way back through the dripping bushes to
+the beach.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hey! Where&rsquo;s our boat?&rdquo; Dan demanded, stopping
+short.</p>
+<p>The stretch of beach where the craft had been
+left less than thirty minutes before, now was deserted.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But the boat can&rsquo;t be gone!&rdquo; Brad exclaimed, refusing
+to believe his eyes. &ldquo;We pulled it well up on
+the sand before we took shelter! The waves weren&rsquo;t
+high enough to have washed it away!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, it&rsquo;s gone all right. And there it is, Brad.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_79">[79]</div>
+<p>Dan pointed two hundred yards from shore where
+the empty sailboat drifted aimlessly. Slowly the craft
+was being carried downstream by the current.</p>
+<p>The Cubs stared at it in stunned dismay. Without
+the sailboat, they were stranded on Skeleton Island!</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_80">[80]</div>
+<h2 id="c7"><span class="small">CHAPTER 7</span>
+<br />Camp Site</h2>
+<p>The Cubs stood a long while, silently viewing the
+drifting boat. No other craft now was visible on the
+river, and no one appeared aware of their plight.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe I could swim out there before the boat
+moves farther downstream,&rdquo; Dan proposed, estimating
+the distance.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not on your life!&rdquo; Brad promptly vetoed the suggestion.
+&ldquo;You&rsquo;re an expert swimmer and might make
+it, but we&rsquo;re taking no chances. We&rsquo;ve already
+messed things up enough.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Holloway warned us a storm might blow up,&rdquo;
+Dan added, kicking disgustedly at the wet sand.
+&ldquo;We&rsquo;d have been more alert if we hadn&rsquo;t been so
+interested in that raft and motorboat.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Holloway just had his boat repaired too. Now
+if it sinks or rams into something, we have no one to
+blame except ourselves.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan&rsquo;s gaze had focused upon a man&rsquo;s large footprint
+visible in the sand.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_81">[81]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Say! Maybe we do have someone else to blame
+besides ourselves!&rdquo; he cried. &ldquo;Look at that!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad stared at the footprint which plainly had
+been made since the Cubs had pulled their boat up
+on shore. Half-protected from the rain by a piece of
+driftwood, it remained the only mark on an otherwise
+smooth beachway.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Someone&rsquo;s been here since we were!&rdquo; he exclaimed,
+stooping to examine the shoe print.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And that someone must have set our boat free
+to drift, Brad!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jabowski?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Could be, Brad. He took a dislike to me, I know.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Even so, it would be a contemptible trick. I hate
+to think he&rsquo;d do it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who else is on the island?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No one so far as I know,&rdquo; Brad replied, his eyes
+troubled. &ldquo;Well, it&rsquo;s a relief to know the boat didn&rsquo;t
+drift off due to our own carelessness. Even so, we&rsquo;re
+in a jam.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan nodded, his face sober. The afternoon had
+grown dark and night would come on earlier than
+usual. When the sailboat failed to return to the clubhouse,
+he knew Mr. Holloway would be very
+worried.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_82">[82]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll be picked up eventually,&rdquo; he said, shivering
+in his wet clothing. &ldquo;Meanwhile, we&rsquo;re in for an
+uncomfortable time of it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s find Jabowski&rsquo;s place,&rdquo; Brad proposed. &ldquo;He
+might be willing to pick up our boat with his raft, or
+at least take us ashore.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Think he&rsquo;d do it? After the way he set our boat
+loose&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We may suspect he did it, but it could have been
+someone else, Dan. Anyway, isn&rsquo;t it better than
+standing here?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure,&rdquo; Dan agreed. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s our only chance.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>From the beach, the boys could see no buildings
+on the island. However, from previous sails in the
+locality, they knew that the old hotel building was
+situated in a heavily wooded section to the north.</p>
+<p>Setting off diagonally through a thicket of saplings,
+they found a trail which led in the direction
+they wished to go. After wading through a patch of
+weeds and rushes which came to waist-depth, they
+emerged into an area of thin green turf.</p>
+<p>Beyond they spied the old hotel, a sprawling
+building with grimy windows and broken shutters.
+Unpainted in recent years, it had a look of utter
+abandonment. The foundation had crumbled in
+many places and the roof sagged. Broken window
+panes in the upper story windows had not been
+replaced.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_83">[83]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, the place is deserted,&rdquo; Dan said in disappointment.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then why is smoke coming from the chimney?&rdquo;
+Brad demanded. Trained as a Scout to be observing,
+he had noticed the blue-white wisp curling from the
+rear of the building.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re right. Someone must be there now. Let&rsquo;s
+knock.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>They pushed on, circling the old building. Brad
+rapped on the rear door. There was no answer.</p>
+<p>He pounded. Still no one came to the door. Glancing
+upward, however, Dan fancied he saw a face at
+a dirt-streaked window almost directly overhead.
+Before he could be sure, the shadow was gone.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s no use,&rdquo; Brad said, after rapping again on the
+door. &ldquo;Someone must be living here, but the place
+seems to be deserted now.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Either that, or Jabowski&rsquo;s hiding out. I thought
+I saw a face at the window.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where, Dan?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The younger boy indicated the window.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_84">[84]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;No one there now,&rdquo; Brad said. &ldquo;But I think you
+may be right. Ever since we came here, I&rsquo;ve had a
+feeling as if we&rsquo;re being watched. There&rsquo;s something
+about this place I don&rsquo;t like.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Convinced they were to obtain no help from the
+caretaker, the boys sought an easier route back to
+the beach.</p>
+<p>Not far from the rear of the hotel, they noticed an
+abandoned pier which had fallen into decay. Tied to
+it was the same raft they had observed earlier that
+afternoon.</p>
+<p>Farther down the shore extended a long stretch of
+loose sand which gradually merged into turf and
+wooded area.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Wonder if that tale Mr. Hatfield told us about
+the tunnel is true?&rdquo; Brad speculated as they
+dog-trotted along. &ldquo;No evidence of it anywhere
+around.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Without seeing anyone, the boys struck across the
+dunes, and finally emerged on the beach not far
+from where they first had taken refuge.</p>
+<p>Gazing down-river, they sought to determine the
+position of their drifting boat. To their astonishment
+it was nowhere to be seen.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, for crying out loud!&rdquo; Dan yipped. &ldquo;Now
+what became of it? How could that boat have drifted
+out of sight so fast?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It couldn&rsquo;t. Either someone has hauled it in or&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_85">[85]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Or what?&rdquo; Dan demanded as his companion
+broke off.</p>
+<p>Instead of answering, Brad pointed far upstream.
+The missing sailboat had been taken in tow by a
+motor launch from the Yacht Club.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There goes our boat now, Dan! And with it our
+chance for a rescue.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s yell. Maybe we can attract attention.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In unison, the boys shouted and waved their arms.
+Running far down the beach, they watched the receding
+launch anxiously.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;They see us!&rdquo; Brad cried in relief. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s turning
+around.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>True to his observation, the motor craft had come
+about. With the sailboat still in tow, it set a direct
+course for the island.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lucky break for us,&rdquo; Brad mumbled in relief. &ldquo;I
+had visions of spending the night on this place.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Within a few minutes the launch came close to the
+island. Brad and Dan saw then that Mr. Hatfield was
+at the wheel, accompanied by Midge, Red and
+Chips. The owner of the launch, a man they did not
+know, also was in the boat.</p>
+<p>The Cub leader eased the craft as near shore as he
+could. When the launch could approach no closer
+without grounding, he advised Brad and Dan to
+wade out. Eager hands pulled them over the side
+into the launch.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_86">[86]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been worried about you,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+said, wrapping his coat about Dan. &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t Midge&rsquo;s
+father warn you to remain close to the clubhouse?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He did, sir. We meant to carry out his orders. But
+a lot happened.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll discuss that later, Dan. The important thing
+is that you&rsquo;re both safe. By the way, meet Mr.
+Fisher.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan and Brad grasped the launch owner&rsquo;s horny
+hand, expressing gratitude for the rescue. From him
+they learned that their drifting boat had been sighted
+by Midge from the Cave. The Cub had summoned
+Mr. Hatfield, who had sought the help of Mr. Fisher
+in finding them.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You and Brad scared us out of a year&rsquo;s growth,&rdquo;
+Chips said accusingly. &ldquo;Seeing that empty boat made
+us think you might have drowned.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Me drown?&rdquo; Dan snorted.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You may be a crack swimmer, but accidents do
+occur,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield interposed. &ldquo;Suppose you tell
+us what happened that caused you to sail so far
+from the clubhouse.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Together Dan and Brad explained how their attention
+had been drawn to the raft and motorboat.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_87">[87]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;The storm struck us unexpectedly,&rdquo; Brad added.
+&ldquo;We barely had time to get the sail down.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad you managed that,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield approved.
+&ldquo;The wind didn&rsquo;t last long but it was strong
+when it came. If it had hit you with the sail up, the
+dinghy probably would have capsized.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We made Skeleton Island,&rdquo; Dan took up the account.
+&ldquo;After beaching the boat, we dashed back
+into the bushes to get out of the rain. When we returned
+to the beach, our boat was gone.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, Dan,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield sighed. &ldquo;How many times
+have I warned the Cubs always to pull a boat
+beyond reach of the waves?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But we did, sir! Someone deliberately set the
+dinghy loose.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield braced himself as the launch swung
+sharply around a buoy which marked a river
+shoal.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Your boat was set loose?&rdquo; he demanded. &ldquo;Are you
+sure, Dan?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, we found a man&rsquo;s footprint in the sand.
+That boat couldn&rsquo;t have broken away by itself.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We have an idea who did it,&rdquo; Brad added.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s mention no names,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield said
+quickly. &ldquo;That is, not unless you&rsquo;re certain.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_88">[88]</div>
+<p>Being unable to prove that it was Jabowski who
+had shoved their boat from the beach, Dan and Brad
+remained silent.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I know you believe you were careful about the
+boat,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield said. &ldquo;Perhaps you were. On the
+other hand, you might have been mistaken.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hardly,&rdquo; commented Brad in quick protest.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Bear in mind that Mr. Manheim, the island
+owner, has been very friendly to the Scouts and Cubs.
+He&rsquo;s given permission for us to camp on Skeleton
+Island this weekend. Now if wild accusations should
+reach his ears, it might prove embarrassing to say
+the least.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad and Dan grasped the idea Mr. Hatfield intended
+to convey.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;After all, maybe we were mistaken,&rdquo; Brad
+grinned. &ldquo;Those waves were pretty big.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>No more was said about the sailboat mishap at
+that time. But later at the Cave, the two boys told
+Mr. Hatfield why they had been so interested in the
+raft operator&rsquo;s contact with the motorboat.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It seemed queer the men in the motorboat would
+signal,&rdquo; Dan remarked. &ldquo;We figured it must have
+been Jabowski who ferried across the river to
+meet them. No one else appears to be living on the
+island.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_89">[89]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll know more about Skeleton Island after this
+weekend,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield remarked. &ldquo;The camping
+trip should give us an opportunity to see that everything
+is satisfactory before the property is purchased.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then you think something queer may be going
+on there?&rdquo; Brad demanded alertly.</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield smiled and did not answer the question
+directly. &ldquo;Oh, one can&rsquo;t tell,&rdquo; he replied. &ldquo;No use
+exciting the Cubs in any case. So not a word of this
+to the other boys!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>During the remainder of the week, preparations
+for the camping trip kept Dan and Brad so busy they
+had little time to think of possible mystery at Skeleton
+Island.</p>
+<p>However, unknown to them, Mr. Hatfield was
+more disturbed by the sailboat incident than he
+cared to admit.</p>
+<p>On two occasions he telephoned Mr. Manheim,
+intending to inquire as to any possible intruders on
+Skeleton Island.</p>
+<p>He was informed that the island owner was out
+of the city and would not return before Saturday.</p>
+<p>Though Brad and Dan were careful to say nothing
+of their unfortunate experience on Skeleton Island,
+the other Cubs guessed that there was more to the
+story than had been told.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_90">[90]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Come on&mdash;give,&rdquo; Midge urged. &ldquo;I know you boys
+are too smart to let a boat get away from you, even
+in a storm.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing to report,&rdquo; Dan replied with a wide
+grin.</p>
+<p>His silence only made the Cubs more curious.
+They discussed the proposed camping trip at great
+length, building up elements of mystery and adventure.
+And to make their rivals, the Cubs of Den 1,
+envious, they passed out hints that something queer
+already had happened there.</p>
+<p>In due time, these rumors reached the ears of Ross
+Langdon.</p>
+<p>Still smarting from his defeat in the swimming
+meet, he told his buddies that he intended to have a
+little wholesome fun at Dan Carter&rsquo;s expense.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Just be sure it&rsquo;s fun and not revenge,&rdquo; a fellow
+Cub warned him. &ldquo;Seems to me you&rsquo;ve been a sore-head
+ever since you lost the race.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who lost a race?&rdquo; Ross retorted. &ldquo;I wuz robbed!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Unaware that Ross was plotting revenge, Dan continued
+to practice his swimming faithfully at the
+&ldquo;Y&rdquo; pool.</p>
+<p>Between times, he slaved on the coded message
+left by Jacques. But try as he would, he could not
+decipher it.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_91">[91]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;When it comes to solving a puzzle, I&rsquo;m a dud,&rdquo;
+Dan remarked one afternoon as he and Brad lounged
+in the cave. &ldquo;And that reminds me&mdash;we&rsquo;ve heard
+nothing more about Paper Bag Eddie or his friend
+Fagan.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You know, that fellow&rsquo;s hook-up with a man of
+Eddie&rsquo;s shady reputation makes me wonder if he
+could have had any part in the fur theft,&rdquo; Brad said
+thoughtfully. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve not seen a word in the paper lately
+about any hauls by river pirates.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Neither have I, Brad. That robbery was pulled
+just about the time of night Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s boat was
+hit.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, that&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;ve been thinking, Dan. Why
+not drop around and talk to Hank Hawkins? He
+may have heard of this bird Fagan.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Having nothing more pressing to do, Dan agreed
+to the proposal.</p>
+<p>The boys found the warehouseman at the dock
+chatting with his friend, Joe Matt. The seeing-eye
+dog, upon sighting Dan, began to strain at his leash.
+Only after the blindman had restrained the animal
+were the Cubs able to enter the warehouse.</p>
+<p>For awhile the conversation centered on river
+commerce. Then presently, Dan and Brad steered it
+to the topic of river pirates.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_92">[92]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I wish the police would get busy and catch these
+pug-uglies that have been makin&rsquo; so much trouble
+along the waterfront,&rdquo; Hank said irritably. &ldquo;Trouble
+is, they&rsquo;re slick operators.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Have you lost any shipments lately?&rdquo; Joe Matt
+inquired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not since the furs were snatched. All the same,
+I&rsquo;m keeping my fingers crossed.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t think the river pirates would strike
+twice in the same area?&rdquo; the blindman scoffed.
+&ldquo;Especially with police on the lookout.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t put anything past those boys!&rdquo; Hank
+retorted as he studied a bill of lading. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m taking
+no chances! Not with another valuable shipment due
+any day.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Another box of furs?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s right.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Coming through around the 24th,&rdquo; the blindman
+remarked casually.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That happens to be the date,&rdquo; Hank admitted,
+gazing at the other rather sharply. &ldquo;But I don&rsquo;t remember
+saying anything about it. Fact is&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You told me the other day.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then it was a slip of the tongue,&rdquo; Hank replied.
+&ldquo;You&rsquo;ll do me a favor not to speak of the date. It&rsquo;s
+confidential information.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_93">[93]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Sorry,&rdquo; Joe Matt apologized. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know there
+was any secret about it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Every precaution is being taken to safeguard the
+shipment. Special police will guard the docks. I got
+nothing to worry about&mdash;and yet I do it anyhow.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re jittery,&rdquo; the blindman said, starting away.
+&ldquo;Well, see you later. Come on, Rudy!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After he had tapped off down the dock, Brad and
+Dan lingered a few minutes longer. Hank, however,
+seemed preoccupied. Dan asked him if he knew any
+sailor by the name of Frisk Fagan.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No, I don&rsquo;t,&rdquo; he answered a trifle irritably. &ldquo;Now
+I wish you boys wouldn&rsquo;t pester me. I got work
+to do.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Thus dismissed, Brad and Dan took themselves
+off.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hank was out of sorts because we overhead Joe
+Matt mention that 24th shipping date,&rdquo; Dan remarked
+as they tramped along together. &ldquo;Say, that&rsquo;s
+funny!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What is, Dan?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Those two dates being the same!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What two dates?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you recall?&rdquo; Dan demanded excitedly.
+&ldquo;That coded message Jacques had in his pocket mentioned
+the 24th!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_94">[94]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;The note included the numerals 24,&rdquo; Brad admitted.
+&ldquo;But what does that prove?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing perhaps. Then again, it may mean
+plenty!&rdquo; Dan spoke with quiet conviction. &ldquo;I know
+one thing. I&rsquo;m really going to work on that message.
+I&rsquo;ll break the code if it&rsquo;s humanly possible!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_95">[95]</div>
+<h2 id="c8"><span class="small">CHAPTER 8</span>
+<br />&ldquo;Dan Carter&mdash;Take Warning&rdquo;</h2>
+<p>On the night prior to the departure of Den 2 for
+Skeleton Island, all the Cubs gathered at the Cave
+to receive final instructions.</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield informed the boys they were to meet
+at the Webster City Yacht Club promptly at eight
+o&rsquo;clock the next morning. Transportation would be
+provided to the island in a launch contributed by a
+friend of Midge&rsquo;s father.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now don&rsquo;t oversleep,&rdquo; he warned as the meeting
+broke up. &ldquo;And don&rsquo;t arrive at the dock before the
+crack of dawn either! Try to make it about a quarter
+to eight so we can leave on the hour.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After nearly all of the Cubs had gone, Mr. Hatfield
+and Brad busied themselves straightening the
+clubroom. Dan brought the record of the meeting
+up to date. Then, pulling a chair up beside the gasoline
+lamp, he reverted to his favorite occupation&mdash;that
+of trying to solve the coded message left by
+Jacques.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Having any luck?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield presently inquired.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_96">[96]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Not yet.&rdquo; Dan dropped his pencil in a gesture of
+utter discouragement. &ldquo;I guess I&rsquo;m a sap to waste
+time trying to figure it out. Maybe it isn&rsquo;t even a
+code.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield paused at the table to study the
+scratch pad on which the boy had been writing.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t give up, Dan,&rdquo; he advised, resting his hand
+for a moment on his shoulder. &ldquo;Worthwhile things
+usually come hard. Keep plugging.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve tried every possible combination of letters.
+No soap.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield studied the odd grouping of numerals:
+&ldquo;020614 7552845 24.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Number 5 reappears three times,&rdquo; he observed.
+&ldquo;If only you could figure that one out, it might give
+you a start.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve tried at least twenty combinations with no
+luck.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, don&rsquo;t give up hope, Dan. Bring the message
+along with you to camp. Perhaps some of the Den
+Dads can figure it out while we&rsquo;re there.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Guess I&rsquo;ll have to,&rdquo; Dan sighed. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d rather do it
+myself though. I have one more idea I want to try.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield, who was ready to leave for home,
+remarked that the hour was growing rather late.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_97">[97]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Shouldn&rsquo;t you break it off for tonight, Dan?&rdquo; he
+suggested. &ldquo;Remember, we leave early for Skeleton
+Island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll be there, Mr. Hatfield. I just want to try one
+more idea. Don&rsquo;t wait for me. You and Brad go
+on.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Cub leader was reluctant to leave the boy
+alone in the Cave. Twice during the week, Red and
+Chips had reported that they thought someone
+might be spying on the clubroom.</p>
+<p>Although inclined to believe the boys were fanciful,
+Mr. Hatfield nevertheless disliked to leave Dan
+by himself.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure you&rsquo;ll be all right?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Of course.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Brad and I will be glad to wait if you&rsquo;re set on
+working longer on that code.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No need, Mr. Hatfield. I&rsquo;ll put out the light and
+see that everything is ship-shape when I leave.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, don&rsquo;t stay too long, Dan.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>In departing, Mr. Hatfield and Brad lowered a
+canvas covering which served as a door across the
+cave entrance. Of no practical value in protecting
+the clubroom from intruders, it kept out wind and
+rain.</p>
+<p>Left to himself, Dan devoted himself once more
+to the task at hand.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_98">[98]</div>
+<p>Writing out the letters of the alphabet in orderly
+rows, he gave each a number, thus:</p>
+<pre>  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
+  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4</pre>
+<p>and on through the alphabet.</p>
+<p>When this brought no solution he tried a second
+combination, starting with the number &ldquo;2&rdquo; instead
+of &ldquo;1&rdquo;.</p>
+<pre>  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
+  2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5</pre>
+<p>For the next twenty minutes he worked on, trying
+many combinations. Each time, he started off with
+a higher number for the letter &ldquo;A,&rdquo; working up as
+high as &ldquo;7&rdquo;.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s no use,&rdquo; he decided at last. &ldquo;I may as well
+go home.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>On the pad before Dan was a string of unused
+alphabetical letters. Absently, with no hope of striking
+upon anything that would work, he wrote in
+corresponding numbers, starting with &ldquo;8.&rdquo;</p>
+<pre>  A B C D E F G H I J K L
+  8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
+  M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
+  0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3</pre>
+<p>Referring to Jacques&rsquo; coded message, he then began
+to transfer the numbers into counterpart letters.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_99">[99]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s see,&rdquo; he mused. &ldquo;&lsquo;0&rsquo; could be either C,
+M or W; and &lsquo;2&rsquo; might be E, O or Y. Number 6
+would have to be I or S. Number 1 could represent
+D, N or X. And 4 would have to be G&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan went no further, for suddenly he saw that
+the puzzle actually was beginning to make sense.
+Excitedly he wrote in the first combination of letters:</p>
+<pre>  020614
+  COMING</pre>
+<p>&ldquo;Yipee! I&rsquo;ve got it!&rdquo; he muttered. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve found the
+key!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A strong gust of wind unexpectedly flapped the
+light canvas which hung across the cave doorway.</p>
+<p>So engrossed was Dan that he did not notice. Nor
+did he see a shadowy figure crouching on the platform.</p>
+<p>Then the light suddenly was extinguished. Startled,
+Dan jerked to attention.</p>
+<p>As he groped for a match with which to relight
+the lamp, a deep voice entoned:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;<i>Take warning, Dan Carter! Remain away from
+Skeleton Island!</i>&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan felt the hair rise on his neck. Chills slithered
+down his spine. The mysterious voice, he realized,
+came from the cave entranceway.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_100">[100]</div>
+<p>Recovering from the first shock of surprise, the
+boy sprang to his feet, upsetting his chair.</p>
+<p>In three long strides he reached the entrance and
+jerked aside the canvas flap.</p>
+<p>No one was there. But disappearing down the
+steps Dan saw a lean, dark figure.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hey, you!&rdquo; he shouted furiously.</p>
+<p>The intruder only ran the faster, pulling a jacket
+high around his neck to shield his face.</p>
+<p>Angered by the threat and determined to learn
+who had been spying upon him, Dan started down
+the steps in hot pursuit.</p>
+<p>The intruder, a fleet runner, raced across the
+beach, heading for a clump of bushes along the
+highway. Dan pounded closer and closer at his
+heels.</p>
+<p>Then, the one ahead unexpectedly tripped in the
+loose sand. He stumbled and fell. In a flash Dan was
+upon him, pulling the jacket away so that he could
+see the culprit&rsquo;s face.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Ross!&rdquo; he recognized him. &ldquo;Ross Langdon! Well,
+of all the dirty, low tricks!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Take it easy, will you?&rdquo; panted the Cub from
+the rival Den. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re smashing my ribs!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Serves you right! So you&rsquo;ve been spying on the
+Cave!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_101">[101]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Aw, I wasn&rsquo;t spying,&rdquo; Ross protested. &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t you
+take a joke?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;How long were you hiding there behind the
+canvas flap?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Only a minute or two, Dan. Honest! I saw the
+light burning, so I thought I&rsquo;d take a peek and see
+who was there.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It was a lousy trick&mdash;especially that warning
+about going to Skeleton Island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Scared you, didn&rsquo;t I?&rdquo; Ross chuckled, squirming
+to free himself from the other&rsquo;s tight grasp.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You startled me. But I don&rsquo;t scare that easily.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Like fun! You nearly jumped through the roof of
+the Cave! What were you working on so late, anyhow?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, nothing.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing? You were so absorbed you didn&rsquo;t hear
+a thing until I waved the canvas flap to make the
+light go out. You were figuring out something with
+paper and pencil. Your income tax?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Just a little work for the Den,&rdquo; Dan replied
+vaguely.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Keeping it to yourself, eh? If you&rsquo;ll climb off
+my mid-section, I&rsquo;ll amble back there with you. I&rsquo;ve
+always been curious to see the set-up of your much
+advertised Cave.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_102">[102]</div>
+<p>Dan made no comment as he let Ross up. Both
+boys dusted their clothing free of sand.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, let&rsquo;s go,&rdquo; Ross said impatiently. He started
+toward the Cave.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I was just thinking it&rsquo;s time to go home,&rdquo; Dan
+said, following the other boy reluctantly. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s getting
+late&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll help you close up the Cave for the night.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t need any help.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure you do. Don&rsquo;t be so inhospitable,&rdquo; Ross
+chuckled. &ldquo;You may as well invite me, because I&rsquo;m
+going along anyhow.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan made no further protest as he fell into step
+with the Den 1 boy. He knew that Ross had in
+mind learning if he could, the nature of the paper
+upon which he had been working. Dan was equally
+determined to keep Jacques&rsquo; coded message a Den
+2 secret.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If Ross hadn&rsquo;t pulled that fool trick, I&rsquo;d have
+had the code completely broken by this time,&rdquo; he
+thought. &ldquo;Now I&rsquo;ll have to take the message home,
+because I don&rsquo;t want him to see it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The two Cubs climbed the stairs and entered the
+dark Cave. Dan groped his way to the table and
+lighted the wick of the kerosene lamp.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_103">[103]</div>
+<p>In its flickering light, the room somehow did not
+appear exactly as he had left it. His chair lay overturned.
+Papers on the table were very disordered.
+Dan did not recall having left them so.</p>
+<p>Not wishing Ross to see the coded message upon
+which he had been working, the boy looked about
+for it. But the paper was not on the table. Nor
+could he find it anywhere on the floor.</p>
+<p>Even the scratch papers on which he had written
+various combinations of letters, had disappeared.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lose something?&rdquo; Ross inquired as his gaze traveled
+about the well-furnished room. He added admiringly:
+&ldquo;Nice diggings you have here! Wish our
+Den had a cave.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan, thumbing through the loose papers on the
+table, made no reply.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s wrong?&rdquo; Ross demanded.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m looking for some work I was doing when you
+broke in here,&rdquo; Dan answered reluctantly. &ldquo;Ross,
+you didn&rsquo;t&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;How could I have taken anything?&rdquo; the other
+demanded. &ldquo;You were hot on my heels every
+minute.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yeah, that&rsquo;s right, Ross. You were alone when
+you came here?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure. What you driving at anyhow?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_104">[104]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve lost something&mdash;an important paper. You
+saw me working on it when you came up here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I remember, Dan. Maybe you stuffed it in your
+pocket when you took after me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think so. I left everything here on the
+table.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>To make certain, Dan searched all his pockets.
+The coded message was in none of them.</p>
+<p>Thinking that perhaps a gust of wind had carried
+the paper far across the floor of the cave, he looked
+in every corner and even under the couch.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Ross, it&rsquo;s gone,&rdquo; he said with sudden conviction.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But how could it have disappeared? Honest,
+Dan, I didn&rsquo;t take a thing. And none of the Cubs
+from Den 1 were with me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I believe you, Ross,&rdquo; Dan assured him. &ldquo;But
+someone has been in here while we were on the
+beach. I sensed it the instant I came in.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Anything else missing?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not that I&rsquo;ve noticed. Mr. Hatfield never allows
+us to keep anything of great value here because we
+can&rsquo;t lock up the cave.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Gosh, if it was my fault, I&rsquo;m sorry,&rdquo; Ross said.
+&ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t have pulled that stunt, only it struck
+me as a good joke. Who would have come here?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what I can&rsquo;t figure.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_105">[105]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t see anyone on the beach, Dan.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I know, but we weren&rsquo;t paying particular attention.&rdquo;
+Dan prepared to blow out the kerosene lamp.
+&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s go down there now and look around.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The boys descended the long flight of wooden
+steps to the beach. A pale half-moon only faintly
+illuminated the stretch of glistening sand.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No one around, Dan,&rdquo; Ross said, looking up and
+down the beach. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll probably find that paper
+in the morning.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The other boy made no reply. He was staring at
+the sand near the base of the steps.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What do you see now?&rdquo; Ross demanded.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Someone has been here,&rdquo; Dan said quietly.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Footprints, you mean?&rdquo; Ross was inclined to scoff
+at the other boy&rsquo;s observation. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t tell anything
+by that. You had a Den meeting tonight.
+Probably those large footprints were made by one
+of the Den Dads.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That could be, Ross. But I&rsquo;m noticing something
+else too.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, don&rsquo;t keep it a secret, Wise Guy,&rdquo; Ross
+said, a trifle irritably. &ldquo;What have those bright little
+searchlights of yours picked up?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_106">[106]</div>
+<p>Dan pointed to a series of tiny circular marks in
+the hard-packed sand. Approximately one-half inch
+deep and perhaps a foot and a half apart, the imprints
+led down-beach into a clump of bushes.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s so strange about that?&rdquo; Ross demanded.</p>
+<p>Offering no reply, Dan walked over to the bush.
+As he had expected, no one now was hiding there.</p>
+<p>However, in the soft sand appeared additional
+footprints from a large man&rsquo;s shoe. And beside them
+were several mysterious circular marks which he
+thought might have been made by someone using a
+walking stick.</p>
+<p>Dan turned to Ross who had followed him. &ldquo;Will
+you do me a favor?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What kind?&rdquo; the other boy asked with caution.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Say nothing to any of the Cubs about what happened
+tonight&mdash;either those in your Den or mine.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;W-e-ll,&rdquo; Ross hesitated, for he knew the story
+would make good telling. &ldquo;Okay, I&rsquo;ll keep mum if
+you will. The joke didn&rsquo;t pan out quite as I expected.
+But why do you care?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll tell you, Ross. What happened tonight convinces
+me someone has been spying on the Cave.
+I know Mr. Hatfield would just as soon the fact
+isn&rsquo;t advertised.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You think a gang of boys&mdash;fellows who aren&rsquo;t
+Cubs&mdash;are aiming to make trouble?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t believe boys are mixed up in it, Ross.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_107">[107]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Grownups?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That would be my guess.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Ross was inclined to make light of Dan&rsquo;s theory.
+&ldquo;Oh, you&rsquo;re building up too much out of nothing,&rdquo;
+he insisted. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll find that missing paper in the
+morning. Mark my words.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s hope you&rsquo;re right,&rdquo; Dan said as the two
+boys started for home.</p>
+<p>Actually, he had no hope whatsoever. A conviction
+had grown upon him that the paper left by
+Jacques never would be seen again.</p>
+<p>And with its disappearance had vanished his last
+chance to solve the mysterious coded message.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_108">[108]</div>
+<h2 id="c9"><span class="small">CHAPTER 9</span>
+<br />A Missing Code</h2>
+<p>Dan was at the Cave before seven o&rsquo;clock the next
+morning. Early as was the hour, Mr. Hatfield had
+arrived ahead of him and already had moved out
+most of the camping equipment which was to be
+taken to Skeleton Island.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, hello, Dan,&rdquo; the Cub leader greeted him in
+pleased surprise. &ldquo;I hardly expected to see you before
+eight o&rsquo;clock.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I scarcely expected to see myself,&rdquo; Dan grinned.
+&ldquo;Fact is, I came to look for a paper I lost last night.
+Mr. Hatfield, I nearly broke the code only to have
+the message disappear!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Quickly the boy related everything that had occurred.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Ross and I agreed not to tell any of the Cubs,&rdquo;
+he added. &ldquo;I figured it would only worry them.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re right in keeping quiet about it,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+said at once. &ldquo;I hadn&rsquo;t intended to mention it,
+but for several days I&rsquo;ve had a feeling this place
+is being spied upon. Frankly, I don&rsquo;t like it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Any idea who may be doing it, Mr. Hatfield?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_109">[109]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;None whatsoever.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Do you think it has anything to do with that
+message we found, or Jacques?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve wondered, Dan. My mind is not at rest with
+regard to that boy. Obviously he was a Cub, yet
+I&rsquo;ve been unable to find any Den or Pack in which
+he ever was registered. Of course, he could have
+given us a fictitious first name.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It was miserable luck losing the coded message
+last night,&rdquo; Dan complained. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d just figured out
+the first word&mdash;&lsquo;Coming&rsquo;&mdash;when whiff went the
+light.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The paper may be here. Let&rsquo;s make a thorough
+search.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield swept the cave floor while Dan
+searched every possible cranny. The missing paper
+was not found.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, at least nothing else appears to be missing,&rdquo;
+the Cub leader said after he had checked all
+the camping equipment. &ldquo;It seems that whoever
+came here last night must have been after that
+coded message. Dan, if I&rsquo;d known this earlier&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;d have called off the camping trip,&rdquo; Dan
+completed, guessing at his thought.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_110">[110]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, Jacques must have had a connection with
+Skeleton Island or the name wouldn&rsquo;t have appeared
+on the paper. I have an uneasy feeling about
+going there.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The camp will be well guarded with so many
+of the fathers going along.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I realize that, Dan, but even so&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The Cubs would be terribly disappointed if you
+called off the trip now,&rdquo; Dan interposed. &ldquo;Oh, heck,
+Mr. Hatfield, I shouldn&rsquo;t have told you about losing
+that paper!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;On the contrary, you did exactly right. Well,
+I suppose it wouldn&rsquo;t be fair to call off the trip on
+such short notice. We&rsquo;ll go on just as we planned.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, thanks, Mr. Hatfield!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t thank me,&rdquo; the Cub leader rejoined. &ldquo;Just
+keep your lips buttoned and your eyes open after
+we reach Skeleton Island. If you notice anything
+out of the ordinary, report to me. But don&rsquo;t say or
+do anything to worry or stir up the Cubs.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll remember,&rdquo; Dan promised.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now lend a hand with this camping equipment,&rdquo;
+Mr. Hatfield said briskly. &ldquo;I want to have everything
+at the dock before eight o&rsquo;clock.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Two hours later found the Cubs in their temporary
+camp on Skeleton Island. Tents already were
+up, balsam beds in preparation of making, and a
+trench fire started for the noon-day meal.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_111">[111]</div>
+<p>A beach near the camp sloped gently out into
+the river more than fifteen yards. This the Den Dads
+marked off with ropes and floats. Beyond was a
+somewhat deeper area, suitable for the more experienced
+swimmers.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I wish we had a diving raft,&rdquo; Brad remarked,
+surveying the possibilities.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why not build one?&rdquo; proposed Mr. Hatfield. &ldquo;I
+saw some old boards and a log or two lying
+back in the brush. We easily can build a small
+raft.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>For an hour the Cubs busied themselves carrying
+boards and logs to the riverside. Mr. Hatfield
+supervised the work, showing the boys how to fit
+the logs together to make a firm framework for the
+platform.</p>
+<p>When it was ready for use, Dan, Brad and Sam
+Hatfield anchored the raft in deep water.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m all tuckered out,&rdquo; Dan announced, pulling
+himself up on the platform to rest. &ldquo;You know,
+camping is mighty hard work!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It is until your camp is set up right,&rdquo; Sam Hatfield
+agreed. &ldquo;After that, it&rsquo;s easy. If the Scouts decide
+to buy this property, we&rsquo;ll have cabins and an
+improved beach. The brush will need to be cleared
+away. But it will make a first class camp.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_112">[112]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I hope the Scouts decide to buy,&rdquo; Dan said, rolling
+over so that the sun would warm his back.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The site seems ideal to me. It&rsquo;s close to Webster
+City. The beach area is unusually good, and the
+island has a natural spring. Plenty of woodland for
+nature trails too.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You think the Scouts will buy it?&rdquo; Brad asked.
+Seated on the edge of the raft, his dangling feet
+beat a steady tattoo in the water.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That remains to be seen,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield replied.
+&ldquo;There are several factors to be considered.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>He did not amplify the statement, for just then
+Midge&rsquo;s father called from shore to warn that lunch
+would be ready in twenty minutes.</p>
+<p>With a shout of pleasure, the Cubs scrambled for
+the beach. Dan and Brad dived from the raft, racing
+each other in.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No fooling, you get faster every day,&rdquo; Brad
+praised his companion. &ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t take Ross for
+a cleaning in our next swimming meet, I&rsquo;ll miss
+my guess.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I only hope if I win I do it in a straightaway
+race, not on a technical point,&rdquo; the younger boy
+rejoined. &ldquo;Ross still figures he lost on a fluke.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_113">[113]</div>
+<p>By the time the Cubs were dressed, lunch was
+ready. Squatting around the glowing coals, they
+filled their plates with steak, potatoes and generous
+helpings of carrots.</p>
+<p>As his crowning achievement, Mr. Holloway produced
+a pan of delicately browned biscuits baked
+in a home-made reflector oven which he had fashioned.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;How does the meal taste, boys?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Swell!&rdquo; approved Red, reaching for another biscuit.
+&ldquo;As a cook, we&rsquo;ll give you the tin medal!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>When the last scrap of food had disappeared, the
+Cubs doused sand on the fires, dispatched the dishes
+and then stretched out to enjoy a rest.</p>
+<p>Chips, however, soon became restless.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I think I&rsquo;ll amble down the beach and explore,&rdquo;
+he announced. &ldquo;Who knows? Maybe I&rsquo;ll find the
+entrance to that old tunnel Mr. Hatfield told us
+about!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If you do, write me a letter about it,&rdquo; Brad joked,
+stretching lazily. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m treating myself to a snooze.
+That swim made me drowsy.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t go out of sight of camp, Chips,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+advised the boy as he started away.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Aw, Mr. Hatfield&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m asking the Cubs to stay pretty much in this
+section of the island,&rdquo; the Cub leader explained.
+&ldquo;Later on, we&rsquo;ll do our exploring in a group.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_114">[114]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, all right,&rdquo; Chips consented reluctantly.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Want me to go along?&rdquo; Fred asked.</p>
+<p>Chips, acting as if he had not heard, ambled off.
+Fred, who preferred to remain in camp, let him
+go alone.</p>
+<p>Fresh water was needed, so Dan and Mack went
+to the nearby spring for a bucket of water. The
+other Cubs finished making their balsam beds. This
+work completed, they joined Brad under the shade
+trees.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Wonder what&rsquo;s become of Chips?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+presently remarked, scanning the beach area. &ldquo;I
+don&rsquo;t see him anywhere.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You know Chips,&rdquo; said Brad significantly.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I do indeed. His intentions are good, but he&rsquo;s
+apt to wander off.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Odd that he went by himself,&rdquo; Brad mused. &ldquo;He
+really gave Fred the brush-off. Want me to see
+what&rsquo;s become of him, Mr. Hatfield?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I may look him up myself,&rdquo; the Cub leader replied,
+getting to his feet.</p>
+<p>However, it was unnecessary for him to go in
+search. Scarcely five minutes later, Chips came running
+up the beach, obviously excited.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hey, fellows!&rdquo; he shouted. &ldquo;Come quick!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_115">[115]</div>
+<p>The Cubs uncurled themselves from comfortable
+nooks, and hastened to see what was wrong.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s up, Chips?&rdquo; Brad demanded.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I want to show you something,&rdquo; the boy said
+impressively. &ldquo;Gosh, it scared me half out of my
+wits!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What did you find?&rdquo; Dan demanded.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Just follow me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>At a dog-trot, Chips led the Cubs down the beach
+to a clump of willows. There he pointed dramatically
+to an object lying in a slight depression.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A skeleton!&rdquo; Midge exclaimed, recoiling at the
+gruesome sight.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Chips, how did you happen to find it here?&rdquo;
+asked Mack with a shudder.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, I was just walking along the beach,&rdquo; the
+boy answered vaguely. &ldquo;There it was in the sand.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad bent down to examine the bones and the
+grinning skull.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t touch the thing,&rdquo; Fred said, pulling back.
+&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll call my father.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Wait a minute,&rdquo; Brad stopped him. &ldquo;Chips, you
+say you just happened along here and found this
+skeleton?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It was exactly where you see it now.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_116">[116]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure it was! After <i>you</i> put it there!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, such an accusation,&rdquo; Chips protested, but
+his grin gave him away. &ldquo;Okay, Wise Guy!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m wise enough to know varnish when I see it!
+These bones all have been treated. So &rsquo;fess up,
+Chips. Where did you get the skeleton?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;From the school laboratory,&rdquo; the boy admitted
+with a laugh. &ldquo;Professor Johnson let me borrow it
+to play a joke on the Cubs. It would have worked
+too, if you hadn&rsquo;t been so smart.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The joke doesn&rsquo;t seem funny to me,&rdquo; Brad replied
+severely. &ldquo;It would have given us all a bad
+feeling to think anyone had died on the island. We
+want this camping trip to be a pleasant experience.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Guess I made a mistake,&rdquo; Chips muttered, gathering
+up the skeleton. &ldquo;It seemed like a good idea
+when I first thought of it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Disheartened by the failure of his joke, he carefully
+replaced the bones in a carrying box which
+he had hidden in the willows.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t take it so hard,&rdquo; Brad said, clapping him
+on the shoulder. &ldquo;I know you went to a lot of bother
+to pull off that joke.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The Cubs would have fallen for it too.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_117">[117]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, they would have, Chips. But it would have
+stirred them up. You know as well as I do that if
+things go wrong while we&rsquo;re here, the Scouts may
+decide not to buy the island site for their camp.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re right, Brad,&rdquo; Chips admitted. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry.
+I won&rsquo;t pull any more stunts while we&rsquo;re here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Back in camp once more, several of the Cubs
+elected to try their luck fishing. Dan, Chips and
+Brad, who were to help Mr. Holloway with the
+cooking that night, remained behind to check over
+supplies.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The boys may bring in a few fish,&rdquo; the Den Dad
+remarked. &ldquo;If so, we should have a good meal tonight.
+But just in case&mdash;we&rsquo;ll be prepared to fall
+back on ham and eggs.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan wandered off to gather wood for the fire.
+Upon his return with a large armful of dry pieces,
+he noticed that the water pail was empty again.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There must be a herd of thirsty camels around
+here,&rdquo; he complained. &ldquo;I filled that bucket not
+twenty minutes ago!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do it this time,&rdquo; Chips offered, eager to make
+amends for the skeleton. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve done your share
+of work already.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Seizing the bucket, the boy disappeared in the
+direction of the spring.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_118">[118]</div>
+<p>Brad, Dan and Mr. Holloway busied themselves
+with preparations for the evening meal, setting out
+supplies that would be needed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;How about another batch of biscuits?&rdquo; the Den
+Dad proposed. &ldquo;The Cubs went for them in a big
+way this noon.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Fine!&rdquo; approved Dan. &ldquo;And baked potatoes will
+be easy to fix. We can wrap them in wet clay and
+roast them on the coals.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Know where we can get any clay?&rdquo; Mr. Holloway
+asked, searching through the supplies for a
+package of flour. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s mostly sand around here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s some back by the spring. I noticed it
+when I was filling the water bucket awhile ago.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Suppose you see if you can dig up some, Dan.
+Take an old tin can.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The spring was situated well back from the camp
+site in a natural shelter of willows, ferns and vines.</p>
+<p>Dan had covered less than half the distance when
+Chips suddenly plunged into view. The water pail
+left behind, he obviously was excited as he ran
+toward the other boy.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Dan!&rdquo; he exclaimed breathlessly. &ldquo;I&mdash;I saw someone
+at the spring!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan scarcely knew whether to laugh or take
+Chips seriously.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_119">[119]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s so strange about that?&rdquo; he demanded.
+&ldquo;Was it one of the Den Dads?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Of course not!&rdquo; Chips retorted, exasperated.
+&ldquo;What do you think I am, anyhow? A scared cat?
+I saw this man peering at me as I reached down
+to dip water from the pool at the spring.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure you aren&rsquo;t pulling another skeleton trick?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Heck, no! I swear it! Dan, I really saw this man&mdash;an
+ugly looking fellow. It gave me a bad start. I
+dropped the water bucket and ran.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It may have been Jabowski. I&rsquo;ve been told he
+stays on the island while Mr. Manheim is away.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This man had dark bushy hair and hadn&rsquo;t shaved
+in three or four days.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re sure he didn&rsquo;t have horns sprouting from
+his forehead?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Wise guy! You think I&rsquo;m making it up!&rdquo; Chips
+said indignantly. &ldquo;It gave me a bad feeling, I tell
+you. I wish you could have seen the way he looked
+at me. It froze my blood.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where was this monster?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lurking back behind the bushes. As I started
+to fill the pail, I glanced up. He was staring at me
+with hatred in his eyes. Then he ducked back out
+of sight. I dropped the water bucket and ran.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_120">[120]</div>
+<p>Dan was only half convinced that Chips was not
+trying to play another joke. However, he noticed
+that the boy was breathing hard and actually
+looked a trifle pale.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You probably saw Mr. Jabowski,&rdquo; he said with
+a shrug.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Like fun I did! I&rsquo;ve seen Jabowski at the Webster
+City Yacht Club. It was someone else.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A fisherman maybe who came to the island by
+boat.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We haven&rsquo;t seen any boats around all day,&rdquo;
+Chips contended.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go back there with you,&rdquo; Dan offered. &ldquo;Come
+on.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You wouldn&rsquo;t be so brave if you&rsquo;d seen that
+leering face,&rdquo; Chips said, following unwillingly.</p>
+<p>The two boys approached the spring warily. All
+was tranquil. A gentle breeze stirred the dense
+growth of bushes which hemmed in the spring and
+pool. Otherwise there was no movement.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No one here,&rdquo; Dan observed. &ldquo;Sure you didn&rsquo;t
+imagine it, Chips?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I certainly did not.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, no one is here now, at any rate. I&rsquo;ll fill
+the water bucket while you look around to see if
+you can find any clay. We need it to wrap baked
+potatoes in.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_121">[121]</div>
+<p>Dan moved on to the spring. He stooped to drink
+deeply of the cool water and then reached down to
+pick up the tin bucket which Chips had abandoned.</p>
+<p>In the still water of the circular pool he could
+see his own reflection. And then he saw something
+more!</p>
+<p>Merging with the dark of the bushes was a face,
+the evil countenance that Chips had described so
+vividly. As he watched, fascinated, a hand slowly
+was raised.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Look out, Dan!&rdquo; called Chips.</p>
+<p>Dan ducked. As he flattened himself, a stone was
+hurled by the man who crouched in the bushes.
+Sailing over his head, it struck the pool with a hard
+splash.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_122">[122]</div>
+<h2 id="c10"><span class="small">CHAPTER 10</span>
+<br />The Man at the Spring</h2>
+<p>A commotion in the bushes informed Dan and
+Chips that the man who had thrown the stone now
+was retreating.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You see!&rdquo; Chips cried excitedly, joining his friend
+at the pool&rsquo;s edge. &ldquo;I told you the truth, didn&rsquo;t I?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You sure did,&rdquo; Dan muttered, scrambling to his
+feet. &ldquo;If I hadn&rsquo;t ducked, that stone would have
+clipped me on the back of the head. Come on, let&rsquo;s
+nail him!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Angry to think that the intruder had dared to risk
+injuring them by deliberately hurling a stone, the
+Cubs started after him.</p>
+<p>Already the man was far away, moving with cat-like
+tread through the dense growth of vines and
+underbrush. Apparently familiar with the terrain,
+he slipped between the trees like a shadow.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No use trying to follow,&rdquo; Dan decided after they
+had gone only a few yards. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve already missed
+our chance to see who he was.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_123">[123]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;And if we trail him a long distance from camp,
+he might try some of his tricks,&rdquo; Chips added in an
+undertone. &ldquo;Dan, that man&rsquo;s face scared me. He
+looked downright ugly.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He did,&rdquo; Dan agreed. &ldquo;I only caught one glimpse
+of his face, but that was enough.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Ever see him before?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;N-o-o,&rdquo; Dan replied slowly. &ldquo;For just a minute I
+thought&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The boy was on the verge of saying that the man
+had resembled &ldquo;Frisk,&rdquo; the associate of Paper Bag
+Eddie. However, his identification had been most
+uncertain.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You thought what, Dan?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, nothing. I didn&rsquo;t really see the man&rsquo;s face
+plainly. Wonder why he&rsquo;d try to harm us?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s report to Mr. Hatfield.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>To this suggestion, Dan promptly agreed. Picking
+their way back to the pool, the boys made short
+work of filling the water pail and gathering clay.</p>
+<p>Back in camp once more, they took Mr. Holloway
+and the Cub leader aside to relate what had happened.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The man actually hurled a stone?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+questioned, his face sober.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He certainly did,&rdquo; Dan confirmed. &ldquo;It missed my
+head by inches.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_124">[124]</div>
+<p>Very much disturbed, Mr. Hatfield and Midge&rsquo;s
+father warned the two boys to make no mention of
+the incident to the other Cubs.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll take Mr. Suell and explore the island,&rdquo; the
+Cub leader decided. &ldquo;Mr. Holloway will remain in
+camp with the boys. Without letting them know
+that anything is amiss, keep them there.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It soon will be supper time,&rdquo; Mr. Holloway
+agreed. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll find enough work to occupy their time.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Suell set off at once to
+search for the stranger who had accosted the boys
+at the spring.</p>
+<p>Meanwhile, Chips and Dan helped with supper
+preparations, trying not to reveal their inner excitement
+to the other Cubs. As time wore on and neither
+the Cub leader nor Mr. Suell returned, it became
+increasingly difficult to contain their secret.</p>
+<p>The boys were nearly through supper when the
+two finally appeared in camp. Slipping almost unnoticed
+into the group around the fire, they dished
+up their own suppers.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Learn anything?&rdquo; Dan asked the Cub leader in a
+whisper.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Tell you later.&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield&rsquo;s glance warned the
+boy to say no more at the moment.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_125">[125]</div>
+<p>In silence, but with no show of uneasiness, the
+Cub leader ate his supper. While the other boys
+were clearing away the dishes, he took Dan, Brad
+and Chips aside to relate what he and Mr. Suell
+had noted in their explorations.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Did you find that fellow we saw by the spring?&rdquo;
+Chips questioned before Mr. Hatfield could speak.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No, Chips. We tramped the island from one end
+to the other. Not a sign of him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No signs?&rdquo; Dan echoed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;My statement wasn&rsquo;t quite accurate,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+corrected. &ldquo;We found signs in the way of footprints,
+a well-beaten trail, and broken bushes. But
+we failed to catch up with the man himself.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where did the trail lead?&rdquo; inquired Chips.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We picked it up by the spring and followed it
+the entire length of the island through the woodland
+and marsh. It emerged not far from the old
+hotel.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe the fellow hid in there,&rdquo; Dan suggested.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what Mr. Suell thought. We looked the
+place over, but couldn&rsquo;t get in. All the doors were
+locked and the blinds drawn. If Mr. Jabowski looks
+after the place for Mr. Manheim, he doesn&rsquo;t hurt
+himself working at the job.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_126">[126]</div>
+<p>Having told the boys everything he and Mr.
+Suell had learned, the Cub leader again warned
+them to say nothing of the affair to the other
+boys.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Frankly, I can&rsquo;t figure out why anyone would
+hurl a stone without provocation,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m
+afraid someone may be annoyed because the Cubs
+have camped here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But we had a perfect right to do it,&rdquo; Dan protested.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Of course. Mr. Manheim granted permission.
+But things may be going on here of which he has
+no knowledge.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;For instance?&rdquo; interposed Brad.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t say, because I don&rsquo;t know. It&rsquo;s just a feeling
+I have. Mr. Suell and I will take turns guarding
+the camp tonight.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then you think the Cubs may be in danger
+here?&rdquo; Brad asked, startled.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No, Brad, if I thought so, we&rsquo;d break camp and
+pull out tonight. We&rsquo;ll set up a watch as a precaution.
+First thing in the morning, I&rsquo;ll go to the mainland
+to have a talk with Mr. Manheim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After the camp work was out of the way, the Den
+Dads built a huge fire on the beach. Mr. Suell then
+gave the boys a brief talk on Cubbing in other countries
+of the world, telling them that the organization
+extended to 50 lands.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_127">[127]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;And are the ideals and aims the same everywhere?&rdquo;
+Brad questioned, tossing another stick of
+wood into the flames.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Practically so, Brad. In most countries, the Kipling
+Jungle stories have been made the basis of Cubbing.
+Akela is the name of the Cub leader in nearly
+all nations. The two-fingered sign of the Wolf is the
+Cub sign around the world.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan, who lounged on the sand beside Brad, had
+listened with keen interest. But now his attention
+wandered.</p>
+<p>Beyond the rim of flickering light, he thought he
+saw movement. Was that shadowy form a trick of
+wind and tree boughs? Or might someone be spying
+upon the camp?</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Wake up, Dan!&rdquo; Brad nudged him hard in the
+ribs. &ldquo;Mr. Hatfield just asked you to lead in the
+singing of &lsquo;Cheer, Cheer, the Den&rsquo;s All Here.&rsquo; Are
+you asleep?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan tore his eyes from the area of darkness. After
+all, he told himself, he probably had fancied the
+shadow. Imagination played strange tricks upon a
+fellow.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sorry,&rdquo; he apologized. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t hear. Guess I
+was half asleep.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_128">[128]</div>
+<p>He launched into the song which was sung to the
+tune of &ldquo;Hail, hail, the gang&rsquo;s all here.&rdquo; The Cubs
+joined in, singing lustily.</p>
+<p>At its conclusion, the boys all repeated the Law
+of the Pack, and the council fire came to an end.</p>
+<p>As the Den fathers were tramping out the last of
+the coals, Dan walked over to the clump of bushes
+which had been directly in his line of vision. He
+was relieved to find no one hiding there.</p>
+<p>But on the ground beneath a blackberry bush was
+a sheet of paper torn from a cheap writing tablet.
+Unable to read it in the darkness, Dan took it to
+Mr. Hatfield.</p>
+<p>The beam of his flashlight picked out the scrawled
+words: &ldquo;GET OFF THIS ISLAND. STAY AWAY!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A warning, eh?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield commented. &ldquo;This
+little affair has gone quite far enough!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Whoever left the note must have done it only
+a few minutes ago,&rdquo; Dan said. &ldquo;I thought I saw
+someone in the bushes just as you asked me to lead
+that song.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The coward!&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield muttered, folding the
+warning and placing it in his pocket. &ldquo;Afraid to
+show his face. Instead he throws rocks and sneaks
+up in the darkness.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_129">[129]</div>
+<p>More annoyed than afraid, the Cub leader made
+a thorough inspection of the bush where the unknown
+intruder had hidden only a few minutes
+before. A few large footprints had been imbedded
+in the moist turf. But the one who had left the note,
+had fled.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No use trying to track him down in the dark,&rdquo;
+Mr. Hatfield said in disgust. &ldquo;Tomorrow I&rsquo;ll take
+this up with Mr. Manheim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>With another reminder that no mention was to
+be made of the matter to the other Cubs, the leader
+sent Dan off to bed.</p>
+<p>However, the boy observed that neither Mr. Hatfield
+nor Mr. Suell turned in. Instead, the two men
+posted themselves near the entrance to the tents.
+Throughout the night, they kept a small fire burning.</p>
+<p>Dan was awakened by the excited shouts of the
+other Cubs who were donning trunks for a pre-breakfast
+swim.</p>
+<p>At the beach he raced Brad to the raft where
+they rested for a moment.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Anything happen last night?&rdquo; Dan asked, eager
+for a report.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not that I heard of. Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Suell
+sat up until dawn. No one came near the camp.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s good,&rdquo; Dan said in relief. &ldquo;If things start
+popping, our camping trip will be called off. I like
+it here.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_130">[130]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;So do I, Dan. I hope the Scouts buy this site,
+because if they do, the Cubs will get to come here
+often. But I know Mr. Hatfield is worried. The way
+matters are going, he isn&rsquo;t likely to recommend the
+place as a permanent camp.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m thinking the same,&rdquo; Dan agreed. &ldquo;Oh, well,
+maybe Mr. Manheim will take a hand in finding out
+who&rsquo;s hiding on the island. After all, it&rsquo;s his property.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A call to breakfast sent the two boys racing full-blast
+for shore. By the time they had scrambled
+into their uniforms, an appetizing meal of orange
+juice, bacon and eggs awaited them.</p>
+<p>The Cubs ate their fill and then listened as Mr.
+Hatfield outlined plans for the morning.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll take Dan, Brad and Chips with me to Webster
+City to pick up a few supplies,&rdquo; the Cub leader
+said. &ldquo;Also to attend to an important errand. Mr.
+Suell has planned a hike for those who remain
+behind.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;d rather go to Webster City,&rdquo; said Mack, who
+suspected that he was being excluded from an important
+mission.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Me too,&rdquo; chimed in Midge. &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t we all go?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not this time,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield turned them down.
+&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll make a full report when we get back.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_131">[131]</div>
+<p>At nine o&rsquo;clock, the three Cubs and their leader
+were picked up by launch, according to an arrangement
+made with a member of the yacht club. Once
+on shore, they purchased a few small items. Thereafter,
+they presented themselves at Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s
+office and were elated to learn that the island owner
+was in.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;ll see you at once,&rdquo; a secretary told them.
+&ldquo;First door to your left.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The room which Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs entered
+through a frosted door was padded with rich,
+soft carpet.</p>
+<p>A heavy-set man with steel-blue eyes sat in a
+swivel chair behind a desk at the window. Recognizing
+the Cub leader, he smiled in welcome.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hello, Sam! What brings you here so bright and
+early? Another proposition to buy that camp site on
+Skeleton Island?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not exactly, Mr. Manheim. We&rsquo;re not so sure
+it&rsquo;s a safe place.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Skeleton Island not safe?&rdquo; Mr. Manheim demanded.
+&ldquo;What gave you that idea? Sit down and
+tell me all about it.&rdquo; He waved everyone into
+chairs.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_132">[132]</div>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield introduced the three Cubs and then
+went directly to the point. He related how a stone
+had been tossed at Dan and showed Mr. Manheim
+the warning note.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, someone is playing a joke on you,&rdquo; the
+island owner said after reading the message. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t
+tell me you take this seriously?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We did and do, Mr. Manheim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I see nothing to cause alarm. Probably some boys
+from a rival troop are having a little fun at your
+expense.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The stone was hurled by a man,&rdquo; Dan interposed.
+&ldquo;I saw his face quite plainly.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s possible that tramps have taken up quarters
+in the underbrush,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim said reluctantly.
+&ldquo;Jabowski&rsquo;s orders are to keep hoodlums away from
+the island. I&rsquo;ll jack him up a bit if he&rsquo;s been remiss
+in his duty.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jabowski is your caretaker at Skeleton Island?&rdquo;
+Mr. Hatfield inquired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, he lives there with his nephew.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We saw neither of them. In fact, the old hotel
+building seemed to be locked up.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jabowski has orders not to leave the island without
+notifying me,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim said, frowning.
+&ldquo;He must be there.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_133">[133]</div>
+<p>To Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs it became obvious
+that the information they had brought was displeasing
+to the island owner. Apparently to end the interview,
+he arose and said:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now don&rsquo;t worry about a thing. I&rsquo;ll get in touch
+with Jabowski and have him ascertain that the island
+is free of trespassers.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Manheim. We wouldn&rsquo;t have
+troubled you only&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No trouble at all,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim interrupted the
+Cub leader. &ldquo;I always like to help out the Cubs or
+Scouts. Fact is, I&rsquo;ve been thinking for several weeks
+I&rsquo;d like to give &rsquo;em a bang-up time&mdash;a regular jamboree.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jamboree?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield repeated, rather mystified.</p>
+<p>The island owner ignored the Cub leader, turning
+to Brad, Dan and Chips.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;How would you boys like a beach barbecue? A
+really big affair?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Swell!&rdquo; Chips agreed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll invite all the Cubs in Webster City. Make
+it a bang-up affair. Tonight, shall we say?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re moving a bit fast for me,&rdquo; said Mr. Hatfield.
+&ldquo;How can you plan such an affair on short
+notice?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_134">[134]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Leave that to me,&rdquo; said Mr. Manheim, pressing
+the desk buzzer. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll call in a caterer, a friend of
+mine who will take care of every detail. Your job,
+Mr. Hatfield, will be to have the Cubs there on the
+island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t doubt the boys will jump at the chance
+for a barbecue even on short notice,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+replied. &ldquo;But what about transportation?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;My motorboat will be available. And Jabowski
+can take the overflow on a motor raft he has at the
+island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well&mdash;&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield gazed dubiously at the
+Cubs. &ldquo;I hardly know what to say. It&rsquo;s such short
+notice&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The trouble with you, Sam, is that you&rsquo;re not in
+the habit of making quick decisions,&rdquo; the other said
+jovially. &ldquo;You have your boys at the dock at seven
+o&rsquo;clock. I&rsquo;ll take care of everything else.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;All right,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield agreed. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll get in touch
+with the Cub leader of Den 1. I only hope you
+aren&rsquo;t biting off more than you can chew.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Never have yet,&rdquo; the island owner said, escorting
+the party to the door. &ldquo;See you tonight. We&rsquo;ll
+have a jamboree that will give those Cubs the thrill
+of their young lives!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But what about that man we saw at the spring?&rdquo;
+Dan half-protested. &ldquo;If he should be hanging
+around&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_135">[135]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Leave that to Jabowski,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim dismissed
+the subject. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t give the matter another
+thought.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The island owner bowed the Cubs out. When the
+door had closed firmly behind them, they eyed each
+other a trifle askance.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, that was fast work if you ask me,&rdquo; Brad
+said, sucking in his breath. &ldquo;Mr. Manheim takes care
+of everything!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;In typical Manheim style,&rdquo; added the Cub leader
+unhappily. &ldquo;Unfortunately, I&rsquo;ve learned from past
+experience that his plans don&rsquo;t always pan out
+right.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then you&rsquo;re afraid the barbecue won&rsquo;t come off
+tonight?&rdquo; Chips asked as the four started down the
+hallway.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, it will be held after a fashion,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+replied. &ldquo;But Mr. Manheim is apt to leave too many
+details unplanned. Another thing&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That man at the spring?&rdquo; Dan supplied as the
+Cub leader hesitated.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, I&rsquo;m not entirely satisfied that Jabowski will
+attend to him. For that matter, where is Jabowski?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No one has seen him since we landed on the
+island,&rdquo; Brad replied.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_136">[136]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;It all adds up to an uncertain picture,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+said soberly. &ldquo;Everything may go well tonight.
+I hope so. But between you and me and the gate-post,
+I&rsquo;m wondering if Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s barbecue may
+not be a mistake!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_137">[137]</div>
+<h2 id="c11"><span class="small">CHAPTER 11</span>
+<br />A Barbecue for the Cubs</h2>
+<p>Despite Mr. Hatfield&rsquo;s misgivings, the jamboree
+came off that night according to schedule.</p>
+<p>At the appointed hour, the island owner&rsquo;s motorboat
+and the power raft were at the Webster City
+Yacht Club docks to pick up members of Den 1.</p>
+<p>Mr. Manheim personally took command of the
+speedboat, while his man Jabowski carried the overflow
+of boys across the river on the open raft.</p>
+<p>In an ugly mood, the caretaker complained that
+the barbecue was &ldquo;a lot of stupid nonsense.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Actually, he smarted from a lecture delivered by
+his employer. For three hours that afternoon the
+island owner had tried to find Jabowski. Finally
+tracing him to a waterfront tavern, he had warned
+the man that unless he paid attention to his duties,
+he would be discharged.</p>
+<p>Jabowski blamed the Cubs for the reprimand,
+and so did his utmost to make them feel uncomfortable.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_138">[138]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Sit still!&rdquo; he ordered Ross Langdon, who shifted
+his weight as the raft chugged across the river. &ldquo;You
+want to upset us?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Aw, I hardly moved,&rdquo; Ross growled. &ldquo;Anyway,
+if this raft isn&rsquo;t safe, you shouldn&rsquo;t be taking kids
+across the river in it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The raft&rsquo;s safe enough, if you behave yourselves.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We are behaving,&rdquo; Ross retorted. &ldquo;For crying
+out loud, what&rsquo;s eating you anyhow? You&rsquo;ve done
+nothing but crab since we left the dock.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;d crab too if your boss gave orders to have
+a barbecue on eight hours notice! But that&rsquo;s Manheim
+for you. Always doing things in the grand
+manner&mdash;only someone else has to do the work!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Not much impressed by the caretaker&rsquo;s complaints,
+the Cubs eagerly turned their faces toward
+Skeleton Island. Huge fires burned on the beach
+and they could hear the music of an eight-piece
+band.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Say, this is going to be a shing-ding!&rdquo; Ross said,
+pleased. &ldquo;We should have a swell time tonight.
+Good grub, Mr. Jabowski?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Baked clams and lobster and roasted ox! That
+ought to be enough to satisfy you kids and your
+parents.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_139">[139]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Say! Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s doing all right by us,&rdquo; Ross
+said, impressed. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll have a swell time tonight.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Although the caretaker could have landed the
+raft at the beach, he proceeded up-island to a dock
+which extended out into much deeper water.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hey, what&rsquo;s the idea, bringing us clear up here?&rdquo;
+Ross protested, eager to join the other boys on the
+island.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Give your gums a rest, will you?&rdquo; Jabowski demanded
+rudely. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m handling this raft.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>At last after taking his time in fastening the craft
+to a dock post, he allowed the boys to disembark.
+Quickly they joined the Cubs from Den 2.</p>
+<p>Nearly thirty Cubs and their parents already had
+arrived at the island. Mr. Manheim went here and
+there, shaking hands with the grownups and joking
+with the boys. The music was excellent, the food
+plentiful. Yet despite the efforts of everyone to have
+a good time, the party soon began to go a trifle flat.</p>
+<p>At that point Mr. Hatfield and Midge&rsquo;s father
+took a hand, introducing various games. The fun
+revived. However, everyone appeared relieved when
+the gathering began to break up at nine-thirty.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_140">[140]</div>
+<p>Mr. Manheim took two boatloads of Cubs and
+their parents to shore and returned for the third.
+Meanwhile, Jabowski had made one trip in the much
+slower raft.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;One more trip will wind it up,&rdquo; the island owner
+estimated, counting the Cubs who were to remain
+overnight at their camp. &ldquo;I can take five, and the
+others all can get on the raft.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Seven on the raft?&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield interposed in
+disapproval. &ldquo;Isn&rsquo;t that loading it rather heavily?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not at all,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim returned, annoyed to
+have his judgment questioned. &ldquo;The raft was built
+to carry a much heavier load.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It seems sturdy enough, but there are no rails&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jabowski will keep his eye on the boys.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dismissing the matter, the island owner filled his
+speedboat to capacity and pulled away. Following
+orders, Jabowski herded the remaining Cubs aboard
+the raft.</p>
+<p>When all were seated who were to leave the
+island, not a spare inch of space remained.</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield, who had been watching the loading
+with troubled gaze, stepped to the edge of the dock
+to speak to Jabowski.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why not make another trip?&rdquo; he suggested. &ldquo;The
+raft is overloaded.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_141">[141]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s orders were to take &rsquo;em all in one
+load,&rdquo; Jabowski said stubbornly. &ldquo;I do as he tells
+me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>He started the motor and the raft slowly pulled
+away.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hey, wait!&rdquo; Ross Langdon shouted. &ldquo;I forgot my
+cap!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Before anyone could stop him, he leaped to his
+feet. The over-weighted raft tilted sharply to the
+left.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sit down!&rdquo; Jabowski yelled.</p>
+<p>The warning came much too late. Other Cubs,
+their feet under water, were scrambling frantically
+for safety.</p>
+<p>As the raft became even more off-balance, it
+tilted to a sharper angle, sliding all the Cubs except
+one into the river. Jabowski, clinging to the motor
+box, managed to hold on.</p>
+<p>The water into which the Cubs had fallen was
+well over their heads. Weighted down by shoes and
+clothing, they churned the surface in a frantic effort
+to keep up.</p>
+<p>Ross, an expert swimmer, seized one of the Cubs
+and towed him ashore.</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield and Midge&rsquo;s father both plunged in
+to assist others to safety.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_142">[142]</div>
+<p>Two of the Cubs grasped the side of the raft
+and were pulled aboard by the frightened Jabowski.</p>
+<p>Meanwhile, on shore, Dan had kicked off his
+shoes, ready to help.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where&rsquo;s Tim Tyler?&rdquo; he shouted.</p>
+<p>Tim was the youngest and smallest member of
+Den 1. Also, as all the boys knew, he was the only
+Cub who had never learned to swim a stroke.</p>
+<p>In the darkness there now was no glimpse of the
+boy. He was neither on the raft nor anywhere visible
+in the water.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He was aboard when the raft upset,&rdquo; Dan cried.
+&ldquo;I saw him just before it went over. Maybe he&rsquo;s
+pinned underneath!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Without waiting for others to act, the boy made a
+clean dive from the end of the dock. With the speed
+of a bullet he shot beneath the raft.</p>
+<p>To his confusion, it was not flat underneath as he
+had expected. Instead, the craft was laced with four
+large metal tanks.</p>
+<p>At the moment, Dan had no time to think of their
+significance or to wonder why they were there. Holding
+his breath, he groped about in the dark waters
+of the cool river.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_143">[143]</div>
+<p>He felt rather than saw the body which was
+wedged between the tanks in the very centermost
+portion of the raft.</p>
+<p>Seizing Tim by an arm, Dan attempted to swim
+out with him. His head and shoulders came hard
+against the metal tanks and he could make no
+progress.</p>
+<p>Dan&rsquo;s breath now was growing short and he knew
+he must work fast. Treading water, he used both
+arms to try to free the imprisoned Cub.</p>
+<p>At first he could not move the boy an inch. Then
+Dan&rsquo;s hand encountered a jagged nail, and he realized
+that Tim&rsquo;s clothing had speared on it.</p>
+<p>With a hard jerk, he ripped the garment free.
+Then, with the limp form of the boy on his left hip,
+he swam and pulled them both toward the outer
+edge of the raft.</p>
+<p>His heart began to pound and his lungs to feel as
+if they would explode. Could he keep going? He <i>had</i>
+to, Dan told himself. To abandon Tim never entered
+his thoughts. Only a stroke or two more&mdash;</p>
+<p>When it seemed to Dan that he had reached the
+very end, a strong hand grasped his clothing. Both
+he and Tim, to whom he clung desperately, were
+hauled up onto the raft.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_144">[144]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Good work, Dan!&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield&rsquo;s praise rang in
+his ears. &ldquo;You saved Tim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>All the Cubs were taken ashore to dry out by the
+fire. Mr. Holloway and the Cub leader stretched Tim
+out on the dock, wrapping him in blankets. It was
+unnecessary to apply artificial respiration, for he
+soon opened his eyes and began to breathe normally.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll look after Tim,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield advised Dan
+as the shivering boy hovered near. &ldquo;Hike to the tent
+and change your clothes.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Hatfield, there&rsquo;s something I want to tell
+you&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Later, Dan.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad threw a blanket over the boy&rsquo;s shoulders and
+led him away.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The Den is proud of you, Dan,&rdquo; he declared as
+he waited while the other changed into dry clothing.
+&ldquo;You earned yourself a medal tonight.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t do anything,&rdquo; Dan replied. &ldquo;Or rather,
+anyone would have done the same.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You thought and acted in a split-second. That
+was what counted, Dan. If Mr. Manheim hadn&rsquo;t
+been so bull-headed about taking too many Cubs on
+the raft, the accident wouldn&rsquo;t have occurred.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_145">[145]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;It was badly balanced from the start, Brad. I
+can&rsquo;t understand those tanks&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What tanks, Dan?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why there were four of them on the underside
+of the raft.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Tanks? You&rsquo;re sure?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I certainly am. They were long and flat and made
+of metal. Tim was wedged between them, his
+trousers snagged on a nail.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe they were gasoline tanks.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;They looked like it. But why would the raft need
+so many? These tanks would hold fifteen or twenty
+gallons each.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Another thing, the gas tank that feeds the motor
+is on the top side of the raft,&rdquo; Brad said thoughtfully.
+&ldquo;It does seem queer. You told Mr. Hatfield?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I aim to. He was too busy working on Tim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan finished dressing and the two boys sought the
+warmth of the fire. Tim, wrapped in blankets, was
+brought there.</p>
+<p>The other drenched Cubs were lent clothing by
+the more fortunate boys of Den 2.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_146">[146]</div>
+<p>Presently Mr. Manheim returned from across the
+river. Informed by Jabowski as to what had occurred,
+he was profuse in his apologies for the mishap.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t understand how it happened,&rdquo; he said to
+Mr. Hatfield. &ldquo;Why, we&rsquo;ve transported lumber and
+very heavy objects on that raft. We never had an
+accident before.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s always a first time,&rdquo; the Cub leader replied.
+&ldquo;Fortunately, no serious harm has been done.
+But it was a miracle the raft upset at the dock and
+not in mid-stream.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After Mr. Manheim had taken the Den 1 Cubs
+ashore in the motorboat, the Skeleton Island camp
+settled down for the night.</p>
+<p>Not until then did Dan have opportunity to tell
+Mr. Hatfield of seeing the gasoline tanks beneath the
+raft.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I think that&rsquo;s what made it upset,&rdquo; he declared.
+&ldquo;When the load shifted, all the fuel ran to the same
+side.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Fuel tanks on the underside of a raft,&rdquo; Sam Hatfield
+mused. &ldquo;That seems odd. Why would a raft
+need such large carrying capacity?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe to supply another boat.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s motorcraft has a large tank.
+It doesn&rsquo;t make sense to me.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_147">[147]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I figure Jabowski&rsquo;s been supplying that motorboat
+Brad and I saw signal from across the river,&rdquo;
+Dan said.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He may be selling Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s gasoline and
+picking up a little extra money for himself, Dan. I
+wouldn&rsquo;t put it past him. That, I suppose, would
+explain those tanks underneath the raft.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m wondering too if Jabowski may not be mixed
+up with the river pirates.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield gazed at the boy in amazement.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hold on, Dan!&rdquo; he exclaimed. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re going too
+fast for me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No one likes Jabowski,&rdquo; Dan argued. &ldquo;He has no
+friends. I know because I&rsquo;ve inquired.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The man isn&rsquo;t very likeable, I&rsquo;ll grant, but to
+accuse him of being a crook is something I wouldn&rsquo;t
+venture to do.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not accusing him, Mr. Hatfield. I&rsquo;m only
+wondering. You recall, on the night the furs were
+stolen, a motorboat almost like Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s tore
+into Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s sailboat.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I remember, Dan.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Since then, police have watched the waterfront
+for that boat. Especially gasoline outlets.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve read so in the papers, Dan.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_148">[148]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;According to the stories, police have been puzzled
+as to where the boat owners put in for fuel.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I see you&rsquo;re well informed on the subject, Dan,&rdquo;
+Mr. Hatfield said, smiling.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve read every word, because I&rsquo;m interested.
+Maybe those river thieves have moved out of here,
+but I have a hunch they&rsquo;re just biding their time
+before pulling another job.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Be that as it may, Dan, the Cubs can&rsquo;t afford to
+mix themselves in any such business. As I said before,
+if I thought Skeleton Island had become a hideout
+for the river thieves, I&rsquo;d never recommend that
+this camp site be bought.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But if we don&rsquo;t investigate, how can you know
+if the camp&rsquo;s really safe?&rdquo; Dan argued.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;So that&rsquo;s where this conversation has been pointing,&rdquo;
+Mr. Hatfield chuckled. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re proposing that
+the Cubs do a little sleuthing before we leave here?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t we?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What could we learn, Dan?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;d like to find out more about Jabowski and his
+habits. I have an idea, Mr. Hatfield, if you&rsquo;d hear
+of it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What is this idea, Dan?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_149">[149]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;You know that game we sometimes play of &lsquo;Follow
+the Trail.&rsquo; One Cub goes ahead and lays out a
+trail which the others tried to follow.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield nodded. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s excellent training in
+observation for the Cubs.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, I thought, if you&rsquo;re willing, we might lay
+the trail across the island and around Jabowski&rsquo;s
+place. The Cubs could be instructed to notice anything
+unusual and report.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Spy out the old hotel, you mean?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s right. Maybe it wouldn&rsquo;t net anything.
+Then again, we might pick up considerable information
+about Jabowski.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield thought the matter over for a moment.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll be here only one day longer,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If
+we tried out your idea, it would have to be early in
+the morning.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then we may do it?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll think it over,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield replied in a tone
+which was a half-promise. &ldquo;Get to sleep now, Dan.
+We&rsquo;ll talk further of this tomorrow.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_150">[150]</div>
+<h2 id="c12"><span class="small">CHAPTER 12</span>
+<br />Following the Trail</h2>
+<p>Excitement swept the camp the next morning
+when Mr. Hatfield told the Cubs they were to play
+the trail game Dan had proposed.</p>
+<p>Taking the boys partially into his confidence, the
+Cub leader explained that he wished to obtain as
+much information as possible about Jabowski or any
+other occupants of the island.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What sort of information?&rdquo; Mack asked, puzzled.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a request that can&rsquo;t be explained,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+replied. &ldquo;Just keep your eyes open. If you notice
+anything unusual report it after the hunt is over.
+Dan will lay the trail.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll need twenty minutes start of the gang,&rdquo; Dan
+announced, already making his plans.</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield told the Cubs that he might be absent
+from camp upon their return. He had arranged for
+a yacht club boat to pick him up, as he wished to
+visit Tim Tyler to make certain the boy had suffered
+no ill effects from his previous night&rsquo;s ducking.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_151">[151]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I shan&rsquo;t be gone long,&rdquo; he told the Cubs. &ldquo;During
+my absence, Brad will be in charge.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And that means you all must do just as I say,&rdquo;
+Brad instructed the younger boys. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll lead the clue
+hunt, and I want you to stick close to me. No
+stragglers!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Cubs allowed Dan a full twenty minutes start
+and then set out in pursuit.</p>
+<p>Midge found the first clue, a bit of bush broken
+off and weighted down with stones.</p>
+<p>Farther on, Red spied a forked stick which pointed
+the direction. The trail avoided the marsh, skirting
+the shore much of the way. Finally it wound through
+a brushy hollow and came out within view of the old
+hotel where Jabowski lived.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s the idea of all this?&rdquo; Red demanded, sinking
+down on a rock to rest. &ldquo;Dan brought us to this
+old hotel on purpose, didn&rsquo;t he?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s right,&rdquo; Brad agreed. &ldquo;And here&rsquo;s a note
+from him.&rdquo; His keen eyes had sighted a slip of paper
+speared on a nearby tree branch.</p>
+<p>Obtaining it, he read aloud: &ldquo;Watch the windows
+of the hotel.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_152">[152]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;The windows?&rdquo; Red repeated. &ldquo;What does he
+mean by that?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; Brad shrugged. &ldquo;Just keep your
+eyes peeled for anything unusual.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Such as what?&rdquo; Midge demanded.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t tell you that. I don&rsquo;t know myself. If you
+see Jabowski or anyone around, keep tab on &rsquo;em.
+Pick up any information you can, no matter how
+trivial it may seem.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But why are we doing this?&rdquo; Mack complained.
+&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t get it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Hatfield will explain later.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You and Dan seem to be on the inside,&rdquo; Chips
+grumbled.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t want to play the game, you can trot
+back to camp. And that goes for all of you!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, don&rsquo;t get tough,&rdquo; Chips retorted. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re willing
+to spy out the enemy camp, but it would be more
+to the point if you&rsquo;d do a little explaining.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;All in good time, all in good time,&rdquo; Brad rejoined,
+restored to good humor.</p>
+<p>Following the trail Dan had marked, the Cubs
+slowly circled the hotel building.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t believe Jabowski lives there,&rdquo; Midge declared.
+&ldquo;The place is deserted.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_153">[153]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;No, it isn&rsquo;t,&rdquo; corrected Red. &ldquo;I see smoke coming
+from the chimney at the rear.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad praised the boy for his observation and urged
+the others to be on the lookout for other signs.</p>
+<p>A little farther on, the Den Chief paused to study
+the grimy windows of the ancient building.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jabowski doesn&rsquo;t hurt himself keeping the place
+clean or tidy,&rdquo; he remarked. &ldquo;Look at those windows!
+And the weeds in the yard!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And the shutters,&rdquo; contributed Fred. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re
+banging around at every angle.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad suddenly froze into alert attention. His gaze
+had focused hard upon one of the upstairs hotel windows.
+The glare of the sun was upon it, and for a
+moment the others could not see what had attracted
+his interest.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Fellows, there&rsquo;s someone standing at the window!&rdquo;
+he exclaimed. &ldquo;Not Jabowski either!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It looks like a boy,&rdquo; Chips declared, shifting his
+position so that the reflected sunlight would not
+blind him.</p>
+<p>Huddled together, the Cubs all fastened their
+gaze upon the window. Plainly they could see a
+youth standing there, his face pressed close against
+the dirty pane.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_154">[154]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;<i>Jeepers!</i>&rdquo; Chips whispered in stunned recognition.
+&ldquo;<i>It&rsquo;s Jacques!</i>&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Almost at the same instant, Brad and the other
+Cubs had made a similar observation. The boy who
+stood at the window was the same one who had
+vanished from the Cave only a few days earlier.</p>
+<p>As the boys watched, a hand appeared from nowhere
+to jerk Jacques back from the window. They
+waited several minutes, but the boy did not reappear.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You know what I think!&rdquo; Midge cried, recovering
+from stunned surprise. &ldquo;Jacques is being held a
+prisoner in there!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Either Jabowski or someone else saw him trying
+to signal us, and pulled him back out of sight!&rdquo; Fred
+added excitedly. &ldquo;I say we ought to break in and
+rescue him!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not so fast,&rdquo; Brad cautioned as the other Cubs
+were ready to back up the proposal. &ldquo;Our orders
+were to report back to camp. Remember?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But this is an emergency,&rdquo; Chips argued. &ldquo;If
+Jacques is being held a prisoner, we ought to get
+him out!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_155">[155]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;And maybe get ourselves into a peck of trouble.
+Nope! Dan must have seen that boy too or he
+wouldn&rsquo;t have left the note. We&rsquo;re hiking back to
+camp. It&rsquo;s up to Mr. Hatfield to decide what to do.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Turning deaf ears upon all protests, Brad led the
+Cubs back the way they had come. Suddenly, a
+figure loomed up ahead of the boys. It was Jabowski
+who confronted them. From where he had come or
+how long he had been secreted in the bushes, they
+could not guess.</p>
+<p>The caretaker&rsquo;s voice was hard and unfriendly as
+he demanded:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What d&rsquo;you think you&rsquo;re doing here?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, we&rsquo;re playing &lsquo;follow the trail&rsquo;,&rdquo; Brad said
+as the other Cubs were too abashed to reply.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You were spying on the house!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Spying?&rdquo; Brad asked innocently. &ldquo;Why, what is
+there to see?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Nothing. Not a thing,&rdquo; Jabowski retorted, made
+uncomfortable by the manner in which the boy had
+turned the accusation. &ldquo;I just don&rsquo;t like kids swarming
+over the place. See?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Manheim gave us permission to camp on the
+island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But not to run wild over it. This here place is
+mine and I don&rsquo;t want snoopers. Now get back to
+your own end of the island and stay there!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_156">[156]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, sure,&rdquo; Brad said, signaling the Cubs to make
+no resistance. &ldquo;We were leaving anyhow.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t aim to be mean,&rdquo; Jabowski said, mollified
+by the boy&rsquo;s willingness to obey. &ldquo;But a guy has to
+have some privacy. That raft upsetting last night set
+my nerves on edge. You the boy that dived
+under it?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No, that was Dan Carter.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Which one is he?&rdquo; Jabowski&rsquo;s keen gaze swept
+the group.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Dan isn&rsquo;t here,&rdquo; Midge informed the caretaker.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, no matter,&rdquo; Jabowski said. &ldquo;Git along now,
+and mind what I said. You keep to your end of the
+island and there&rsquo;ll be no hard feelings. By the way,
+when you leaving?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;For good you mean?&rdquo; Brad asked. &ldquo;Why, late this
+afternoon, I guess.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Then you won&rsquo;t be camping here another night.&rdquo;
+Unmistakable relief was stamped on the caretaker&rsquo;s
+face. &ldquo;Good-bye, boys.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, you may see us again,&rdquo; Brad said with mischievous
+intent. &ldquo;Oh, say! Have you run into that
+tramp who annoyed us the first day we camped
+here?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_157">[157]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Tramp? The one who threw the stone?&rdquo; Jabowski&rsquo;s
+expression became guarded. &ldquo;No, I searched the
+island after Mr. Manheim complained to me. No one
+around. If anyone scared you, he&rsquo;s gone now.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s hope so, at least,&rdquo; replied Brad evenly.
+&ldquo;Well, so long, Mr. Jabowski. Sorry to have bothered
+you.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Cubs tramped off, and because they knew
+the caretaker was watching, did not look back until
+they were a long distance from the old hotel.</p>
+<p>Once out of sight and hearing, the boys discussed
+the important discovery they had made.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no question that it was Jacques we saw
+at the window,&rdquo; Brad declared. &ldquo;But what&rsquo;s he doing
+here? And was it Jabowski who pulled him away
+from the window, or someone else?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s a prisoner, for sure,&rdquo; Midge insisted. &ldquo;We
+know someone spirited him away from the Cave.
+He&rsquo;s probably been held here ever since.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Come on, let&rsquo;s find Mr. Hatfield,&rdquo; Brad urged,
+starting along the trail again.</p>
+<p>At the camp a few minutes later, the Cubs were
+surprised to find the site entirely deserted. Dan was
+nowhere around. Nor was Mr. Hatfield or Midge&rsquo;s
+father to be found.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_158">[158]</div>
+<p>Belatedly, Brad recalled that the Cub leader and
+Mr. Holloway had expected to make a brief trip that
+morning to the mainland.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s probably where they are,&rdquo; he remarked,
+his gaze anxiously sweeping the river. &ldquo;But where&rsquo;s
+Dan?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe he went along,&rdquo; Fred suggested.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe,&rdquo; Brad agreed doubtfully. &ldquo;But he
+couldn&rsquo;t have returned to camp very long ago.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>While the other boys aired their bedding and
+attended to camp tasks, the older boy wandered
+along the shore.</p>
+<p>On the west beach he noticed where a boat had
+been pulled up on the wet sand. The area was splattered
+with footprints, both large and small.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A boat landed after the Cubs went trail hunting,&rdquo;
+Brad reconstructed the scene. &ldquo;Dan must have come
+down here to meet the folks, whoever they were.
+Maybe he went away with them, or was taken
+away!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>As far as Brad could see, the river was deserted
+of small craft. However, the dense bushes lining
+both sides of the wide stream provided ample protection
+for any boat which might seek to keep out of
+view.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_159">[159]</div>
+<p>Recalling the motorcraft which apparently had
+been serviced by the island raft, Brad became increasingly
+uneasy.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It isn&rsquo;t like Dan to go away without leaving
+word,&rdquo; he told himself. &ldquo;Something&rsquo;s happened to
+him!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Just then his roving gaze fastened upon a pile of
+three stones placed conspicuously on the beach.
+Plainly they had been left there to attract attention.</p>
+<p>Brad kicked aside the stones. Folded beneath the
+lowermost one was a note from Dan.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Called to Police Station,&rdquo; it read. &ldquo;No chance to
+see Mr. Hatfield. See you soon&mdash;I hope.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad read the message twice, trying to figure it
+out.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now why would Dan be called to the police
+station?&rdquo; he speculated. &ldquo;It must be something important
+to bring the cops here after him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad was certain that his chum had committed
+no crime. But why otherwise would he be sought by
+police?</p>
+<p>&ldquo;See you soon&mdash;I hope,&rdquo; he reread the final words
+of the note. &ldquo;That sounds as if he thinks he may run
+into trouble. I wonder if Jabowski or someone who
+dislikes having the Cubs on Skeleton Island turned
+in a false complaint?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_160">[160]</div>
+<p>Decidedly worried, the Den Chief pocketed the
+note and walked slowly back toward camp.</p>
+<p>Without a motorboat, he knew he could do nothing
+until Mr. Hatfield and Midge&rsquo;s father returned
+from the mainland.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A nice kettle of fish,&rdquo; he muttered. &ldquo;Dan at the
+police station, and Jacques apparently a prisoner in
+the old hotel. No telling what may happen next! And
+me with all the responsibility!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_161">[161]</div>
+<h2 id="c13"><span class="small">CHAPTER 13</span>
+<br />Identifying a Prisoner</h2>
+<p>After laying the trail for the other Cubs to follow,
+Dan had spent some minutes watching the old hotel
+at the far end of the island. He too had observed
+Jacques standing at the window. Greatly excited by
+the discovery, he left a note for the Cubs and then
+hastened back to camp to report.</p>
+<p>However, neither Mr. Hatfield nor Midge&rsquo;s father
+was there, having crossed the river a few minutes
+earlier.</p>
+<p>Dan nervously paced the camp, wondering what
+he should do. Far across the island, he could hear an
+occasional shout from the Cubs as they noisily followed
+the trail he had marked.</p>
+<p>After awhile, the boy became aware of the approach
+of a high-powered speedboat. Turning to
+look, he was astonished to see that a Webster City
+police patrol boat was beaching on the island.</p>
+<p>As he went down to the water&rsquo;s edge, a sergeant
+and plainclothesman stepped out of the boat.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_162">[162]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Is this the Cub camp?&rdquo; the sergeant inquired.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, sir, it is,&rdquo; Dan replied. He wondered what
+had brought police to the island at such an early
+hour, or for that matter, at any hour.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re looking for a Mr. Hatfield.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He isn&rsquo;t here just now. But I expect him back in
+a half hour or so.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Mr. Holloway?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;They&rsquo;re together.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We came to take one of the boys back to the
+station with us,&rdquo; the sergeant explained. &ldquo;A kid by
+the name of Dan Carter. Is he around?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan drew in his breath, and answered uneasily:
+&ldquo;I&rsquo;m Dan Carter. Why do you want me? What have
+I done now?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Why, nothing&mdash;not a thing,&rdquo; the police officer
+reassured him. &ldquo;Weren&rsquo;t you one of the youngsters
+who saw the operator of a motorboat that struck Mr.
+Holloway&rsquo;s sailboat?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s right. But how did you know?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, we check up,&rdquo; the sergeant replied with a
+friendly grin. &ldquo;Remember the blindman?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I did tell him about the crash,&rdquo; Dan recalled. &ldquo;He
+passed the information on to you?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Right. You saw the men in that boat?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_163">[163]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, but not plainly. The boat was running without
+lights.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Think you could identify any of the men if you
+saw &rsquo;em again?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;One of them, I might.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Describe him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, he was short and muscular&mdash;heavily built.
+His jaw was sort of square and his face puffy. I
+couldn&rsquo;t see the color of his hair, but would say he
+was on the dark side.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s a pretty fair description, Dan,&rdquo; the sergeant
+praised. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re observing.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Actually, I think I saw him twice,&rdquo; Dan replied.
+&ldquo;Once in the boat and then again on shore talking
+to a little fellow with a paper bag. &lsquo;Paper Bag
+Eddie&rsquo;, they called him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The police sergeant and plainclothesman exchanged
+a quick glance.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Kid, you&rsquo;re the one we need to help us,&rdquo; the latter
+said. &ldquo;Now this is the set-up. We&rsquo;ve picked up
+a man we think may have been mixed up in the fur
+robbery. Also, he may be the one that rammed Mr.
+Holloway&rsquo;s boat. We want you to identify him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know if I can,&rdquo; Dan said doubtfully. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll
+be glad to try.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_164">[164]</div>
+<p>Excited at the prospect before him, Dan scribbled
+a note for Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs. This he placed
+under a pile of stones on the beach where he was
+certain it would be seen. He then boarded the police
+boat and was ferried across the river.</p>
+<p>At the police station, Dan was told to wait in an
+ante-room. He sat down, thumbing through the
+pages of a magazine. Policemen went in and out,
+but save for an occasional glance at the boy, no one
+paid any attention to him.</p>
+<p>Dan began to wonder if he had been entirely forgotten.</p>
+<p>After awhile, he arose and wandered out into the
+first floor corridor. As he stood there watching men
+and women pass through from James St. to Whitehill
+Ave., he suddenly stiffened.</p>
+<p>Through the revolving doors came Paper Bag
+Eddie. The man was alone. His hat had been pulled
+low over his eyes, and his coat collar was high, but
+he carried the familiar paper sack.</p>
+<p>A policeman, recognizing the man, stopped him
+for a moment.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hello, Eddie,&rdquo; he said, eyeing him guardedly.
+&ldquo;What brings you here?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_165">[165]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;The measles,&rdquo; Eddie retorted, his thin lips curling
+into a sneer. &ldquo;You got nothing on me, copper. It&rsquo;s a
+free corridor, ain&rsquo;t it?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Just keep moving, Eddie.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m here to pay a traffic fine,&rdquo; the man replied.
+&ldquo;Any law against it?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Go ahead,&rdquo; the policeman said. &ldquo;Just make it
+snappy and get out. We don&rsquo;t want you loitering
+around here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Eddie eyed the police officer insolently, but made
+no reply. Passing Dan, he entered a door which bore
+a sign: &ldquo;Pay Traffic Fines Here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>However, he did not remain three minutes inside
+the room. No sooner had the policeman stepped into
+one of the court rooms, than Eddie emerged into the
+corridor again.</p>
+<p>His fox-like eyes darted back and forth, noting
+that no other policemen were anywhere in sight.</p>
+<p>This ascertained, he sidled over to Dan.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re here to identify a man you&rsquo;re supposed to
+have seen in a motorboat,&rdquo; his purring voice said.
+&ldquo;Get this! You never saw the guy before.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Taken by surprise, Dan stared at Eddie and made
+no reply.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Have some popcorn?&rdquo; the man invited.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_166">[166]</div>
+<p>Dan shook his head, and made uncomfortable by
+those dark boring eyes, moved a step back against
+the wall.</p>
+<p>Eddie had opened the bag. Now he thrust it
+directly under the boy&rsquo;s eyes. Dan saw then that it
+contained not popcorn, but a 32-caliber revolver.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You never saw the guy before,&rdquo; Eddie repeated.
+&ldquo;If you forget&mdash;you&rsquo;ll hear from me. I got a way of
+taking care of my friends and them that ain&rsquo;t.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Two policemen had emerged from one of the
+offices. Dan turned to signal to them. Before he
+could do so, Eddie wheeled and departed by way
+of the revolving doors.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re Dan Carter?&rdquo; one of the policemen called,
+noticing the boy. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re waiting for you.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That man who was talking to me!&rdquo; Dan exclaimed.
+&ldquo;Did you notice him?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Neither of the policemen had seen Eddie.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He threatened me,&rdquo; Dan revealed. &ldquo;Warned me
+not to identify someone in the line-up. And he had
+a revolver.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Now very much interested, the policemen went
+outside the building to look up and down the street.
+Paper Bag Eddie was nowhere to be seen.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_167">[167]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Probably hailed a taxi and made a quick getaway,&rdquo;
+one of the officers said. &ldquo;Listen, Dan. Don&rsquo;t
+pay any attention to what he told you. It was all
+bluff. You go in there and identify your man if you
+can.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I intend to,&rdquo; Dan announced, his face grim. &ldquo;He
+can&rsquo;t scare me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Good!&rdquo; the policeman approved. &ldquo;Now follow
+me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan was led through a series of corridors and
+up an elevator to an inner room. There he was introduced
+to Detective Jim Blackwell and Sergeant
+Amos Davis.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now in a moment, several men will walk across
+a lighted stage in front of you,&rdquo; Sergeant Davis explained.
+&ldquo;You&rsquo;ll be behind this screen, protected
+from their view. Don&rsquo;t say anything, but look closely
+at each man. If you recognize any of them, tell me
+later. Got it?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan nodded. His heart pounded with excitement.
+He had made up his mind to identify the motorboat
+operator if he possibly could.</p>
+<p>But he couldn&rsquo;t forget about Eddie and the revolver
+in the paper bag. Somehow he had a feeling
+that the threat had not been entirely bluff.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_168">[168]</div>
+<p>The stage now was flooded with blinding light.
+One at a time, six men walked into Dan&rsquo;s range of
+vision.</p>
+<p>The first three he had never seen before and resembled
+no one he had ever known. Dan gave them
+scarcely a second glance.</p>
+<p>At sight of the fourth man in the line-up, he
+stiffened. Although the fellow tried to look unconcerned,
+Dan could see that he was worried. He knew
+him instantly as the sailor he had seen talking to
+Paper Bag Eddie.</p>
+<p>Also, he was reasonably certain that the man was
+the same one who had operated the motorboat.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s the one!&rdquo; Dan whispered.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Almost positive.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The men in the line-up were taken away and the
+stage darkened. Dan then was led to an adjoining
+room where he was questioned as to his identification
+and other information.</p>
+<p>Dan told the entire story, including his suspicions
+that Jabowski might be supplying the river pirates
+with gasoline.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_169">[169]</div>
+<p>He related also how Jacques had disappeared
+from the Cave under mysterious circumstances, the
+theft of the coded message, and finally, of seeing
+the boy again on the island.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It gave me a real shock to see him standing there
+at the window,&rdquo; he ended the account. &ldquo;I tried to
+signal him, but I don&rsquo;t think he saw me. After
+awhile, he stepped back out of sight. I figure though
+that Jabowski is holding him there against his will.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;ve given us some good tips, kid,&rdquo; the police
+officer praised Dan. &ldquo;Maybe we&rsquo;ll drop around at
+the island and give it a thorough going over.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A raid on the hotel?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You might call it that.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Whatever you do, don&rsquo;t arrest any of the Cubs
+that are camped on the island,&rdquo; Dan said anxiously.</p>
+<p>His remark amused the officer. &ldquo;You figure we
+can&rsquo;t tell a Cub from a crook?&rdquo; he chuckled.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t mean that, sir,&rdquo; Dan replied, flushing.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll look out for your friends,&rdquo; the officer reassured
+him. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you worry.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Orders were given for squad members to contact
+Mr. Manheim, the island owner, and then to proceed
+to the old hotel for a search of the premises.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll take you along with us, Dan,&rdquo; the officer
+told him. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll be needed to point out this boy
+Jacques who is being held a prisoner, you say.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_170">[170]</div>
+<p>In the squad car, the boy was driven to Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s
+office. As his accusations were repeated, the
+island owner bristled with anger.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Tommy rot!&rdquo; he exploded. &ldquo;My man Jabowski is
+to be trusted completely! This boy must be out of his
+head! Such gratitude. And after all I&rsquo;ve done for the
+Cubs!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>After storming about for awhile, Mr. Manheim
+agreed to accompany police to the island. During the
+swift boat ride across the river, he refused to speak
+to Dan.</p>
+<p>At the Cub camp, Mr. Hatfield and Midge&rsquo;s
+father both had returned. Already they had received
+a report from Brad and the other boys. But to see
+Dan arrive with a squad of policemen was something
+of a surprise.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I hope you&rsquo;re making no mistake,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield
+remarked to the boy after he had been informed that
+the hotel was to be searched. &ldquo;Mr. Manheim looks as
+angry as a hornet! If you should be wrong&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;All the Cubs saw Jacques at the window,&rdquo; Brad
+said, coming to Dan&rsquo;s defense. &ldquo;The boy must be
+somewhere on the island.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_171">[171]</div>
+<p>While the Cubs and their leaders approached the
+hotel by an overland route, police made a swift
+motorboat descent upon the building, tying up at
+the old dock.</p>
+<p>Accompanied by Mr. Manheim, they presented
+themselves at the front door. There was no response
+to their knock.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I should have a key,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim said, searching
+for it in his pocket. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t know what became
+of it. I&rsquo;ve not used it in six months.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Just then an upstairs window opened and Jabowski
+looked down on the group.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What d&rsquo;you want?&rdquo; he demanded. Then, recognizing
+his employer, he said quickly: &ldquo;Oh, it&rsquo;s you,
+Mr. Manheim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Open the door,&rdquo; the island owner ordered.
+&ldquo;Police insist on searching the place.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll be right down,&rdquo; the caretaker replied, leaving
+the window.</p>
+<p>A moment later he unlocked the front door, staring
+curiously at the members of the police squad.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sorry, our orders are to search the place,&rdquo;
+one of the officers apologized. &ldquo;Mind if we look
+around?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Go ahead,&rdquo; Jabowski shrugged. &ldquo;I only work
+here.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_172">[172]</div>
+<p>By this time all the Cubs had reached the hotel.
+However, except for Dan, Mr. Hatfield would not
+allow them inside the building.</p>
+<p>The lobby of the old hotel had been converted
+into a makeshift living room. Scantily furnished with
+a few cast-off pieces of rickety furniture, the floor
+was unswept and the windows dirty.</p>
+<p>Climbing a flight of squeaky stairs, the policemen
+began a systematic search of the bedrooms. Nearly
+all were empty and unfurnished.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jacques was in the room to the right of the
+corridor,&rdquo; Dan said, pointing it out.</p>
+<p>The officer thrust open the door. A boy who had
+been lying on an unmade bed, quickly got to his
+feet. Fully dressed, he stared first at Dan and then
+at the policemen.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This the boy?&rdquo; the officer demanded.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes, it&rsquo;s Jacques,&rdquo; Dan answered as the youth
+stood mute.</p>
+<p>Mr. Manheim and Jabowski had followed the
+policemen into the bedroom.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Your name, boy?&rdquo; the police officer questioned.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jacques&mdash;Jacques Jabowski.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jabowski? You&rsquo;re related to the caretaker?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s my nephew,&rdquo; Jabowski answered before the
+boy could speak. &ldquo;Anything wrong with that?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_173">[173]</div>
+<p>The police officer fixed Dan with an annoyed
+glance. &ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t mention a relationship, kid.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, I didn&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; Dan said in embarrassment.
+&ldquo;That is, I&rsquo;d heard Jabowski had a nephew,
+but I never once thought of his being Jacques. The
+boy was taken away from the Cave, and when I saw
+him here&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You jumped to wild conclusions,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim
+cut in furiously.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jacques will tell you I take good care of him and
+provide him with everything he needs,&rdquo; Jabowski
+added.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But you&rsquo;ve kept him a prisoner,&rdquo; Dan accused.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s not so,&rdquo; Jabowski denied. He gazed hard
+at his nephew. &ldquo;You tell &rsquo;em, Jacques. Are you held
+a prisoner here?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Jacques remained silent.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Answer up,&rdquo; Jabowski ordered harshly.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No!&rdquo; the boy replied, his face sullen.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jacques don&rsquo;t like it much here in this country,&rdquo;
+his uncle explained. &ldquo;He came over from France six
+months ago and is learning to speak English.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You see,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim broke in again. &ldquo;This
+entire situation has been misunderstood. Everything
+is in order here. I foolishly gave the Cub Scouts permission
+to camp on my island and they&rsquo;ve allowed
+their imaginations to run riot.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_174">[174]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;If any mistake has been made, it was entirely
+mine,&rdquo; Dan said. &ldquo;But I can&rsquo;t understand&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>He gazed at Jacques who was looking at him with
+a strange expression in his eyes. It seemed to Dan
+that the boy wanted to speak, that he was trying to
+make something known, and yet was afraid. Dan
+decided to question him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jacques,&rdquo; he said earnestly. &ldquo;Why did you leave
+the Cave? Who took you away?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You came here of your own free will, Jacques,&rdquo;
+his uncle replied, putting words in the boy&rsquo;s mind.
+&ldquo;Wasn&rsquo;t that it? Tell the officers.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; Jacques replied, his eyes downcast. &ldquo;<i>Oui</i>.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Obviously disgusted by the turn of events, the
+policemen made a quick and casual inspection of
+other rooms in the old hotel.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Everything seems to be in order here,&rdquo; they informed
+Mr. Manheim. &ldquo;Sorry to have caused you
+annoyance.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield and Dan also apologized to the island
+owner. However, he was in no mood to accept an
+explanation or to forgive.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_175">[175]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I made a mistake allowing the Cubs to come
+here,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim declared. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve spread damaging
+rumors about the island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If that&rsquo;s the way you feel, we&rsquo;ll leave at once,&rdquo;
+the Cub leader replied. &ldquo;An error of judgment was
+made, but under the circumstance, I don&rsquo;t feel Dan
+should be too severely criticized.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The island owner and Mr. Hatfield now stood on
+the sagging veranda, surrounded by Cubs. A few
+splatters of rain drove into their faces.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll not ask you to break camp with a storm coming
+on,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim said. &ldquo;If you&rsquo;ll leave by tomorrow
+morning, that will be satisfactory.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll endeavor to depart before that. I&rsquo;ll contact
+the mainland as quickly as I can and have a launch
+come to pick up our equipment.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Suit yourselves,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim shrugged. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m
+not driving you away. You&rsquo;re free to stay until tomorrow
+morning. After that, I&rsquo;ll consider it a favor
+if you&rsquo;ll not bring the Cubs here again.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Rest assured we will remain away, Mr. Manheim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Another thing. I&rsquo;ve changed my mind about selling
+the camp site. You readily can see that it would
+never work out to have Cubs or Scouts here. There
+would be constant friction.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_176">[176]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;On that point I could give you an argument, Mr.
+Manheim. However, I realize you&rsquo;ve made up your
+mind, so I&rsquo;ll say no more.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Leaving Mr. Manheim with Jabowski, the discouraged
+Cubs trudged back to camp with their
+leaders. Rain now was falling steadily, adding to
+the gloom of the boys.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Brace up, Dan,&rdquo; Brad said as the two sought the
+shelter of a tent. &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t exactly your fault.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure it was,&rdquo; Dan insisted. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve messed things
+up for fair. Mr. Hatfield&rsquo;s being mighty decent
+about it, but I can see he&rsquo;s bothered. And the Scouts
+will blame us for cutting them out of their camp
+site.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who wants this old island anyhow? We&rsquo;ve had
+plenty of trouble since we came here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;All caused by our own wild imagination, as Manheim
+puts it! Brad, Jacques was hiding the truth
+from the police! I&rsquo;m sure of it. He&rsquo;s completely
+under the thumb of that uncle of his.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe so, but if we can&rsquo;t prove it, what&rsquo;s the
+good in knowing? We&rsquo;ll be leaving here as soon as
+this rain lets up.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_177">[177]</div>
+<p>Dan nodded gloomily. Already Mr. Hatfield
+and Midge&rsquo;s father were making arrangements to
+have a launch sent from the yacht club. The moment
+that the storm cleared, he knew an order would be
+given to strike the tents.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Brad, if we could talk to Jacques alone, maybe
+we could get something out of him,&rdquo; he proposed
+suddenly.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jabowski wouldn&rsquo;t let us within a mile of the
+kid.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Not if he could help himself.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad regarded Dan speculatively. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re suggesting
+that we try to see him when Jabowski isn&rsquo;t
+around, Dan?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the general idea. If we could get to him
+he might talk. I&rsquo;ve messed things up for the Cubs
+and I&rsquo;d like to square myself if I could.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Brad thought over the proposal. &ldquo;How&rsquo;d we get to
+him?&rdquo; he asked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;d have to watch the place and sneak in
+whenever we got the chance.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think it will work,&rdquo; Brad said slowly. &ldquo;But
+I&rsquo;m willing to try. Shall we tell the other Cubs?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s not, Brad. The idea may flop. Let&rsquo;s just slip
+away.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_178">[178]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll leave a note for Mr. Hatfield,&rdquo; Brad said,
+scribbling on the page of a notebook he took from
+his pocket. &ldquo;If anything should happen that we
+don&rsquo;t get back right away, he might worry.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The older boy left the message in plain view on
+his bed. Buttoning themselves into their slickers, the
+pair then quitted the tent. Unnoticed, they followed
+the shore for a distance, and then sliced through the
+dunes to the woodland surrounding Jabowski&rsquo;s
+place.</p>
+<p>As upon the first occasion they had viewed the
+old hotel, it appeared completely deserted. This
+time, however, the boys were not deceived.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jabowski and his nephew both are inside probably,&rdquo;
+Brad said. &ldquo;Our only chance is to lie in wait
+until we see Jabowski leave. Then we might try to
+get in. We&rsquo;re taking a fearful chance though.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>For three quarters of an hour, the two Cubs shivered
+in their inadequate shelter of bushes. Rain
+continued to fall. During the entire time, no one
+entered or left the hotel.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We can&rsquo;t stick here forever,&rdquo; Brad said at length.
+&ldquo;Mr. Hatfield will be sending a searching party
+after us.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I guess my idea was a bum one again,&rdquo; Dan admitted,
+brushing a mop of damp hair from his eyes.
+&ldquo;Want to leave?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_179">[179]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s make a tour around the hotel first,&rdquo; Brad
+said.</p>
+<p>Keeping out of sight, the pair crept through the
+bushes, completely circling the old building. No
+one was visible at any of the windows.</p>
+<p>Finally they came to the river. Thrusting through
+a particularly dense thicket, Brad abruptly halted.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hello?&rdquo; he muttered. &ldquo;What&rsquo;s this?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Progress was barred by an accumulation of brush
+and debris. Pulling some of it aside, Brad saw a dark
+opening leading back under the rise of ground.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Gosh, Dan,&rdquo; he murmured in awe. &ldquo;This looks
+like the entrance to the old tunnel Mr. Hatfield told
+us about.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It sure does,&rdquo; Dan agreed excitedly. &ldquo;And someone&rsquo;s
+found it ahead of us. The sand which blocked
+the entrance was dug out, and then the opening
+hidden with all this brush!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s find out where it goes!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>With no thought of personal danger, the boys
+pulled away enough debris to permit them to
+squeeze through into the dark tunnel.</p>
+<p>In years past it had been bricked over, but now
+water oozed through many breaks in the walls and
+low ceiling.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_180">[180]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;This must lead to the old hotel,&rdquo; Dan said, groping
+his way along the damp wall. &ldquo;Maybe we&rsquo;ll get
+in after all!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Before the boys had gone very far they came
+upon four sturdy sawhorses where a boat obviously
+had been allowed to rest while being painted. Varnish
+and cans of half-used paint remained, but the
+boat had been removed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Dan, I get it all now!&rdquo; Brad exclaimed. &ldquo;That
+boat which struck Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s sailing craft was
+painted and outfitted here in the tunnel!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And painted to resemble Mr. Manheim&rsquo;s speedboat!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the way I dope it, Dan. Let&rsquo;s see what lies
+further on.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Highly excited by their discovery, the two boys
+moved rapidly on down the tunnel. Presently, a
+series of ten stone steps led up to a small bricked
+room which they judged must be directly beneath
+the hotel.</p>
+<p>But to the disappointment of the Cubs, the room
+was empty save for a few empty boxes, from which
+all markings carefully had been removed.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_181">[181]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Dan, you know what I think!&rdquo; Brad exclaimed,
+taking care to keep his voice low-pitched so that it
+would not carry to the rooms above. &ldquo;This room has
+been used for the storage of loot!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The furs stolen from the warehouse!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It wouldn&rsquo;t surprise me. Why, it was a perfect
+set-up! The crooks snatched the stuff and made a
+quick dash across the river. No one became suspicious,
+because the boat looked exactly like Manheim&rsquo;s.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;They unloaded the boxes here, and then if police
+checked the boat, of course they&rsquo;d find nothing!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Exactly! Then after the theft blew over and
+police weren&rsquo;t watching the waterfront as closely,
+they moved the stuff out and disposed of it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Brad, I was right after all! Jabowski is mixed up
+in this!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe so, but we have no proof,&rdquo; Brad brought
+him up short. &ldquo;While we&rsquo;re pretty certain in our
+own minds what happened, the evidence isn&rsquo;t conclusive.
+All we have here is a few empty boxes. It
+doesn&rsquo;t establish anyone&rsquo;s guilt.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s true,&rdquo; Dan admitted unwillingly. &ldquo;If we
+went to the police with this, they&rsquo;d probably give
+me the jolly ha-ha again.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s see where this tunnel comes out,&rdquo; Brad
+proposed.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_182">[182]</div>
+<p>Quitting the bricked room, the boys followed a
+dark passageway until they came to a solid oak door.
+It was locked.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;This is the end,&rdquo; Brad whispered. &ldquo;The door
+must enter the hotel. Jabowski may go back and
+forth, but he&rsquo;d never admit it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What do you think we should do?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll tell Mr. Hatfield, of course. He may go to
+the police, but I doubt it. The Cubs already are in
+Dutch with Mr. Manheim. If we make any more
+accusations we can&rsquo;t prove, he&rsquo;ll have a right to be
+furious.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;But this we can prove,&rdquo; Dan argued. &ldquo;The tunnel
+is here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the unfortunate part, Dan. It always has
+been here. We can&rsquo;t tie a thing onto Jabowski or
+those other fellows unless police should catch &rsquo;em
+red-handed.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Fine chance of that!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;They may try to pull another job. What was the
+date on that coded message?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The 24th. I remember because it&rsquo;s the day of our
+Pack swimming meet.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_183">[183]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;That date may have significance,&rdquo; Brad speculated.
+&ldquo;But it&rsquo;s not for us to decide. Let&rsquo;s get out of
+here now and give Mr. Hatfield all the facts. Then
+he can take the responsibility.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan knew that the older boy&rsquo;s advice was sound
+and should be followed. But it was with a sinking
+heart that he followed Brad through the damp tunnel
+to the river.</p>
+<p>He was willing to bet that neither the Cub leader
+nor police would favor another raid on the island.
+His attempt to straighten out matters had failed!
+Time had run out.</p>
+<p>Through his bungling, the Cubs would lose their
+island camp. And there wasn&rsquo;t a thing he could do.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_184">[184]</div>
+<h2 id="c14"><span class="small">CHAPTER 14</span>
+<br />Victory for Den 2</h2>
+<p>At the &ldquo;Y&rdquo; swimming pool, Dan Carter and the
+Cubs lounged against the tiled wall, awaiting the
+signal for start of the long-awaited Pack meet.</p>
+<p>The gallery was jammed with spectators, for
+parents and friends of both teams had turned out in
+large numbers to witness this decisive contest of the
+season. A large silver cup, to be awarded the winning
+Den, stood on a table in plain view of the
+swimmers.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Gosh, I sure hope we can win that beautiful
+baby,&rdquo; Midge said, gazing longingly at the trophy.
+&ldquo;Dan, we&rsquo;re depending on you to do your stuff!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll sure try,&rdquo; Dan replied, shivering in his wet
+suit. &ldquo;But you know Ross! He&rsquo;s jet propelled. Furthermore,
+he hasn&rsquo;t forgotten how we won that last
+meet.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>As the boys talked, Ross himself sauntered past.
+He paused to hitch up his trunks and fix Dan with
+an amused eye.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_185">[185]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s going to be too bad for you, little shrimp,&rdquo;
+he jeered. &ldquo;This time, you won&rsquo;t win on a fluke! In
+fact, you won&rsquo;t win. Period.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be too sure,&rdquo; Midge cut in. &ldquo;Take a look
+at the events that have been posted.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;What&rsquo;s different about &rsquo;em?&rdquo; Ross demanded
+suspiciously.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The coaches got together and substituted a 75-yard
+free style for the 50-yard. They figure it&rsquo;s a
+better test of swimming form. In the shorter distance,
+a good turn at the wall gives a fellow a big
+advantage.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;No one told me about changing the distance,&rdquo;
+Ross muttered. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m going to find out about this!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The Cubs saw him arguing vigorously with his
+own coach and Mr. Hatfield. The two men listened
+to his complaint but did not change the list of scheduled
+events.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s this way, Ross,&rdquo; Mr. Hatfield explained. &ldquo;The
+Cubs steadily have increased their endurance as
+well as their speed. At the beginning of the season,
+a 50-yard swim was a hard race for everyone concerned.
+Now it&rsquo;s a breeze. The 75-yard freestyle is
+a far better test of one&rsquo;s real ability.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_186">[186]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, I guess so,&rdquo; Ross admitted, but he looked
+worried. Though the Den 1 coach had urged him
+many times to practice the longer length, he nearly
+always had stopped short at the end of two turns.</p>
+<p>While waiting for the starting signal, Dan at the
+other end of the pool allowed his gaze to wander
+over the packed audience. In the back row near the
+door he caught a glimpse of a short little man whose
+sharp-featured face gave him a start.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Midge, look over there!&rdquo; he muttered, nudging
+his companion.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s gone now,&rdquo; Dan returned. &ldquo;Slipped out
+through the door. For just a minute I thought&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>A shrill blast from Mr. Hatfield&rsquo;s whistle drove
+the matter from his mind entirely. Scrambling to his
+feet, he lined up for the first event of the meet.</p>
+<p>In rapid order the events were run through, the
+back stroke, fancy diving, the 100-yard relay race,
+and a breast stroke event. With only one event remaining&mdash;the
+75-yard freestyle, the score stood 20 to
+16 in favor of Den 2.</p>
+<p>To win the meet the Cubs of Den 2 knew that Dan
+must defeat Ross for first place. But in the freestyle
+relay event, the Den 1 swimmer had put on a spectacular
+burst of speed to capture the event. The
+prospects looked discouraging.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_187">[187]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Just swim your own race, Dan,&rdquo; Mr. Holloway
+advised as the boy went to the starting line.</p>
+<p>The swimmers crouched above their lanes awaiting
+the signal. Sensing that the race would be a close
+one, the audience rose to its feet.</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield&rsquo;s revolver cracked and the swimmers
+were off.</p>
+<p>Almost together Ross and Dan struck the water
+in flat, fast racing dives. From the start, the Den 1
+swimmer took the lead.</p>
+<p>Dan heard the groans of dismay from his teammates
+and instinctively increased the tempo of his
+thrashing legs. Then he told himself he could not
+hold the pace. Deliberately, he dropped back to his
+former rhythm.</p>
+<p>The race would be a gruelling one at the end. He
+must save a little reserve for that final spurt!</p>
+<p>At the turn, Ross was nearly two body lengths
+ahead of Dan, his closest competitor. Midge and a
+youth who swam for Den 1 were almost neck-and-neck
+another three feet behind.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_188">[188]</div>
+<p>After the second length, Ross slowed down a bit.
+Dan&rsquo;s arms and legs now were moving with the easy
+precision of well-oiled machinery. Going into the
+final turn, the boy suddenly realized that for the
+first time in the race, he was a foot ahead!</p>
+<p>The knowledge shocked him into losing the
+smooth rhythm of his stroke. Ross, desperate to regain
+the lead, spurted ahead once more.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Come on, Dan!&rdquo; his teammates pleaded. &ldquo;Come
+on!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Across the pool, the Cubs of Den 1 were urging
+Ross to give his all. Both boys put on a final thrust
+of speed.</p>
+<p>Dan&rsquo;s arms ached with fatigue but his breath was
+good. <i>Fight, fight, fight!</i> The words pounded
+through his brain and conveyed themselves to his
+thrashing legs. His driving arms churned the water
+to foam as he put forth a supreme effort.</p>
+<p>The finish line was just ahead. As Dan surged for
+it with a feel of power and strength, Ross suddenly
+seemed to cave in. His stroke lost all rhythm, arm
+and leg movements became jerky.</p>
+<p>Dan moved steadily ahead of him, touching the
+wall a full length ahead. The audience burst into
+loud applause. Midge who came in third, after Ross,
+also was given a big hand.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_189">[189]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, you did it, boy!&rdquo; Brad declared, clapping
+Dan on the back. &ldquo;Look at that scoreboard!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Mr. Hatfield was writing up the chalk figures&mdash;26
+to 19 in favor of Den 2.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve won the silver cup!&rdquo; Chips Davis added,
+joining in the congratulations. &ldquo;And not on any
+fluke either!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>His breath recovered, Ross came around to offer
+Dan his hand.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You swam a dandy race and deserved to win,&rdquo;
+he said warmly. &ldquo;From now on, I&rsquo;m going in for
+heavy practice!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Next year we&rsquo;ll have a real race,&rdquo; Dan grinned.
+&ldquo;You gave me stiff competition this season.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Following his teammates to the dressing room,
+the boy showered and scrambled into street clothes.
+Victory had brought a warm inner glow. He felt at
+peace with the world.</p>
+<p>The feeling, however, was short lived. In leaving
+the dressing room, he chanced to hear Mr. Holloway
+and the Den 1 coach discussing prospects of obtaining
+Skeleton Island as a Scout camp.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The deal&rsquo;s definitely washed up,&rdquo; Midge&rsquo;s father
+told the coach. &ldquo;Too bad, because the site is the
+best one around Webster City.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_190">[190]</div>
+<p>Since the weekend when the Cubs had camped
+on the island, Dan had not seen Mr. Manheim or
+the caretaker, Jabowski. He and Brad had reported
+to Mr. Hatfield their discovery of the old tunnel
+leading under the hotel. However, the Cub leader
+had not considered it advisable to take the matter
+up.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s useless to speculate on what may have happened
+there,&rdquo; he told the disappointed boys. &ldquo;To
+impress Mr. Manheim or the police, we need evidence.
+Without it, we&rsquo;ll be wise to let matters rest
+as they are.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan also had been discouraged to learn that Frisk
+Fagan, the motorboat operator, had been released
+from jail on bond. Realization that the man was at
+liberty gave the boy a few uneasy moments. Though
+he expected no trouble, he could not forget that he
+had been warned not to identify the man.</p>
+<p>As Dan removed his coat from the locker, Mack
+came hurrying up.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Say, you&rsquo;re wanted outside,&rdquo; he informed. &ldquo;A
+man wants to talk to you.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Who is he, Mack?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_191">[191]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t say,&rdquo; the other flung over his shoulder as
+he went on toward the dressing room. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s waiting
+out in front of the building.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan put on his coat and started for the street. By
+this time the main part of the &ldquo;Y&rdquo; building was
+nearly deserted of visitors.</p>
+<p>As he stepped out onto a stone porch giving exit
+to the street, a little man in an overcoat pulled high
+around his neck emerged from the shadows. Dan
+recoiled.</p>
+<p>The man was Paper Bag Eddie.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hello, Dan,&rdquo; the other said in his purring voice.
+&ldquo;Want to take a little ride with me?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan started to retreat into the building, but Eddie
+blocked the doorway. The dark street was deserted
+except for a taxi cab.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t let out a peep or make a false move,&rdquo; the
+man said, tapping the little paper bag he carried.
+&ldquo;You&rsquo;re coming with me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Taking a firm grasp upon Dan&rsquo;s arm, he shoved
+him toward the waiting taxi cab.</p>
+<p>The boy braced his feet and started to resist. But
+as he opened his mouth to let out a yell for help,
+Eddie jammed the paper bag into his ribs. He felt
+the pressure of a revolver press against his flesh.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_192">[192]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t yip, or I&rsquo;ll let you have it,&rdquo; the little man
+said in his pleasant voice. &ldquo;Just get in that taxi.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan obeyed. As he slumped in the rear seat, he
+took a quick glance at the driver. Though the face
+was unfamiliar, he thought the man resembled one
+of the persons he had seen on the night Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s
+motorboat had been struck. It was an ugly
+face, cold and unfriendly. He realized with a sinking
+heart that any appeal to the driver for help would
+be a waste of breath.</p>
+<p>Eddie sat close beside Dan, his stubby legs
+stretched out in front of him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We have a little score to settle, Dan,&rdquo; the man
+said, eyeing the boy narrowly. &ldquo;Remember?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The words sent an icy chill chasing down Dan&rsquo;s
+spine. Eddie hadn&rsquo;t forgotten his identification of
+Frisk Fagan. And this was the payoff!</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Where are you taking me?&rdquo; he demanded.</p>
+<p>Eddie merely smiled and settled back in the cab.
+The taxi driver, without an order, shifted gears and
+they sped away.</p>
+<p>Along the brightly lighted street, Dan saw many
+persons he knew walking home from the swimming
+meet. But he was helpless to signal them or to let
+anyone know of his plight.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_193">[193]</div>
+<p>At the next corner, the taxi turned, seeking a
+narrow, dark street. Gradually it came to Dan that
+he was being driven to the waterfront. His uneasiness
+increased.</p>
+<p>The cab presently pulled up not far from a familiar
+group of warehouses. Eddie made no move to
+leave the taxi. Instead, he seemed to be waiting for
+someone.</p>
+<p>Within five minutes, a tapping sound was heard
+along the dark street. Craning his neck, Dan saw the
+blindman and his dog approaching the cab.</p>
+<p>The boy&rsquo;s heart leaped with hope. If only he
+could get word to the man, or in some manner make
+known his predicament!</p>
+<p>But a moment later Dan&rsquo;s hopes nose-dived. The
+blindman came directly to the cab. He greeted
+Eddie as an old friend.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sorry to be late,&rdquo; he apologized. &ldquo;You got the
+kid, I see.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure,&rdquo; Eddie replied, lowering the cab window.
+&ldquo;Everything set?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The shipment&rsquo;s in, settin&rsquo; out on Dock 23 covered
+with canvas. All we gotta do is distract the watchman
+while the sawing goes on.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_194">[194]</div>
+<p>As he spoke, the blindman removed his dark
+glasses. His eyes as they coldly appraised Dan
+looked perfectly normal. With a shock the boy
+realized that Joe Matt never had been blind.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s been a spotter for the gang of river pirates!&rdquo;
+Dan thought. &ldquo;All the time he&rsquo;s kept watch of shipments
+to learn when valuable ones go through! Hank
+foolishly told him everything!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Belatedly, it occurred to him that this was the
+night of the 24th. The blindman had learned long
+ago that a valuable shipment of furs or other merchandise
+was to be sent through on this day.</p>
+<p>As Dan figured it out, the boy Jacques undoubtedly
+had been assigned to relay the information to
+a member of the gang. The coded message must
+have referred to the shipment and was in effect
+&ldquo;Coming through on the 24th!&rdquo; But something had
+gone awry. Either Jacques had rebelled or had met
+with an accident as he crossed the river.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s why the boy wouldn&rsquo;t talk,&rdquo; he thought.
+&ldquo;He didn&rsquo;t dare. He was afraid of what the gang
+would do to him.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan&rsquo;s meditation was cut short by a poke in the
+ribs from Paper Bag Eddie.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_195">[195]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Get out!&rdquo; the man ordered. &ldquo;If you do exactly
+as you&rsquo;re told, you won&rsquo;t be hurt. But don&rsquo;t try any
+monkey business.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Dan was forced to walk along the dock ahead of
+the blindman and his dog. Eddie loitered far behind.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now get this,&rdquo; Joe Matt said. &ldquo;One false move
+and Rudy will tear you to shreds. You&rsquo;ll do exactly
+as I say. These are your orders: You&rsquo;re to talk to
+Hank and keep him occupied. I don&rsquo;t care what you
+say, just so you hold his attention. If you fail&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;So I&rsquo;m to be a decoy?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re to throw him off his guard. Just keep him
+away from the dock while our work goes on.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Work! You&rsquo;re stealing another shipment of furs!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Right, my boy. From under Hank&rsquo;s very nose
+too!&rdquo; The blindman paused in the shadow of the
+warehouse. &ldquo;See the stupid fool!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The warehouseman nervously paced back and
+forth along the dock. Frequently he paused to glance
+at a pile of boxes which had been covered by a
+heavy canvas.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;How do you aim to get the furs?&rdquo; Dan whispered.
+&ldquo;If you make any false move, Hank will blow his
+whistle and the river police will be here in a flash.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_196">[196]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you worry yourself, my boy. Just do as
+you&rsquo;re told and don&rsquo;t ask questions.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The blindman gave Dan a shove, following a pace
+behind. At sound of his tapping cane, the warehouseman
+whirled around.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, it&rsquo;s you,&rdquo; he said in relief. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m a mite jumpy
+tonight. Guarding a valuable cargo. She&rsquo;s due to be
+picked up in another hour. It sure will be a load off
+my mind.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hank, I got a sliver in my hand a minute ago,&rdquo;
+the blindman said in a half-whine intended to arouse
+sympathy. &ldquo;Will you help me get it out?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Can&rsquo;t see a thing out here.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Come inside where there&rsquo;s a good light.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The warehouseman hesitated. &ldquo;I shouldn&rsquo;t leave
+the dock&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, it will only take a minute. You can watch the
+canvas from the doorway. Dan here can help you
+keep an eye on it.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;My eyesight isn&rsquo;t very good at night,&rdquo; Dan said
+significantly.</p>
+<p>The blindman&rsquo;s arm pressed hard into his flesh.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lead me inside, Dan,&rdquo; the man ordered. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s
+a good boy. You&rsquo;re a real help to a poor soul without
+any eyes.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_197">[197]</div>
+<p>The three entered the warehouse where they
+switched on a bright electric light. Carefully he
+examined the blindman&rsquo;s hand.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s only a little sliver,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Hardly worth
+bothering about. Here, I&rsquo;ll get it out in a jiffy.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>With his knife he removed the tiny piece of
+wood.</p>
+<p>Dan, who stood where he could see the canvas
+which covered the crate of furs, thought he could
+hear the indistinct sound of someone sawing wood.
+But he could see no one.</p>
+<p>Then the explanation dawned upon him! Hours
+before, a boat had slipped in beneath the dock, lying
+in wait for this moment. Now the river pirates boldly
+were carving through the dock with steel braces,
+bits and saws!</p>
+<p>Undoubtedly the blindman himself had given the
+go-ahead signal by tapping with his cane.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Those crooks will have the box through the hole
+and into their boat before Hank catches on!&rdquo; he
+thought.</p>
+<p>Dan sidled toward the door. Rudy growled and
+barred his way.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_198">[198]</div>
+<p>Outside the warehouse, Eddie lounged against a
+wall, smoking a cigarette. All escape was cut off.
+Even if he could let Hank know what was happening,
+Dan knew it was too late to prevent the theft.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Well, Dan, how did you do in the swimming
+meet tonight?&rdquo; Hank asked, making conversation.
+&ldquo;Give us a full account.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We won,&rdquo; Dan answered shortly.</p>
+<p>Again he felt Matt&rsquo;s hard pressure on his arm.
+Knowing that he was expected to keep the warehouseman
+interested, he grudgingly added a few
+details.</p>
+<p>From where the boy stood, he could see the high
+mound of canvas. Suddenly it deflated like a pricked
+balloon.</p>
+<p>The river pirates had succeeded in lowering the
+loot through the dock hole into their boat! In another
+moment they would speed away unchecked.</p>
+<p>The sight goaded Dan beyond thought of personal
+risk.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Quick, Hank!&rdquo; he shouted. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re stealing the
+furs!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The watchman whirled toward the door, only to
+have Joe Matt&rsquo;s cane crash down on his head. Hank
+staggered back, slowly collapsing on the floor.</p>
+<p>When Dan would have leaped to the man&rsquo;s
+assistance, the dog barred his way.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_199">[199]</div>
+<p>Joe Matt seized the boy by the arm, pushing him
+roughly out the door. Dan resisted with all his
+strength. But he was powerless in the grasp of the
+other.</p>
+<p>The motorboat, loaded with the boxes and crates
+of furs, had emerged from beneath the dock. As it
+coasted alongside, the blindman shoved Dan ahead
+of him and down into the craft.</p>
+<p>Frisk Fagan crouched at the steering wheel.
+Jabowski, his face well hidden beneath a cap, huddled
+beside one of the boxes which had been shoved
+half way into the cabin. Jacques sat slumped over
+in the stern of the boat.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hey! What&rsquo;s the idea?&rdquo; Frisk Fagan growled.
+&ldquo;We can&rsquo;t take that kid along. We&rsquo;re overloaded
+now.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We got to take him along,&rdquo; Joe Matt answered.
+&ldquo;If we don&rsquo;t, he&rsquo;ll spill everything to the cops. Git
+going!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Leaping down into the boat, the man bound Dan&rsquo;s
+legs and wrists with a stout piece of cord.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Better gag him too,&rdquo; Fagan advised. &ldquo;The river
+is swarming with cops. Three boats out watching
+the shore. We can&rsquo;t risk having him yip at the wrong
+minute.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_200">[200]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll fix him right,&rdquo; Joe muttered. He pulled the
+thongs tighter about the boy&rsquo;s wrists and stuffed a
+handkerchief into his mouth.</p>
+<p>The motorboat sped away from the dock, nosing
+directly toward Skeleton Island.</p>
+<p>Scarcely was the craft well out from shore than
+those aboard heard the shrill blast of a police
+whistle. Dan&rsquo;s heart leaped with hope.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been seen!&rdquo; Joe Matt muttered. &ldquo;Either
+that, or Hank has revived and given the alarm!
+Faster, Frisk!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m pushin&rsquo; her as hard as I can.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A police boat is putting out from shore now,&rdquo;
+Joe Matt informed, scanning the river. &ldquo;Probably
+armed with a 45-calibre submachine gun!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Keep cool,&rdquo; Frisk advised. &ldquo;We have a head start.
+We&rsquo;ll make the island okay and can hide the boat in
+the tunnel.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And if it&rsquo;s found there I&rsquo;ll take the rap,&rdquo; Jabowski
+whined. &ldquo;I wish you&rsquo;d never mixed me up in this
+dirty mess. And you dragged Jacques in against his
+will&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Shut up!&rdquo; Frisk said harshly. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll get out
+of this. But if we don&rsquo;t, we&rsquo;ll all take the rap together.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_201">[201]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Throw the cargo overboard,&rdquo; Jabowski pleaded.
+&ldquo;Then the cops won&rsquo;t find any evidence even if they
+do catch up with us.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>He arose and reached for one of the smaller boxes.
+Joe Matt shoved him back.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lay off!&rdquo; he ordered. &ldquo;We went to plenty of
+risk to carry out this job tonight. We ain&rsquo;t pitching
+any $10,000 haul just because a copper blows a little
+tin whistle!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>By this time, a powerfully motored police boat
+had taken up the pursuit. Jabowski watched anxiously
+as its brilliant searchlight swept the water.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;She&rsquo;s coming up fast!&rdquo; he exclaimed. &ldquo;They&rsquo;ll
+soon be within firing distance.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Keep your shirt on,&rdquo; Frisk advised, hunching
+lower over the steering wheel. &ldquo;The cops don&rsquo;t
+know for sure we got the stuff. They may take the
+boat for Manheim&rsquo;s just as we figured. While they&rsquo;re
+wondering whether they dare risk taking a shot,
+we&rsquo;ll make the island.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I dunno,&rdquo; Jabowski said fearfully. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re gaining.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll make the island,&rdquo; Frisk repeated with more
+confidence. &ldquo;The Dawson Street bridge is just
+ahead. Once past there, we&rsquo;ll be hidden from view.
+We&rsquo;ll slip behind the island into the tunnel. You left
+Manheim&rsquo;s boat tied to the wharf?&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_202">[202]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Sure, just as you ordered.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Good. If the cops come by and check they&rsquo;ll find
+the motor cold. You can claim you haven&rsquo;t been
+away from the island all night.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;They&rsquo;ll question me. I&rsquo;m not willing to take the
+rap while the rest of you get away.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The cops can&rsquo;t prove a thing once we make the
+tunnel,&rdquo; Fagan growled. &ldquo;This is our last haul in
+this area. You&rsquo;ll get your share and we pull out to a
+safer spot.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We pull out all right,&rdquo; Jabowski muttered. &ldquo;After
+tonight I&rsquo;m through. I never should have dragged
+poor Jacques into this mess&mdash;he tried to run away&mdash;&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The caretaker glanced briefly at his nephew, huddled
+in the stern of the boat. Jacques gave no sign
+he had heard.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;If the cops overtake us&mdash;&rdquo; Jabowski whined.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, pipe down,&rdquo; Frisk said irritably. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re
+coming to the bridge now. We&rsquo;re safe!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Lying quite helpless on the deck of the speeding
+motorboat, Dan suddenly saw Jacques come to life.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_203">[203]</div>
+<p>With no warning whatsoever, the boy sprang to
+his feet. Savagely, he hurled himself upon the surprised
+Frisk Fagan, wresting the steering wheel from
+him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hey, have you gone crazy?&rdquo; Frisk shouted.</p>
+<p>With both hands he gave the boy a mighty shove
+which sent him reeling backwards over the gunwale.</p>
+<p>Out of control, the motorboat crashed with terrific
+impact into the bridge pier.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_204">[204]</div>
+<h2 id="c15"><span class="small">CHAPTER 15</span>
+<br />The Pay-Off</h2>
+<p>Dan was hurled violently into the foaming water.
+As he went under, he held his breath and instinctively
+turned his head upward.</p>
+<p>After what seemed an eternity, his face emerged
+from the water.</p>
+<p>But the boy was helpless, bound hand and foot.
+He rolled over on his back, trying to float. The gag
+in his mouth had become water soaked. He began
+to choke.</p>
+<p>This, he thought, was it.</p>
+<p>As black despair claimed him, a hand reached
+out of nowhere to support his back. The gag was
+jerked from his mouth so that he could breath again.
+Gratefully, he sucked in big mouthfuls of air.</p>
+<p>Twisting his head, Dan saw that it was Jacques
+who had saved him. The boy was treading water
+beside him, supporting his body with his left hand.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Lie still,&rdquo; Jacques commanded. &ldquo;I tow you.
+Police boat come. Pick us up.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_205">[205]</div>
+<p>Even as he spoke, the powerful beam from the
+approaching launch spotlighted the water about
+them. A moment later, both boys were hauled
+aboard.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Jacques, you saved me,&rdquo; Dan murmured gratefully
+as the other boy bent to unfasten the ropes
+which bound him. &ldquo;Thanks.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Gravely they shook hands and wrung the water
+from their dripping garments.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And you deliberately crashed the boat so the
+police would catch up with us,&rdquo; Dan added. &ldquo;Why,
+Jacques?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The boy shrugged. &ldquo;Only way,&rdquo; he answered
+briefly.</p>
+<p>After freeing Dan, Jacques watched anxiously
+while police picked up his uncle, Frisk Fagan and
+Joe Matt. The three had saved themselves by clinging
+to the sinking motorboat.</p>
+<p>Before the men could release the boxes of stolen
+furs, police had them covered. They were forced
+aboard the launch, and the smashed motorboat taken
+in tow. Fagan&rsquo;s forehead was cut and Jabowski
+nursed an injured arm. Otherwise the crash had left
+them unscathed.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_206">[206]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;This was your fault!&rdquo; Joe Matt accused Jacques
+savagely as a policeman snapped handcuffs on his
+wrists. &ldquo;Yellow rat! I wish I&rsquo;d let you go that time
+you sneaked away!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>During the ride back to the dock, police officers
+took detailed statements from both Dan and Jacques.
+The later spoke in broken English and had difficulty
+in telling his story.</p>
+<p>However, he revealed that in recent weeks he had
+been held virtually a prisoner at Skeleton Island.
+Brought to America from France by his uncle, everything
+had gone well until Jabowski had fallen in
+with evil companions.</p>
+<p>On the night that the Cubs had found him lying
+exhausted on the beach, the boy had been assigned
+to carry a message in code to Joe Matt.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;And what did that message say?&rdquo; Dan asked. &ldquo;I
+figured out only the first word before it was snatched
+from the Cave.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Coming through 24,&rdquo; Jacques revealed. &ldquo;Today
+the 24th.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That meant the fur shipment?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Jacques nodded, explaining that the message, relayed
+by tip-off men to his uncle, had been intended
+for Joe Matt. But instead of delivering it, the boy
+had made up his mind to run away.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_207">[207]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;I leap from my uncle&rsquo;s boat and swim away in
+dark,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;Reach shore. Hard swim.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You were plenty tired when we found you,&rdquo; Dan
+recalled. &ldquo;I understand now why you were unwilling
+to talk. You were deeply involved with your
+uncle and the gang.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Uncle good to me,&rdquo; Jacques said simply. &ldquo;Bring
+me to America.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I get the picture now,&rdquo; Dan said. &ldquo;Without meaning
+to, I let Joe Matt know you were staying at the
+Cave. He came there and made you return to your
+uncle, didn&rsquo;t he?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Jacques nodded, his eyes on the shore lights which
+now were close by.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That explains those peculiar circular marks in the
+sand,&rdquo; Dan went on piecing the story together.
+&ldquo;They were made by Joe Matt&rsquo;s cane! Oh, he was
+clever, pretending to be blind. All the while, he
+picked up information and relayed it to members
+of the ring. Hank considered him a friend!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The launch reached the dock and the three prisoners
+were herded ashore. Hank Hawkins, having
+revived from the blow Joe Matt had struck, readily
+identified the boxes of furs as the ones stolen from
+his company.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_208">[208]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Another one of the gang got away!&rdquo; he told police
+excitedly. &ldquo;He pulled out in a taxi cab.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That would be Paper Bag Eddie,&rdquo; Dan informed.
+&ldquo;The driver of the cab was in on the deal too.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll get &rsquo;em both,&rdquo; the boy was assured. &ldquo;If
+not tonight, within a day or two. Eddie is the key
+man of a ring of river pirates. The gang is composed
+of tip-off men, highjackers, a lawyer and a bail
+bondsman. Also a fence or two who sell the loot.
+But we&rsquo;ll round &rsquo;em up in time.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>All three prisoners and Jacques as well, were taken
+to the police station to be booked on larceny charges.
+However, officers assured Jacques that he would
+not be held for trial, providing he would testify
+against Joe Matt and other members of the gang.
+This the boy agreed to do.</p>
+<p>Dan&rsquo;s narrow escape at the hands of the river
+pirates became the talk of Webster City during the
+next few days. Especially was his adventure the
+chief topic of conversation among the Cubs of both
+Dens 1 and 2.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re a hero, Dan,&rdquo; Brad told him proudly.
+&ldquo;Why, you brought that gang to heel single-handed!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_209">[209]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t give me that line,&rdquo; Dan laughed. &ldquo;I was
+just an unwilling passenger. Jacques was the one
+who brought about the capture. To do it he had to
+turn his own uncle in and risk prison himself. That
+kid sure has what it takes.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s a Cub too,&rdquo; Brad said proudly. &ldquo;He joined
+in France. Mr. Hatfield&rsquo;s trying to make arrangements
+to keep him here in Webster City.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Maybe he&rsquo;ll join our Den!&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Here&rsquo;s hoping. He&rsquo;ll be a live wire, that&rsquo;s certain.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>As both boys knew, Jacques had been released on
+probation to Mr. Hatfield. Temporarily, the French
+lad was living in the Cub leader&rsquo;s home where he
+would remain until called to testify in court.</p>
+<p>Three days elapsed. At the end of that time the
+Cubs were elated to learn that Paper Bag Eddie had
+been captured in a neighboring city. Thereafter, one
+by one, other members of the ring were arrested
+and returned to Webster City to face charges.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Now that the entire gang is in the jug, I feel a
+lot safer,&rdquo; Dan remarked one night to Brad. The
+two boys had arrived early at the Cave prior to a
+Den meeting at which Jacques was to be taken in
+as a member. &ldquo;For awhile, I couldn&rsquo;t look a sack of
+popcorn in the face!&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_210">[210]</div>
+<p>One by one, the Cubs and their parents began to
+arrive for the meeting. Mr. Hatfield started it off
+with a little talk. First he told the boys how proud
+he was that Den 2 had won the swimming meet and
+the silver trophy which now graced a table in the
+Cave.</p>
+<p>Next the Cub leader paid tribute to Dan for his
+coolness in the face of danger. Finally he spoke of
+the Cub ideals and the honor of the organization.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;A real Cub always is square,&rdquo; he emphasized,
+smiling across the room at Jacques. &ldquo;Crooked people
+are unfair, even to themselves. So the Cub follows
+the law of God and man. I commend Jacques for
+being true to the ideals he was taught as a Cub. The
+organization is proud to claim him as a member.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Three cheers for Jacques!&rdquo; proposed Dan.</p>
+<p>The Cubs gave them with a will. Mr. Hatfield was
+on the verge of proposing a song, when footsteps
+were heard on the steps leading up to the Cave.</p>
+<p>Everyone turned to see Mr. Manheim standing in
+the doorway. The owner of Skeleton Island looked
+a little embarrassed.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Hope I&rsquo;m not intruding,&rdquo; he said awkwardly.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_211">[211]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Certainly not, Mr. Manheim,&rdquo; the Cub leader
+replied. &ldquo;The Cubs always are pleased to have
+visitors.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Matter of fact, I came here on business,&rdquo; the
+island owner said, entering the clubroom. &ldquo;May I
+have permission to speak a few words?&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;The floor is yours,&rdquo; the Cub leader told him.</p>
+<p>Mr. Manheim faced the circle of Cubs. He cleared
+his throat and then began:</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Boys, I owe you an apology. I&rsquo;ve meant to come
+here before, but the truth is, I&rsquo;ve been ashamed.
+You all know what happened at Skeleton Island. My
+man Jabowski, in whom I placed great trust, deceived
+me.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>Suddenly made aware that Jacques was in the
+group, Mr. Manheim coughed in embarrassment
+and added quickly: &ldquo;But that is not what I came
+here to say. I apologize to the Cubs for misjudging
+them. Events have proven conclusively that Dan
+Carter was right and that I was wrong.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Under the circumstance, your mistake was
+natural, Mr. Manheim,&rdquo; the Cub leader said politely.
+&ldquo;After all, the Cubs were a trifle hasty in their
+actions.&rdquo;</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_212">[212]</div>
+<p>The island owner waved aside the apology. &ldquo;This
+is what I really came to say. I hope the Cubs will
+forget that I ever ordered them away from the island.
+I&rsquo;m engaging a new caretaker, and the property is
+yours to use whenever you like.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;That&rsquo;s most generous of you, Mr. Manheim,&rdquo;
+the Cub leader thanked him.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Furthermore, I&rsquo;m deeding the camp site to the
+Scouts without charge. It&rsquo;s the least I can do to
+make amends.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>The island owner&rsquo;s generosity delighted the Cubs.
+Dan proposed a cheer for Mr. Manheim which was
+given with a will.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;One thing more,&rdquo; the island owner said. &ldquo;I understand
+that Mr. Holloway&rsquo;s sailboat was struck either
+by my motorboat or one which closely resembled
+it. In either case, Jabowski was mixed up in the
+affair. I&rsquo;ll send my check to cover the damage.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;It really isn&rsquo;t necessary,&rdquo; Mr. Holloway protested.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;I want to do it,&rdquo; Mr. Manheim insisted. &ldquo;Shall
+we say it eases my conscience? Well, good-bye boys.
+I&rsquo;ll see you at the new camp.&rdquo; With a friendly wave
+of his hand, he departed.</p>
+<p>The Cub meeting now ended quietly with the
+singing of &ldquo;The Star Spangled Banner.&rdquo; After the
+last note had died away, the boys clustered about
+Jacques to grasp his hand and welcome him to the
+organization.</p>
+<div class="pb" id="Page_213">[213]</div>
+<p>&ldquo;Very glad to be a Cub,&rdquo; the boy grinned. &ldquo;Glad
+to be American too.&rdquo;</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t think we aren&rsquo;t tickled to have you!&rdquo; Brad
+said warmly.</p>
+<p>&ldquo;Oh, we&rsquo;ll have wonderful times next summer at
+Skeleton Island,&rdquo; Dan added with an air of deep
+satisfaction. He linked arms with Jacques and Brad
+as the boys trooped out of the Cave. &ldquo;Best of all,
+we&rsquo;ve proved to Mr. Manheim that Cubs really
+know their stuff!&rdquo;</p>
+<h2 title=""><span class="small">Transcriber&rsquo;s Notes</span></h2>
+<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 River Camp, by Mildred A. Wirt
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAN CARTER AND THE RIVER CAMP ***
+
+***** This file should be named 41262-h.htm or 41262-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/1/2/6/41262/
+
+Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
+  www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+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
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
+contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
+Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  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>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/41262-h/images/cover.jpg b/41262-h/images/cover.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1c7f36e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/41262-h/images/cover.jpg
diff --git a/41262-h/images/front.jpg b/41262-h/images/front.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4454367
--- /dev/null
+++ b/41262-h/images/front.jpg
diff --git a/41262.txt b/41262.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..671ba08
--- /dev/null
+++ b/41262.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,6157 @@
+Project Gutenberg's Dan Carter and the River Camp, 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 River Camp
+
+Author: Mildred A. Wirt
+
+Release Date: November 2, 2012 [EBook #41262]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAN CARTER AND THE RIVER CAMP ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                  He had found a small cardboard box.
+"Dan Carter--Cub Scout and the River Camp"
+                                                         (_See Page 13_)
+
+
+
+
+                               Dan Carter
+                               Cub Scout
+                           and the River Camp
+
+
+                                   by
+                            Mildred A. Wirt
+
+
+                              Illustrated
+
+
+                        CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY
+                         Publishers    New York
+
+
+                          Copyright, 1949, by
+                        CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY
+                         _All Rights Reserved_
+
+                DAN CARTER--CUB SCOUT AND THE RIVER CAMP
+
+                Printed in the United States of America
+
+
+
+
+                                Contents
+
+
+  1 Found in the Sand                                                  1
+  2 A Coded Message                                                   15
+  3 Stolen Furs                                                       30
+  4 Fluke Victory                                                     45
+  5 Paper Bag Eddie                                                   59
+  6 Stranded                                                          71
+  7 Camp Site                                                         80
+  8 "Dan Carter--Take Warning"                                        95
+  9 A Missing Code                                                   108
+  10 The Man at the Spring                                           122
+  11 A Barbecue for the Cubs                                         137
+  12 Following the Trail                                             150
+  13 Identifying a Prisoner                                          161
+  14 Victory for Den 2                                               184
+  15 The Pay-Off                                                     204
+
+
+
+
+                Dan Carter--Cub Scout and the River Camp
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 1
+                           Found in the Sand
+
+
+"Unless a breeze springs up soon, we'll be late for the Cub Scout meeting
+in the Cave," Dan Carter complained.
+
+Sprawled in the drifting dinghy, the sandy-haired boy raised his eyes to
+the limp sail which hung in discouraged folds from the tall mast.
+
+"We've already missed the first part of it," remarked Midge Holloway.
+
+A freckled youth of ten, he had draped himself pretzel-fashion over the
+boat's bow. His skinny legs dangled a bare inch above the placid surface
+of the wide river.
+
+"What time is it anyhow?" he demanded.
+
+At the tiller of the sailboat, Midge's father, Burton Holloway, snapped
+on his flashlight to see the dial of his wrist watch. An official "Den
+Dad" of Webster City Den No. 2, he frequently made river trips with the
+boys and allowed them to use his sailboat whenever they liked.
+
+On this summer day, the three, after scrubbing the craft's fouled bottom,
+had set forth for a brief sail. The wind, however, had died suddenly,
+leaving them stranded far from their Yacht Club moorings.
+
+"It's ten after eight," Mr. Holloway answered his son. "We'll have to
+work a little if we expect to get in tonight."
+
+Reaching for a paddle, he plied it steadily. With snail-like speed the
+awkward-sized dinghy moved toward the twinkling lights visible on shore.
+With the coming of darkness, a cold, penetrating fog had closed in over
+the water.
+
+"Wish I'd brought a jacket," Dan said with a shiver. "Want me to take a
+turn at the paddle, Mr. Holloway?"
+
+"No thanks, Dan, I'm good for awhile yet. I blame myself for being
+stranded out here. The wind was dying when we left the yacht club. So I
+guess we asked for trouble!"
+
+For some time Mr. Holloway paddled in silence. Now and then a big fish
+would leap and plop into the water nearby. Otherwise, the river seemed
+unusually quiet.
+
+Then unexpectedly from the direction of Skeleton Island came the muffled
+roar of a powerful motor boat engine.
+
+Dan twisted around to gaze upstream. He could hear the sound of the motor
+plainly but the running lights of the approaching craft were not yet
+visible through the mist.
+
+"If that boat comes this way, we'll ask for a tow," Mr. Holloway
+remarked. "Maybe we're in luck."
+
+Resting on the paddle for a moment, the Den Dad allowed the dinghy to
+drift with the current. The roar of the motorboat engine now had
+increased in volume. Yet strangely, no one in the sailboat had sighted
+the oncoming craft.
+
+"Can it be running without lights?" Mr. Holloway remarked somewhat
+anxiously. "The pilot should know better than that."
+
+Through the mist, Dan suddenly made out the dark, sleek outline of a
+speed craft which rode low in the water. Foam boiled from her prow as she
+split the waves.
+
+"There she is!" the boy exclaimed. "Heading this way, and coming fast!"
+
+Alarmed lest the craft run down the sailboat in the darkness, Mr.
+Holloway turned the beam of his flashlight upon the limp sail overhead.
+To make certain that they were seen, he flashed the light on and off
+several times.
+
+No answering response came from the motorboat which drove directly toward
+the sailboat.
+
+"Can't they see us?" Mr. Holloway demanded anxiously.
+
+The motor craft now was so close that those in the stranded sailboat
+caught a fleeting glimpse of a stout man in dungarees who manned the
+wheel. Of square jaw, the upper part of his face was hidden by a billed
+sailor's cap.
+
+"Hey, look out!" Dan yelled. "Turn on your running lights!"
+
+The pilot evidently heard for he swerved the wheel slightly. And then
+deliberately, as if angered by the boy's remark, he spun the spokes
+again, bearing directly down upon the drifting sailboat.
+
+Instinctively, Mr. Holloway and the two Cubs braced themselves for a
+crash.
+
+The pilot of the speed boat laughed boisterously. Having accomplished his
+purpose--that of frightening the occupants of the sailing dinghy--he then
+swerved away.
+
+But he had misjudged the distance. As the motorboat swung, its stern
+grazed the mid-section of the sailing craft. Though the blow was a
+glancing one, mahogany splintered with a grinding crash.
+
+Choppy waves flung the sailboat far over on its beam. Water began to seep
+in through a break in the over-lap.
+
+Instead of throttling down, the motorboat sped away into the darkness.
+
+"Why, that dirty crook!" Midge exclaimed furiously. "He's wrecked our
+boat, and he doesn't even intend to stop! Hey, you!"
+
+The man at the wheel turned slightly. In the moment before he raised his
+hand to cover the exposed lower part of his face, Dan obtained a fleeting
+but clear view of him. Two others in the boat crouched low and kept their
+backs turned.
+
+Mr. Holloway leaped to his feet in the teetering sailboat. Flashing his
+light on the disappearing craft, he tried to discern the license number.
+None was visible.
+
+Despite the shouts of Mr. Holloway and the Cubs, the boat did not slacken
+speed. Soon it was nearly out of sight, still running without lights.
+
+"Those men should be arrested!" Midge declared. "They struck us on
+purpose!"
+
+Dan had noticed that his feet were resting in an inch of water.
+
+"Say, we've sprung a leak!" he cried, scrambling for a bailing can which
+was kept under the seat. "Now we are in a jam!"
+
+The latest emergency caused Mr. Holloway to divert his attention from the
+motorboat. Anxiously, he examined the jagged hole in the mahogany
+over-lap through which a trickle of water oozed.
+
+"Midge, give me that rag under the seat!" he directed.
+
+As his son handed it over, Mr. Holloway wedged it as tightly as he could
+into the larger hole, pressing it in with his knife blade.
+
+"That should help some, but we're still shipping water," he said
+anxiously. "We'll have to bail."
+
+Already Dan was at work dipping with the tin can which was kept for just
+such an emergency. While Mr. Holloway paddled hard for shore, he and
+Midge took turns dipping water from the bottom of the boat. By working
+steadily, they could keep ahead of it.
+
+"I'd certainly like to know who those men were that struck us," Mr.
+Holloway remarked. "Aside from the damage they've done to our boat,
+they're a menace on the river."
+
+"Dad, didn't you think the boat looked a little like Jonathan Manheim's?"
+Midge inquired. "It was built on the same general lines."
+
+"I did notice a resemblance," Mr. Holloway replied. "But I never before
+saw the man at the wheel. I'd hate to think it was Manheim's boat."
+
+Fairly well known to the Cubs, Mr. Manheim was the owner of Skeleton
+Island and a prominent member of the Webster City Yacht Club.
+
+"Do you think he would try to run us down deliberately?" Dan asked,
+working steadily with the bailing can.
+
+"It doesn't seem so to me, Dan. It's possible that someone else borrowed
+his boat. However, since we failed to get the license number, it's
+useless to speculate."
+
+"Odd that the boat was showing no lights," Dan said thoughtfully. "Also,
+I wonder if it carried a license?"
+
+By this time even the faint roar of the motorboat's engine had died away
+far up the river. Mr. Holloway and the Cubs knew by following the sound
+that the craft had not returned to the Webster City Yacht Club. Where it
+would dock they could not guess.
+
+"You'll try to make those men pay for the damage, won't you, Dad?" Midge
+demanded. The shore now was so close he could see the twinkling lights
+which marked the outline of the yacht club slip.
+
+"I certainly will if I can, Midge. Unfortunately, we have no proof it was
+Manheim's boat."
+
+"He may have a few scratches to show, Dad."
+
+"Yes, if we notice tomorrow that his speedboat is banged up, we can be
+quite certain he's the guilty party. Even so, we'll have to be rather
+careful in taking the matter up with him. Manheim has many friends in the
+club."
+
+"He won't have 'em long if he makes a practice of running down
+sailboats," said Midge. "We're lucky our boat didn't sink."
+
+Five minutes later, the dinghy, heavily logged with water, limped to its
+berth at the yacht club dock.
+
+"Hurry on to your Cub Scout meeting, boys," Mr. Holloway urged. "I'll
+look after the boat and make a few inquiries around the club."
+
+Thus urged, Dan and Midge hastened along a graveled path which curled
+toward a steep hillside overlooking the water front.
+
+A long flight of wooden steps led up to a natural limestone cave in the
+rocks high above the beach. Some months before, the Cubs by hard labor
+had converted this cavern into a meeting place. The room now was
+attractively furnished with a couch, table, magazines and trophies.
+
+Breathless from hurrying, the boys reached the Cave entranceway. Already
+the Cub meeting was in progress.
+
+Sam Hatfield, athletic coach at Webster High School, and Cub leader,
+stood in the center of the cavern talking earnestly to the boys.
+
+Grouped about him in the lighted room were Brad Wilber who was Den Chief,
+Chips Davis, Red Suell, Mack Tibbets, and Sam's own son, Fred Hatfield.
+
+"Glad to see you, boys," the Cub leader greeted Dan and Midge. "But
+aren't you a little late?"
+
+Stammering apologies, Dan and Midge explained that they had been delayed
+on the river. Without mentioning Mr. Manheim's name, they related how
+their boat had been smashed.
+
+"I knew something unusual must have kept you away from the meeting,"
+declared the Cub leader. "Too bad about Mr. Holloway's boat. I hope you
+catch those fellows."
+
+"Have we missed much of the meeting, Mr. Hatfield?" Dan asked anxiously.
+
+"Not the treasure hunt," the Cub leader reassured him. "We just wound up
+the business meeting. Briefly, the Den has decided upon two goals for the
+summer. The first is to win the Pack swimming meet next month."
+
+"That's where you come in, Dan," spoke up Brad. Nearly fourteen, the
+dark-haired youngster was a Boy Scout and the acknowledged leader of the
+Cubs. Even-tempered, quick of wit and fair, he had earned the respect of
+the younger, boys.
+
+"How so?" Dan caught him up.
+
+"You're the best swimmer in the outfit. We're depending on you to crash
+through and win the silver cup for Den 2."
+
+"I'll do my best," Dan promised with a pleased grin. "Guess I'll have to
+get busy right away and polish off my crawl stroke."
+
+"What's the second goal, Mr. Hatfield?" Midge inquired.
+
+"Well, the Cubs have voted to help the Scouts earn enough money to buy a
+permanent camp on Skeleton Island."
+
+"Skeleton Island?" Midge repeated, glancing quickly at Dan. "Mr.
+Manheim's place?"
+
+"Yes, the camp will belong to the Scouts, but our Den will have the
+privilege of using it for day trips and occasional over-night jaunts."
+
+"We need both your votes on the project," Brad interposed. "Since it's to
+be a Scout rather than a Cub camp, we don't aim to go into it unless
+every member of the Den is in favor of the idea."
+
+"Why buy a chunk of Skeleton Island?" Midge inquired.
+
+"It's the only suitable island hereabouts," Mr. Hatfield explained. "We
+figure Mr. Manheim shouldn't ask too high a figure for a small beach
+section. Of course, if you boys are against the project--"
+
+"You may have my vote," Dan said after a slight hesitation.
+
+"And mine," added Midge, a trifle reluctantly. "I just hope you're right
+about Mr. Manheim being generous enough to sell at a low price."
+
+Being uncertain that their dinghy had been struck by Mr. Manheim's
+motorboat, neither Midge nor Dan told the Cubs why mention of his name
+had disturbed them.
+
+The business meeting presently ended with the boys gathering in a circle
+to repeat the Cub Promise.
+
+  "I promise TO DO MY BEST
+  To be SQUARE and
+  To OBEY the law of the Cub Pack."
+
+Parents began to drift into the Cave. On this particular night, a beach
+treasure hunt had been planned. Everything now was in readiness. Clues
+had been carefully hidden throughout the beach area.
+
+Red Suell's father handed out typewritten slips of paper containing hints
+in scrambled letters.
+
+"You're to hunt in pairs," he instructed the Cubs. "The treasure chest
+has been hidden somewhere within a quarter mile of the Cave. The first
+pair to find it should signal by giving the Cub whistle. Then we'll all
+join on the beach for a feed before going home."
+
+Dan and Brad drew identical numbers which meant they were to hunt
+together. Eagerly they scanned their slip of paper on which appeared the
+scrambled sentence:
+
+"Dinf eht glgyascr koa."
+
+"The first two words are 'find the--,'" Dan discerned at a glance. "But
+what are those other two mind-teasers?"
+
+"The last one is oak," Brad contributed. "'Find the oak!' But what kind
+of oak?"
+
+"Scraggly oak!" Dan deciphered the final word. "Come on, Brad!"
+
+With a shout, the two boys were off, leaving the other Cubs to puzzle out
+their various clues. Clattering down the steps, the pair raced across the
+smooth sand.
+
+The light of a pale moon plainly silhouetted a stunted oak tree against
+the dark sky. Making a bee line for it, the boys searched diligently for
+another clue.
+
+"Here it is!" Dan suddenly shouted.
+
+At the base of the tree he had found a small cardboard box. Inside was
+another scrambled sentence which directed the boys to search for a large
+piece of driftwood.
+
+"The beach is littered with washed-up debris," Brad observed. "This game
+is getting tougher."
+
+Other Cubs now began to appear on the water front. However, as each clue
+was different, the treasure hunters remained widely separated.
+
+Brad and Dan turned up perhaps twenty pieces of driftwood before they
+found their third clue. The scrambled message required a long time to
+decipher. On a ragged piece of cardboard had been printed:
+
+"Kloo denur a toab dna ouy amy dinf a hsoelv."
+
+"Look under a boat and you may find a shovel!" Dan finally figured it
+out. "A shovel! Yipee! That means we're getting close to the treasure
+chest. Maybe our next clue will lead us to it."
+
+"And we're miles ahead of the other Cubs," chuckled Brad. "The question
+is, where's the boat?"
+
+Neither boy could recall having seen one on the beach that day. Because
+their clue had directed them to search beneath the craft, they were
+convinced that the boat must be an old one, probably overturned or
+abandoned somewhere on the sands.
+
+"Let's look on that stretch that extends out toward the lighthouse," Brad
+proposed. "It's a lonely spot--just the type of place you'd expect the
+Den Dads to select for the big treasure chest pay-off."
+
+Scanning every inch of the sand, the boys dog-trotted toward the
+lighthouse. As its bright beam swept across the water, Dan noticed a dark
+outline on the beach some distance ahead.
+
+"That looks like a boat!" he exclaimed.
+
+Focusing their eyes upon it, the boys plunged on through the loose sand.
+In the semi-darkness Dan paid scant heed to his footing. He stumbled, and
+then suddenly halted, staring ahead.
+
+A dark object lay half hidden behind a little mound of sand.
+Unmistakably, the form was human.
+
+"Jeepers!" he whispered. "_Jeepers!_"
+
+Brad too had seen the figure in the sand and had halted with a jerk.
+
+"What's this?" he muttered. "Not a joke the Den Dads are pulling on us?"
+
+The form at their feet was that of a boy no older than Dan. One arm
+outstretched, he lay in a posture of complete exhaustion. His clothing
+was water-soaked, his dark hair damp.
+
+"This is no joke," Brad said soberly. "Whoever this youngster is, he's in
+bad shape."
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 2
+                            A Coded Message
+
+
+The dark, curly-haired boy who lay on the sand stirred slightly as Dan
+and Brad bent down to shake his arm.
+
+Seeing their faces above him, he pulled himself up on an elbow, staring
+at them with blank expression.
+
+Fear gleamed momentarily in his steel-gray eyes, and then he seemed to
+relax. With a tired sigh, he settled back, clutching convulsively at the
+sand.
+
+Though the Cubs tried twice to arouse him, he did not respond.
+
+"He's completely worn out," Brad said, deeply troubled.
+
+"Obviously he's been in the river," Dan added. "My guess is he's
+exhausted from a long swim. Ever see him before?"
+
+Brad shook his head. "I'm pretty sure he never went to any of the Webster
+City schools or I'd remember him. Must be a newcomer."
+
+"Whoever he is, he shouldn't lie here in wet clothes."
+
+"You're right, Dan. He'll catch his death in this night air. And he
+probably needs medical attention."
+
+"Think we could carry him to the Cave?"
+
+"Not by ourselves, Dan. We need the other Cubs to help."
+
+Wetting his fingers, Brad gave the shrill whistle which had been agreed
+upon as the signal to mark the end of the treasure hunt.
+
+Immediately the other Cubs began to gather from all sections of the
+beach.
+
+"Gosh! What fast workers you little guys are!" Mack Tibbets complained
+goodnaturedly as he hurried up. "It didn't take you long to dig up the
+chest!"
+
+"We haven't found it yet," Brad replied. "But we have stumbled into
+something else."
+
+Already Mack's startled gaze had fastened upon the sprawled figure of the
+boy on the sand. Before he could comment, Mr. Hatfield and the other Cubs
+arrived.
+
+"What's this?" the Cub leader demanded, stopping short.
+
+Dan explained how he and Brad had found the strange boy lying on the
+sand, adding: "The kid raised up a second and then lapsed off."
+
+"Unconscious?"
+
+"I don't think so, sir," Brad replied. "He seemed more exhausted than
+anything else. We haven't touched him."
+
+Mr. Hatfield knelt in the sand, feeling the boy's pulse which was weak
+and fast. Carefully he turned him over to look directly into his face.
+
+Again the eyelids fluttered open and his lips moved slightly. Mr.
+Hatfield bent closer but could not distinguish the words.
+
+"Any idea who he is?" he asked the Cubs.
+
+"We never saw him before," Brad answered. "We were looking for the
+treasure when Dan noticed him lying here by the boat."
+
+"He must have crawled from the water only a few minutes ago," Mr.
+Hatfield said. The Cub leader had noticed long marks in the sand,
+indicating that the boy had dragged himself beyond reach of the waves. "I
+suppose we'd better send for an ambulance--"
+
+His words trailed off, for the boy on the sand unexpectedly had stirred
+to life. As if aroused by hearing the Cub leader's remark, he tried to
+sit up.
+
+"Easy, lad," Mr. Hatfield advised, placing a supporting arm about his
+shoulders. "We'll get you to a hospital."
+
+The boy's head shook in a vigorous negative. His fingers gripped Mr.
+Hatfield's arm in a hard pressure.
+
+"No!" he whispered fiercely. "No!"
+
+Puzzled by the intensity of the boy's reaction, Mr. Hatfield studied him
+a moment in silence.
+
+"You've been in the river?" he asked as the other offered no information.
+
+Again the head bobbed, this time in an affirmative answer.
+
+"Who are you?" Mr. Hatfield inquired, stripping off his leather jacket
+and wrapping it about the shivering boy. "How did you get in the river?"
+
+The boy merely stared at the Cub leader and did not answer. Then with a
+supreme effort, he tried to pull away from the supporting arm.
+
+"I go," he mumbled. "All right now."
+
+"Where will you go?" interposed the Cub leader. "Don't be foolish. You're
+in no condition to walk. Come on, boys. Let's take him to the Cave."
+
+Having no stretcher or board which could be used as one, Brad and Mr.
+Hatfield made a seat of their arms and carried the boy to the steps
+leading up into the Cave. There they were joined by Mr. Holloway and
+Red's father who helped.
+
+Once in the Cave, the Cubs made the boy comfortable on a couch. Stripping
+off his wet garments, they wrapped him in a warm blanket.
+
+"Feeling better?" Mr. Hatfield asked him. "I think I should call a
+doctor."
+
+"No--please," he mumbled, pleading with his eyes.
+
+To Mr. Hatfield and the fathers of the Cubs it was apparent that the boy
+slowly was recovering from his ordeal in the river. And it also was
+evident that for some reason, he did not wish to reveal anything about
+himself.
+
+"Suppose you tell us your name," Mr. Hatfield suggested, seating himself
+beside the boy.
+
+The youth regarded him with a stony stare and answered no word.
+
+"Maybe you'll tell us a little later," Mr. Hatfield said kindly.
+
+Deciding to leave the boy alone for awhile, he retired to a far corner of
+the Cave to talk over the matter with Mr. Suell and Midge's father.
+Neither the Cubs nor their fathers ever had seen the boy before.
+
+"It's queer how he came to be in the river," Mr. Hatfield remarked in an
+undertone. "Plainly, he's trying to hide something."
+
+"Think we should turn him over to the police for investigation?" Mr.
+Holloway asked, looking troubled.
+
+"He seems like a good sort," the Cub leader replied. "My judgment would
+be to wait and see what develops. He may be suffering from shock, though
+I think his refusal to talk is deliberate."
+
+Brad and Dan, who had taken charge of the boy's wet garments, now
+approached Mr. Hatfield.
+
+"What is it, boys?" he inquired, aware by their manner that they had an
+important disclosure to make.
+
+Brad asked the Cub leader if he would step outside to a platform from
+which the wooden steps descended.
+
+Surprised by the request, Mr. Hatfield followed the two Cubs.
+
+"What's up?" he questioned when they were beyond the hearing of the
+others. "You've learned something about that youngster?"
+
+"We were hanging up his clothes, and sort of went through his pockets,"
+Brad confessed. "Maybe we shouldn't have--"
+
+"On the whole, I think I might have done the same," Mr. Hatfield
+reassured him. "The boy evidently has no intention of telling us anything
+about himself. So I figure it's up to us to puzzle out a few facts for
+ourselves."
+
+"Here's what we found," Dan said, offering Mr. Hatfield a scrap of heavy
+wrapping paper.
+
+The Cub leader snapped on his flashlight to study the writing. Only two
+words appeared, preceded by a string of puzzling numerals.
+
+  "020614     7552845     24
+               Skeleton Island."
+
+"Queer," Mr. Hatfield commented. "You say this paper came from the boy's
+pocket?"
+
+"Yes, it was wadded up inside an old cigarette case," Dan explained.
+"That's, why it wasn't water-soaked."
+
+"Find anything else?"
+
+"Only a couple of handkerchiefs, a pocket knife and a few odds and ends,"
+Brad replied.
+
+"Nothing to indicate who the boy is or where he came from?"
+
+"Not a thing, sir. The only clue is this scrap of paper. What do you make
+of it, Mr. Hatfield?"
+
+"Frankly, I'm puzzled, Brad. This reference to Skeleton Island seems very
+odd."
+
+"Do you suppose those numerals could be a code of some sort?" Dan asked
+eagerly.
+
+"Well, that's hard to say. But by all means hang on to this paper, Dan."
+
+"We sure will," Dan promised, replacing it in his pocket. "If it should
+be a code maybe we can work it out. The only trouble is, I wouldn't know
+where to start."
+
+Footsteps now were heard padding softly on the steps leading to the
+platform.
+
+Gazing down, the Cubs saw that it was Mrs. Holloway, who had arrived. The
+official Den Mother climbed slowly, carrying a heavy hamper of food.
+
+Dan and Brad darted down the stairs to help with the basket.
+
+"Dear me, these steps seem steeper every time I climb them," she laughed,
+pausing on the platform to recapture her breath.
+
+Observing through the open doorway of the Cave that all the Cubs had
+gathered there, Mrs. Holloway expressed surprise that the treasure hunt
+had ended so early.
+
+"Why, I'm late bringing the food!" she exclaimed. "I expected the beach
+outing to last at least another half hour."
+
+Mr. Hatfield told her what had occurred, adding: "Perhaps you can do
+something for the boy. He's inside."
+
+"You've sent for a doctor?" Mrs. Holloway inquired.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Suell went after Dr. Redfield a few minutes ago. The lad seems
+to be coming around all right. He's a strange sort of boy--so far, he
+won't tell us his name or anything about himself."
+
+"I'll find out," Mrs. Holloway said confidently.
+
+Inside the Cave, nearly all of the Cubs had gathered about the couch
+where the strange boy lay. His dark brown eyes now appeared alert, and
+roved systematically over the room, taking in every detail.
+
+He noted an animal skin which hung on the wall above the couch, a shelf
+of Indian handicraft articles, and raffia baskets made by the Cubs. His
+gaze dwelt longest upon a silver trophy engraved with the Den 2 name.
+
+"We won that cup in the Pack handicraft show," Chips volunteered,
+observing the boy's interest. "Red and I made an Indian headdress which
+took top honors."
+
+"Aw, cut out the boasting," Red interposed with a laugh. "Remember, if it
+hadn't been for Brad and Dan recovering that feather war bonnet after it
+was carried down river with the flood, the Den wouldn't have won a
+thing."
+
+"That's right," Chips admitted readily. "We all worked together to earn
+the trophy. And to clear the Den name too."
+
+As all the Cubs knew, the feathers which had been so skillfully woven
+into the headdress had been obtained from the Silverton Pheasant Farm not
+many miles distant.
+
+Due to a misunderstanding, all the Cubs had been accused of trespassing,
+and Chips and Red of stealing. Only by diligent work had Dan and Brad
+cleared the two boys of the charge.
+
+The story of how a group of daring pheasant thieves was brought to
+justice, has been told in the first volume of a series, entitled: "Dan
+Carter, Cub Scout."
+
+Quietly taking charge, Mrs. Holloway cleared the bedside by assigning the
+Cubs to small tasks about the Cave. From a thermos bottle she poured a
+steaming cup of hot chocolate which she pressed to the boy's lips.
+
+He drank slowly and then with a grateful smile expressed his thanks.
+
+"You're feeling better now, aren't you?" the Den Mother said,
+straightening the blankets on the couch.
+
+The boy nodded.
+
+"Not very talkative, are you?" Mrs. Holloway asked with a warm smile.
+"But then, you've had a most harrowing experience. How in the world did
+you get in the river so late at night?"
+
+The strange lad did not rise to this bait, but allowed the question to
+remain unanswered.
+
+"You haven't told us your name yet," Mrs. Holloway reminded him.
+
+"Jacques," he answered after a long hesitation.
+
+"Why, that's a French name, isn't it? Jacques--what?"
+
+Again the boy did not answer, merely staring at her with eyes which held
+a troubled expression.
+
+"Never mind," said Mrs. Holloway. "If you don't feel like answering
+questions, I won't press you. Later on perhaps you'll tell us about
+yourself."
+
+She sat by the couch for a few minutes and then as Mr. Suell came in with
+Dr. Redfield, retired to talk to the Cub leader again.
+
+"It's no use--I couldn't get a word out of him," she confessed. "My guess
+is that he is foreign-born. And his first name, Jacques, would indicate
+it."
+
+"None of the Cubs ever have seen him before," Mr. Hatfield remarked. "A
+slip of paper was found in his pocket bearing the name Skeleton Island."
+
+"Then he may live there."
+
+"Possibly," Mr. Hatfield conceded. "However, the island belongs to
+Jonathan Manheim. I've never heard of anyone staying there except a
+caretaker who looks after the property."
+
+"What's to be done with the boy?"
+
+"We'll have to try to find his people. Possibly he's a runaway. In that
+case, he may refuse to tell us the name of his parents or where he came
+from. It may take a day or two to get his background."
+
+"I'll be glad to have him stay at my home tonight."
+
+"I'd figured on taking him with me," Mr. Hatfield replied. "That is, if
+the doctor approves. Let's see what he has to say."
+
+Dr. Redfield had completed his examination of the boy and was preparing
+to leave the Cave. Not wishing to discuss the patient in his presence, he
+joined the Cub leader and Mrs. Holloway outside on the platform.
+
+"What's the verdict, doctor?" Mr. Hatfield inquired.
+
+"Oh, he should be all right by tomorrow morning," the doctor answered.
+"He's suffering a little from shock, but nothing serious. Mr. Suell told
+me the boy was found on the beach and apparently had become exhausted
+from a long swim."
+
+"That's the way we figured it out. He's told us nothing."
+
+"The boy has no serious injuries," Dr. Redfield continued. "In examining
+him, I did find several bruises on his legs and back."
+
+"What would you say was the cause, doctor?"
+
+"I couldn't be certain, but offhand I would think he had been beaten."
+
+"Then our theory that he's a runaway may be right after all. By the way,
+doctor, the boy can be moved safely? I thought I'd take him to my home
+for the night."
+
+"He'll be all right if he doesn't exert himself," the doctor replied.
+"Keep him warm and quiet. If you need me in the morning, telephone and
+I'll make a more complete examination."
+
+After the doctor had gone, Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs prepared to close up
+the Cave for the night. Deciding to leave the treasure chest buried on
+the beach, the boys voted to resume the interrupted hunt at their next
+weekly meeting.
+
+Mrs. Holloway served sandwiches, chocolate and cookies to all the Cubs.
+Jacques refused to eat anything but did accept another cup of hot
+beverage.
+
+"Now let's all sing the Cub pledge before we leave," Mr. Hatfield
+proposed.
+
+The boys gathered around and to the tune of America, warbled:
+
+  "'Cub friendships, pure and deep,
+  We promise we will keep
+  Our pledge to thee;
+  We will honor and obey Akela all the way
+  And on that twelfth birthday
+  Good Scouts we'll be!'"
+
+At the end of the song, all the Cubs gave the salute, two fingers raised
+to their foreheads. Then the meeting began to break up.
+
+"Brad, if you and Dan will stay here with Jacques, I'll go home for my
+car," the Cub leader said. "Then we can get him down the stairs and
+directly into the automobile. It shouldn't take me long."
+
+"We'll be glad to wait," Dan offered eagerly.
+
+After Mr. Hatfield had gone, the Cubs and their fathers began to drift
+off home. Soon only Mrs. Holloway, her son Midge, Brad and Dan remained.
+
+"I'll wait for Mr. Hatfield," the Den Mother said. "He should be coming
+soon."
+
+"I see a car parking now on the road across from the beach," Brad
+observed. From where he stood near the Cave doorway, he could view the
+entire river front.
+
+"Then I'll run along," Mrs. Holloway said, gathering up hamper and
+thermos bottles. "Good-bye, Jacques. I'll certainly see you tomorrow."
+
+"_Merci_," he mumbled, using the French word for expressing thanks.
+
+The Cave became deeply silent after Mrs. Holloway had gone. Brad and Dan
+moved close to the couch, studying their guest with curiosity.
+
+"Jacques, can't you speak English, or don't you want to?" Brad asked
+presently. "You're trying to hide something--isn't that it?"
+
+Again the boy on the couch flashed them an inscrutable smile. But with a
+gesture which plainly bespoke gratitude, he reached out to grasp Dan's
+hand.
+
+His next act was deliberate. With two fingers extended along Dan's wrist,
+he squeezed the hand with a grip which unmistakably was the official Cub
+handclasp.
+
+"Gosh all fish hooks!" Dan exclaimed, staring down at the boy in
+astonishment. "You're a Cub too! And you never let out a hint of it when
+the others were here."
+
+Jacques allowed the boy's hand to slip from his own. With a slight shrug
+and another mysterious smile, he closed his eyes and pretended to drowse.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 3
+                              Stolen Furs
+
+
+On the morrow, Dan and Brad called early at Mr. Hatfield's home to
+inquire as to the condition of Jacques.
+
+They found the boy up and dressed, eating a late breakfast with Mr. and
+Mrs. Hatfield and Fred. Apparently none the worse for his river adventure
+of the previous night, the lad seemed in fairly good spirits.
+
+Taking Brad and Dan aside, Fred reported to them that absolutely no
+progress had been made in learning the boy's identity or anything about
+his past.
+
+"Just as soon as one asks him a direct question, he pretends not to
+understand," Fred complained. "It's all a pose."
+
+"What does your father plan to do with him?" Brad asked.
+
+"He hasn't decided yet. This afternoon we're going down to the Cave to
+clean up after last night's meeting. We'll probably take Jacques with
+us."
+
+"You know he's a Cub, I suppose," Dan remarked.
+
+"A Cub!" Fred was astonished. "Why, no! He didn't give us a hint of it.
+What makes you think so?"
+
+Dan and Brad related how Jacques had grasped the former's hand in the
+official Cub handclasp, mute evidence that he once had been a member of
+the international organization.
+
+"He's a queer duck," Fred declared. "I'm sure he didn't mention to Dad
+that he ever had been a Cub. Fact is, he's kept mum about everything.
+Won't peep a word as to his folks or where he came from."
+
+The Cubs discussed Jacques a little longer, and then Brad and Dan left,
+but not before promising Fred they would drop around at the Cave later to
+help with the cleaning.
+
+Anxious to learn how much damage had been done the previous night to Mr.
+Holloway's sailboat, the boys next stopped at the Webster City Yacht
+Club. From Midge, who loitered on the dock, they learned that the sailing
+craft already had been hauled to a nearby boat yard to be repaired.
+
+"The job will cost at least forty dollars," Midge reported. "What's
+worse, the boat will be out of water for at least two or three days. It
+makes me sick!"
+
+"Did your father learn if it was Manheim's boat that struck us last
+night?" Dan questioned.
+
+"Not yet. We inquired around the clubhouse, but no one has seen the
+Manheim speedboat the last couple of days."
+
+Brad had noticed a mahogany speedcraft which was plowing up the channel
+at half-speed. "Isn't that Manheim's boat coming now?" he demanded. "It
+looks like it to me."
+
+"Likewise the same one that struck us last night," Midge muttered,
+shading his eyes as he gazed toward the sun.
+
+As the three Cubs watched, the boat drew closer until they could read the
+license numbers--D 351, and see the bright gleam of her brasswork.
+
+"The boat that hit us had no visible license," Dan said, a little
+troubled. "If it weren't for that, I'd say it was Manheim's craft that
+smashed into us."
+
+"Who's at the wheel?" Brad demanded. "Not Manheim."
+
+The operator of the boat wore a striped red and blue jersey and soiled
+brown trousers. His square jaw and grizzled sun-brown face of set
+expression marked him as a man of surly temper.
+
+As the boat slid along toward the Manheim berth, he glanced briefly at
+the Cubs. Then deliberately he looked away.
+
+"Wonder who he is?" Midge muttered. "He doesn't resemble anyone in that
+boat last night."
+
+"Not the operator anyway," Dan agreed. "Actually, we didn't see the other
+two fellows well enough to recognize them again."
+
+The Cubs kept the boat in view as it maneuvered into a reserved space at
+the far end of the dock. Midge asked a club member, who loitered nearby,
+if the speedboat belonged to Mr. Manheim.
+
+"Yes, that's his boat," the club member identified it.
+
+"But that isn't Mr. Manheim at the wheel?"
+
+"No, the pilot is a fellow who works for him at Skeleton Island. A new
+man he hired a few months ago. I've heard him called Wilson Jabowski."
+
+After the club member had moved on, the three Cubs watched the Manheim
+boat fill its gas tank at a private pump.
+
+"Notice her stern," Dan whispered to his companions. "Can you see any
+scratches?"
+
+"We're too far away," Midge returned. "But I'll bet a frosted doughnut it
+was Manheim's boat that rammed us last night! I'll find out!"
+
+Unable to restrain himself, the boy descended three steps to the lower
+level, there to inspect the craft's hull.
+
+"Hey!" the boat operator shouted as Midge bent to look closely at the
+mahogany. "What d'you think you're doing?"
+
+"Nothing," Midge mumbled, startled. "Just looking."
+
+"Well, do your lookin' somewhere else!" the man snapped. "Mr. Manheim
+doesn't want kids hangin' around his boat."
+
+"I'm not doing any harm," Midge defended himself. "I was just noticing a
+few scratches on your boat. Have you been in an accident?"
+
+"No," the boat operator answered gruffly. "I may have scratched the
+mahogany a couple of days ago when I was backing out of the berth. Grazed
+a dock post."
+
+"Oh, I see," Midge said, pretending to accept the explanation. "I thought
+maybe you might have been in a collision last night."
+
+"Collision! What you drivin' at, you young whelp? Trying to make out it
+was Mr. Manheim's boat that run into your Dad's sailboat?"
+
+"I didn't say so, did I? Anyhow, how did you know of it?"
+
+"Heard about the accident here at the club," the boat operator retorted.
+"Let me tell you something! This boat wasn't away from Skeleton Island
+last night! And another thing, Mr. Manheim doesn't go around smashing
+sailboats."
+
+"Who said he did?" Midge demanded, now on the defensive. "I never accused
+him."
+
+"No, but you're thinking it was this boat that hit yours. Oh, I heard you
+boys whispering! Well, get this straight! You better not go to Mr.
+Manheim with your complaints."
+
+"I'm sorry if I said anything to offend," Midge replied, his voice stony.
+"To tell you the truth, I did think maybe it was his boat that struck
+ours in the dark. If I've made a mistake I apologize."
+
+"You sure made a mistake, kid. Now get going all of you! I want to fill
+this gasoline tank and get back to Skeleton Island."
+
+Embarrassed by the reprimand, the three Cubs took themselves to the club
+where they sat on the veranda drinking cokes.
+
+"I sure made the old boy sore," Midge said between sips of the iced
+drink. "I never intended to accuse him or say anything about the
+accident. He snapped me up so fast."
+
+"Almost as if he had a guilty conscience," Dan agreed. "Maybe he heard
+about the accident here at the club the way he said. Then again, maybe he
+didn't."
+
+"Those scratches on the boat weren't very deep," Midge said thoughtfully.
+"All in all, I guess I'd better not exercise my gums too much over the
+thing. Dad wouldn't like it."
+
+Brad, who had been scanning the morning paper while his companions
+talked, now uttered a startled snort.
+
+"Say, will you look at this!" he exclaimed, tapping a front page news
+story. "Guess what happened last night?"
+
+"Break it to us gently, Brad, my boy," Midge laughed.
+
+"It says here that a box of furs valued at $8,500 was stolen last night
+from Pier 23. So far the police haven't traced the thieves."
+
+Dan relieved Brad of the newspaper and read the account for himself. The
+story related that during the early hours of the evening, a fast
+motorboat had pulled alongside of Pier 23 where a box of furs had been
+piled up with other merchandise for shipment. Before the warehouse
+watchman had suspected what was happening, the craft with its unknown
+occupants had sped away into the darkness.
+
+"Say, do you suppose that could have been the same boat that struck us
+last night?" Dan demanded as he finished reading the story.
+
+"What time did the robbery occur?" Midge asked thoughtfully.
+
+"The story doesn't say. But you remember, the boat was showing no lights,
+and coming from the general direction of the docks."
+
+"That's true," Midge admitted, impressed. "All the same, Manheim isn't
+the type of man to get mixed up in a fur theft. In the first place, he
+has plenty of money."
+
+"We may have been mistaken about it being the Manheim boat," Dan argued.
+
+"In any case, this story about the fur theft is interesting," Brad said,
+rereading it. "It looks to me as if the river pirates are getting pretty
+bold when they can pull off a robbery practically under the eyes of the
+watchman."
+
+"I wish we had more information," Midge remarked. "Pier 23 isn't far from
+here. Why not go there and see if we can pick up any more information."
+
+The proposal appealed to Brad and Dan. Finishing their drinks, they
+caught a bus which dropped them off a few minutes later at the commercial
+area of the river.
+
+Midge, who was fairly familiar with this section of the waterfront, led
+his companions toward a small warehouse whose corrugated steel door stood
+slightly ajar.
+
+Inside, an elderly man was taking an inventory of boxes and crates
+stacked against the wall. A spry, wiry little fellow with white hair and
+energy that belied his sixty-nine years, he whirled around as he heard
+the boys enter.
+
+"You startled me," he chuckled, obviously relieved. "After last night,
+I'm a mite jumpy."
+
+The Cubs noticed then that the warehouse man carried a revolver in a
+holster at his belt.
+
+"I'm Hank Hawkins, at your service," he announced cheerfully. "What can I
+do for you youngsters?"
+
+"We'd like a little information about the robbery last night," Dan spoke
+up. "We're not just asking questions out of curiosity. We may have some
+information for you too."
+
+"You kids know something about it?"
+
+"We may have seen the boat that pulled away from the pier. We're not
+sure. What time did the robbery take place?"
+
+"Say, who are you kids anyhow?" the watchman demanded, without answering
+the question.
+
+Brad gave his name and introduced his companions, explaining that they
+were Cub Scouts. "I guess you think we have our nerve barging in like
+this," he added. "We read about the fur robbery in the paper, and we want
+to learn the details."
+
+"I see." Hank sat down on a packing case to light his pipe. "Well, there
+ain't much to tell. The Hodur and Fameister firm sent through a box of
+expensive furs. They were to have been picked up at 10 o'clock last night
+by the freighter _Albone_. At eight thirty I set out the box along with
+some others that were to go. Then I stepped back into the warehouse for a
+minute, and it happened."
+
+"You say the theft occurred about eight thirty?" Dan asked thoughtfully.
+
+"It was about that time. Ordinarily, it wouldn't have been dark, but a
+heavy fog had rolled in."
+
+"Did you see the motorboat and the men in it?" Midge asked.
+
+"Caught a glimpse of 'em as they pulled away--that was all. It all
+happened so fast. They had that box off the pier and were gone before I
+knew what was up."
+
+"What sort of boat was it?" Brad inquired.
+
+"A 20-ft. high-powered speedboat. Mostly she was a blur in the dark. Not
+a light showing."
+
+"How many in the boat?"
+
+"Three, I'd say."
+
+The information tended to convince the Cubs that the craft was the same
+one that had smashed into Mr. Holloway's sailboat.
+
+As they were telling Hank about the incident, a tapping sound was heard
+on the planking outside the door. A moment later, a blindman led by a
+seeing-eye dog, groped his way into the warehouse.
+
+"Good morning, Joe," the watchman greeted him. "How's business today?"
+
+"Lousy," the blindman complained. "I've sold only four packages of
+pencils all morning. The sun's so hot it's wilting me. Mind if I chin for
+a few minutes while I cool off?"
+
+"Glad to have you," Hank said, guiding the man to a seat on a box. "Boys,
+meet Joe Matt, a friend of mine."
+
+The Cubs gave their own names. Feeling sorry for the man, Brad then
+bought a package of pencils for a quarter. However, the blindman pocketed
+the coin rather indifferently.
+
+"What do you hear from the cops?" he asked Hank. "Any clue as to the fur
+thieves?"
+
+"Apparently it was a clean get-away. The box was insured for only half
+its value and that makes it tough for Hodur and Fameister. I'm lucky I
+didn't lose my job?"
+
+"Why should anyone blame you?" the blindman demanded. "It wasn't your
+fault."
+
+"No, but maybe my employer will figure I should have had my eyes open a
+little wider. It's the first time I've lost anything in the eighteen
+years I've been workin' on the waterfront."
+
+Hank discussed the theft at length and then began to tell other tales of
+the waterfront which kept the Cubs enthralled. Brad, Dan, and Midge
+presently found themselves drawn into the conversation. They told of
+their Cave on the hillside and the exciting treasure hunt which had led
+to the discovery of Jacques lying on the beach.
+
+"Jacques?" the blindman interposed. "Is that his name? Must be one of
+those foreigners."
+
+"French, we think," Midge revealed, failing to notice the look of intent
+interest in the blindman's otherwise mask-like face. "He's not much to
+talk."
+
+"Hasn't told you anything about himself?"
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"Where is the youngster now?"
+
+"He may be at the Cave."
+
+The blindman talked a few minutes more and then arose to leave. Dan also
+slid down from the packing box on which he had perched himself.
+
+Slight as was the movement, it disturbed the seeing-eye dog. With a
+snarl, he sprang at the boy.
+
+Startled, Dan leaped backward. The blindman uttered a sharp command.
+
+"Here, Rudy! Come here! Behave yourself!"
+
+Still growling and eyeing Dan with deep hate, the dog allowed his master
+to grasp him by the leash.
+
+"Quite a vicious dog you have there," Brad said, edging away. "He might
+have taken a chunk out of Dan."
+
+"Rudy isn't vicious," the blindman denied. "Now and then he takes a
+dislike to someone. Usually he won't attack unless he's annoyed."
+
+"That's encouraging," Dan said with a wry grin. "Believe me, in the
+future I'll take pains not to annoy him."
+
+Without apologizing for the incident, the blindman took the dog and went
+off down the wharf. For a long while, the Cubs could hear his cane
+tapping on the planks.
+
+"Joe Matt isn't a bad sort after you know him," the watchman remarked,
+aware that the Cubs had not been favorably impressed by the man's
+manners. "Being blind would make anyone out-of-sorts, I guess."
+
+"Sure," Brad agreed. "I suppose he's attached to that dog--though he's an
+ugly animal. Wouldn't want to meet him on a dark night."
+
+"You can bet I'll give him a wide berth," Dan added with a laugh. "Rudy
+didn't go for me. And the feeling's mutual! By the way, Hank, how long
+have you known Joe Matt?"
+
+"Oh, I don't remember," the watchman replied indifferently, knocking the
+ashes from his pipe. "Six months maybe. Well, I've been spinning yarns
+long enough. Got to do a little work now."
+
+Accepting the remark as a dismissal, Dan, Brad and Midge said goodbye,
+and left the warehouse. At the bus line, they debated, and finally
+decided to make an appearance at the Cave.
+
+"Mr. Holloway and Fred will need some help cleaning up the place," Dan
+declared. "Also, if Jacques is there, I'd like to talk to him again."
+
+"He seemed to go for you more than anyone else," Brad said, signaling to
+a bus driver. "Maybe you can get him to loosen up a bit."
+
+The sun was high overhead as the three Cubs alighted from the bus ten
+minutes later. Crossing the beach, they climbed to the Cave.
+
+Entering, they saw at once that something was amiss. Mr. Holloway and
+Fred were there alone, their brooms discarded. Rather dejectedly they sat
+at a table, studying an object which was hidden from view.
+
+"Hi!" Dan greeted the pair. "Where's Jacques? We thought you were
+bringing him here."
+
+"We did," replied Fred significantly.
+
+The other Cubs looked quickly about the disordered room. Plainly Jacques
+was nowhere in the Cave.
+
+"Where is he?" Brad demanded. "Don't keep us in suspense. He didn't take
+a turn for the worse?"
+
+Mr. Hatfield shook his head.
+
+"No, Jacques appeared fine when last we saw him. This will explain." He
+thrust a note into Brad's hand. "The lad left it here a few minutes ago."
+
+In a large, hard-to-read scrawl, the boy had written:
+
+"Thanks for everything. Goodbye."
+
+Beneath the message appeared a crudely drawn Wolf cub, its sharp ears
+pointing to the final word: "Jacques."
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 4
+                             Fluke Victory
+
+
+Jacques' unexpected leave-taking came as a bitter disappointment to Brad
+and Dan who had hoped to learn more about the boy.
+
+"We don't know where he went or why," Fred explained to the Cubs as they
+reread the farewell message. "Dad and I carried a basket of trash down to
+the beach, leaving Jacques here. When we came back, he was gone."
+
+"That was only a few minutes ago," Mr. Hatfield added. "Dan, you and Brad
+didn't see the boy anywhere on the beach?"
+
+Dan replied that they had observed no one.
+
+"Dad and I weren't away from the Cave ten minutes," Fred further
+explained. "I can't understand what got into Jacques. He seemed cheerful
+earlier this morning."
+
+"Maybe he was afraid we'd ask too many questions," Brad commented, his
+gaze roving slowly about the room. "Say, isn't there something different
+about this place?"
+
+"Different?" Mr. Hatfield echoed. "A chair has been upset and another one
+shoved against the wall. Come to think of it, both those chairs were in
+place when Fred and I carried out the trash!"
+
+"Maybe someone came here while you were away and forced Jacques to
+leave!" Dan exclaimed.
+
+"The boy seemed well enough satisfied this morning," Mr. Hatfield said,
+folding and buttoning the note into his jacket pocket. "That's what makes
+it seem strange that he'd leave without explaining. Suppose we look
+around down on the beach."
+
+Eager to search for clues, the boys clattered down the stairway ahead of
+the Cub leader.
+
+At the foot of the steps they noticed several freshly made footsteps in
+the sand. Scattered among the imprints left by a small shoe were those of
+a man's heavy-soled footgear.
+
+"Dan, your theory about someone forcing Jacques to leave may be correct!"
+Mr. Hatfield exclaimed. "The boy may have gone willingly enough. But that
+upset chair makes me wonder."
+
+Now rather excited by their discoveries, the Cubs followed the footprint
+trail for twenty yards along the beach.
+
+Now and then, a small circular mark appeared near the shoe prints. To the
+observing Cubs this indicated that a stick or similar round object had
+been carried by Jacques' companion.
+
+"And see here!" Midge exclaimed, staring at a confusion of prints in the
+sand. "Doesn't this look as if a scuffle took place, Mr. Hatfield?"
+
+"It does," agreed the Cub leader, praising Midge for his observation.
+"Either Jacques stumbled or was given a hard shove. One can see plainly
+where he fell down."
+
+The trail of footprints led the Cubs on to a paved road paralleling the
+river front. There it abruptly ended.
+
+"Well, we've lost them," Mr. Hatfield said, gazing up and down the
+deserted highway.
+
+"And now we'll never know who Jacques was or where he came from," Dan
+said. "About all he told us was that he's a Cub."
+
+"Even that seems odd," Mr. Hatfield commented. "I've checked, and Jacques
+never was a member of any Webster City Den. I only hope that whoever took
+the boy away treats him right. Those bruises the doctor mentioned, rather
+trouble me."
+
+Failure to learn what had become of Jacques disturbed not only Mr.
+Hatfield but all of the Cubs. During the next three days, the topic was a
+major one discussed at the Cave.
+
+The Cub leader reported Jacques' disappearance to police, but was
+informed that no boy of his description had been reported missing.
+
+At first, the Cubs spent many hours trying to decipher the coded message
+which Dan and Brad had removed from Jacques' clothing.
+
+Failing to figure it out or to hear more of the boy, the matter began to
+fade into the background. Only Dan remained determined to work out the
+code.
+
+Meanwhile, the Cubs turned their attention to an important swimming meet
+which had been scheduled with the boys of Den 1.
+
+In a meet held the month before, the rival Den had captured top honors by
+a score of 20 to 16. Defeat rankled in the hearts of the Den 2 Cubs who
+were determined to make a better showing in the second contest.
+
+A total of three meets had been scheduled for the season. An engraved
+silver loving cup would be awarded to the Den which won two of the
+contests.
+
+"I'm afraid Ross Langdon will win the Saturday meet too," Dan remarked
+glumly one afternoon as he practiced with the other Cubs at the "Y" pool.
+"That guy swims as if he's jet propelled!"
+
+Although Den 1 boasted several fine swimmers, 11-year-old Ross was by far
+the greatest threat to the rival Cubs. Muscularly built, the boy had the
+energy of a youngster of fifteen. His crawl stroke lacked form, but by
+sheer strength he managed to win every race he entered.
+
+"You swim as well as Ross does," Brad told Dan loyally. "Your form is
+better."
+
+"Maybe," Dan admitted, "but I lack his endurance. I hold out fairly well
+in the 25-yard free style, but in the 50, I began to lose my wind. And
+you know we've got to capture both events to nose out Den 1 in the final
+tally."
+
+"Sure, I know," Brad acknowledged, easing his body snake-fashion down the
+pool wall into the chlorinated water. "Just get in and pitch, old boy.
+Remember, the Den is counting on you!"
+
+"That's what makes me worried, Brad. I want to do my best. I practice and
+practice, but where does it get me?"
+
+Sam Hatfield emerged from the dressing room in time to hear Dan's final
+remark.
+
+"You just keep plugging and top speed will come, Dan," he said
+cheerfully. "Stop worrying about Ross Langdon. One of these days his lack
+of form will catch up with him. Now dive into that pool and swim eight
+lengths."
+
+"Eight?" Dan groaned.
+
+"Eight," the Cub leader repeated firmly. "It's the only way you'll ever
+build up your endurance. When the going gets hard--just keep going."
+
+Inspired by this advice, Dan dived into the water, and with smooth
+strokes slashed his way the first length of the pool.
+
+After a turn at the wall, his breath became a little short and he slowed
+down a little. By the end of the third length, his stroke lost some of
+its hard drive. At five lengths, his steady six-beat leg thrash became a
+tired wiggle. Finally at the end of the eighth length, Dan was holding
+out by sheer will power.
+
+"Keep it up!" Mr. Hatfield called encouragingly. "You're doing fine."
+
+At that moment Ross Langdon sauntered into the pool. Large for his age
+and a natural athlete, the boy's appearances at the "Y" were few and far
+between, for he disliked to practice. On this afternoon, however, he had
+donned satin trunks, showered, and evidently intended to swim.
+
+Observing Dan's now jerky stroke, he uttered a loud horse-laugh. Then to
+show off, he plunged into the pool, and swam the length with a speed
+which tossed foam ahead of his thrashing arms.
+
+Thoroughly discouraged by the display, Dan wheeled over to the side to
+watch.
+
+"What's the use?" he muttered to Brad who slithered alongside in the
+water. "I couldn't quite finish eight lengths and here Ross blazes in and
+tears up the pool!"
+
+"That's all right, Dan," Brad encouraged him. "You won't see him doing
+more than a few lengths before he caves in. You just keep plugging the
+way Mr. Hatfield said."
+
+"But the meet is Saturday. And look at that guy travel! His form may not
+be so hot, but how he can chop the water!"
+
+Well aware that the Cubs of Den 2 were watching, Ross swam another
+length, finishing off with a snappy turn at the wall.
+
+Then he pulled himself from the pool, stretching out on the tile floor to
+relax.
+
+"See, I told you!" Brad muttered. "As soon as the going gets hard, he
+quits."
+
+"To win the 25-yard and the 50-yard dash, he won't need too much
+reserve," Dan sighed. "Well, I'll sure do my best to win, but I've got a
+dark brown feeling."
+
+On Saturday, the day set for the swimming meet, enthusiasm had mounted to
+high pitch. By two o'clock, all the Cubs, their parents and many other
+spectators had gathered at the "Y" to witness the contest.
+
+Five events had been scheduled, fancy diving, the 25-yard free style
+race, the 50-yard swim, a 100-yard relay, and a back stroke event.
+
+Points were to be awarded on the basis of five for first place, three for
+second, and one for third place. According to the rules, each team was
+allowed to enter two contestants in an event.
+
+Den 2 swung off to a good start with Brad taking top honors and Midge
+Holloway coming in third. This lead of six to three brought enthusiastic
+cheers from the gallery.
+
+The second event, the racing back crawl, proved discouraging to Den 2.
+Though Chips Davis swam an excellent race, he lost to one of the Den 1
+boys. Den 2, however, managed to snare both second and third places,
+giving them a total score of 10 to 8.
+
+"From now on it will be nip and tuck," Brad said grimly as the 25-yard
+free style was called. "So far Ross Langdon hasn't had a chance to swim."
+
+At the crack of the gun, Dan and Ross hit the water together. From that
+first moment of the race it was evident to the spectators that the
+remainder of the meet would resolve itself into a battle between the two
+swimmers.
+
+Though Dan exerted his best efforts, Ross won the event by an easy
+six-foot margin. Dan was awarded second place, while another swimmer from
+Den 1 captured third position. The scoreboard proclaimed the discouraging
+totals: Den 1--14. Den 2--13.
+
+Only two events remained, the 50-yard free style and the 100-yard relay.
+However, Ross was entered in both events and the Cubs knew his flashy
+speed could be counted upon to win for his den.
+
+"That boy is in top form today--if you can say he has any form," Midge
+muttered, slapping Dan encouragingly on the back. "Well, get in there and
+show him!"
+
+"Sure, sure," Dan laughed, but his words had a hollow ring.
+
+As the Cubs of Den 2 expected, their rivals walked away with the relay by
+a score of 20 to 16.
+
+"Fat chance we have of winning now," Dan said as the final event of the
+meet was called. "We'd have to make a complete sweep, and we'll be lucky
+to capture one place."
+
+"It sure looks bad for Den 2," Brad agreed. "But get in there and fight,
+boy! Ross acts a bit winded. He may not hold out."
+
+In the 50-yard free style, the Cubs were required to swim two lengths of
+the pool. Before the start of the race, an official reminded the boys
+that they must remain in their lanes and touch the wall at the turn or be
+disqualified.
+
+At the crack of the gun Ross and Dan were off to a fast start, followed
+by the field of slower swimmers.
+
+As Brad had observed, Ross seemed somewhat tired from his earlier
+performances. His stroke looked ragged and jerky. Dan by contrast forged
+smoothly ahead, pressing him hard every inch of the way.
+
+At the turn, the two rivals were racing almost even. Determined to gain
+the lead, Ross lunged for the wall, his finger tips missing it by a scant
+margin. So rapidly did he turn, that few noticed.
+
+Dan, tucking into a tight ball, also made a fast turn, but touched the
+wall. His shove-off however, was weak. When his head came out of water
+for a gulp of air, he was disconcerted to see that Ross was a full body
+length ahead.
+
+"Come on, Dan!" his teammates yelled encouragingly. "You can do it!"
+
+Dan dug in, but his breath was coming hard. Despite his best efforts he
+could not recapture the lead. In a moment, it seemed, the race was over.
+Ross had touched the finish wall a scant arm's length ahead, and was
+congratulated as the winner.
+
+For the members of Den 2 it was slight consolation that Mack had won
+third place, nosing out a Den 1 swimmer. The scoreboard proclaimed Den 1
+the victor by a total of 25 to 20.
+
+"Congratulations, Ross," Dan said, offering his hand. "You swam a fine
+race!"
+
+"Thanks," the other boy grinned. "You weren't so bad yourself. Pressed me
+plenty at first."
+
+Other members of Den 1 had gathered in a little group. After talking
+rather excitedly, they called Ross over. The other Cubs could not hear
+what was said, but they gathered that Ross himself was the topic of
+conversation. Apparently, he disagreed with his teammates about some
+matter, for his voice rose in sharp protest.
+
+Then the Cubs heard him say sullenly: "Okay, if you want to be saps, go
+ahead! It makes me sick, after the way I worked to win for the team!"
+
+Ross' teammates talked to their coach briefly. Then before the audience
+or Den 2 swimmers could leave the pool, a whistle blasted for attention.
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, we regret that an error has been made in scoring,"
+an official announced. "It has been brought to notice that one of the
+contestants, Ross Langdon, failed to touch the wall at the end of the
+first length."
+
+A buzz of conversation greeted this announcement. Brad and Dan glanced
+quickly at each other, and then at Ross. The face of the latter was as
+black as a summer rainstorm.
+
+"Due to this infraction of the rules, Ross has been disqualified," the
+official continued. "Dan Carter wins first place."
+
+A mighty cheer rocked the pool gallery. Even heavier applause broke out
+as new figures went up on the scoreboard:
+
+  Den 2--24    Den 1--21.
+
+Brad and the other Den 2 teammates swarmed about Dan, clapping him on his
+dripping shoulders.
+
+"Dan, you did it!" Red Suell congratulated him. "Now the matches are
+even! If we win the third meet, that silver cup is in the bag."
+
+"IF is right," Dan laughed. "Don't forget, this victory was a fluke."
+
+From Mr. Hatfield, the Cubs learned that only the good sportsmanship of
+the Den 1 teammates had been responsible for their success. Ross himself
+had made no mention of his failure to touch the wall, and his error had
+gone unnoticed by officials.
+
+"Two of Den 1 swimmers saw Ross miss the turn," the Cub leader revealed.
+"They reasoned that honor means more than victory."
+
+"A Cub Always is Square," Dan quoted thoughtfully.
+
+"That's right," Mr. Hatfield agreed. "I'm proud of our boys for winning,
+but equally proud of the other team for reporting the incident."
+
+The swimmers of Den 1 gathered around to congratulate Dan and his
+teammates. Ross, however, had slipped away to the dressing room without a
+word.
+
+"He's a little sore," one of his teammates remarked. "But he'll get over
+it. The coach warned Ross plenty of times to be careful about that turn.
+He never paid much attention."
+
+Feeling on top of the world, Dan showered and dressed. As he was getting
+his things from the locker, he bumped squarely into Ross.
+
+Dan waited a moment, expecting the other boy to offer some word of
+congratulation. When Ross said nothing, he remarked:
+
+"You had a tough break, fellow."
+
+Ross gave a snort of disgust. "I'll say it was a tough break," he agreed.
+"In a straight race, you couldn't win and we both know it!"
+
+The remark annoyed Dan.
+
+"Oh, I don't know," he drawled. "My stroke is improving every day. I
+noticed you were pretty well winded at the finish."
+
+"Bunk. I didn't even exert myself!"
+
+"Anyway, now that the two teams are tied, it will make a good meet when
+the final contest is scheduled," Dan said, trying to ease out of a
+disagreeable conversation.
+
+"Sure," Ross said, his eyes flashing. "Maybe you can dig up another
+technical point and win the cup! You'll never earn it on merit!"
+
+And with that challenge, he brushed past Dan and slouched out of the
+dressing room.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 5
+                            Paper Bag Eddie
+
+
+Stung by Ross' jibe, Dan spent much of his time the next few days at the
+"Y" pool. To build endurance and smooth out his stroke, he also swam in
+the river. Always on these occasions he was accompanied by Brad or
+Midge's father in a boat.
+
+Now that the swimming meet was over, the other Cubs temporarily turned
+their attention to various Den activities. Brad tried to assist Dan in
+deciphering the code message which had been found in Jacques' pocket.
+
+However, after three days of work, he gave up in disgust.
+
+"Maybe it isn't a code after all," he said, returning the paper to Dan.
+"I figure those numerals must stand for letters that spell out a message.
+But I can't get the hang of it."
+
+"I think I'll keep on trying," Dan said. "Not that it will mean much if
+we do puzzle out the thing. Jacques is gone, and probably we'll never see
+him again."
+
+"Wonder what became of that kid anyhow?" Brad mused. "It sure was funny,
+finding him on the beach the way we did."
+
+"And he never told us his name or explained anything. I'd say there was
+every indication someone came and took him away."
+
+"Mr. Hatfield made inquiries," Brad added. "No one saw the boy leave the
+Cave. He's unknown in Webster City."
+
+Although Dan and the other Cubs had kept a close watch of the waterfront,
+they had sighted no boat which resembled the one that had damaged Mr.
+Holloway's craft. Therefore, the conviction steadily grew that Mr.
+Manheim's speedboat might be the one involved.
+
+"Mr. Manheim is well spoken of at the club," Midge's father told the
+boys. "It would be a serious mistake if we made any accusation against
+him or any of his employees. The boat has been repaired, and as far as
+I'm concerned, the matter will be dropped."
+
+Dan and Midge said no more about the affair, but in private they often
+remarked that they thought Wilson Jabowski, the caretaker on Skeleton
+Island, would bear investigation.
+
+"I hear he hasn't worked very long for Mr. Manheim," Dan remarked. "And
+folks say that when his employer is out of town, he rides around in that
+speedboat like a king."
+
+"Maybe if we keep our eyes open we'll catch up with him yet," Midge said.
+"He may crack into another boat."
+
+On the regular Friday night meeting of the Den, the Cubs enjoyed the
+beach treasure hunt which had been interrupted at the previous gathering.
+Mack and Fred came off victorious, their clues leading them to the buried
+chest which contained carpenter's tools.
+
+"The Den needs a bookcase," Mr. Hatfield reminded the pair as they
+admired their 'find'. "We'll expect you boys to produce something
+handsome now that you have the tools."
+
+"We'll do it too," Mack promised.
+
+With the treasure hunt over, all the Cubs gathered on the beach for a
+council fire and "feed." Mrs. Holloway passed out hot dog sandwiches,
+chocolate and thick wedges of pie.
+
+When the boys could eat no more, they stretched out on the sand, and
+begged Mr. Hatfield to tell them a ghost story.
+
+"I might tell you about the ghost of Skeleton Island," he chuckled.
+
+"A true story?" Dan demanded.
+
+"It may have elements of truth," the Cub leader replied. "Basically
+though, the tale is a product of the imagination."
+
+"You mean you're making up the story?" Midge asked in disappointment.
+
+"No," the Cub leader corrected. "I first heard about Skeleton Island as a
+boy. According to the tale, it once was an old pirate stronghold. River
+pirates would come upstream and hide their loot on the island."
+
+"Was any of it ever dug up?" Midge demanded.
+
+"Not that I ever heard. But thirty years ago, a man's skeleton was found
+on the island. That's how the place received its name."
+
+"What about the ghost?" Dan inquired.
+
+"I'm coming to that part. The old freebooters supposedly built a tunnel
+which connected some point of the beach with an old inn that was on the
+island."
+
+"Not the hotel that's there now?" Brad interposed. "I mean the abandoned
+one that Mr. Manheim converted into the caretaker's premises."
+
+"I doubt it is the same place, Brad. However, I believe that after the
+old inn burned down, the present building was erected in its place. That
+was at least fifty years ago."
+
+"And the ghost?" Red Suell reminded him.
+
+"The ghost? Oh, yes, to be sure. The fellow, I'm told, never was very
+active. On windy nights, shore residents reported seeing a white, misty
+figure moving along the beach."
+
+"Mist--that's probably what it was," Brad said with a snort. "Anyone
+knows there are no ghosts. I'm more interested in that tunnel. Do you
+think one actually was built, Mr. Hatfield?"
+
+"I'm inclined to think that part of the story is true, Brad."
+
+"Then what became of the tunnel? No one has heard of it in recent years."
+
+"I was asking an old timer about that only yesterday."
+
+"And what did he tell you?" Dan demanded, eager for additional details.
+
+"This old salt claimed that heavy wind storms blocked off the beach
+entrance to the tunnel."
+
+"Couldn't it be relocated and dug out?"
+
+"Probably, if anyone wanted to go to that much work. It would be a big
+job shifting so much sand even if the entranceway could be found. I don't
+suppose Mr. Manheim ever was interested."
+
+"He owns the entire island, doesn't he?" Brad asked thoughtfully. Picking
+up a piece of driftwood, he fed it to the dying embers of the fire.
+
+"That's right," the Cub leader agreed. "The Scouts have been dickering
+with him for nearly six months to purchase a stretch of beach for their
+permanent camp. They're also considering a site two miles farther down
+river."
+
+"Which will they take?" Chips asked. "I should think Skeleton Island
+would be better, because it's closer to Webster City."
+
+"So far, Mr. Manheim has asked a fairly steep price and doesn't seem
+inclined to come down," the Cub leader replied. "The Scout director has
+made two inspection trips and is well satisfied. Now he wants me to make
+my recommendation."
+
+"You said the Cubs might go there on an over-night camping trip," Red
+reminded him.
+
+All the Cubs waited expectantly for the answer.
+
+"Yes, if plans work out, we'll make it next weekend," Mr. Hatfield
+answered. "The Den fathers are planning the trip."
+
+The Cubs began to talk about the proposed excursion, discussing what they
+would take with them to camp.
+
+"Maybe we'll see the ghost of Skeleton Island while we're there!" Chips
+declared hopefully. "Or find the entrance to the old tunnel!"
+
+The Cub meeting broke up shortly after nine o'clock. Dan and Brad
+remained a few minutes after the others had gone to make certain that the
+last embers of the beach fire had been extinguished.
+
+Then together, they started home, selecting a route which took them along
+the deserted waterfront.
+
+At Clinton Street, the boys turned at the corner, passing a cafe from
+which issued the discordant notes of a player piano.
+
+On the curb outside the restaurant stood a short little man, who was
+munching popcorn from a paper bag. His face was sharp and weasel-like,
+his eyes darting and shrewd.
+
+The Cubs might have passed him with scarcely a second glance, had he not
+been talking to another man who looked faintly familiar to Dan. The
+fellow plainly was a sailor, dark of hair and with sturdy body build.
+
+"That fellow looks like one of the men who were in the motorboat that
+struck the Holloway sailboat!" Dan said in an undertone to Brad.
+
+"Not the little one with the paper bag?"
+
+"No, the other. I'm sure I've seen him somewhere. Let's watch for a
+minute."
+
+Sliding into a shadowy doorway, Brad and Dan kept their eyes on the pair.
+However, they were too far away to hear the conversation. A newsboy
+noticed their interest.
+
+"Know those guys?" he asked, sidling up to them.
+
+Dan shook his head, hoping that the boy would move on.
+
+"See that guy with the paper sack," the lad continued, eager to impart
+information. "Know who he is?"
+
+Dan shook his head.
+
+"That's the one they call 'Paper Bag Eddie,'" the boy said, awe in his
+voice. "He's a bad one."
+
+"Paper Bag Eddie?" Dan repeated, keeping his voice low. "Never heard of
+him."
+
+"You never heard of Paper Bag Eddie? Why, he's known to every cop in
+town, but they never get much on him."
+
+"He's a crook then?" Brad interposed.
+
+"Sure, they say he's the brains of a waterfront gang. Guess what he
+carries around in those paper bags of his'n?"
+
+"Popcorn," said Dan.
+
+"Guess again. He packs a revolver. Eddie loafs around the waterfront and
+you hardly ever see him without his little paper bag."
+
+"I should think the police would pick him up for carrying a concealed
+weapon," Brad said.
+
+"Oh, Eddie ain't dumb enough to go around with the revolver all the time.
+Mostly you'll see him munching peanuts or popcorn, and if the cops search
+him that's what they find. But if he pulls a job, he slips the revolver
+into the sack. The cops figure he only has a bag of popcorn."
+
+"Eddie never has been arrested?" Brad inquired.
+
+"Oh, the cops run him in regular, but they've never dug up enough
+evidence to convict him. Eddie's a slick one."
+
+"Who is his companion?" Dan asked.
+
+"Never saw him before," the newsboy said indifferently. "Some sailor, I
+guess."
+
+Apparently aware that they were under scrutiny, Paper Bag Eddie and his
+company glanced briefly at the Cubs and sauntered on down the street. A
+few doors farther on they entered the Green Parrot Cafe.
+
+"Let's get on home," Brad urged.
+
+Dan, however, had another idea.
+
+"Brad, I'm dead certain that sailor with Paper Bag Eddie is the one who
+was operating the motorboat when it crashed into Mr. Holloway's
+sailboat," he insisted. "I'd like to try to pin it on him."
+
+"And end up in plenty of trouble. You know Mr. Holloway advised that the
+entire matter be dropped."
+
+"Sure, I know. But that was mostly because Mr. Manheim is well known at
+the club. I have a hunch he didn't know anything about the boat accident.
+And it may not have been his speed craft either."
+
+"Even so, I say we're asking for trouble if we try striking up an
+acquaintance with that pair!"
+
+"We don't have to speak to them," Dan argued. "Why not follow them into
+the cafe and take a table nearby? We might hear something interesting."
+
+"W-e-ll," Brad hesitated, "I suppose it wouldn't do any harm. Okay."
+
+Feeling somewhat ill at ease, the two boys entered the Green Parrot. The
+room was dingy and dimly lighted, its plaster walls streaked with smoke.
+Only a few customers were visible.
+
+Brad and Dan slipped into a booth diagonally opposite a table where Paper
+Bag Eddie and his companion sat.
+
+"You know your orders, Frisk," they heard the one with the weasel-like
+face say. "When you get the signal--"
+
+He broke off as his gaze fastened upon Dan and Brad. The Cubs instantly
+looked away but Paper Bag Eddie's suspicions had been aroused.
+
+Shoving back his chair, he walked over to the booth.
+
+"Say, what's the idea?" he demanded in a soft, purring voice.
+
+"I don't know what you mean," Brad returned, meeting his gaze steadily.
+
+"You followed me in here. Now you're trying to eavesdrop."
+
+"This is a free country," Brad retorted. "If my friend and I want to come
+in here for a sandwich, I'd like to see you stop us!"
+
+"You would, eh?" the man replied, his lips parting in an ugly smile. He
+grasped Brad by the shoulder, pulling him half-way out of the booth. "Who
+are you and what's your game?"
+
+Before Brad could answer, the proprietor of the Green Parrot came quickly
+from the direction of the kitchen. He had seen what was happening and did
+not want any trouble in his place.
+
+"Cut it out, Eddie," he said. "No rough stuff here."
+
+"Who are these kids?"
+
+"How should I know? Never saw 'em before."
+
+"They were standing outside the cafe, watching," Eddie informed the
+proprietor. "When we came in, they followed. I say, throw 'em out."
+
+The proprietor hesitated, reluctant to antagonize either party.
+
+"Throw 'em out!" Paper Bag Eddie repeated in a tone not to be denied.
+
+"I'm sorry, boys," the proprietor apologized. "I don't want any trouble
+here. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave."
+
+"We'll go," Brad said. "Come on, Dan."
+
+In sliding out from the booth seat, Dan bestowed another glance upon the
+man Paper Bag Eddie had called "Frisk." More than ever he was convinced
+that he had not been mistaken in identifying him as the motorboat
+operator.
+
+"I've seen you before," he said, halting beside the table. "You were
+handling the wheel of the motorboat that struck our dinghy!"
+
+"That's a lie!" the florid-faced man rasped. "I never set eyes on either
+of you before--and what's more, I don't want to again. Now if you know
+what's healthy, get out of here!"
+
+Dan would have stood his ground, but Brad grasped his arm, pulling him
+firmly along. The proprietor followed the two boys to the door.
+
+"I'm sorry," he apologized once more. Then in an undertone, he added:
+"Don't come back. For some reason Eddie has taken a dislike to you--and
+when he's crossed, he's bad medicine!"
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 6
+                                Stranded
+
+
+Three days elapsed during which Brad, Dan and the other Cubs spent much
+time at the "Y" and at the river practicing for the final swimming meet
+of the year with Den 1.
+
+Annoyed by the manner in which they had been treated by Paper Bag Eddie
+and his friend "Frisk," the two Cubs interested themselves in making a
+few inquiries along the waterfront.
+
+They learned that a sailor by the last name of Fagan frequently was seen
+with Eddie. Although known to have no employment, he was reported always
+with enough money in his pocket.
+
+"I'm as sure as anything Fagan was in the motorboat that struck us," Dan
+repeated to Brad one afternoon when the two boys were at the river
+preparing for a swim. "I suspect that was why he acted so sore in the
+cafe. He was afraid we'd accuse him."
+
+Since their meeting with Paper Bag Eddie and the sailor, the two Cubs had
+not seen either of them again. Nor had they glimpsed Mr. Manheim's boat
+or any that resembled it.
+
+On this particular afternoon, Mr. Holloway had promised to take Brad, Dan
+and Midge for a sail. Four o'clock, the hour appointed for their meeting
+at the Yacht Club dock, came and went. Finally, Mr. Holloway telephoned
+from his office to say that he had been held up and would be unable to
+make the excursion.
+
+"There's no reason why you boys can't take the boat by yourselves," he
+urged. "You're both experienced at handling the tiller, and good
+swimmers. Go ahead! Only don't go too far from the Yacht Club. A storm
+could kick up before dusk."
+
+Fortifying themselves with bottles of pop, Dan and Brad hoisted sail and
+cast off. With Brad at the tiller, they sailed down the channel, past
+Fish Island, and on toward Skeleton Island. They had been anxious to
+explore this island for some time.
+
+Dan lounged in the bottom of the boat, lazily sipping his drink.
+
+"Let's sail all the way around Skeleton Island," he proposed. "Okay?"
+
+"Sure, if we have time," Brad agreed, glancing at the darkening sky.
+"Those clouds are rolling up rather fast though. We might have rain in a
+couple of hours."
+
+"We'll make it back before then," Dan replied, stretching luxuriously.
+"The breeze is just right now."
+
+In a long tack, they crossed to the far shore of the river and came
+about, pointing toward Skeleton Island.
+
+As Dan dropped an empty pop bottle overboard, he noticed a mahogany
+motorboat almost directly opposite the island.
+
+The craft had pulled up along shore, its motor idle. The boy was unable
+to see the occupants or to obtain a clear view of the boat itself, for it
+lay half-hidden in a clump of bushes.
+
+"That boat looks a little like Mr. Manheim's," he remarked, calling
+Brad's attention to it. "Wonder what it's doing over there? No one
+appears to be fishing."
+
+Holding the sailboat to its course, the two Cubs kept watch of the idle
+motorboat. Though they were too far away to be certain the craft was Mr.
+Manheim's, they thought it bore a marked resemblance to the craft
+operated by Wilson Jabowski.
+
+Presently, as the boys watched, they saw someone aboard the motorboat
+lower and raise a red flag three times in succession.
+
+"What's the idea of that?" Dan demanded, all attention. "They're
+signaling!"
+
+"To someone on Skeleton Island," Brad added quietly.
+
+Dan turned his gaze toward the island beach. A man stood there,
+apparently focusing his attention upon the motorboat. In answer to the
+signal, he raised and lowered his arm three times.
+
+"What goes?" Brad muttered.
+
+For awhile, the Cubs witnessed nothing more of interest. The man on the
+beach vanished from their range of vision, while the motorboat remained
+in the clump of bushes.
+
+"Guess there's nothing more to see," Dan remarked in disappointment.
+
+"Yes, there is!" Brad corrected, bringing the sailboat closer into the
+wind. "Listen!"
+
+The two boys distinctly could hear the putt-putt-putt of a gasoline
+engine. For a minute they could not localize the sound. Then, from the
+far shoulder of the island, they saw a flat gasoline-propelled raft
+scooting across the river.
+
+"That looks like Jabowski," Dan observed. "And he's heading straight
+toward the motorboat! Can we get closer, Brad?"
+
+"Unless the breeze shifts it will take us two or three tacks to come even
+with the island."
+
+"And by that time, there may be nothing to see," Dan grumbled. "I sure
+wish we had a pair of binoculars!"
+
+Dividing their attention between pressing more speed out of their own
+craft, and watching the raft, the boys begrudged the time it took to make
+the long tack.
+
+The raft, they noted, moved directly to the waiting motorboat. What
+transpired at the meeting place, they were unable to see.
+
+So intent were the Cubs on watching the boat and raft, that they paid
+scant heed to the low cumulus clouds which had gathered close to the
+horizon.
+
+Black underneath and hard-edged, they were moving up fast from the
+leeward!
+
+The Cubs, however, were elated because a stiffening breeze rapidly bore
+them toward Skeleton Island. Now they could discern two men aboard the
+motorboat. Though they could not see the face of the man on the raft,
+they were convinced he was Jabowski.
+
+"What do you figure they're doing?" Dan speculated. "And who are those
+men that have Mr. Manheim's speedboat?"
+
+"Maybe it isn't his," Brad replied. "I'd say it's the same length and
+make though."
+
+Apparently observing the approach of the sailboat, the raft began to pull
+away from the motor craft.
+
+At that same moment, a dead calm fell upon the river. Startled, Brad
+raised his eye to the sail which had been drawing well. Now it had
+slumped into listless, discouraged folds.
+
+"Just our luck!" Dan muttered in disgust. "The breeze plays out!"
+
+"It's worse than that," Brad said, thoroughly alarmed. "We're in the calm
+that precedes a bad thunderstorm!"
+
+Both the sky and the water had taken on a dark cast. Although not a
+breath of air stirred, heavy waves pounded against the drifting boat.
+
+"Gosh, we're a long ways from shore too!" Dan said in dismay. "Skeleton
+Island is the closest point of land. Think we can make it before the
+storm breaks?"
+
+"Not a chance," Brad muttered. "She's coming now!"
+
+Across the water they could see a misty sheet of water descending.
+
+"There will be wind in a minute! Plenty of it! Dan! Help me get the sail
+down before it strikes us."
+
+Working with all speed, the boys lowered the sail from the mast. Before
+they could furl it, the wind struck, throwing the boat far over on its
+side.
+
+Dan's Cub cap was lifted from his head, and carried far down river. For a
+moment it floated on the surface, and then slowly sank out of sight.
+
+Dan scrambled to fasten down all other loose objects. Rain now was coming
+down in a torrent. Unable to see many feet ahead of them, the boys lost
+sight of the raft and the motorboat. For a time they could hear the
+chug-chug of the raft's engine, and then all sound except the howl of the
+wind died away.
+
+"This is awful!" Dan exclaimed as a vivid streak of lightning cut across
+the dark sky. "Let's strike for Skeleton Island. We can find shelter
+there, at least."
+
+He reached for the paddle. Already the strong wind was propelling the
+boat in the general direction of the island.
+
+At the tiller, Brad guided the craft more by instinct than sight. Wind
+and rain had blotted out all view of the shore.
+
+Finally, the shadowy island loomed up. Worn out from hard paddling, Dan
+put on a last burst of energy which drove the boat onto the sandy beach.
+
+Leaping out, he and Brad pulled the craft high up on the sand beyond
+reach of the waves. Then they raced for the shelter of a heavily wooded
+section some distance back from the beach.
+
+"Jabowski lives in the caretaker's quarters at the other end of the
+island," Brad remarked, huddling against the trunk of a sheltering oak.
+"We might go there."
+
+"I'd rather wait here, Brad. This storm shouldn't last long. Then we can
+hoist canvas and sail back to the clubhouse."
+
+Already the rain had slackened. The Cubs waited twenty minutes under the
+trees. By that time the downpour had dwindled to a drizzle. Then they
+made their way back through the dripping bushes to the beach.
+
+"Hey! Where's our boat?" Dan demanded, stopping short.
+
+The stretch of beach where the craft had been left less than thirty
+minutes before, now was deserted.
+
+"But the boat can't be gone!" Brad exclaimed, refusing to believe his
+eyes. "We pulled it well up on the sand before we took shelter! The waves
+weren't high enough to have washed it away!"
+
+"Well, it's gone all right. And there it is, Brad."
+
+Dan pointed two hundred yards from shore where the empty sailboat drifted
+aimlessly. Slowly the craft was being carried downstream by the current.
+
+The Cubs stared at it in stunned dismay. Without the sailboat, they were
+stranded on Skeleton Island!
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 7
+                               Camp Site
+
+
+The Cubs stood a long while, silently viewing the drifting boat. No other
+craft now was visible on the river, and no one appeared aware of their
+plight.
+
+"Maybe I could swim out there before the boat moves farther downstream,"
+Dan proposed, estimating the distance.
+
+"Not on your life!" Brad promptly vetoed the suggestion. "You're an
+expert swimmer and might make it, but we're taking no chances. We've
+already messed things up enough."
+
+"Mr. Holloway warned us a storm might blow up," Dan added, kicking
+disgustedly at the wet sand. "We'd have been more alert if we hadn't been
+so interested in that raft and motorboat."
+
+"Mr. Holloway just had his boat repaired too. Now if it sinks or rams
+into something, we have no one to blame except ourselves."
+
+Dan's gaze had focused upon a man's large footprint visible in the sand.
+
+"Say! Maybe we do have someone else to blame besides ourselves!" he
+cried. "Look at that!"
+
+Brad stared at the footprint which plainly had been made since the Cubs
+had pulled their boat up on shore. Half-protected from the rain by a
+piece of driftwood, it remained the only mark on an otherwise smooth
+beachway.
+
+"Someone's been here since we were!" he exclaimed, stooping to examine
+the shoe print.
+
+"And that someone must have set our boat free to drift, Brad!"
+
+"Jabowski?"
+
+"Could be, Brad. He took a dislike to me, I know."
+
+"Even so, it would be a contemptible trick. I hate to think he'd do it."
+
+"Who else is on the island?"
+
+"No one so far as I know," Brad replied, his eyes troubled. "Well, it's a
+relief to know the boat didn't drift off due to our own carelessness.
+Even so, we're in a jam."
+
+Dan nodded, his face sober. The afternoon had grown dark and night would
+come on earlier than usual. When the sailboat failed to return to the
+clubhouse, he knew Mr. Holloway would be very worried.
+
+"We'll be picked up eventually," he said, shivering in his wet clothing.
+"Meanwhile, we're in for an uncomfortable time of it."
+
+"Let's find Jabowski's place," Brad proposed. "He might be willing to
+pick up our boat with his raft, or at least take us ashore."
+
+"Think he'd do it? After the way he set our boat loose--"
+
+"We may suspect he did it, but it could have been someone else, Dan.
+Anyway, isn't it better than standing here?"
+
+"Sure," Dan agreed. "It's our only chance."
+
+From the beach, the boys could see no buildings on the island. However,
+from previous sails in the locality, they knew that the old hotel
+building was situated in a heavily wooded section to the north.
+
+Setting off diagonally through a thicket of saplings, they found a trail
+which led in the direction they wished to go. After wading through a
+patch of weeds and rushes which came to waist-depth, they emerged into an
+area of thin green turf.
+
+Beyond they spied the old hotel, a sprawling building with grimy windows
+and broken shutters. Unpainted in recent years, it had a look of utter
+abandonment. The foundation had crumbled in many places and the roof
+sagged. Broken window panes in the upper story windows had not been
+replaced.
+
+"Why, the place is deserted," Dan said in disappointment.
+
+"Then why is smoke coming from the chimney?" Brad demanded. Trained as a
+Scout to be observing, he had noticed the blue-white wisp curling from
+the rear of the building.
+
+"You're right. Someone must be there now. Let's knock."
+
+They pushed on, circling the old building. Brad rapped on the rear door.
+There was no answer.
+
+He pounded. Still no one came to the door. Glancing upward, however, Dan
+fancied he saw a face at a dirt-streaked window almost directly overhead.
+Before he could be sure, the shadow was gone.
+
+"It's no use," Brad said, after rapping again on the door. "Someone must
+be living here, but the place seems to be deserted now."
+
+"Either that, or Jabowski's hiding out. I thought I saw a face at the
+window."
+
+"Where, Dan?"
+
+The younger boy indicated the window.
+
+"No one there now," Brad said. "But I think you may be right. Ever since
+we came here, I've had a feeling as if we're being watched. There's
+something about this place I don't like."
+
+Convinced they were to obtain no help from the caretaker, the boys sought
+an easier route back to the beach.
+
+Not far from the rear of the hotel, they noticed an abandoned pier which
+had fallen into decay. Tied to it was the same raft they had observed
+earlier that afternoon.
+
+Farther down the shore extended a long stretch of loose sand which
+gradually merged into turf and wooded area.
+
+"Wonder if that tale Mr. Hatfield told us about the tunnel is true?" Brad
+speculated as they dog-trotted along. "No evidence of it anywhere
+around."
+
+Without seeing anyone, the boys struck across the dunes, and finally
+emerged on the beach not far from where they first had taken refuge.
+
+Gazing down-river, they sought to determine the position of their
+drifting boat. To their astonishment it was nowhere to be seen.
+
+"Well, for crying out loud!" Dan yipped. "Now what became of it? How
+could that boat have drifted out of sight so fast?"
+
+"It couldn't. Either someone has hauled it in or--"
+
+"Or what?" Dan demanded as his companion broke off.
+
+Instead of answering, Brad pointed far upstream. The missing sailboat had
+been taken in tow by a motor launch from the Yacht Club.
+
+"There goes our boat now, Dan! And with it our chance for a rescue."
+
+"Let's yell. Maybe we can attract attention."
+
+In unison, the boys shouted and waved their arms. Running far down the
+beach, they watched the receding launch anxiously.
+
+"They see us!" Brad cried in relief. "She's turning around."
+
+True to his observation, the motor craft had come about. With the
+sailboat still in tow, it set a direct course for the island.
+
+"Lucky break for us," Brad mumbled in relief. "I had visions of spending
+the night on this place."
+
+Within a few minutes the launch came close to the island. Brad and Dan
+saw then that Mr. Hatfield was at the wheel, accompanied by Midge, Red
+and Chips. The owner of the launch, a man they did not know, also was in
+the boat.
+
+The Cub leader eased the craft as near shore as he could. When the launch
+could approach no closer without grounding, he advised Brad and Dan to
+wade out. Eager hands pulled them over the side into the launch.
+
+"We've been worried about you," Mr. Hatfield said, wrapping his coat
+about Dan. "Didn't Midge's father warn you to remain close to the
+clubhouse?"
+
+"He did, sir. We meant to carry out his orders. But a lot happened."
+
+"We'll discuss that later, Dan. The important thing is that you're both
+safe. By the way, meet Mr. Fisher."
+
+Dan and Brad grasped the launch owner's horny hand, expressing gratitude
+for the rescue. From him they learned that their drifting boat had been
+sighted by Midge from the Cave. The Cub had summoned Mr. Hatfield, who
+had sought the help of Mr. Fisher in finding them.
+
+"You and Brad scared us out of a year's growth," Chips said accusingly.
+"Seeing that empty boat made us think you might have drowned."
+
+"Me drown?" Dan snorted.
+
+"You may be a crack swimmer, but accidents do occur," Mr. Hatfield
+interposed. "Suppose you tell us what happened that caused you to sail so
+far from the clubhouse."
+
+Together Dan and Brad explained how their attention had been drawn to the
+raft and motorboat.
+
+"The storm struck us unexpectedly," Brad added. "We barely had time to
+get the sail down."
+
+"I'm glad you managed that," Mr. Hatfield approved. "The wind didn't last
+long but it was strong when it came. If it had hit you with the sail up,
+the dinghy probably would have capsized."
+
+"We made Skeleton Island," Dan took up the account. "After beaching the
+boat, we dashed back into the bushes to get out of the rain. When we
+returned to the beach, our boat was gone."
+
+"Oh, Dan," Mr. Hatfield sighed. "How many times have I warned the Cubs
+always to pull a boat beyond reach of the waves?"
+
+"But we did, sir! Someone deliberately set the dinghy loose."
+
+Mr. Hatfield braced himself as the launch swung sharply around a buoy
+which marked a river shoal.
+
+"Your boat was set loose?" he demanded. "Are you sure, Dan?"
+
+"Well, we found a man's footprint in the sand. That boat couldn't have
+broken away by itself."
+
+"We have an idea who did it," Brad added.
+
+"Let's mention no names," Mr. Hatfield said quickly. "That is, not unless
+you're certain."
+
+Being unable to prove that it was Jabowski who had shoved their boat from
+the beach, Dan and Brad remained silent.
+
+"I know you believe you were careful about the boat," Mr. Hatfield said.
+"Perhaps you were. On the other hand, you might have been mistaken."
+
+"Hardly," commented Brad in quick protest.
+
+"Bear in mind that Mr. Manheim, the island owner, has been very friendly
+to the Scouts and Cubs. He's given permission for us to camp on Skeleton
+Island this weekend. Now if wild accusations should reach his ears, it
+might prove embarrassing to say the least."
+
+Brad and Dan grasped the idea Mr. Hatfield intended to convey.
+
+"After all, maybe we were mistaken," Brad grinned. "Those waves were
+pretty big."
+
+No more was said about the sailboat mishap at that time. But later at the
+Cave, the two boys told Mr. Hatfield why they had been so interested in
+the raft operator's contact with the motorboat.
+
+"It seemed queer the men in the motorboat would signal," Dan remarked.
+"We figured it must have been Jabowski who ferried across the river to
+meet them. No one else appears to be living on the island."
+
+"We'll know more about Skeleton Island after this weekend," Mr. Hatfield
+remarked. "The camping trip should give us an opportunity to see that
+everything is satisfactory before the property is purchased."
+
+"Then you think something queer may be going on there?" Brad demanded
+alertly.
+
+Mr. Hatfield smiled and did not answer the question directly. "Oh, one
+can't tell," he replied. "No use exciting the Cubs in any case. So not a
+word of this to the other boys!"
+
+During the remainder of the week, preparations for the camping trip kept
+Dan and Brad so busy they had little time to think of possible mystery at
+Skeleton Island.
+
+However, unknown to them, Mr. Hatfield was more disturbed by the sailboat
+incident than he cared to admit.
+
+On two occasions he telephoned Mr. Manheim, intending to inquire as to
+any possible intruders on Skeleton Island.
+
+He was informed that the island owner was out of the city and would not
+return before Saturday.
+
+Though Brad and Dan were careful to say nothing of their unfortunate
+experience on Skeleton Island, the other Cubs guessed that there was more
+to the story than had been told.
+
+"Come on--give," Midge urged. "I know you boys are too smart to let a
+boat get away from you, even in a storm."
+
+"Nothing to report," Dan replied with a wide grin.
+
+His silence only made the Cubs more curious. They discussed the proposed
+camping trip at great length, building up elements of mystery and
+adventure. And to make their rivals, the Cubs of Den 1, envious, they
+passed out hints that something queer already had happened there.
+
+In due time, these rumors reached the ears of Ross Langdon.
+
+Still smarting from his defeat in the swimming meet, he told his buddies
+that he intended to have a little wholesome fun at Dan Carter's expense.
+
+"Just be sure it's fun and not revenge," a fellow Cub warned him. "Seems
+to me you've been a sore-head ever since you lost the race."
+
+"Who lost a race?" Ross retorted. "I wuz robbed!"
+
+Unaware that Ross was plotting revenge, Dan continued to practice his
+swimming faithfully at the "Y" pool.
+
+Between times, he slaved on the coded message left by Jacques. But try as
+he would, he could not decipher it.
+
+"When it comes to solving a puzzle, I'm a dud," Dan remarked one
+afternoon as he and Brad lounged in the cave. "And that reminds me--we've
+heard nothing more about Paper Bag Eddie or his friend Fagan."
+
+"You know, that fellow's hook-up with a man of Eddie's shady reputation
+makes me wonder if he could have had any part in the fur theft," Brad
+said thoughtfully. "I've not seen a word in the paper lately about any
+hauls by river pirates."
+
+"Neither have I, Brad. That robbery was pulled just about the time of
+night Mr. Holloway's boat was hit."
+
+"Sure, that's what I've been thinking, Dan. Why not drop around and talk
+to Hank Hawkins? He may have heard of this bird Fagan."
+
+Having nothing more pressing to do, Dan agreed to the proposal.
+
+The boys found the warehouseman at the dock chatting with his friend, Joe
+Matt. The seeing-eye dog, upon sighting Dan, began to strain at his
+leash. Only after the blindman had restrained the animal were the Cubs
+able to enter the warehouse.
+
+For awhile the conversation centered on river commerce. Then presently,
+Dan and Brad steered it to the topic of river pirates.
+
+"I wish the police would get busy and catch these pug-uglies that have
+been makin' so much trouble along the waterfront," Hank said irritably.
+"Trouble is, they're slick operators."
+
+"Have you lost any shipments lately?" Joe Matt inquired.
+
+"Not since the furs were snatched. All the same, I'm keeping my fingers
+crossed."
+
+"You don't think the river pirates would strike twice in the same area?"
+the blindman scoffed. "Especially with police on the lookout."
+
+"I wouldn't put anything past those boys!" Hank retorted as he studied a
+bill of lading. "I'm taking no chances! Not with another valuable
+shipment due any day."
+
+"Another box of furs?"
+
+"That's right."
+
+"Coming through around the 24th," the blindman remarked casually.
+
+"That happens to be the date," Hank admitted, gazing at the other rather
+sharply. "But I don't remember saying anything about it. Fact is--"
+
+"You told me the other day."
+
+"Then it was a slip of the tongue," Hank replied. "You'll do me a favor
+not to speak of the date. It's confidential information."
+
+"Sorry," Joe Matt apologized. "I didn't know there was any secret about
+it."
+
+"Every precaution is being taken to safeguard the shipment. Special
+police will guard the docks. I got nothing to worry about--and yet I do
+it anyhow."
+
+"You're jittery," the blindman said, starting away. "Well, see you later.
+Come on, Rudy!"
+
+After he had tapped off down the dock, Brad and Dan lingered a few
+minutes longer. Hank, however, seemed preoccupied. Dan asked him if he
+knew any sailor by the name of Frisk Fagan.
+
+"No, I don't," he answered a trifle irritably. "Now I wish you boys
+wouldn't pester me. I got work to do."
+
+Thus dismissed, Brad and Dan took themselves off.
+
+"Hank was out of sorts because we overhead Joe Matt mention that 24th
+shipping date," Dan remarked as they tramped along together. "Say, that's
+funny!"
+
+"What is, Dan?"
+
+"Those two dates being the same!"
+
+"What two dates?"
+
+"Don't you recall?" Dan demanded excitedly. "That coded message Jacques
+had in his pocket mentioned the 24th!"
+
+"The note included the numerals 24," Brad admitted. "But what does that
+prove?"
+
+"Nothing perhaps. Then again, it may mean plenty!" Dan spoke with quiet
+conviction. "I know one thing. I'm really going to work on that message.
+I'll break the code if it's humanly possible!"
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 8
+                       "Dan Carter--Take Warning"
+
+
+On the night prior to the departure of Den 2 for Skeleton Island, all the
+Cubs gathered at the Cave to receive final instructions.
+
+Mr. Hatfield informed the boys they were to meet at the Webster City
+Yacht Club promptly at eight o'clock the next morning. Transportation
+would be provided to the island in a launch contributed by a friend of
+Midge's father.
+
+"Now don't oversleep," he warned as the meeting broke up. "And don't
+arrive at the dock before the crack of dawn either! Try to make it about
+a quarter to eight so we can leave on the hour."
+
+After nearly all of the Cubs had gone, Mr. Hatfield and Brad busied
+themselves straightening the clubroom. Dan brought the record of the
+meeting up to date. Then, pulling a chair up beside the gasoline lamp, he
+reverted to his favorite occupation--that of trying to solve the coded
+message left by Jacques.
+
+"Having any luck?" Mr. Hatfield presently inquired.
+
+"Not yet." Dan dropped his pencil in a gesture of utter discouragement.
+"I guess I'm a sap to waste time trying to figure it out. Maybe it isn't
+even a code."
+
+Mr. Hatfield paused at the table to study the scratch pad on which the
+boy had been writing.
+
+"Don't give up, Dan," he advised, resting his hand for a moment on his
+shoulder. "Worthwhile things usually come hard. Keep plugging."
+
+"I've tried every possible combination of letters. No soap."
+
+Mr. Hatfield studied the odd grouping of numerals: "020614 7552845 24."
+
+"Number 5 reappears three times," he observed. "If only you could figure
+that one out, it might give you a start."
+
+"I've tried at least twenty combinations with no luck."
+
+"Well, don't give up hope, Dan. Bring the message along with you to camp.
+Perhaps some of the Den Dads can figure it out while we're there."
+
+"Guess I'll have to," Dan sighed. "I'd rather do it myself though. I have
+one more idea I want to try."
+
+Mr. Hatfield, who was ready to leave for home, remarked that the hour was
+growing rather late.
+
+"Shouldn't you break it off for tonight, Dan?" he suggested. "Remember,
+we leave early for Skeleton Island."
+
+"I'll be there, Mr. Hatfield. I just want to try one more idea. Don't
+wait for me. You and Brad go on."
+
+The Cub leader was reluctant to leave the boy alone in the Cave. Twice
+during the week, Red and Chips had reported that they thought someone
+might be spying on the clubroom.
+
+Although inclined to believe the boys were fanciful, Mr. Hatfield
+nevertheless disliked to leave Dan by himself.
+
+"Sure you'll be all right?" he asked.
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Brad and I will be glad to wait if you're set on working longer on that
+code."
+
+"No need, Mr. Hatfield. I'll put out the light and see that everything is
+ship-shape when I leave."
+
+"Well, don't stay too long, Dan."
+
+In departing, Mr. Hatfield and Brad lowered a canvas covering which
+served as a door across the cave entrance. Of no practical value in
+protecting the clubroom from intruders, it kept out wind and rain.
+
+Left to himself, Dan devoted himself once more to the task at hand.
+
+Writing out the letters of the alphabet in orderly rows, he gave each a
+number, thus:
+
+  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
+  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4
+
+and on through the alphabet.
+
+When this brought no solution he tried a second combination, starting
+with the number "2" instead of "1".
+
+  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
+  2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5
+
+For the next twenty minutes he worked on, trying many combinations. Each
+time, he started off with a higher number for the letter "A," working up
+as high as "7".
+
+"It's no use," he decided at last. "I may as well go home."
+
+On the pad before Dan was a string of unused alphabetical letters.
+Absently, with no hope of striking upon anything that would work, he
+wrote in corresponding numbers, starting with "8."
+
+  A B C D E F G H I J K L
+  8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
+  M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
+  0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3
+
+Referring to Jacques' coded message, he then began to transfer the
+numbers into counterpart letters.
+
+"Let's see," he mused. "'0' could be either C, M or W; and '2' might be
+E, O or Y. Number 6 would have to be I or S. Number 1 could represent D,
+N or X. And 4 would have to be G--"
+
+Dan went no further, for suddenly he saw that the puzzle actually was
+beginning to make sense. Excitedly he wrote in the first combination of
+letters:
+
+  020614
+  COMING
+
+"Yipee! I've got it!" he muttered. "I've found the key!"
+
+A strong gust of wind unexpectedly flapped the light canvas which hung
+across the cave doorway.
+
+So engrossed was Dan that he did not notice. Nor did he see a shadowy
+figure crouching on the platform.
+
+Then the light suddenly was extinguished. Startled, Dan jerked to
+attention.
+
+As he groped for a match with which to relight the lamp, a deep voice
+entoned:
+
+"_Take warning, Dan Carter! Remain away from Skeleton Island!_"
+
+Dan felt the hair rise on his neck. Chills slithered down his spine. The
+mysterious voice, he realized, came from the cave entranceway.
+
+Recovering from the first shock of surprise, the boy sprang to his feet,
+upsetting his chair.
+
+In three long strides he reached the entrance and jerked aside the canvas
+flap.
+
+No one was there. But disappearing down the steps Dan saw a lean, dark
+figure.
+
+"Hey, you!" he shouted furiously.
+
+The intruder only ran the faster, pulling a jacket high around his neck
+to shield his face.
+
+Angered by the threat and determined to learn who had been spying upon
+him, Dan started down the steps in hot pursuit.
+
+The intruder, a fleet runner, raced across the beach, heading for a clump
+of bushes along the highway. Dan pounded closer and closer at his heels.
+
+Then, the one ahead unexpectedly tripped in the loose sand. He stumbled
+and fell. In a flash Dan was upon him, pulling the jacket away so that he
+could see the culprit's face.
+
+"Ross!" he recognized him. "Ross Langdon! Well, of all the dirty, low
+tricks!"
+
+"Take it easy, will you?" panted the Cub from the rival Den. "You're
+smashing my ribs!"
+
+"Serves you right! So you've been spying on the Cave!"
+
+"Aw, I wasn't spying," Ross protested. "Can't you take a joke?"
+
+"How long were you hiding there behind the canvas flap?"
+
+"Only a minute or two, Dan. Honest! I saw the light burning, so I thought
+I'd take a peek and see who was there."
+
+"It was a lousy trick--especially that warning about going to Skeleton
+Island."
+
+"Scared you, didn't I?" Ross chuckled, squirming to free himself from the
+other's tight grasp.
+
+"You startled me. But I don't scare that easily."
+
+"Like fun! You nearly jumped through the roof of the Cave! What were you
+working on so late, anyhow?"
+
+"Oh, nothing."
+
+"Nothing? You were so absorbed you didn't hear a thing until I waved the
+canvas flap to make the light go out. You were figuring out something
+with paper and pencil. Your income tax?"
+
+"Just a little work for the Den," Dan replied vaguely.
+
+"Keeping it to yourself, eh? If you'll climb off my mid-section, I'll
+amble back there with you. I've always been curious to see the set-up of
+your much advertised Cave."
+
+Dan made no comment as he let Ross up. Both boys dusted their clothing
+free of sand.
+
+"Well, let's go," Ross said impatiently. He started toward the Cave.
+
+"I was just thinking it's time to go home," Dan said, following the other
+boy reluctantly. "It's getting late--"
+
+"I'll help you close up the Cave for the night."
+
+"I don't need any help."
+
+"Sure you do. Don't be so inhospitable," Ross chuckled. "You may as well
+invite me, because I'm going along anyhow."
+
+Dan made no further protest as he fell into step with the Den 1 boy. He
+knew that Ross had in mind learning if he could, the nature of the paper
+upon which he had been working. Dan was equally determined to keep
+Jacques' coded message a Den 2 secret.
+
+"If Ross hadn't pulled that fool trick, I'd have had the code completely
+broken by this time," he thought. "Now I'll have to take the message
+home, because I don't want him to see it."
+
+The two Cubs climbed the stairs and entered the dark Cave. Dan groped his
+way to the table and lighted the wick of the kerosene lamp.
+
+In its flickering light, the room somehow did not appear exactly as he
+had left it. His chair lay overturned. Papers on the table were very
+disordered. Dan did not recall having left them so.
+
+Not wishing Ross to see the coded message upon which he had been working,
+the boy looked about for it. But the paper was not on the table. Nor
+could he find it anywhere on the floor.
+
+Even the scratch papers on which he had written various combinations of
+letters, had disappeared.
+
+"Lose something?" Ross inquired as his gaze traveled about the
+well-furnished room. He added admiringly: "Nice diggings you have here!
+Wish our Den had a cave."
+
+Dan, thumbing through the loose papers on the table, made no reply.
+
+"What's wrong?" Ross demanded.
+
+"I'm looking for some work I was doing when you broke in here," Dan
+answered reluctantly. "Ross, you didn't--"
+
+"How could I have taken anything?" the other demanded. "You were hot on
+my heels every minute."
+
+"Yeah, that's right, Ross. You were alone when you came here?"
+
+"Sure. What you driving at anyhow?"
+
+"I've lost something--an important paper. You saw me working on it when
+you came up here."
+
+"I remember, Dan. Maybe you stuffed it in your pocket when you took after
+me."
+
+"I don't think so. I left everything here on the table."
+
+To make certain, Dan searched all his pockets. The coded message was in
+none of them.
+
+Thinking that perhaps a gust of wind had carried the paper far across the
+floor of the cave, he looked in every corner and even under the couch.
+
+"Ross, it's gone," he said with sudden conviction.
+
+"But how could it have disappeared? Honest, Dan, I didn't take a thing.
+And none of the Cubs from Den 1 were with me."
+
+"I believe you, Ross," Dan assured him. "But someone has been in here
+while we were on the beach. I sensed it the instant I came in."
+
+"Anything else missing?"
+
+"Not that I've noticed. Mr. Hatfield never allows us to keep anything of
+great value here because we can't lock up the cave."
+
+"Gosh, if it was my fault, I'm sorry," Ross said. "I wouldn't have pulled
+that stunt, only it struck me as a good joke. Who would have come here?"
+
+"That's what I can't figure."
+
+"We didn't see anyone on the beach, Dan."
+
+"I know, but we weren't paying particular attention." Dan prepared to
+blow out the kerosene lamp. "Let's go down there now and look around."
+
+The boys descended the long flight of wooden steps to the beach. A pale
+half-moon only faintly illuminated the stretch of glistening sand.
+
+"No one around, Dan," Ross said, looking up and down the beach. "You'll
+probably find that paper in the morning."
+
+The other boy made no reply. He was staring at the sand near the base of
+the steps.
+
+"What do you see now?" Ross demanded.
+
+"Someone has been here," Dan said quietly.
+
+"Footprints, you mean?" Ross was inclined to scoff at the other boy's
+observation. "You can't tell anything by that. You had a Den meeting
+tonight. Probably those large footprints were made by one of the Den
+Dads."
+
+"That could be, Ross. But I'm noticing something else too."
+
+"Well, don't keep it a secret, Wise Guy," Ross said, a trifle irritably.
+"What have those bright little searchlights of yours picked up?"
+
+Dan pointed to a series of tiny circular marks in the hard-packed sand.
+Approximately one-half inch deep and perhaps a foot and a half apart, the
+imprints led down-beach into a clump of bushes.
+
+"What's so strange about that?" Ross demanded.
+
+Offering no reply, Dan walked over to the bush. As he had expected, no
+one now was hiding there.
+
+However, in the soft sand appeared additional footprints from a large
+man's shoe. And beside them were several mysterious circular marks which
+he thought might have been made by someone using a walking stick.
+
+Dan turned to Ross who had followed him. "Will you do me a favor?" he
+asked.
+
+"What kind?" the other boy asked with caution.
+
+"Say nothing to any of the Cubs about what happened tonight--either those
+in your Den or mine."
+
+"W-e-ll," Ross hesitated, for he knew the story would make good telling.
+"Okay, I'll keep mum if you will. The joke didn't pan out quite as I
+expected. But why do you care?"
+
+"I'll tell you, Ross. What happened tonight convinces me someone has been
+spying on the Cave. I know Mr. Hatfield would just as soon the fact isn't
+advertised."
+
+"You think a gang of boys--fellows who aren't Cubs--are aiming to make
+trouble?"
+
+"I don't believe boys are mixed up in it, Ross."
+
+"Grownups?"
+
+"That would be my guess."
+
+Ross was inclined to make light of Dan's theory. "Oh, you're building up
+too much out of nothing," he insisted. "You'll find that missing paper in
+the morning. Mark my words."
+
+"Let's hope you're right," Dan said as the two boys started for home.
+
+Actually, he had no hope whatsoever. A conviction had grown upon him that
+the paper left by Jacques never would be seen again.
+
+And with its disappearance had vanished his last chance to solve the
+mysterious coded message.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 9
+                             A Missing Code
+
+
+Dan was at the Cave before seven o'clock the next morning. Early as was
+the hour, Mr. Hatfield had arrived ahead of him and already had moved out
+most of the camping equipment which was to be taken to Skeleton Island.
+
+"Why, hello, Dan," the Cub leader greeted him in pleased surprise. "I
+hardly expected to see you before eight o'clock."
+
+"I scarcely expected to see myself," Dan grinned. "Fact is, I came to
+look for a paper I lost last night. Mr. Hatfield, I nearly broke the code
+only to have the message disappear!"
+
+Quickly the boy related everything that had occurred.
+
+"Ross and I agreed not to tell any of the Cubs," he added. "I figured it
+would only worry them."
+
+"You're right in keeping quiet about it," Mr. Hatfield said at once. "I
+hadn't intended to mention it, but for several days I've had a feeling
+this place is being spied upon. Frankly, I don't like it."
+
+"Any idea who may be doing it, Mr. Hatfield?"
+
+"None whatsoever."
+
+"Do you think it has anything to do with that message we found, or
+Jacques?"
+
+"I've wondered, Dan. My mind is not at rest with regard to that boy.
+Obviously he was a Cub, yet I've been unable to find any Den or Pack in
+which he ever was registered. Of course, he could have given us a
+fictitious first name."
+
+"It was miserable luck losing the coded message last night," Dan
+complained. "I'd just figured out the first word--'Coming'--when whiff
+went the light."
+
+"The paper may be here. Let's make a thorough search."
+
+Mr. Hatfield swept the cave floor while Dan searched every possible
+cranny. The missing paper was not found.
+
+"Well, at least nothing else appears to be missing," the Cub leader said
+after he had checked all the camping equipment. "It seems that whoever
+came here last night must have been after that coded message. Dan, if I'd
+known this earlier--"
+
+"You'd have called off the camping trip," Dan completed, guessing at his
+thought.
+
+"Yes, Jacques must have had a connection with Skeleton Island or the name
+wouldn't have appeared on the paper. I have an uneasy feeling about going
+there."
+
+"The camp will be well guarded with so many of the fathers going along."
+
+"I realize that, Dan, but even so--"
+
+"The Cubs would be terribly disappointed if you called off the trip now,"
+Dan interposed. "Oh, heck, Mr. Hatfield, I shouldn't have told you about
+losing that paper!"
+
+"On the contrary, you did exactly right. Well, I suppose it wouldn't be
+fair to call off the trip on such short notice. We'll go on just as we
+planned."
+
+"Oh, thanks, Mr. Hatfield!"
+
+"Don't thank me," the Cub leader rejoined. "Just keep your lips buttoned
+and your eyes open after we reach Skeleton Island. If you notice anything
+out of the ordinary, report to me. But don't say or do anything to worry
+or stir up the Cubs."
+
+"I'll remember," Dan promised.
+
+"Now lend a hand with this camping equipment," Mr. Hatfield said briskly.
+"I want to have everything at the dock before eight o'clock."
+
+Two hours later found the Cubs in their temporary camp on Skeleton
+Island. Tents already were up, balsam beds in preparation of making, and
+a trench fire started for the noon-day meal.
+
+A beach near the camp sloped gently out into the river more than fifteen
+yards. This the Den Dads marked off with ropes and floats. Beyond was a
+somewhat deeper area, suitable for the more experienced swimmers.
+
+"I wish we had a diving raft," Brad remarked, surveying the
+possibilities.
+
+"Why not build one?" proposed Mr. Hatfield. "I saw some old boards and a
+log or two lying back in the brush. We easily can build a small raft."
+
+For an hour the Cubs busied themselves carrying boards and logs to the
+riverside. Mr. Hatfield supervised the work, showing the boys how to fit
+the logs together to make a firm framework for the platform.
+
+When it was ready for use, Dan, Brad and Sam Hatfield anchored the raft
+in deep water.
+
+"I'm all tuckered out," Dan announced, pulling himself up on the platform
+to rest. "You know, camping is mighty hard work!"
+
+"It is until your camp is set up right," Sam Hatfield agreed. "After
+that, it's easy. If the Scouts decide to buy this property, we'll have
+cabins and an improved beach. The brush will need to be cleared away. But
+it will make a first class camp."
+
+"I hope the Scouts decide to buy," Dan said, rolling over so that the sun
+would warm his back.
+
+"The site seems ideal to me. It's close to Webster City. The beach area
+is unusually good, and the island has a natural spring. Plenty of
+woodland for nature trails too."
+
+"You think the Scouts will buy it?" Brad asked. Seated on the edge of the
+raft, his dangling feet beat a steady tattoo in the water.
+
+"That remains to be seen," Mr. Hatfield replied. "There are several
+factors to be considered."
+
+He did not amplify the statement, for just then Midge's father called
+from shore to warn that lunch would be ready in twenty minutes.
+
+With a shout of pleasure, the Cubs scrambled for the beach. Dan and Brad
+dived from the raft, racing each other in.
+
+"No fooling, you get faster every day," Brad praised his companion. "If
+you don't take Ross for a cleaning in our next swimming meet, I'll miss
+my guess."
+
+"I only hope if I win I do it in a straightaway race, not on a technical
+point," the younger boy rejoined. "Ross still figures he lost on a
+fluke."
+
+By the time the Cubs were dressed, lunch was ready. Squatting around the
+glowing coals, they filled their plates with steak, potatoes and generous
+helpings of carrots.
+
+As his crowning achievement, Mr. Holloway produced a pan of delicately
+browned biscuits baked in a home-made reflector oven which he had
+fashioned.
+
+"How does the meal taste, boys?" he asked.
+
+"Swell!" approved Red, reaching for another biscuit. "As a cook, we'll
+give you the tin medal!"
+
+When the last scrap of food had disappeared, the Cubs doused sand on the
+fires, dispatched the dishes and then stretched out to enjoy a rest.
+
+Chips, however, soon became restless.
+
+"I think I'll amble down the beach and explore," he announced. "Who
+knows? Maybe I'll find the entrance to that old tunnel Mr. Hatfield told
+us about!"
+
+"If you do, write me a letter about it," Brad joked, stretching lazily.
+"I'm treating myself to a snooze. That swim made me drowsy."
+
+"Don't go out of sight of camp, Chips," Mr. Hatfield advised the boy as
+he started away.
+
+"Aw, Mr. Hatfield--"
+
+"I'm asking the Cubs to stay pretty much in this section of the island,"
+the Cub leader explained. "Later on, we'll do our exploring in a group."
+
+"Oh, all right," Chips consented reluctantly.
+
+"Want me to go along?" Fred asked.
+
+Chips, acting as if he had not heard, ambled off. Fred, who preferred to
+remain in camp, let him go alone.
+
+Fresh water was needed, so Dan and Mack went to the nearby spring for a
+bucket of water. The other Cubs finished making their balsam beds. This
+work completed, they joined Brad under the shade trees.
+
+"Wonder what's become of Chips?" Mr. Hatfield presently remarked,
+scanning the beach area. "I don't see him anywhere."
+
+"You know Chips," said Brad significantly.
+
+"I do indeed. His intentions are good, but he's apt to wander off."
+
+"Odd that he went by himself," Brad mused. "He really gave Fred the
+brush-off. Want me to see what's become of him, Mr. Hatfield?"
+
+"I may look him up myself," the Cub leader replied, getting to his feet.
+
+However, it was unnecessary for him to go in search. Scarcely five
+minutes later, Chips came running up the beach, obviously excited.
+
+"Hey, fellows!" he shouted. "Come quick!"
+
+The Cubs uncurled themselves from comfortable nooks, and hastened to see
+what was wrong.
+
+"What's up, Chips?" Brad demanded.
+
+"I want to show you something," the boy said impressively. "Gosh, it
+scared me half out of my wits!"
+
+"What did you find?" Dan demanded.
+
+"Just follow me."
+
+At a dog-trot, Chips led the Cubs down the beach to a clump of willows.
+There he pointed dramatically to an object lying in a slight depression.
+
+"A skeleton!" Midge exclaimed, recoiling at the gruesome sight.
+
+"Chips, how did you happen to find it here?" asked Mack with a shudder.
+
+"Oh, I was just walking along the beach," the boy answered vaguely.
+"There it was in the sand."
+
+Brad bent down to examine the bones and the grinning skull.
+
+"Don't touch the thing," Fred said, pulling back. "I'll call my father."
+
+"Wait a minute," Brad stopped him. "Chips, you say you just happened
+along here and found this skeleton?"
+
+"It was exactly where you see it now."
+
+"Sure it was! After _you_ put it there!"
+
+"Why, such an accusation," Chips protested, but his grin gave him away.
+"Okay, Wise Guy!"
+
+"I'm wise enough to know varnish when I see it! These bones all have been
+treated. So 'fess up, Chips. Where did you get the skeleton?"
+
+"From the school laboratory," the boy admitted with a laugh. "Professor
+Johnson let me borrow it to play a joke on the Cubs. It would have worked
+too, if you hadn't been so smart."
+
+"The joke doesn't seem funny to me," Brad replied severely. "It would
+have given us all a bad feeling to think anyone had died on the island.
+We want this camping trip to be a pleasant experience."
+
+"Guess I made a mistake," Chips muttered, gathering up the skeleton. "It
+seemed like a good idea when I first thought of it."
+
+Disheartened by the failure of his joke, he carefully replaced the bones
+in a carrying box which he had hidden in the willows.
+
+"Don't take it so hard," Brad said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I know
+you went to a lot of bother to pull off that joke."
+
+"The Cubs would have fallen for it too."
+
+"Sure, they would have, Chips. But it would have stirred them up. You
+know as well as I do that if things go wrong while we're here, the Scouts
+may decide not to buy the island site for their camp."
+
+"You're right, Brad," Chips admitted. "I'm sorry. I won't pull any more
+stunts while we're here."
+
+Back in camp once more, several of the Cubs elected to try their luck
+fishing. Dan, Chips and Brad, who were to help Mr. Holloway with the
+cooking that night, remained behind to check over supplies.
+
+"The boys may bring in a few fish," the Den Dad remarked. "If so, we
+should have a good meal tonight. But just in case--we'll be prepared to
+fall back on ham and eggs."
+
+Dan wandered off to gather wood for the fire. Upon his return with a
+large armful of dry pieces, he noticed that the water pail was empty
+again.
+
+"There must be a herd of thirsty camels around here," he complained. "I
+filled that bucket not twenty minutes ago!"
+
+"I'll do it this time," Chips offered, eager to make amends for the
+skeleton. "You've done your share of work already."
+
+Seizing the bucket, the boy disappeared in the direction of the spring.
+
+Brad, Dan and Mr. Holloway busied themselves with preparations for the
+evening meal, setting out supplies that would be needed.
+
+"How about another batch of biscuits?" the Den Dad proposed. "The Cubs
+went for them in a big way this noon."
+
+"Fine!" approved Dan. "And baked potatoes will be easy to fix. We can
+wrap them in wet clay and roast them on the coals."
+
+"Know where we can get any clay?" Mr. Holloway asked, searching through
+the supplies for a package of flour. "It's mostly sand around here."
+
+"There's some back by the spring. I noticed it when I was filling the
+water bucket awhile ago."
+
+"Suppose you see if you can dig up some, Dan. Take an old tin can."
+
+The spring was situated well back from the camp site in a natural shelter
+of willows, ferns and vines.
+
+Dan had covered less than half the distance when Chips suddenly plunged
+into view. The water pail left behind, he obviously was excited as he ran
+toward the other boy.
+
+"Dan!" he exclaimed breathlessly. "I--I saw someone at the spring!"
+
+Dan scarcely knew whether to laugh or take Chips seriously.
+
+"What's so strange about that?" he demanded. "Was it one of the Den
+Dads?"
+
+"Of course not!" Chips retorted, exasperated. "What do you think I am,
+anyhow? A scared cat? I saw this man peering at me as I reached down to
+dip water from the pool at the spring."
+
+"Sure you aren't pulling another skeleton trick?"
+
+"Heck, no! I swear it! Dan, I really saw this man--an ugly looking
+fellow. It gave me a bad start. I dropped the water bucket and ran."
+
+"It may have been Jabowski. I've been told he stays on the island while
+Mr. Manheim is away."
+
+"This man had dark bushy hair and hadn't shaved in three or four days."
+
+"You're sure he didn't have horns sprouting from his forehead?"
+
+"Wise guy! You think I'm making it up!" Chips said indignantly. "It gave
+me a bad feeling, I tell you. I wish you could have seen the way he
+looked at me. It froze my blood."
+
+"Where was this monster?"
+
+"Lurking back behind the bushes. As I started to fill the pail, I glanced
+up. He was staring at me with hatred in his eyes. Then he ducked back out
+of sight. I dropped the water bucket and ran."
+
+Dan was only half convinced that Chips was not trying to play another
+joke. However, he noticed that the boy was breathing hard and actually
+looked a trifle pale.
+
+"You probably saw Mr. Jabowski," he said with a shrug.
+
+"Like fun I did! I've seen Jabowski at the Webster City Yacht Club. It
+was someone else."
+
+"A fisherman maybe who came to the island by boat."
+
+"We haven't seen any boats around all day," Chips contended.
+
+"I'll go back there with you," Dan offered. "Come on."
+
+"You wouldn't be so brave if you'd seen that leering face," Chips said,
+following unwillingly.
+
+The two boys approached the spring warily. All was tranquil. A gentle
+breeze stirred the dense growth of bushes which hemmed in the spring and
+pool. Otherwise there was no movement.
+
+"No one here," Dan observed. "Sure you didn't imagine it, Chips?"
+
+"I certainly did not."
+
+"Well, no one is here now, at any rate. I'll fill the water bucket while
+you look around to see if you can find any clay. We need it to wrap baked
+potatoes in."
+
+Dan moved on to the spring. He stooped to drink deeply of the cool water
+and then reached down to pick up the tin bucket which Chips had
+abandoned.
+
+In the still water of the circular pool he could see his own reflection.
+And then he saw something more!
+
+Merging with the dark of the bushes was a face, the evil countenance that
+Chips had described so vividly. As he watched, fascinated, a hand slowly
+was raised.
+
+"Look out, Dan!" called Chips.
+
+Dan ducked. As he flattened himself, a stone was hurled by the man who
+crouched in the bushes. Sailing over his head, it struck the pool with a
+hard splash.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 10
+                         The Man at the Spring
+
+
+A commotion in the bushes informed Dan and Chips that the man who had
+thrown the stone now was retreating.
+
+"You see!" Chips cried excitedly, joining his friend at the pool's edge.
+"I told you the truth, didn't I?"
+
+"You sure did," Dan muttered, scrambling to his feet. "If I hadn't
+ducked, that stone would have clipped me on the back of the head. Come
+on, let's nail him!"
+
+Angry to think that the intruder had dared to risk injuring them by
+deliberately hurling a stone, the Cubs started after him.
+
+Already the man was far away, moving with cat-like tread through the
+dense growth of vines and underbrush. Apparently familiar with the
+terrain, he slipped between the trees like a shadow.
+
+"No use trying to follow," Dan decided after they had gone only a few
+yards. "We've already missed our chance to see who he was."
+
+"And if we trail him a long distance from camp, he might try some of his
+tricks," Chips added in an undertone. "Dan, that man's face scared me. He
+looked downright ugly."
+
+"He did," Dan agreed. "I only caught one glimpse of his face, but that
+was enough."
+
+"Ever see him before?"
+
+"N-o-o," Dan replied slowly. "For just a minute I thought--"
+
+The boy was on the verge of saying that the man had resembled "Frisk,"
+the associate of Paper Bag Eddie. However, his identification had been
+most uncertain.
+
+"You thought what, Dan?"
+
+"Oh, nothing. I didn't really see the man's face plainly. Wonder why he'd
+try to harm us?"
+
+"Let's report to Mr. Hatfield."
+
+To this suggestion, Dan promptly agreed. Picking their way back to the
+pool, the boys made short work of filling the water pail and gathering
+clay.
+
+Back in camp once more, they took Mr. Holloway and the Cub leader aside
+to relate what had happened.
+
+"The man actually hurled a stone?" Mr. Hatfield questioned, his face
+sober.
+
+"He certainly did," Dan confirmed. "It missed my head by inches."
+
+Very much disturbed, Mr. Hatfield and Midge's father warned the two boys
+to make no mention of the incident to the other Cubs.
+
+"I'll take Mr. Suell and explore the island," the Cub leader decided.
+"Mr. Holloway will remain in camp with the boys. Without letting them
+know that anything is amiss, keep them there."
+
+"It soon will be supper time," Mr. Holloway agreed. "I'll find enough
+work to occupy their time."
+
+Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Suell set off at once to search for the stranger who
+had accosted the boys at the spring.
+
+Meanwhile, Chips and Dan helped with supper preparations, trying not to
+reveal their inner excitement to the other Cubs. As time wore on and
+neither the Cub leader nor Mr. Suell returned, it became increasingly
+difficult to contain their secret.
+
+The boys were nearly through supper when the two finally appeared in
+camp. Slipping almost unnoticed into the group around the fire, they
+dished up their own suppers.
+
+"Learn anything?" Dan asked the Cub leader in a whisper.
+
+"Tell you later." Mr. Hatfield's glance warned the boy to say no more at
+the moment.
+
+In silence, but with no show of uneasiness, the Cub leader ate his
+supper. While the other boys were clearing away the dishes, he took Dan,
+Brad and Chips aside to relate what he and Mr. Suell had noted in their
+explorations.
+
+"Did you find that fellow we saw by the spring?" Chips questioned before
+Mr. Hatfield could speak.
+
+"No, Chips. We tramped the island from one end to the other. Not a sign
+of him."
+
+"No signs?" Dan echoed.
+
+"My statement wasn't quite accurate," Mr. Hatfield corrected. "We found
+signs in the way of footprints, a well-beaten trail, and broken bushes.
+But we failed to catch up with the man himself."
+
+"Where did the trail lead?" inquired Chips.
+
+"We picked it up by the spring and followed it the entire length of the
+island through the woodland and marsh. It emerged not far from the old
+hotel."
+
+"Maybe the fellow hid in there," Dan suggested.
+
+"That's what Mr. Suell thought. We looked the place over, but couldn't
+get in. All the doors were locked and the blinds drawn. If Mr. Jabowski
+looks after the place for Mr. Manheim, he doesn't hurt himself working at
+the job."
+
+Having told the boys everything he and Mr. Suell had learned, the Cub
+leader again warned them to say nothing of the affair to the other boys.
+
+"Frankly, I can't figure out why anyone would hurl a stone without
+provocation," he said. "I'm afraid someone may be annoyed because the
+Cubs have camped here."
+
+"But we had a perfect right to do it," Dan protested.
+
+"Of course. Mr. Manheim granted permission. But things may be going on
+here of which he has no knowledge."
+
+"For instance?" interposed Brad.
+
+"I can't say, because I don't know. It's just a feeling I have. Mr. Suell
+and I will take turns guarding the camp tonight."
+
+"Then you think the Cubs may be in danger here?" Brad asked, startled.
+
+"No, Brad, if I thought so, we'd break camp and pull out tonight. We'll
+set up a watch as a precaution. First thing in the morning, I'll go to
+the mainland to have a talk with Mr. Manheim."
+
+After the camp work was out of the way, the Den Dads built a huge fire on
+the beach. Mr. Suell then gave the boys a brief talk on Cubbing in other
+countries of the world, telling them that the organization extended to 50
+lands.
+
+"And are the ideals and aims the same everywhere?" Brad questioned,
+tossing another stick of wood into the flames.
+
+"Practically so, Brad. In most countries, the Kipling Jungle stories have
+been made the basis of Cubbing. Akela is the name of the Cub leader in
+nearly all nations. The two-fingered sign of the Wolf is the Cub sign
+around the world."
+
+Dan, who lounged on the sand beside Brad, had listened with keen
+interest. But now his attention wandered.
+
+Beyond the rim of flickering light, he thought he saw movement. Was that
+shadowy form a trick of wind and tree boughs? Or might someone be spying
+upon the camp?
+
+"Wake up, Dan!" Brad nudged him hard in the ribs. "Mr. Hatfield just
+asked you to lead in the singing of 'Cheer, Cheer, the Den's All Here.'
+Are you asleep?"
+
+Dan tore his eyes from the area of darkness. After all, he told himself,
+he probably had fancied the shadow. Imagination played strange tricks
+upon a fellow.
+
+"Sorry," he apologized. "I didn't hear. Guess I was half asleep."
+
+He launched into the song which was sung to the tune of "Hail, hail, the
+gang's all here." The Cubs joined in, singing lustily.
+
+At its conclusion, the boys all repeated the Law of the Pack, and the
+council fire came to an end.
+
+As the Den fathers were tramping out the last of the coals, Dan walked
+over to the clump of bushes which had been directly in his line of
+vision. He was relieved to find no one hiding there.
+
+But on the ground beneath a blackberry bush was a sheet of paper torn
+from a cheap writing tablet. Unable to read it in the darkness, Dan took
+it to Mr. Hatfield.
+
+The beam of his flashlight picked out the scrawled words: "GET OFF THIS
+ISLAND. STAY AWAY!"
+
+"A warning, eh?" Mr. Hatfield commented. "This little affair has gone
+quite far enough!"
+
+"Whoever left the note must have done it only a few minutes ago," Dan
+said. "I thought I saw someone in the bushes just as you asked me to lead
+that song."
+
+"The coward!" Mr. Hatfield muttered, folding the warning and placing it
+in his pocket. "Afraid to show his face. Instead he throws rocks and
+sneaks up in the darkness."
+
+More annoyed than afraid, the Cub leader made a thorough inspection of
+the bush where the unknown intruder had hidden only a few minutes before.
+A few large footprints had been imbedded in the moist turf. But the one
+who had left the note, had fled.
+
+"No use trying to track him down in the dark," Mr. Hatfield said in
+disgust. "Tomorrow I'll take this up with Mr. Manheim."
+
+With another reminder that no mention was to be made of the matter to the
+other Cubs, the leader sent Dan off to bed.
+
+However, the boy observed that neither Mr. Hatfield nor Mr. Suell turned
+in. Instead, the two men posted themselves near the entrance to the
+tents. Throughout the night, they kept a small fire burning.
+
+Dan was awakened by the excited shouts of the other Cubs who were donning
+trunks for a pre-breakfast swim.
+
+At the beach he raced Brad to the raft where they rested for a moment.
+
+"Anything happen last night?" Dan asked, eager for a report.
+
+"Not that I heard of. Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Suell sat up until dawn. No
+one came near the camp."
+
+"That's good," Dan said in relief. "If things start popping, our camping
+trip will be called off. I like it here."
+
+"So do I, Dan. I hope the Scouts buy this site, because if they do, the
+Cubs will get to come here often. But I know Mr. Hatfield is worried. The
+way matters are going, he isn't likely to recommend the place as a
+permanent camp."
+
+"I'm thinking the same," Dan agreed. "Oh, well, maybe Mr. Manheim will
+take a hand in finding out who's hiding on the island. After all, it's
+his property."
+
+A call to breakfast sent the two boys racing full-blast for shore. By the
+time they had scrambled into their uniforms, an appetizing meal of orange
+juice, bacon and eggs awaited them.
+
+The Cubs ate their fill and then listened as Mr. Hatfield outlined plans
+for the morning.
+
+"I'll take Dan, Brad and Chips with me to Webster City to pick up a few
+supplies," the Cub leader said. "Also to attend to an important errand.
+Mr. Suell has planned a hike for those who remain behind."
+
+"I'd rather go to Webster City," said Mack, who suspected that he was
+being excluded from an important mission.
+
+"Me too," chimed in Midge. "Can't we all go?"
+
+"Not this time," Mr. Hatfield turned them down. "We'll make a full report
+when we get back."
+
+At nine o'clock, the three Cubs and their leader were picked up by
+launch, according to an arrangement made with a member of the yacht club.
+Once on shore, they purchased a few small items. Thereafter, they
+presented themselves at Mr. Manheim's office and were elated to learn
+that the island owner was in.
+
+"He'll see you at once," a secretary told them. "First door to your
+left."
+
+The room which Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs entered through a frosted door
+was padded with rich, soft carpet.
+
+A heavy-set man with steel-blue eyes sat in a swivel chair behind a desk
+at the window. Recognizing the Cub leader, he smiled in welcome.
+
+"Hello, Sam! What brings you here so bright and early? Another
+proposition to buy that camp site on Skeleton Island?"
+
+"Not exactly, Mr. Manheim. We're not so sure it's a safe place."
+
+"Skeleton Island not safe?" Mr. Manheim demanded. "What gave you that
+idea? Sit down and tell me all about it." He waved everyone into chairs.
+
+Mr. Hatfield introduced the three Cubs and then went directly to the
+point. He related how a stone had been tossed at Dan and showed Mr.
+Manheim the warning note.
+
+"Why, someone is playing a joke on you," the island owner said after
+reading the message. "Don't tell me you take this seriously?"
+
+"We did and do, Mr. Manheim."
+
+"I see nothing to cause alarm. Probably some boys from a rival troop are
+having a little fun at your expense."
+
+"The stone was hurled by a man," Dan interposed. "I saw his face quite
+plainly."
+
+"It's possible that tramps have taken up quarters in the underbrush," Mr.
+Manheim said reluctantly. "Jabowski's orders are to keep hoodlums away
+from the island. I'll jack him up a bit if he's been remiss in his duty."
+
+"Jabowski is your caretaker at Skeleton Island?" Mr. Hatfield inquired.
+
+"Yes, he lives there with his nephew."
+
+"We saw neither of them. In fact, the old hotel building seemed to be
+locked up."
+
+"Jabowski has orders not to leave the island without notifying me," Mr.
+Manheim said, frowning. "He must be there."
+
+To Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs it became obvious that the information they
+had brought was displeasing to the island owner. Apparently to end the
+interview, he arose and said:
+
+"Now don't worry about a thing. I'll get in touch with Jabowski and have
+him ascertain that the island is free of trespassers."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Manheim. We wouldn't have troubled you only--"
+
+"No trouble at all," Mr. Manheim interrupted the Cub leader. "I always
+like to help out the Cubs or Scouts. Fact is, I've been thinking for
+several weeks I'd like to give 'em a bang-up time--a regular jamboree."
+
+"Jamboree?" Mr. Hatfield repeated, rather mystified.
+
+The island owner ignored the Cub leader, turning to Brad, Dan and Chips.
+
+"How would you boys like a beach barbecue? A really big affair?"
+
+"Swell!" Chips agreed.
+
+"We'll invite all the Cubs in Webster City. Make it a bang-up affair.
+Tonight, shall we say?"
+
+"You're moving a bit fast for me," said Mr. Hatfield. "How can you plan
+such an affair on short notice?"
+
+"Leave that to me," said Mr. Manheim, pressing the desk buzzer. "We'll
+call in a caterer, a friend of mine who will take care of every detail.
+Your job, Mr. Hatfield, will be to have the Cubs there on the island."
+
+"I don't doubt the boys will jump at the chance for a barbecue even on
+short notice," Mr. Hatfield replied. "But what about transportation?"
+
+"My motorboat will be available. And Jabowski can take the overflow on a
+motor raft he has at the island."
+
+"Well--" Mr. Hatfield gazed dubiously at the Cubs. "I hardly know what to
+say. It's such short notice--"
+
+"The trouble with you, Sam, is that you're not in the habit of making
+quick decisions," the other said jovially. "You have your boys at the
+dock at seven o'clock. I'll take care of everything else."
+
+"All right," Mr. Hatfield agreed. "I'll get in touch with the Cub leader
+of Den 1. I only hope you aren't biting off more than you can chew."
+
+"Never have yet," the island owner said, escorting the party to the door.
+"See you tonight. We'll have a jamboree that will give those Cubs the
+thrill of their young lives!"
+
+"But what about that man we saw at the spring?" Dan half-protested. "If
+he should be hanging around--"
+
+"Leave that to Jabowski," Mr. Manheim dismissed the subject. "Don't give
+the matter another thought."
+
+The island owner bowed the Cubs out. When the door had closed firmly
+behind them, they eyed each other a trifle askance.
+
+"Well, that was fast work if you ask me," Brad said, sucking in his
+breath. "Mr. Manheim takes care of everything!"
+
+"In typical Manheim style," added the Cub leader unhappily.
+"Unfortunately, I've learned from past experience that his plans don't
+always pan out right."
+
+"Then you're afraid the barbecue won't come off tonight?" Chips asked as
+the four started down the hallway.
+
+"Oh, it will be held after a fashion," Mr. Hatfield replied. "But Mr.
+Manheim is apt to leave too many details unplanned. Another thing--"
+
+"That man at the spring?" Dan supplied as the Cub leader hesitated.
+
+"Yes, I'm not entirely satisfied that Jabowski will attend to him. For
+that matter, where is Jabowski?"
+
+"No one has seen him since we landed on the island," Brad replied.
+
+"It all adds up to an uncertain picture," Mr. Hatfield said soberly.
+"Everything may go well tonight. I hope so. But between you and me and
+the gate-post, I'm wondering if Mr. Manheim's barbecue may not be a
+mistake!"
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 11
+                        A Barbecue for the Cubs
+
+
+Despite Mr. Hatfield's misgivings, the jamboree came off that night
+according to schedule.
+
+At the appointed hour, the island owner's motorboat and the power raft
+were at the Webster City Yacht Club docks to pick up members of Den 1.
+
+Mr. Manheim personally took command of the speedboat, while his man
+Jabowski carried the overflow of boys across the river on the open raft.
+
+In an ugly mood, the caretaker complained that the barbecue was "a lot of
+stupid nonsense."
+
+Actually, he smarted from a lecture delivered by his employer. For three
+hours that afternoon the island owner had tried to find Jabowski. Finally
+tracing him to a waterfront tavern, he had warned the man that unless he
+paid attention to his duties, he would be discharged.
+
+Jabowski blamed the Cubs for the reprimand, and so did his utmost to make
+them feel uncomfortable.
+
+"Sit still!" he ordered Ross Langdon, who shifted his weight as the raft
+chugged across the river. "You want to upset us?"
+
+"Aw, I hardly moved," Ross growled. "Anyway, if this raft isn't safe, you
+shouldn't be taking kids across the river in it."
+
+"The raft's safe enough, if you behave yourselves."
+
+"We are behaving," Ross retorted. "For crying out loud, what's eating you
+anyhow? You've done nothing but crab since we left the dock."
+
+"You'd crab too if your boss gave orders to have a barbecue on eight
+hours notice! But that's Manheim for you. Always doing things in the
+grand manner--only someone else has to do the work!"
+
+Not much impressed by the caretaker's complaints, the Cubs eagerly turned
+their faces toward Skeleton Island. Huge fires burned on the beach and
+they could hear the music of an eight-piece band.
+
+"Say, this is going to be a shing-ding!" Ross said, pleased. "We should
+have a swell time tonight. Good grub, Mr. Jabowski?"
+
+"Baked clams and lobster and roasted ox! That ought to be enough to
+satisfy you kids and your parents."
+
+"Say! Mr. Manheim's doing all right by us," Ross said, impressed. "We'll
+have a swell time tonight."
+
+Although the caretaker could have landed the raft at the beach, he
+proceeded up-island to a dock which extended out into much deeper water.
+
+"Hey, what's the idea, bringing us clear up here?" Ross protested, eager
+to join the other boys on the island.
+
+"Give your gums a rest, will you?" Jabowski demanded rudely. "I'm
+handling this raft."
+
+At last after taking his time in fastening the craft to a dock post, he
+allowed the boys to disembark. Quickly they joined the Cubs from Den 2.
+
+Nearly thirty Cubs and their parents already had arrived at the island.
+Mr. Manheim went here and there, shaking hands with the grownups and
+joking with the boys. The music was excellent, the food plentiful. Yet
+despite the efforts of everyone to have a good time, the party soon began
+to go a trifle flat.
+
+At that point Mr. Hatfield and Midge's father took a hand, introducing
+various games. The fun revived. However, everyone appeared relieved when
+the gathering began to break up at nine-thirty.
+
+Mr. Manheim took two boatloads of Cubs and their parents to shore and
+returned for the third. Meanwhile, Jabowski had made one trip in the much
+slower raft.
+
+"One more trip will wind it up," the island owner estimated, counting the
+Cubs who were to remain overnight at their camp. "I can take five, and
+the others all can get on the raft."
+
+"Seven on the raft?" Mr. Hatfield interposed in disapproval. "Isn't that
+loading it rather heavily?"
+
+"Not at all," Mr. Manheim returned, annoyed to have his judgment
+questioned. "The raft was built to carry a much heavier load."
+
+"It seems sturdy enough, but there are no rails--"
+
+"Jabowski will keep his eye on the boys."
+
+Dismissing the matter, the island owner filled his speedboat to capacity
+and pulled away. Following orders, Jabowski herded the remaining Cubs
+aboard the raft.
+
+When all were seated who were to leave the island, not a spare inch of
+space remained.
+
+Mr. Hatfield, who had been watching the loading with troubled gaze,
+stepped to the edge of the dock to speak to Jabowski.
+
+"Why not make another trip?" he suggested. "The raft is overloaded."
+
+"Mr. Manheim's orders were to take 'em all in one load," Jabowski said
+stubbornly. "I do as he tells me."
+
+He started the motor and the raft slowly pulled away.
+
+"Hey, wait!" Ross Langdon shouted. "I forgot my cap!"
+
+Before anyone could stop him, he leaped to his feet. The over-weighted
+raft tilted sharply to the left.
+
+"Sit down!" Jabowski yelled.
+
+The warning came much too late. Other Cubs, their feet under water, were
+scrambling frantically for safety.
+
+As the raft became even more off-balance, it tilted to a sharper angle,
+sliding all the Cubs except one into the river. Jabowski, clinging to the
+motor box, managed to hold on.
+
+The water into which the Cubs had fallen was well over their heads.
+Weighted down by shoes and clothing, they churned the surface in a
+frantic effort to keep up.
+
+Ross, an expert swimmer, seized one of the Cubs and towed him ashore.
+
+Mr. Hatfield and Midge's father both plunged in to assist others to
+safety.
+
+Two of the Cubs grasped the side of the raft and were pulled aboard by
+the frightened Jabowski.
+
+Meanwhile, on shore, Dan had kicked off his shoes, ready to help.
+
+"Where's Tim Tyler?" he shouted.
+
+Tim was the youngest and smallest member of Den 1. Also, as all the boys
+knew, he was the only Cub who had never learned to swim a stroke.
+
+In the darkness there now was no glimpse of the boy. He was neither on
+the raft nor anywhere visible in the water.
+
+"He was aboard when the raft upset," Dan cried. "I saw him just before it
+went over. Maybe he's pinned underneath!"
+
+Without waiting for others to act, the boy made a clean dive from the end
+of the dock. With the speed of a bullet he shot beneath the raft.
+
+To his confusion, it was not flat underneath as he had expected. Instead,
+the craft was laced with four large metal tanks.
+
+At the moment, Dan had no time to think of their significance or to
+wonder why they were there. Holding his breath, he groped about in the
+dark waters of the cool river.
+
+He felt rather than saw the body which was wedged between the tanks in
+the very centermost portion of the raft.
+
+Seizing Tim by an arm, Dan attempted to swim out with him. His head and
+shoulders came hard against the metal tanks and he could make no
+progress.
+
+Dan's breath now was growing short and he knew he must work fast.
+Treading water, he used both arms to try to free the imprisoned Cub.
+
+At first he could not move the boy an inch. Then Dan's hand encountered a
+jagged nail, and he realized that Tim's clothing had speared on it.
+
+With a hard jerk, he ripped the garment free. Then, with the limp form of
+the boy on his left hip, he swam and pulled them both toward the outer
+edge of the raft.
+
+His heart began to pound and his lungs to feel as if they would explode.
+Could he keep going? He _had_ to, Dan told himself. To abandon Tim never
+entered his thoughts. Only a stroke or two more--
+
+When it seemed to Dan that he had reached the very end, a strong hand
+grasped his clothing. Both he and Tim, to whom he clung desperately, were
+hauled up onto the raft.
+
+"Good work, Dan!" Mr. Hatfield's praise rang in his ears. "You saved
+Tim."
+
+All the Cubs were taken ashore to dry out by the fire. Mr. Holloway and
+the Cub leader stretched Tim out on the dock, wrapping him in blankets.
+It was unnecessary to apply artificial respiration, for he soon opened
+his eyes and began to breathe normally.
+
+"We'll look after Tim," Mr. Hatfield advised Dan as the shivering boy
+hovered near. "Hike to the tent and change your clothes."
+
+"Mr. Hatfield, there's something I want to tell you--"
+
+"Later, Dan."
+
+Brad threw a blanket over the boy's shoulders and led him away.
+
+"The Den is proud of you, Dan," he declared as he waited while the other
+changed into dry clothing. "You earned yourself a medal tonight."
+
+"I didn't do anything," Dan replied. "Or rather, anyone would have done
+the same."
+
+"You thought and acted in a split-second. That was what counted, Dan. If
+Mr. Manheim hadn't been so bull-headed about taking too many Cubs on the
+raft, the accident wouldn't have occurred."
+
+"It was badly balanced from the start, Brad. I can't understand those
+tanks--"
+
+"What tanks, Dan?"
+
+"Why there were four of them on the underside of the raft."
+
+"Tanks? You're sure?"
+
+"I certainly am. They were long and flat and made of metal. Tim was
+wedged between them, his trousers snagged on a nail."
+
+"Maybe they were gasoline tanks."
+
+"They looked like it. But why would the raft need so many? These tanks
+would hold fifteen or twenty gallons each."
+
+"Another thing, the gas tank that feeds the motor is on the top side of
+the raft," Brad said thoughtfully. "It does seem queer. You told Mr.
+Hatfield?"
+
+"I aim to. He was too busy working on Tim."
+
+Dan finished dressing and the two boys sought the warmth of the fire.
+Tim, wrapped in blankets, was brought there.
+
+The other drenched Cubs were lent clothing by the more fortunate boys of
+Den 2.
+
+Presently Mr. Manheim returned from across the river. Informed by
+Jabowski as to what had occurred, he was profuse in his apologies for the
+mishap.
+
+"I can't understand how it happened," he said to Mr. Hatfield. "Why,
+we've transported lumber and very heavy objects on that raft. We never
+had an accident before."
+
+"There's always a first time," the Cub leader replied. "Fortunately, no
+serious harm has been done. But it was a miracle the raft upset at the
+dock and not in mid-stream."
+
+After Mr. Manheim had taken the Den 1 Cubs ashore in the motorboat, the
+Skeleton Island camp settled down for the night.
+
+Not until then did Dan have opportunity to tell Mr. Hatfield of seeing
+the gasoline tanks beneath the raft.
+
+"I think that's what made it upset," he declared. "When the load shifted,
+all the fuel ran to the same side."
+
+"Fuel tanks on the underside of a raft," Sam Hatfield mused. "That seems
+odd. Why would a raft need such large carrying capacity?"
+
+"Maybe to supply another boat."
+
+"But Mr. Manheim's motorcraft has a large tank. It doesn't make sense to
+me."
+
+"I figure Jabowski's been supplying that motorboat Brad and I saw signal
+from across the river," Dan said.
+
+"He may be selling Mr. Manheim's gasoline and picking up a little extra
+money for himself, Dan. I wouldn't put it past him. That, I suppose,
+would explain those tanks underneath the raft."
+
+"I'm wondering too if Jabowski may not be mixed up with the river
+pirates."
+
+Mr. Hatfield gazed at the boy in amazement.
+
+"Hold on, Dan!" he exclaimed. "You're going too fast for me."
+
+"No one likes Jabowski," Dan argued. "He has no friends. I know because
+I've inquired."
+
+"The man isn't very likeable, I'll grant, but to accuse him of being a
+crook is something I wouldn't venture to do."
+
+"I'm not accusing him, Mr. Hatfield. I'm only wondering. You recall, on
+the night the furs were stolen, a motorboat almost like Mr. Manheim's
+tore into Mr. Holloway's sailboat."
+
+"I remember, Dan."
+
+"Since then, police have watched the waterfront for that boat. Especially
+gasoline outlets."
+
+"I've read so in the papers, Dan."
+
+"According to the stories, police have been puzzled as to where the boat
+owners put in for fuel."
+
+"I see you're well informed on the subject, Dan," Mr. Hatfield said,
+smiling.
+
+"I've read every word, because I'm interested. Maybe those river thieves
+have moved out of here, but I have a hunch they're just biding their time
+before pulling another job."
+
+"Be that as it may, Dan, the Cubs can't afford to mix themselves in any
+such business. As I said before, if I thought Skeleton Island had become
+a hideout for the river thieves, I'd never recommend that this camp site
+be bought."
+
+"But if we don't investigate, how can you know if the camp's really
+safe?" Dan argued.
+
+"So that's where this conversation has been pointing," Mr. Hatfield
+chuckled. "You're proposing that the Cubs do a little sleuthing before we
+leave here?"
+
+"Couldn't we?"
+
+"What could we learn, Dan?"
+
+"I'd like to find out more about Jabowski and his habits. I have an idea,
+Mr. Hatfield, if you'd hear of it."
+
+"What is this idea, Dan?"
+
+"You know that game we sometimes play of 'Follow the Trail.' One Cub goes
+ahead and lays out a trail which the others tried to follow."
+
+Mr. Hatfield nodded. "It's excellent training in observation for the
+Cubs."
+
+"Well, I thought, if you're willing, we might lay the trail across the
+island and around Jabowski's place. The Cubs could be instructed to
+notice anything unusual and report."
+
+"Spy out the old hotel, you mean?"
+
+"That's right. Maybe it wouldn't net anything. Then again, we might pick
+up considerable information about Jabowski."
+
+Mr. Hatfield thought the matter over for a moment.
+
+"We'll be here only one day longer," he said. "If we tried out your idea,
+it would have to be early in the morning."
+
+"Then we may do it?"
+
+"I'll think it over," Mr. Hatfield replied in a tone which was a
+half-promise. "Get to sleep now, Dan. We'll talk further of this
+tomorrow."
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 12
+                          Following the Trail
+
+
+Excitement swept the camp the next morning when Mr. Hatfield told the
+Cubs they were to play the trail game Dan had proposed.
+
+Taking the boys partially into his confidence, the Cub leader explained
+that he wished to obtain as much information as possible about Jabowski
+or any other occupants of the island.
+
+"What sort of information?" Mack asked, puzzled.
+
+"It's a request that can't be explained," Mr. Hatfield replied. "Just
+keep your eyes open. If you notice anything unusual report it after the
+hunt is over. Dan will lay the trail."
+
+"I'll need twenty minutes start of the gang," Dan announced, already
+making his plans.
+
+Mr. Hatfield told the Cubs that he might be absent from camp upon their
+return. He had arranged for a yacht club boat to pick him up, as he
+wished to visit Tim Tyler to make certain the boy had suffered no ill
+effects from his previous night's ducking.
+
+"I shan't be gone long," he told the Cubs. "During my absence, Brad will
+be in charge."
+
+"And that means you all must do just as I say," Brad instructed the
+younger boys. "I'll lead the clue hunt, and I want you to stick close to
+me. No stragglers!"
+
+The Cubs allowed Dan a full twenty minutes start and then set out in
+pursuit.
+
+Midge found the first clue, a bit of bush broken off and weighted down
+with stones.
+
+Farther on, Red spied a forked stick which pointed the direction. The
+trail avoided the marsh, skirting the shore much of the way. Finally it
+wound through a brushy hollow and came out within view of the old hotel
+where Jabowski lived.
+
+"What's the idea of all this?" Red demanded, sinking down on a rock to
+rest. "Dan brought us to this old hotel on purpose, didn't he?"
+
+"That's right," Brad agreed. "And here's a note from him." His keen eyes
+had sighted a slip of paper speared on a nearby tree branch.
+
+Obtaining it, he read aloud: "Watch the windows of the hotel."
+
+"The windows?" Red repeated. "What does he mean by that?"
+
+"Don't know," Brad shrugged. "Just keep your eyes peeled for anything
+unusual."
+
+"Such as what?" Midge demanded.
+
+"I can't tell you that. I don't know myself. If you see Jabowski or
+anyone around, keep tab on 'em. Pick up any information you can, no
+matter how trivial it may seem."
+
+"But why are we doing this?" Mack complained. "I don't get it."
+
+"Mr. Hatfield will explain later."
+
+"You and Dan seem to be on the inside," Chips grumbled.
+
+"If you don't want to play the game, you can trot back to camp. And that
+goes for all of you!"
+
+"Oh, don't get tough," Chips retorted. "We're willing to spy out the
+enemy camp, but it would be more to the point if you'd do a little
+explaining."
+
+"All in good time, all in good time," Brad rejoined, restored to good
+humor.
+
+Following the trail Dan had marked, the Cubs slowly circled the hotel
+building.
+
+"I don't believe Jabowski lives there," Midge declared. "The place is
+deserted."
+
+"No, it isn't," corrected Red. "I see smoke coming from the chimney at
+the rear."
+
+Brad praised the boy for his observation and urged the others to be on
+the lookout for other signs.
+
+A little farther on, the Den Chief paused to study the grimy windows of
+the ancient building.
+
+"Jabowski doesn't hurt himself keeping the place clean or tidy," he
+remarked. "Look at those windows! And the weeds in the yard!"
+
+"And the shutters," contributed Fred. "They're banging around at every
+angle."
+
+Brad suddenly froze into alert attention. His gaze had focused hard upon
+one of the upstairs hotel windows. The glare of the sun was upon it, and
+for a moment the others could not see what had attracted his interest.
+
+"Fellows, there's someone standing at the window!" he exclaimed. "Not
+Jabowski either!"
+
+"It looks like a boy," Chips declared, shifting his position so that the
+reflected sunlight would not blind him.
+
+Huddled together, the Cubs all fastened their gaze upon the window.
+Plainly they could see a youth standing there, his face pressed close
+against the dirty pane.
+
+"_Jeepers!_" Chips whispered in stunned recognition. "_It's Jacques!_"
+
+Almost at the same instant, Brad and the other Cubs had made a similar
+observation. The boy who stood at the window was the same one who had
+vanished from the Cave only a few days earlier.
+
+As the boys watched, a hand appeared from nowhere to jerk Jacques back
+from the window. They waited several minutes, but the boy did not
+reappear.
+
+"You know what I think!" Midge cried, recovering from stunned surprise.
+"Jacques is being held a prisoner in there!"
+
+"Either Jabowski or someone else saw him trying to signal us, and pulled
+him back out of sight!" Fred added excitedly. "I say we ought to break in
+and rescue him!"
+
+"Not so fast," Brad cautioned as the other Cubs were ready to back up the
+proposal. "Our orders were to report back to camp. Remember?"
+
+"But this is an emergency," Chips argued. "If Jacques is being held a
+prisoner, we ought to get him out!"
+
+"And maybe get ourselves into a peck of trouble. Nope! Dan must have seen
+that boy too or he wouldn't have left the note. We're hiking back to
+camp. It's up to Mr. Hatfield to decide what to do."
+
+Turning deaf ears upon all protests, Brad led the Cubs back the way they
+had come. Suddenly, a figure loomed up ahead of the boys. It was Jabowski
+who confronted them. From where he had come or how long he had been
+secreted in the bushes, they could not guess.
+
+The caretaker's voice was hard and unfriendly as he demanded:
+
+"What d'you think you're doing here?"
+
+"Why, we're playing 'follow the trail'," Brad said as the other Cubs were
+too abashed to reply.
+
+"You were spying on the house!"
+
+"Spying?" Brad asked innocently. "Why, what is there to see?"
+
+"Nothing. Not a thing," Jabowski retorted, made uncomfortable by the
+manner in which the boy had turned the accusation. "I just don't like
+kids swarming over the place. See?"
+
+"Mr. Manheim gave us permission to camp on the island."
+
+"But not to run wild over it. This here place is mine and I don't want
+snoopers. Now get back to your own end of the island and stay there!"
+
+"Sure, sure," Brad said, signaling the Cubs to make no resistance. "We
+were leaving anyhow."
+
+"I don't aim to be mean," Jabowski said, mollified by the boy's
+willingness to obey. "But a guy has to have some privacy. That raft
+upsetting last night set my nerves on edge. You the boy that dived under
+it?"
+
+"No, that was Dan Carter."
+
+"Which one is he?" Jabowski's keen gaze swept the group.
+
+"Dan isn't here," Midge informed the caretaker.
+
+"Well, no matter," Jabowski said. "Git along now, and mind what I said.
+You keep to your end of the island and there'll be no hard feelings. By
+the way, when you leaving?"
+
+"For good you mean?" Brad asked. "Why, late this afternoon, I guess."
+
+"Then you won't be camping here another night." Unmistakable relief was
+stamped on the caretaker's face. "Good-bye, boys."
+
+"Oh, you may see us again," Brad said with mischievous intent. "Oh, say!
+Have you run into that tramp who annoyed us the first day we camped
+here?"
+
+"Tramp? The one who threw the stone?" Jabowski's expression became
+guarded. "No, I searched the island after Mr. Manheim complained to me.
+No one around. If anyone scared you, he's gone now."
+
+"Let's hope so, at least," replied Brad evenly. "Well, so long, Mr.
+Jabowski. Sorry to have bothered you."
+
+The Cubs tramped off, and because they knew the caretaker was watching,
+did not look back until they were a long distance from the old hotel.
+
+Once out of sight and hearing, the boys discussed the important discovery
+they had made.
+
+"There's no question that it was Jacques we saw at the window," Brad
+declared. "But what's he doing here? And was it Jabowski who pulled him
+away from the window, or someone else?"
+
+"He's a prisoner, for sure," Midge insisted. "We know someone spirited
+him away from the Cave. He's probably been held here ever since."
+
+"Come on, let's find Mr. Hatfield," Brad urged, starting along the trail
+again.
+
+At the camp a few minutes later, the Cubs were surprised to find the site
+entirely deserted. Dan was nowhere around. Nor was Mr. Hatfield or
+Midge's father to be found.
+
+Belatedly, Brad recalled that the Cub leader and Mr. Holloway had
+expected to make a brief trip that morning to the mainland.
+
+"That's probably where they are," he remarked, his gaze anxiously
+sweeping the river. "But where's Dan?"
+
+"Maybe he went along," Fred suggested.
+
+"Maybe," Brad agreed doubtfully. "But he couldn't have returned to camp
+very long ago."
+
+While the other boys aired their bedding and attended to camp tasks, the
+older boy wandered along the shore.
+
+On the west beach he noticed where a boat had been pulled up on the wet
+sand. The area was splattered with footprints, both large and small.
+
+"A boat landed after the Cubs went trail hunting," Brad reconstructed the
+scene. "Dan must have come down here to meet the folks, whoever they
+were. Maybe he went away with them, or was taken away!"
+
+As far as Brad could see, the river was deserted of small craft. However,
+the dense bushes lining both sides of the wide stream provided ample
+protection for any boat which might seek to keep out of view.
+
+Recalling the motorcraft which apparently had been serviced by the island
+raft, Brad became increasingly uneasy.
+
+"It isn't like Dan to go away without leaving word," he told himself.
+"Something's happened to him!"
+
+Just then his roving gaze fastened upon a pile of three stones placed
+conspicuously on the beach. Plainly they had been left there to attract
+attention.
+
+Brad kicked aside the stones. Folded beneath the lowermost one was a note
+from Dan.
+
+"Called to Police Station," it read. "No chance to see Mr. Hatfield. See
+you soon--I hope."
+
+Brad read the message twice, trying to figure it out.
+
+"Now why would Dan be called to the police station?" he speculated. "It
+must be something important to bring the cops here after him."
+
+Brad was certain that his chum had committed no crime. But why otherwise
+would he be sought by police?
+
+"See you soon--I hope," he reread the final words of the note. "That
+sounds as if he thinks he may run into trouble. I wonder if Jabowski or
+someone who dislikes having the Cubs on Skeleton Island turned in a false
+complaint?"
+
+Decidedly worried, the Den Chief pocketed the note and walked slowly back
+toward camp.
+
+Without a motorboat, he knew he could do nothing until Mr. Hatfield and
+Midge's father returned from the mainland.
+
+"A nice kettle of fish," he muttered. "Dan at the police station, and
+Jacques apparently a prisoner in the old hotel. No telling what may
+happen next! And me with all the responsibility!"
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 13
+                         Identifying a Prisoner
+
+
+After laying the trail for the other Cubs to follow, Dan had spent some
+minutes watching the old hotel at the far end of the island. He too had
+observed Jacques standing at the window. Greatly excited by the
+discovery, he left a note for the Cubs and then hastened back to camp to
+report.
+
+However, neither Mr. Hatfield nor Midge's father was there, having
+crossed the river a few minutes earlier.
+
+Dan nervously paced the camp, wondering what he should do. Far across the
+island, he could hear an occasional shout from the Cubs as they noisily
+followed the trail he had marked.
+
+After awhile, the boy became aware of the approach of a high-powered
+speedboat. Turning to look, he was astonished to see that a Webster City
+police patrol boat was beaching on the island.
+
+As he went down to the water's edge, a sergeant and plainclothesman
+stepped out of the boat.
+
+"Is this the Cub camp?" the sergeant inquired.
+
+"Yes, sir, it is," Dan replied. He wondered what had brought police to
+the island at such an early hour, or for that matter, at any hour.
+
+"We're looking for a Mr. Hatfield."
+
+"He isn't here just now. But I expect him back in a half hour or so."
+
+"Mr. Holloway?"
+
+"They're together."
+
+"We came to take one of the boys back to the station with us," the
+sergeant explained. "A kid by the name of Dan Carter. Is he around?"
+
+Dan drew in his breath, and answered uneasily: "I'm Dan Carter. Why do
+you want me? What have I done now?"
+
+"Why, nothing--not a thing," the police officer reassured him. "Weren't
+you one of the youngsters who saw the operator of a motorboat that struck
+Mr. Holloway's sailboat?"
+
+"That's right. But how did you know?"
+
+"Oh, we check up," the sergeant replied with a friendly grin. "Remember
+the blindman?"
+
+"I did tell him about the crash," Dan recalled. "He passed the
+information on to you?"
+
+"Right. You saw the men in that boat?"
+
+"Yes, but not plainly. The boat was running without lights."
+
+"Think you could identify any of the men if you saw 'em again?"
+
+"One of them, I might."
+
+"Describe him."
+
+"Well, he was short and muscular--heavily built. His jaw was sort of
+square and his face puffy. I couldn't see the color of his hair, but
+would say he was on the dark side."
+
+"That's a pretty fair description, Dan," the sergeant praised. "You're
+observing."
+
+"Actually, I think I saw him twice," Dan replied. "Once in the boat and
+then again on shore talking to a little fellow with a paper bag. 'Paper
+Bag Eddie', they called him."
+
+The police sergeant and plainclothesman exchanged a quick glance.
+
+"Kid, you're the one we need to help us," the latter said. "Now this is
+the set-up. We've picked up a man we think may have been mixed up in the
+fur robbery. Also, he may be the one that rammed Mr. Holloway's boat. We
+want you to identify him."
+
+"I don't know if I can," Dan said doubtfully. "I'll be glad to try."
+
+Excited at the prospect before him, Dan scribbled a note for Mr. Hatfield
+and the Cubs. This he placed under a pile of stones on the beach where he
+was certain it would be seen. He then boarded the police boat and was
+ferried across the river.
+
+At the police station, Dan was told to wait in an ante-room. He sat down,
+thumbing through the pages of a magazine. Policemen went in and out, but
+save for an occasional glance at the boy, no one paid any attention to
+him.
+
+Dan began to wonder if he had been entirely forgotten.
+
+After awhile, he arose and wandered out into the first floor corridor. As
+he stood there watching men and women pass through from James St. to
+Whitehill Ave., he suddenly stiffened.
+
+Through the revolving doors came Paper Bag Eddie. The man was alone. His
+hat had been pulled low over his eyes, and his coat collar was high, but
+he carried the familiar paper sack.
+
+A policeman, recognizing the man, stopped him for a moment.
+
+"Hello, Eddie," he said, eyeing him guardedly. "What brings you here?"
+
+"The measles," Eddie retorted, his thin lips curling into a sneer. "You
+got nothing on me, copper. It's a free corridor, ain't it?"
+
+"Just keep moving, Eddie."
+
+"I'm here to pay a traffic fine," the man replied. "Any law against it?"
+
+"Go ahead," the policeman said. "Just make it snappy and get out. We
+don't want you loitering around here."
+
+Eddie eyed the police officer insolently, but made no reply. Passing Dan,
+he entered a door which bore a sign: "Pay Traffic Fines Here."
+
+However, he did not remain three minutes inside the room. No sooner had
+the policeman stepped into one of the court rooms, than Eddie emerged
+into the corridor again.
+
+His fox-like eyes darted back and forth, noting that no other policemen
+were anywhere in sight.
+
+This ascertained, he sidled over to Dan.
+
+"You're here to identify a man you're supposed to have seen in a
+motorboat," his purring voice said. "Get this! You never saw the guy
+before."
+
+Taken by surprise, Dan stared at Eddie and made no reply.
+
+"Have some popcorn?" the man invited.
+
+Dan shook his head, and made uncomfortable by those dark boring eyes,
+moved a step back against the wall.
+
+Eddie had opened the bag. Now he thrust it directly under the boy's eyes.
+Dan saw then that it contained not popcorn, but a 32-caliber revolver.
+
+"You never saw the guy before," Eddie repeated. "If you forget--you'll
+hear from me. I got a way of taking care of my friends and them that
+ain't."
+
+Two policemen had emerged from one of the offices. Dan turned to signal
+to them. Before he could do so, Eddie wheeled and departed by way of the
+revolving doors.
+
+"You're Dan Carter?" one of the policemen called, noticing the boy.
+"They're waiting for you."
+
+"That man who was talking to me!" Dan exclaimed. "Did you notice him?"
+
+Neither of the policemen had seen Eddie.
+
+"He threatened me," Dan revealed. "Warned me not to identify someone in
+the line-up. And he had a revolver."
+
+Now very much interested, the policemen went outside the building to look
+up and down the street. Paper Bag Eddie was nowhere to be seen.
+
+"Probably hailed a taxi and made a quick getaway," one of the officers
+said. "Listen, Dan. Don't pay any attention to what he told you. It was
+all bluff. You go in there and identify your man if you can."
+
+"I intend to," Dan announced, his face grim. "He can't scare me."
+
+"Good!" the policeman approved. "Now follow me."
+
+Dan was led through a series of corridors and up an elevator to an inner
+room. There he was introduced to Detective Jim Blackwell and Sergeant
+Amos Davis.
+
+"Now in a moment, several men will walk across a lighted stage in front
+of you," Sergeant Davis explained. "You'll be behind this screen,
+protected from their view. Don't say anything, but look closely at each
+man. If you recognize any of them, tell me later. Got it?"
+
+Dan nodded. His heart pounded with excitement. He had made up his mind to
+identify the motorboat operator if he possibly could.
+
+But he couldn't forget about Eddie and the revolver in the paper bag.
+Somehow he had a feeling that the threat had not been entirely bluff.
+
+The stage now was flooded with blinding light. One at a time, six men
+walked into Dan's range of vision.
+
+The first three he had never seen before and resembled no one he had ever
+known. Dan gave them scarcely a second glance.
+
+At sight of the fourth man in the line-up, he stiffened. Although the
+fellow tried to look unconcerned, Dan could see that he was worried. He
+knew him instantly as the sailor he had seen talking to Paper Bag Eddie.
+
+Also, he was reasonably certain that the man was the same one who had
+operated the motorboat.
+
+"He's the one!" Dan whispered.
+
+"Sure?"
+
+"Almost positive."
+
+The men in the line-up were taken away and the stage darkened. Dan then
+was led to an adjoining room where he was questioned as to his
+identification and other information.
+
+Dan told the entire story, including his suspicions that Jabowski might
+be supplying the river pirates with gasoline.
+
+He related also how Jacques had disappeared from the Cave under
+mysterious circumstances, the theft of the coded message, and finally, of
+seeing the boy again on the island.
+
+"It gave me a real shock to see him standing there at the window," he
+ended the account. "I tried to signal him, but I don't think he saw me.
+After awhile, he stepped back out of sight. I figure though that Jabowski
+is holding him there against his will."
+
+"You've given us some good tips, kid," the police officer praised Dan.
+"Maybe we'll drop around at the island and give it a thorough going
+over."
+
+"A raid on the hotel?"
+
+"You might call it that."
+
+"Whatever you do, don't arrest any of the Cubs that are camped on the
+island," Dan said anxiously.
+
+His remark amused the officer. "You figure we can't tell a Cub from a
+crook?" he chuckled.
+
+"I didn't mean that, sir," Dan replied, flushing.
+
+"We'll look out for your friends," the officer reassured him. "Don't you
+worry."
+
+Orders were given for squad members to contact Mr. Manheim, the island
+owner, and then to proceed to the old hotel for a search of the premises.
+
+"We'll take you along with us, Dan," the officer told him. "You'll be
+needed to point out this boy Jacques who is being held a prisoner, you
+say."
+
+In the squad car, the boy was driven to Mr. Manheim's office. As his
+accusations were repeated, the island owner bristled with anger.
+
+"Tommy rot!" he exploded. "My man Jabowski is to be trusted completely!
+This boy must be out of his head! Such gratitude. And after all I've done
+for the Cubs!"
+
+After storming about for awhile, Mr. Manheim agreed to accompany police
+to the island. During the swift boat ride across the river, he refused to
+speak to Dan.
+
+At the Cub camp, Mr. Hatfield and Midge's father both had returned.
+Already they had received a report from Brad and the other boys. But to
+see Dan arrive with a squad of policemen was something of a surprise.
+
+"I hope you're making no mistake," Mr. Hatfield remarked to the boy after
+he had been informed that the hotel was to be searched. "Mr. Manheim
+looks as angry as a hornet! If you should be wrong--"
+
+"All the Cubs saw Jacques at the window," Brad said, coming to Dan's
+defense. "The boy must be somewhere on the island."
+
+While the Cubs and their leaders approached the hotel by an overland
+route, police made a swift motorboat descent upon the building, tying up
+at the old dock.
+
+Accompanied by Mr. Manheim, they presented themselves at the front door.
+There was no response to their knock.
+
+"I should have a key," Mr. Manheim said, searching for it in his pocket.
+"Don't know what became of it. I've not used it in six months."
+
+Just then an upstairs window opened and Jabowski looked down on the
+group.
+
+"What d'you want?" he demanded. Then, recognizing his employer, he said
+quickly: "Oh, it's you, Mr. Manheim."
+
+"Open the door," the island owner ordered. "Police insist on searching
+the place."
+
+"I'll be right down," the caretaker replied, leaving the window.
+
+A moment later he unlocked the front door, staring curiously at the
+members of the police squad.
+
+"Sorry, our orders are to search the place," one of the officers
+apologized. "Mind if we look around?"
+
+"Go ahead," Jabowski shrugged. "I only work here."
+
+By this time all the Cubs had reached the hotel. However, except for Dan,
+Mr. Hatfield would not allow them inside the building.
+
+The lobby of the old hotel had been converted into a makeshift living
+room. Scantily furnished with a few cast-off pieces of rickety furniture,
+the floor was unswept and the windows dirty.
+
+Climbing a flight of squeaky stairs, the policemen began a systematic
+search of the bedrooms. Nearly all were empty and unfurnished.
+
+"Jacques was in the room to the right of the corridor," Dan said,
+pointing it out.
+
+The officer thrust open the door. A boy who had been lying on an unmade
+bed, quickly got to his feet. Fully dressed, he stared first at Dan and
+then at the policemen.
+
+"This the boy?" the officer demanded.
+
+"Yes, it's Jacques," Dan answered as the youth stood mute.
+
+Mr. Manheim and Jabowski had followed the policemen into the bedroom.
+
+"Your name, boy?" the police officer questioned.
+
+"Jacques--Jacques Jabowski."
+
+"Jabowski? You're related to the caretaker?"
+
+"He's my nephew," Jabowski answered before the boy could speak. "Anything
+wrong with that?"
+
+The police officer fixed Dan with an annoyed glance. "You didn't mention
+a relationship, kid."
+
+"Well, I didn't know," Dan said in embarrassment. "That is, I'd heard
+Jabowski had a nephew, but I never once thought of his being Jacques. The
+boy was taken away from the Cave, and when I saw him here--"
+
+"You jumped to wild conclusions," Mr. Manheim cut in furiously.
+
+"Jacques will tell you I take good care of him and provide him with
+everything he needs," Jabowski added.
+
+"But you've kept him a prisoner," Dan accused.
+
+"That's not so," Jabowski denied. He gazed hard at his nephew. "You tell
+'em, Jacques. Are you held a prisoner here?"
+
+Jacques remained silent.
+
+"Answer up," Jabowski ordered harshly.
+
+"No!" the boy replied, his face sullen.
+
+"Jacques don't like it much here in this country," his uncle explained.
+"He came over from France six months ago and is learning to speak
+English."
+
+"You see," Mr. Manheim broke in again. "This entire situation has been
+misunderstood. Everything is in order here. I foolishly gave the Cub
+Scouts permission to camp on my island and they've allowed their
+imaginations to run riot."
+
+"If any mistake has been made, it was entirely mine," Dan said. "But I
+can't understand--"
+
+He gazed at Jacques who was looking at him with a strange expression in
+his eyes. It seemed to Dan that the boy wanted to speak, that he was
+trying to make something known, and yet was afraid. Dan decided to
+question him.
+
+"Jacques," he said earnestly. "Why did you leave the Cave? Who took you
+away?"
+
+"You came here of your own free will, Jacques," his uncle replied,
+putting words in the boy's mind. "Wasn't that it? Tell the officers."
+
+"Yes," Jacques replied, his eyes downcast. "_Oui_."
+
+Obviously disgusted by the turn of events, the policemen made a quick and
+casual inspection of other rooms in the old hotel.
+
+"Everything seems to be in order here," they informed Mr. Manheim. "Sorry
+to have caused you annoyance."
+
+Mr. Hatfield and Dan also apologized to the island owner. However, he was
+in no mood to accept an explanation or to forgive.
+
+"I made a mistake allowing the Cubs to come here," Mr. Manheim declared.
+"You've spread damaging rumors about the island."
+
+"If that's the way you feel, we'll leave at once," the Cub leader
+replied. "An error of judgment was made, but under the circumstance, I
+don't feel Dan should be too severely criticized."
+
+The island owner and Mr. Hatfield now stood on the sagging veranda,
+surrounded by Cubs. A few splatters of rain drove into their faces.
+
+"I'll not ask you to break camp with a storm coming on," Mr. Manheim
+said. "If you'll leave by tomorrow morning, that will be satisfactory."
+
+"We'll endeavor to depart before that. I'll contact the mainland as
+quickly as I can and have a launch come to pick up our equipment."
+
+"Suit yourselves," Mr. Manheim shrugged. "I'm not driving you away.
+You're free to stay until tomorrow morning. After that, I'll consider it
+a favor if you'll not bring the Cubs here again."
+
+"Rest assured we will remain away, Mr. Manheim."
+
+"Another thing. I've changed my mind about selling the camp site. You
+readily can see that it would never work out to have Cubs or Scouts here.
+There would be constant friction."
+
+"On that point I could give you an argument, Mr. Manheim. However, I
+realize you've made up your mind, so I'll say no more."
+
+Leaving Mr. Manheim with Jabowski, the discouraged Cubs trudged back to
+camp with their leaders. Rain now was falling steadily, adding to the
+gloom of the boys.
+
+"Brace up, Dan," Brad said as the two sought the shelter of a tent. "It
+wasn't exactly your fault."
+
+"Sure it was," Dan insisted. "I've messed things up for fair. Mr.
+Hatfield's being mighty decent about it, but I can see he's bothered. And
+the Scouts will blame us for cutting them out of their camp site."
+
+"Who wants this old island anyhow? We've had plenty of trouble since we
+came here."
+
+"All caused by our own wild imagination, as Manheim puts it! Brad,
+Jacques was hiding the truth from the police! I'm sure of it. He's
+completely under the thumb of that uncle of his."
+
+"Maybe so, but if we can't prove it, what's the good in knowing? We'll be
+leaving here as soon as this rain lets up."
+
+Dan nodded gloomily. Already Mr. Hatfield and Midge's father were making
+arrangements to have a launch sent from the yacht club. The moment that
+the storm cleared, he knew an order would be given to strike the tents.
+
+"Brad, if we could talk to Jacques alone, maybe we could get something
+out of him," he proposed suddenly.
+
+"Jabowski wouldn't let us within a mile of the kid."
+
+"Not if he could help himself."
+
+Brad regarded Dan speculatively. "You're suggesting that we try to see
+him when Jabowski isn't around, Dan?"
+
+"That's the general idea. If we could get to him he might talk. I've
+messed things up for the Cubs and I'd like to square myself if I could."
+
+Brad thought over the proposal. "How'd we get to him?" he asked.
+
+"We'd have to watch the place and sneak in whenever we got the chance."
+
+"I don't think it will work," Brad said slowly. "But I'm willing to try.
+Shall we tell the other Cubs?"
+
+"Let's not, Brad. The idea may flop. Let's just slip away."
+
+"I'll leave a note for Mr. Hatfield," Brad said, scribbling on the page
+of a notebook he took from his pocket. "If anything should happen that we
+don't get back right away, he might worry."
+
+The older boy left the message in plain view on his bed. Buttoning
+themselves into their slickers, the pair then quitted the tent.
+Unnoticed, they followed the shore for a distance, and then sliced
+through the dunes to the woodland surrounding Jabowski's place.
+
+As upon the first occasion they had viewed the old hotel, it appeared
+completely deserted. This time, however, the boys were not deceived.
+
+"Jabowski and his nephew both are inside probably," Brad said. "Our only
+chance is to lie in wait until we see Jabowski leave. Then we might try
+to get in. We're taking a fearful chance though."
+
+For three quarters of an hour, the two Cubs shivered in their inadequate
+shelter of bushes. Rain continued to fall. During the entire time, no one
+entered or left the hotel.
+
+"We can't stick here forever," Brad said at length. "Mr. Hatfield will be
+sending a searching party after us."
+
+"I guess my idea was a bum one again," Dan admitted, brushing a mop of
+damp hair from his eyes. "Want to leave?"
+
+"Let's make a tour around the hotel first," Brad said.
+
+Keeping out of sight, the pair crept through the bushes, completely
+circling the old building. No one was visible at any of the windows.
+
+Finally they came to the river. Thrusting through a particularly dense
+thicket, Brad abruptly halted.
+
+"Hello?" he muttered. "What's this?"
+
+Progress was barred by an accumulation of brush and debris. Pulling some
+of it aside, Brad saw a dark opening leading back under the rise of
+ground.
+
+"Gosh, Dan," he murmured in awe. "This looks like the entrance to the old
+tunnel Mr. Hatfield told us about."
+
+"It sure does," Dan agreed excitedly. "And someone's found it ahead of
+us. The sand which blocked the entrance was dug out, and then the opening
+hidden with all this brush!"
+
+"Let's find out where it goes!"
+
+With no thought of personal danger, the boys pulled away enough debris to
+permit them to squeeze through into the dark tunnel.
+
+In years past it had been bricked over, but now water oozed through many
+breaks in the walls and low ceiling.
+
+"This must lead to the old hotel," Dan said, groping his way along the
+damp wall. "Maybe we'll get in after all!"
+
+Before the boys had gone very far they came upon four sturdy sawhorses
+where a boat obviously had been allowed to rest while being painted.
+Varnish and cans of half-used paint remained, but the boat had been
+removed.
+
+"Dan, I get it all now!" Brad exclaimed. "That boat which struck Mr.
+Holloway's sailing craft was painted and outfitted here in the tunnel!"
+
+"And painted to resemble Mr. Manheim's speedboat!"
+
+"That's the way I dope it, Dan. Let's see what lies further on."
+
+Highly excited by their discovery, the two boys moved rapidly on down the
+tunnel. Presently, a series of ten stone steps led up to a small bricked
+room which they judged must be directly beneath the hotel.
+
+But to the disappointment of the Cubs, the room was empty save for a few
+empty boxes, from which all markings carefully had been removed.
+
+"Dan, you know what I think!" Brad exclaimed, taking care to keep his
+voice low-pitched so that it would not carry to the rooms above. "This
+room has been used for the storage of loot!"
+
+"The furs stolen from the warehouse!"
+
+"It wouldn't surprise me. Why, it was a perfect set-up! The crooks
+snatched the stuff and made a quick dash across the river. No one became
+suspicious, because the boat looked exactly like Manheim's."
+
+"They unloaded the boxes here, and then if police checked the boat, of
+course they'd find nothing!"
+
+"Exactly! Then after the theft blew over and police weren't watching the
+waterfront as closely, they moved the stuff out and disposed of it."
+
+"Brad, I was right after all! Jabowski is mixed up in this!"
+
+"Maybe so, but we have no proof," Brad brought him up short. "While we're
+pretty certain in our own minds what happened, the evidence isn't
+conclusive. All we have here is a few empty boxes. It doesn't establish
+anyone's guilt."
+
+"That's true," Dan admitted unwillingly. "If we went to the police with
+this, they'd probably give me the jolly ha-ha again."
+
+"Let's see where this tunnel comes out," Brad proposed.
+
+Quitting the bricked room, the boys followed a dark passageway until they
+came to a solid oak door. It was locked.
+
+"This is the end," Brad whispered. "The door must enter the hotel.
+Jabowski may go back and forth, but he'd never admit it."
+
+"What do you think we should do?"
+
+"We'll tell Mr. Hatfield, of course. He may go to the police, but I doubt
+it. The Cubs already are in Dutch with Mr. Manheim. If we make any more
+accusations we can't prove, he'll have a right to be furious."
+
+"But this we can prove," Dan argued. "The tunnel is here."
+
+"That's the unfortunate part, Dan. It always has been here. We can't tie
+a thing onto Jabowski or those other fellows unless police should catch
+'em red-handed."
+
+"Fine chance of that!"
+
+"They may try to pull another job. What was the date on that coded
+message?"
+
+"The 24th. I remember because it's the day of our Pack swimming meet."
+
+"That date may have significance," Brad speculated. "But it's not for us
+to decide. Let's get out of here now and give Mr. Hatfield all the facts.
+Then he can take the responsibility."
+
+Dan knew that the older boy's advice was sound and should be followed.
+But it was with a sinking heart that he followed Brad through the damp
+tunnel to the river.
+
+He was willing to bet that neither the Cub leader nor police would favor
+another raid on the island. His attempt to straighten out matters had
+failed! Time had run out.
+
+Through his bungling, the Cubs would lose their island camp. And there
+wasn't a thing he could do.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 14
+                           Victory for Den 2
+
+
+At the "Y" swimming pool, Dan Carter and the Cubs lounged against the
+tiled wall, awaiting the signal for start of the long-awaited Pack meet.
+
+The gallery was jammed with spectators, for parents and friends of both
+teams had turned out in large numbers to witness this decisive contest of
+the season. A large silver cup, to be awarded the winning Den, stood on a
+table in plain view of the swimmers.
+
+"Gosh, I sure hope we can win that beautiful baby," Midge said, gazing
+longingly at the trophy. "Dan, we're depending on you to do your stuff!"
+
+"I'll sure try," Dan replied, shivering in his wet suit. "But you know
+Ross! He's jet propelled. Furthermore, he hasn't forgotten how we won
+that last meet."
+
+As the boys talked, Ross himself sauntered past. He paused to hitch up
+his trunks and fix Dan with an amused eye.
+
+"It's going to be too bad for you, little shrimp," he jeered. "This time,
+you won't win on a fluke! In fact, you won't win. Period."
+
+"Don't be too sure," Midge cut in. "Take a look at the events that have
+been posted."
+
+"What's different about 'em?" Ross demanded suspiciously.
+
+"The coaches got together and substituted a 75-yard free style for the
+50-yard. They figure it's a better test of swimming form. In the shorter
+distance, a good turn at the wall gives a fellow a big advantage."
+
+"No one told me about changing the distance," Ross muttered. "I'm going
+to find out about this!"
+
+The Cubs saw him arguing vigorously with his own coach and Mr. Hatfield.
+The two men listened to his complaint but did not change the list of
+scheduled events.
+
+"It's this way, Ross," Mr. Hatfield explained. "The Cubs steadily have
+increased their endurance as well as their speed. At the beginning of the
+season, a 50-yard swim was a hard race for everyone concerned. Now it's a
+breeze. The 75-yard freestyle is a far better test of one's real
+ability."
+
+"Sure, I guess so," Ross admitted, but he looked worried. Though the Den
+1 coach had urged him many times to practice the longer length, he nearly
+always had stopped short at the end of two turns.
+
+While waiting for the starting signal, Dan at the other end of the pool
+allowed his gaze to wander over the packed audience. In the back row near
+the door he caught a glimpse of a short little man whose sharp-featured
+face gave him a start.
+
+"Midge, look over there!" he muttered, nudging his companion.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"He's gone now," Dan returned. "Slipped out through the door. For just a
+minute I thought--"
+
+A shrill blast from Mr. Hatfield's whistle drove the matter from his mind
+entirely. Scrambling to his feet, he lined up for the first event of the
+meet.
+
+In rapid order the events were run through, the back stroke, fancy
+diving, the 100-yard relay race, and a breast stroke event. With only one
+event remaining--the 75-yard freestyle, the score stood 20 to 16 in favor
+of Den 2.
+
+To win the meet the Cubs of Den 2 knew that Dan must defeat Ross for
+first place. But in the freestyle relay event, the Den 1 swimmer had put
+on a spectacular burst of speed to capture the event. The prospects
+looked discouraging.
+
+"Just swim your own race, Dan," Mr. Holloway advised as the boy went to
+the starting line.
+
+The swimmers crouched above their lanes awaiting the signal. Sensing that
+the race would be a close one, the audience rose to its feet.
+
+Mr. Hatfield's revolver cracked and the swimmers were off.
+
+Almost together Ross and Dan struck the water in flat, fast racing dives.
+From the start, the Den 1 swimmer took the lead.
+
+Dan heard the groans of dismay from his teammates and instinctively
+increased the tempo of his thrashing legs. Then he told himself he could
+not hold the pace. Deliberately, he dropped back to his former rhythm.
+
+The race would be a gruelling one at the end. He must save a little
+reserve for that final spurt!
+
+At the turn, Ross was nearly two body lengths ahead of Dan, his closest
+competitor. Midge and a youth who swam for Den 1 were almost
+neck-and-neck another three feet behind.
+
+After the second length, Ross slowed down a bit. Dan's arms and legs now
+were moving with the easy precision of well-oiled machinery. Going into
+the final turn, the boy suddenly realized that for the first time in the
+race, he was a foot ahead!
+
+The knowledge shocked him into losing the smooth rhythm of his stroke.
+Ross, desperate to regain the lead, spurted ahead once more.
+
+"Come on, Dan!" his teammates pleaded. "Come on!"
+
+Across the pool, the Cubs of Den 1 were urging Ross to give his all. Both
+boys put on a final thrust of speed.
+
+Dan's arms ached with fatigue but his breath was good. _Fight, fight,
+fight!_ The words pounded through his brain and conveyed themselves to
+his thrashing legs. His driving arms churned the water to foam as he put
+forth a supreme effort.
+
+The finish line was just ahead. As Dan surged for it with a feel of power
+and strength, Ross suddenly seemed to cave in. His stroke lost all
+rhythm, arm and leg movements became jerky.
+
+Dan moved steadily ahead of him, touching the wall a full length ahead.
+The audience burst into loud applause. Midge who came in third, after
+Ross, also was given a big hand.
+
+"Well, you did it, boy!" Brad declared, clapping Dan on the back. "Look
+at that scoreboard!"
+
+Mr. Hatfield was writing up the chalk figures--26 to 19 in favor of Den
+2.
+
+"We've won the silver cup!" Chips Davis added, joining in the
+congratulations. "And not on any fluke either!"
+
+His breath recovered, Ross came around to offer Dan his hand.
+
+"You swam a dandy race and deserved to win," he said warmly. "From now
+on, I'm going in for heavy practice!"
+
+"Next year we'll have a real race," Dan grinned. "You gave me stiff
+competition this season."
+
+Following his teammates to the dressing room, the boy showered and
+scrambled into street clothes. Victory had brought a warm inner glow. He
+felt at peace with the world.
+
+The feeling, however, was short lived. In leaving the dressing room, he
+chanced to hear Mr. Holloway and the Den 1 coach discussing prospects of
+obtaining Skeleton Island as a Scout camp.
+
+"The deal's definitely washed up," Midge's father told the coach. "Too
+bad, because the site is the best one around Webster City."
+
+Since the weekend when the Cubs had camped on the island, Dan had not
+seen Mr. Manheim or the caretaker, Jabowski. He and Brad had reported to
+Mr. Hatfield their discovery of the old tunnel leading under the hotel.
+However, the Cub leader had not considered it advisable to take the
+matter up.
+
+"It's useless to speculate on what may have happened there," he told the
+disappointed boys. "To impress Mr. Manheim or the police, we need
+evidence. Without it, we'll be wise to let matters rest as they are."
+
+Dan also had been discouraged to learn that Frisk Fagan, the motorboat
+operator, had been released from jail on bond. Realization that the man
+was at liberty gave the boy a few uneasy moments. Though he expected no
+trouble, he could not forget that he had been warned not to identify the
+man.
+
+As Dan removed his coat from the locker, Mack came hurrying up.
+
+"Say, you're wanted outside," he informed. "A man wants to talk to you."
+
+"Who is he, Mack?"
+
+"Didn't say," the other flung over his shoulder as he went on toward the
+dressing room. "He's waiting out in front of the building."
+
+Dan put on his coat and started for the street. By this time the main
+part of the "Y" building was nearly deserted of visitors.
+
+As he stepped out onto a stone porch giving exit to the street, a little
+man in an overcoat pulled high around his neck emerged from the shadows.
+Dan recoiled.
+
+The man was Paper Bag Eddie.
+
+"Hello, Dan," the other said in his purring voice. "Want to take a little
+ride with me?"
+
+Dan started to retreat into the building, but Eddie blocked the doorway.
+The dark street was deserted except for a taxi cab.
+
+"Don't let out a peep or make a false move," the man said, tapping the
+little paper bag he carried. "You're coming with me."
+
+Taking a firm grasp upon Dan's arm, he shoved him toward the waiting taxi
+cab.
+
+The boy braced his feet and started to resist. But as he opened his mouth
+to let out a yell for help, Eddie jammed the paper bag into his ribs. He
+felt the pressure of a revolver press against his flesh.
+
+"Don't yip, or I'll let you have it," the little man said in his pleasant
+voice. "Just get in that taxi."
+
+Dan obeyed. As he slumped in the rear seat, he took a quick glance at the
+driver. Though the face was unfamiliar, he thought the man resembled one
+of the persons he had seen on the night Mr. Holloway's motorboat had been
+struck. It was an ugly face, cold and unfriendly. He realized with a
+sinking heart that any appeal to the driver for help would be a waste of
+breath.
+
+Eddie sat close beside Dan, his stubby legs stretched out in front of
+him.
+
+"We have a little score to settle, Dan," the man said, eyeing the boy
+narrowly. "Remember?"
+
+The words sent an icy chill chasing down Dan's spine. Eddie hadn't
+forgotten his identification of Frisk Fagan. And this was the payoff!
+
+"Where are you taking me?" he demanded.
+
+Eddie merely smiled and settled back in the cab. The taxi driver, without
+an order, shifted gears and they sped away.
+
+Along the brightly lighted street, Dan saw many persons he knew walking
+home from the swimming meet. But he was helpless to signal them or to let
+anyone know of his plight.
+
+At the next corner, the taxi turned, seeking a narrow, dark street.
+Gradually it came to Dan that he was being driven to the waterfront. His
+uneasiness increased.
+
+The cab presently pulled up not far from a familiar group of warehouses.
+Eddie made no move to leave the taxi. Instead, he seemed to be waiting
+for someone.
+
+Within five minutes, a tapping sound was heard along the dark street.
+Craning his neck, Dan saw the blindman and his dog approaching the cab.
+
+The boy's heart leaped with hope. If only he could get word to the man,
+or in some manner make known his predicament!
+
+But a moment later Dan's hopes nose-dived. The blindman came directly to
+the cab. He greeted Eddie as an old friend.
+
+"Sorry to be late," he apologized. "You got the kid, I see."
+
+"Sure," Eddie replied, lowering the cab window. "Everything set?"
+
+"The shipment's in, settin' out on Dock 23 covered with canvas. All we
+gotta do is distract the watchman while the sawing goes on."
+
+As he spoke, the blindman removed his dark glasses. His eyes as they
+coldly appraised Dan looked perfectly normal. With a shock the boy
+realized that Joe Matt never had been blind.
+
+"He's been a spotter for the gang of river pirates!" Dan thought. "All
+the time he's kept watch of shipments to learn when valuable ones go
+through! Hank foolishly told him everything!"
+
+Belatedly, it occurred to him that this was the night of the 24th. The
+blindman had learned long ago that a valuable shipment of furs or other
+merchandise was to be sent through on this day.
+
+As Dan figured it out, the boy Jacques undoubtedly had been assigned to
+relay the information to a member of the gang. The coded message must
+have referred to the shipment and was in effect "Coming through on the
+24th!" But something had gone awry. Either Jacques had rebelled or had
+met with an accident as he crossed the river.
+
+"That's why the boy wouldn't talk," he thought. "He didn't dare. He was
+afraid of what the gang would do to him."
+
+Dan's meditation was cut short by a poke in the ribs from Paper Bag
+Eddie.
+
+"Get out!" the man ordered. "If you do exactly as you're told, you won't
+be hurt. But don't try any monkey business."
+
+Dan was forced to walk along the dock ahead of the blindman and his dog.
+Eddie loitered far behind.
+
+"Now get this," Joe Matt said. "One false move and Rudy will tear you to
+shreds. You'll do exactly as I say. These are your orders: You're to talk
+to Hank and keep him occupied. I don't care what you say, just so you
+hold his attention. If you fail--"
+
+"So I'm to be a decoy?"
+
+"You're to throw him off his guard. Just keep him away from the dock
+while our work goes on."
+
+"Work! You're stealing another shipment of furs!"
+
+"Right, my boy. From under Hank's very nose too!" The blindman paused in
+the shadow of the warehouse. "See the stupid fool!"
+
+The warehouseman nervously paced back and forth along the dock.
+Frequently he paused to glance at a pile of boxes which had been covered
+by a heavy canvas.
+
+"How do you aim to get the furs?" Dan whispered. "If you make any false
+move, Hank will blow his whistle and the river police will be here in a
+flash."
+
+"Don't you worry yourself, my boy. Just do as you're told and don't ask
+questions."
+
+The blindman gave Dan a shove, following a pace behind. At sound of his
+tapping cane, the warehouseman whirled around.
+
+"Oh, it's you," he said in relief. "I'm a mite jumpy tonight. Guarding a
+valuable cargo. She's due to be picked up in another hour. It sure will
+be a load off my mind."
+
+"Hank, I got a sliver in my hand a minute ago," the blindman said in a
+half-whine intended to arouse sympathy. "Will you help me get it out?"
+
+"Can't see a thing out here."
+
+"Come inside where there's a good light."
+
+The warehouseman hesitated. "I shouldn't leave the dock--"
+
+"Oh, it will only take a minute. You can watch the canvas from the
+doorway. Dan here can help you keep an eye on it."
+
+"My eyesight isn't very good at night," Dan said significantly.
+
+The blindman's arm pressed hard into his flesh.
+
+"Lead me inside, Dan," the man ordered. "That's a good boy. You're a real
+help to a poor soul without any eyes."
+
+The three entered the warehouse where they switched on a bright electric
+light. Carefully he examined the blindman's hand.
+
+"It's only a little sliver," he said. "Hardly worth bothering about.
+Here, I'll get it out in a jiffy."
+
+With his knife he removed the tiny piece of wood.
+
+Dan, who stood where he could see the canvas which covered the crate of
+furs, thought he could hear the indistinct sound of someone sawing wood.
+But he could see no one.
+
+Then the explanation dawned upon him! Hours before, a boat had slipped in
+beneath the dock, lying in wait for this moment. Now the river pirates
+boldly were carving through the dock with steel braces, bits and saws!
+
+Undoubtedly the blindman himself had given the go-ahead signal by tapping
+with his cane.
+
+"Those crooks will have the box through the hole and into their boat
+before Hank catches on!" he thought.
+
+Dan sidled toward the door. Rudy growled and barred his way.
+
+Outside the warehouse, Eddie lounged against a wall, smoking a cigarette.
+All escape was cut off. Even if he could let Hank know what was
+happening, Dan knew it was too late to prevent the theft.
+
+"Well, Dan, how did you do in the swimming meet tonight?" Hank asked,
+making conversation. "Give us a full account."
+
+"We won," Dan answered shortly.
+
+Again he felt Matt's hard pressure on his arm. Knowing that he was
+expected to keep the warehouseman interested, he grudgingly added a few
+details.
+
+From where the boy stood, he could see the high mound of canvas. Suddenly
+it deflated like a pricked balloon.
+
+The river pirates had succeeded in lowering the loot through the dock
+hole into their boat! In another moment they would speed away unchecked.
+
+The sight goaded Dan beyond thought of personal risk.
+
+"Quick, Hank!" he shouted. "They're stealing the furs!"
+
+The watchman whirled toward the door, only to have Joe Matt's cane crash
+down on his head. Hank staggered back, slowly collapsing on the floor.
+
+When Dan would have leaped to the man's assistance, the dog barred his
+way.
+
+Joe Matt seized the boy by the arm, pushing him roughly out the door. Dan
+resisted with all his strength. But he was powerless in the grasp of the
+other.
+
+The motorboat, loaded with the boxes and crates of furs, had emerged from
+beneath the dock. As it coasted alongside, the blindman shoved Dan ahead
+of him and down into the craft.
+
+Frisk Fagan crouched at the steering wheel. Jabowski, his face well
+hidden beneath a cap, huddled beside one of the boxes which had been
+shoved half way into the cabin. Jacques sat slumped over in the stern of
+the boat.
+
+"Hey! What's the idea?" Frisk Fagan growled. "We can't take that kid
+along. We're overloaded now."
+
+"We got to take him along," Joe Matt answered. "If we don't, he'll spill
+everything to the cops. Git going!"
+
+Leaping down into the boat, the man bound Dan's legs and wrists with a
+stout piece of cord.
+
+"Better gag him too," Fagan advised. "The river is swarming with cops.
+Three boats out watching the shore. We can't risk having him yip at the
+wrong minute."
+
+"I'll fix him right," Joe muttered. He pulled the thongs tighter about
+the boy's wrists and stuffed a handkerchief into his mouth.
+
+The motorboat sped away from the dock, nosing directly toward Skeleton
+Island.
+
+Scarcely was the craft well out from shore than those aboard heard the
+shrill blast of a police whistle. Dan's heart leaped with hope.
+
+"We've been seen!" Joe Matt muttered. "Either that, or Hank has revived
+and given the alarm! Faster, Frisk!"
+
+"I'm pushin' her as hard as I can."
+
+"A police boat is putting out from shore now," Joe Matt informed,
+scanning the river. "Probably armed with a 45-calibre submachine gun!"
+
+"Keep cool," Frisk advised. "We have a head start. We'll make the island
+okay and can hide the boat in the tunnel."
+
+"And if it's found there I'll take the rap," Jabowski whined. "I wish
+you'd never mixed me up in this dirty mess. And you dragged Jacques in
+against his will--"
+
+"Shut up!" Frisk said harshly. "We'll get out of this. But if we don't,
+we'll all take the rap together."
+
+"Throw the cargo overboard," Jabowski pleaded. "Then the cops won't find
+any evidence even if they do catch up with us."
+
+He arose and reached for one of the smaller boxes. Joe Matt shoved him
+back.
+
+"Lay off!" he ordered. "We went to plenty of risk to carry out this job
+tonight. We ain't pitching any $10,000 haul just because a copper blows a
+little tin whistle!"
+
+By this time, a powerfully motored police boat had taken up the pursuit.
+Jabowski watched anxiously as its brilliant searchlight swept the water.
+
+"She's coming up fast!" he exclaimed. "They'll soon be within firing
+distance."
+
+"Keep your shirt on," Frisk advised, hunching lower over the steering
+wheel. "The cops don't know for sure we got the stuff. They may take the
+boat for Manheim's just as we figured. While they're wondering whether
+they dare risk taking a shot, we'll make the island."
+
+"I dunno," Jabowski said fearfully. "They're gaining."
+
+"We'll make the island," Frisk repeated with more confidence. "The Dawson
+Street bridge is just ahead. Once past there, we'll be hidden from view.
+We'll slip behind the island into the tunnel. You left Manheim's boat
+tied to the wharf?"
+
+"Sure, just as you ordered."
+
+"Good. If the cops come by and check they'll find the motor cold. You can
+claim you haven't been away from the island all night."
+
+"They'll question me. I'm not willing to take the rap while the rest of
+you get away."
+
+"The cops can't prove a thing once we make the tunnel," Fagan growled.
+"This is our last haul in this area. You'll get your share and we pull
+out to a safer spot."
+
+"We pull out all right," Jabowski muttered. "After tonight I'm through. I
+never should have dragged poor Jacques into this mess--he tried to run
+away--"
+
+The caretaker glanced briefly at his nephew, huddled in the stern of the
+boat. Jacques gave no sign he had heard.
+
+"If the cops overtake us--" Jabowski whined.
+
+"Oh, pipe down," Frisk said irritably. "We're coming to the bridge now.
+We're safe!"
+
+Lying quite helpless on the deck of the speeding motorboat, Dan suddenly
+saw Jacques come to life.
+
+With no warning whatsoever, the boy sprang to his feet. Savagely, he
+hurled himself upon the surprised Frisk Fagan, wresting the steering
+wheel from him.
+
+"Hey, have you gone crazy?" Frisk shouted.
+
+With both hands he gave the boy a mighty shove which sent him reeling
+backwards over the gunwale.
+
+Out of control, the motorboat crashed with terrific impact into the
+bridge pier.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER 15
+                              The Pay-Off
+
+
+Dan was hurled violently into the foaming water. As he went under, he
+held his breath and instinctively turned his head upward.
+
+After what seemed an eternity, his face emerged from the water.
+
+But the boy was helpless, bound hand and foot. He rolled over on his
+back, trying to float. The gag in his mouth had become water soaked. He
+began to choke.
+
+This, he thought, was it.
+
+As black despair claimed him, a hand reached out of nowhere to support
+his back. The gag was jerked from his mouth so that he could breath
+again. Gratefully, he sucked in big mouthfuls of air.
+
+Twisting his head, Dan saw that it was Jacques who had saved him. The boy
+was treading water beside him, supporting his body with his left hand.
+
+"Lie still," Jacques commanded. "I tow you. Police boat come. Pick us
+up."
+
+Even as he spoke, the powerful beam from the approaching launch
+spotlighted the water about them. A moment later, both boys were hauled
+aboard.
+
+"Jacques, you saved me," Dan murmured gratefully as the other boy bent to
+unfasten the ropes which bound him. "Thanks."
+
+Gravely they shook hands and wrung the water from their dripping
+garments.
+
+"And you deliberately crashed the boat so the police would catch up with
+us," Dan added. "Why, Jacques?"
+
+The boy shrugged. "Only way," he answered briefly.
+
+After freeing Dan, Jacques watched anxiously while police picked up his
+uncle, Frisk Fagan and Joe Matt. The three had saved themselves by
+clinging to the sinking motorboat.
+
+Before the men could release the boxes of stolen furs, police had them
+covered. They were forced aboard the launch, and the smashed motorboat
+taken in tow. Fagan's forehead was cut and Jabowski nursed an injured
+arm. Otherwise the crash had left them unscathed.
+
+"This was your fault!" Joe Matt accused Jacques savagely as a policeman
+snapped handcuffs on his wrists. "Yellow rat! I wish I'd let you go that
+time you sneaked away!"
+
+During the ride back to the dock, police officers took detailed
+statements from both Dan and Jacques. The later spoke in broken English
+and had difficulty in telling his story.
+
+However, he revealed that in recent weeks he had been held virtually a
+prisoner at Skeleton Island. Brought to America from France by his uncle,
+everything had gone well until Jabowski had fallen in with evil
+companions.
+
+On the night that the Cubs had found him lying exhausted on the beach,
+the boy had been assigned to carry a message in code to Joe Matt.
+
+"And what did that message say?" Dan asked. "I figured out only the first
+word before it was snatched from the Cave."
+
+"Coming through 24," Jacques revealed. "Today the 24th."
+
+"That meant the fur shipment?"
+
+Jacques nodded, explaining that the message, relayed by tip-off men to
+his uncle, had been intended for Joe Matt. But instead of delivering it,
+the boy had made up his mind to run away.
+
+"I leap from my uncle's boat and swim away in dark," he added. "Reach
+shore. Hard swim."
+
+"You were plenty tired when we found you," Dan recalled. "I understand
+now why you were unwilling to talk. You were deeply involved with your
+uncle and the gang."
+
+"Uncle good to me," Jacques said simply. "Bring me to America."
+
+"I get the picture now," Dan said. "Without meaning to, I let Joe Matt
+know you were staying at the Cave. He came there and made you return to
+your uncle, didn't he?"
+
+Jacques nodded, his eyes on the shore lights which now were close by.
+
+"That explains those peculiar circular marks in the sand," Dan went on
+piecing the story together. "They were made by Joe Matt's cane! Oh, he
+was clever, pretending to be blind. All the while, he picked up
+information and relayed it to members of the ring. Hank considered him a
+friend!"
+
+The launch reached the dock and the three prisoners were herded ashore.
+Hank Hawkins, having revived from the blow Joe Matt had struck, readily
+identified the boxes of furs as the ones stolen from his company.
+
+"Another one of the gang got away!" he told police excitedly. "He pulled
+out in a taxi cab."
+
+"That would be Paper Bag Eddie," Dan informed. "The driver of the cab was
+in on the deal too."
+
+"We'll get 'em both," the boy was assured. "If not tonight, within a day
+or two. Eddie is the key man of a ring of river pirates. The gang is
+composed of tip-off men, highjackers, a lawyer and a bail bondsman. Also
+a fence or two who sell the loot. But we'll round 'em up in time."
+
+All three prisoners and Jacques as well, were taken to the police station
+to be booked on larceny charges. However, officers assured Jacques that
+he would not be held for trial, providing he would testify against Joe
+Matt and other members of the gang. This the boy agreed to do.
+
+Dan's narrow escape at the hands of the river pirates became the talk of
+Webster City during the next few days. Especially was his adventure the
+chief topic of conversation among the Cubs of both Dens 1 and 2.
+
+"You're a hero, Dan," Brad told him proudly. "Why, you brought that gang
+to heel single-handed!"
+
+"Don't give me that line," Dan laughed. "I was just an unwilling
+passenger. Jacques was the one who brought about the capture. To do it he
+had to turn his own uncle in and risk prison himself. That kid sure has
+what it takes."
+
+"He's a Cub too," Brad said proudly. "He joined in France. Mr. Hatfield's
+trying to make arrangements to keep him here in Webster City."
+
+"Maybe he'll join our Den!"
+
+"Here's hoping. He'll be a live wire, that's certain."
+
+As both boys knew, Jacques had been released on probation to Mr.
+Hatfield. Temporarily, the French lad was living in the Cub leader's home
+where he would remain until called to testify in court.
+
+Three days elapsed. At the end of that time the Cubs were elated to learn
+that Paper Bag Eddie had been captured in a neighboring city. Thereafter,
+one by one, other members of the ring were arrested and returned to
+Webster City to face charges.
+
+"Now that the entire gang is in the jug, I feel a lot safer," Dan
+remarked one night to Brad. The two boys had arrived early at the Cave
+prior to a Den meeting at which Jacques was to be taken in as a member.
+"For awhile, I couldn't look a sack of popcorn in the face!"
+
+One by one, the Cubs and their parents began to arrive for the meeting.
+Mr. Hatfield started it off with a little talk. First he told the boys
+how proud he was that Den 2 had won the swimming meet and the silver
+trophy which now graced a table in the Cave.
+
+Next the Cub leader paid tribute to Dan for his coolness in the face of
+danger. Finally he spoke of the Cub ideals and the honor of the
+organization.
+
+"A real Cub always is square," he emphasized, smiling across the room at
+Jacques. "Crooked people are unfair, even to themselves. So the Cub
+follows the law of God and man. I commend Jacques for being true to the
+ideals he was taught as a Cub. The organization is proud to claim him as
+a member."
+
+"Three cheers for Jacques!" proposed Dan.
+
+The Cubs gave them with a will. Mr. Hatfield was on the verge of
+proposing a song, when footsteps were heard on the steps leading up to
+the Cave.
+
+Everyone turned to see Mr. Manheim standing in the doorway. The owner of
+Skeleton Island looked a little embarrassed.
+
+"Hope I'm not intruding," he said awkwardly.
+
+"Certainly not, Mr. Manheim," the Cub leader replied. "The Cubs always
+are pleased to have visitors."
+
+"Matter of fact, I came here on business," the island owner said,
+entering the clubroom. "May I have permission to speak a few words?"
+
+"The floor is yours," the Cub leader told him.
+
+Mr. Manheim faced the circle of Cubs. He cleared his throat and then
+began:
+
+"Boys, I owe you an apology. I've meant to come here before, but the
+truth is, I've been ashamed. You all know what happened at Skeleton
+Island. My man Jabowski, in whom I placed great trust, deceived me."
+
+Suddenly made aware that Jacques was in the group, Mr. Manheim coughed in
+embarrassment and added quickly: "But that is not what I came here to
+say. I apologize to the Cubs for misjudging them. Events have proven
+conclusively that Dan Carter was right and that I was wrong."
+
+"Under the circumstance, your mistake was natural, Mr. Manheim," the Cub
+leader said politely. "After all, the Cubs were a trifle hasty in their
+actions."
+
+The island owner waved aside the apology. "This is what I really came to
+say. I hope the Cubs will forget that I ever ordered them away from the
+island. I'm engaging a new caretaker, and the property is yours to use
+whenever you like."
+
+"That's most generous of you, Mr. Manheim," the Cub leader thanked him.
+
+"Furthermore, I'm deeding the camp site to the Scouts without charge.
+It's the least I can do to make amends."
+
+The island owner's generosity delighted the Cubs. Dan proposed a cheer
+for Mr. Manheim which was given with a will.
+
+"One thing more," the island owner said. "I understand that Mr.
+Holloway's sailboat was struck either by my motorboat or one which
+closely resembled it. In either case, Jabowski was mixed up in the
+affair. I'll send my check to cover the damage."
+
+"It really isn't necessary," Mr. Holloway protested.
+
+"I want to do it," Mr. Manheim insisted. "Shall we say it eases my
+conscience? Well, good-bye boys. I'll see you at the new camp." With a
+friendly wave of his hand, he departed.
+
+The Cub meeting now ended quietly with the singing of "The Star Spangled
+Banner." After the last note had died away, the boys clustered about
+Jacques to grasp his hand and welcome him to the organization.
+
+"Very glad to be a Cub," the boy grinned. "Glad to be American too."
+
+"Don't think we aren't tickled to have you!" Brad said warmly.
+
+"Oh, we'll have wonderful times next summer at Skeleton Island," Dan
+added with an air of deep satisfaction. He linked arms with Jacques and
+Brad as the boys trooped out of the Cave. "Best of all, we've proved to
+Mr. Manheim that Cubs really know their stuff!"
+
+
+
+
+                          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 River Camp, by Mildred A. Wirt
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAN CARTER AND THE RIVER CAMP ***
+
+***** This file should be named 41262.txt or 41262.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/1/2/6/41262/
+
+Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
+  www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+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
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
+North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
+contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
+Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  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.
diff --git a/41262.zip b/41262.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e629e27
--- /dev/null
+++ b/41262.zip