Mildred A. Wirt

“ In the bunk above Dan’s, Brad Wilber, the Den Chief, rolled restlessly. By contrast, Chips Davis, half his lean body protruding from a blanket, slept peaceful as a babe. The other Cubs, Midge Holloway, Red Suell, Fred Hatfield and Mack Tibbets, were equally dead to the world. ”

“ Warning the Cubs to remain in the car, he stepped out onto the road just as the two waded up carrying their heavy luggage.
“Stuck?” he inquired casually.
“Looks like it, don’t it?” growled Jake Freeze. “You can’t get through with your car. I’d advise you to turn around and go back the way you came.”
“Guess I will,” Mr. Hatfield said easily. “You’re abandoning your station wagon?”
“We’re in a hurry to catch a train,” Freeze answered. “We’ll have it towed in by a garage.”
“Maybe I can give you a lift to town,” Mr. Hatfield offered, stalling for time.
“Sure, we’ll appreciate it,” Bauer growled. ”

“ As the Cubs tramped on to the woodland trail, Dan spoke once more of the strange lights seen the previous night near the old logging road. Red considered the incident of slight consequence.
“Saul Dobbs or some of Mr. Silverton’s men probably were working late,” he said. “Think nothing of it.”
“But it seems sort of queer, Red.”
“What’s queer about it? Dan, you’re always trying to build a mystery out of nothing.”
“I am huh?” Dan shot back. “If that’s so, then why did Mr. Hatfield—”
He broke off as Brad shot him a warning glance. ”

“ You knew that the creek was choked with logs and debris?”
“Why—no.”
“Then why didn’t you?” Silverton pinned him down. “The Cubs discovered it on their first visit here. Unless the dam is dynamited, the water will keep rising for hours.”
“I’ll see what can be done right away,” Dobbs said, reaching for the lantern.
As he stooped, his gaze fell upon the shipping crate which Dan and Brad had deposited on the floor only a few minutes before. His attention fastened upon it only momentarily, and then deliberately he looked away. ”

“ Holloway moved past the Cubs to stand beside Dan and the Cub master.
Sam answered politely: “We’re on our way to Mr. Silverton’s pheasant farm. This trail leads there, I believe?”
“You’re on Silverton’s land now. He told you to come here, did he?”
“Why, no. We’re a Den of Cub scouts, and we thought we’d ask permission—”
“You’re trespassers,” the stranger cut in.
“I assure you we do not mean to be. We very much would like to visit the farm.”
“Well, you can’t. Mr. Silverton doesn’t want no-account boys running wild over the place. They scare the pheasants and make no end of trouble.” ”

“ Who are the men who have been trespassing on my property?”
“I wouldn’t know,” Dobbs whined. “I’ve never seen anyone use the old logging road.”
“No mention was made of anyone using it,” Brad tripped him up. “However, that’s how they have been coming here—down the road at night, crossing the log bridge afoot and then apparently to the lean-to.”
“That ain’t so!” Dobbs denied, suddenly losing control of his temper. “You’re just saying it to make trouble for me. You want me to lose my job! You’re sore because I told Mr. Silverton about the Cubs trespassing on the restricted area.” ”

“ Brad muttered. “And it explains why the villagers gave us such icy looks today! The Cubs are in Dutch everywhere.”
“It makes me sick,” Dan said in disgust. “Come on, Brad.”
Sunk in gloom, the two boys left the residential property, and with no destination in mind, went on down the street. The gardener’s words, together with Mr. Silverton’s accusations, now made everything plain.
The entire Cub organization had been incriminated on the basis of two pieces of evidence—the finding of the Wolf Cub badge near the dead pheasants, and the thoughtless display of the Indian headdress by Chips and Red. ”

“ Gazing down over the cement railing, Dan and Brad saw boxes, boards, logs and miscellaneous debris swept past. Other refuse of the river had lodged in quieter waters. Foam rose in a soapy sea around the bridge pillars where the waves slapped high.
But there was no sign of the missing boat.
“Guess it was too much to expect,” Mr. Hatfield said, turning away from the railing. “Well, nothing to do but organize a search tomorrow. I’m afraid though, that the boat will be badly battered by the time we recover it.”
[193]
Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs returned to the parked automobile and drove on. ”

“ As they stood gazing after the sportsman, the gardener in an attempt to soften his employer’s dismissal, said kindly:
“Mr. Silverton’s out of sorts today, lads. It was a blow to him losing those pheasants. He sets great store by ’em.”
“We told him the truth,” Brad said, stooping to pick up the Wolf badge from the grass. “The Cubs never intended to break any rules. As for killing the pheasants—well, I can’t believe it!”
The gardener leaned comfortably on his hoe. “It’s like the boss said,” he observed. “You may be honest and square yourselves, but how can you vouch for your friends? ”

“ Chips informed him.
“Chips, I’m not trying to boss anyone,” Dan said, with an effort, holding his temper in check. “Every fellow is supposed to do his share. That’s all.”
“Take it easy, lads,” said Brad in his quiet, friendly voice. “This rotten weather has us all on edge. Chips and I will tackle that breakfast in nothing flat. ”

“ Saul Dobbs, who had been interrupted as he clipped the wings of a blue-breasted pheasant, trod angrily toward the Cubs.
In his gnarled hands he still held the beautiful bird, whose handsome red neck feathers shaded off into a long silver white tail.
“What’s the big idea?” ”

“ Hatfield in relief. “I was hoping you’d say that, Dan. The question is, will the other Cubs agree?”
“They’re all good sports. If only we could swim or hike, everything would be swell.”
“It can’t rain forever,” said Mr. Hatfield cheerfully. “Fact is, it’s slackening now. If the weather clears, I may have an idea or two for stirring up a little fun.”
From experience, Dan knew that Sam Hatfield, athletic director at Webster City High School, never lacked ideas. For that matter, neither did Midge’s father, Burton Holloway, who was the organization’s official Den Dad. ”

“ Holloway the good news when he came for them twenty minutes later.
“Fine!” he praised. “You boys must have put up a good argument. We’ll plan a trip to the farm tomorrow if the weather permits.”
The following morning, cheered by a warm sun which rapidly dried the damp trails, the Cubs set off for the Silverton Pheasant farm with Sam Hatfield and Midge’s father.
“Remember, gang,” the Cub leader warned as he paused on the path where the party had met Saul Dobbs the previous day. “We’re here on trial. Mr. Silverton will toss us out in nothing flat if we wander into forbidden areas. ”

“ The straightforward presentation seemed to impress the stock broker, for after a moment’s thought, he asked: “How many boys in your troop?”
“Six in the den, not counting myself,” Brad said. “All the boys are strictly reliable. It’s one of the rules of the Cubs that we strive to give good will.”
“Cubs believe in being honorable,” Dan added, observing that Mr. Silverton was wavering. “You can depend on us not to damage anything on your farm.” ”

“ Silverton?”
“That’s right, and the water is coming up fast. Mr. Silverton’s trying to get men from Webster City, but having no luck. Brad stayed with him to do what he could.”
“Silverton is in a spot,” the Cub leader declared. “When I saw that log jam in the creek, I was afraid something like this would happen.”
[132]
“Mr. Hatfield, do you think the Cubs could help?” Dan asked breathlessly. “If only we could round them up!”
“We can and will, Dan. Jump into the car! We’ll make a whirlwind trip into Webster City and see how many boys we can find!” ”

“ Dan went on desperately. “The creek’s rising fast out at your farm! With that dam across the stream, it may flood the pheasant runs.”
At last he had gained Mr. Silverton’s attention.
“Dam?” the sportsman demanded. “What are you talking about?”
[126]
“Logs have jammed across the creek, sir. Mr. Hatfield, our Cub leader, said if it rained hard, water would be almost certain to back up and flood.”
“A trucker told us the area up in the hills had a regular cloud burst,” Brad added. “When that water gets down here, adding to what we’ve already had, the creek will come up fast.” ”

“ Dan speculated. “Brad, he’s cheating Mr. Silverton—and then trying to throw the blame on the Cubs!”
“He may be in on some sort of crooked deal,” Brad said slowly. “But we’re jumping to pretty fancy conclusions. After all, we don’t have any real evidence.”
[152]
“We heard what those two men said,” Brad declared excitedly.
“Sure,” said Brad evenly, “but they didn’t mention any names.”
“One called the other Jake,” Dan recalled. “Of course, that’s not much to go on.”
“Saul Dobbs’ name wasn’t spoken,” Brad went on. “We don’t like the man, so naturally we decide he’s in on something shady.” ”

“ Mr. Silverton said to the Cubs. “Dobbs has gone off, apparently for the day!”
“And the water’s creeping up fast,” Brad said, gazing anxiously at the pheasant pens which already were beginning to flood.
“A nice mess!” the sportsman muttered. “Half of my pheasants will be lost if I don’t get them out of the fields.”
“Can’t we help?” Dan offered.
“Yes, I’ll need you and anyone else I can get. This will be a big job. We’ve got to work fast to keep ahead of the rising water.”
Smashing a glass pane at the rear door of the foreman’s dwelling, Mr. Silverton went inside to telephone. ”

“ Dan cried, his face cracking into a smile.
“I talked to most of the fathers. They’re in favor of doing anything we can to prove that the Cubs had nothing to do with killing those pheasants.”
“When can we start, Mr. Hatfield?”
“That’s for the Cubs to decide. Not much use in keeping watch too early in the day. Midge’s father thought we might go on duty about four in the afternoon and stay until after dark. One of the fathers will keep the boys company on the last shift.” ”

“ You’re nothing but a bunch of unreliable youngsters. If I have my way, you’ll never set foot on Mr. Silverton’s land again!”
“You’re being unfair,” Brad said quietly. “It’s true two of the Cubs wandered by mistake into the restricted area. But we went to see Mr. Silverton a few minutes ago, intending to explain. We couldn’t because he’s out of town.”
“A likely story! Well, get this straight! You’re to stay away from the farm.”
Though resenting Saul Dobbs’ manner, Brad nevertheless said evenly: “Mr. Silverton gave us permission to visit the pheasant farm. ”

“ Mr. Hatfield turned the beam of his flashlight on the craft’s seat. The feather piece lay exactly where Chips had dropped it, undamaged by water.
“The Cubs will be glad to hear this,” Brad said in relief, retrieving the handicraft article. “We’re mighty lucky tonight.”
Dan untied the rope from his waist and began to put on his clothes. Brad and Mr. Hatfield debated what to do with the boat now that it had been recovered.
“It’s too large to be taken into the car,” the Cub leader decided. “I guess the best we can do tonight is to hide it in the weeds well back from the river’s edge.” ”

“ Chips insisted. “If all this fuss is about these feathers—we picked ’em up over there on the ground.”
[41]
“That’s right,” Red said, made uncomfortable by the Den Dad’s steady gaze. “You can bet we didn’t pluck any birds. In fact, we didn’t see a single pheasant.”
“I wasn’t referring to the feathers,” replied Mr. Holloway. “Do you realize where you are?”
“Sure. On Mr. Silverton’s land,” Red answered, still failing to comprehend.
“You’re in the forbidden area, Red. The Cubs pride themselves on keeping their word and being honest. You and Chips knew the rules.” ”

“ Mr. Hatfield observed. “In that case, they may elude us.”
“Can’t we try to stop them?”
“We can try, Dan. But without an arrest warrant or proof that the men are guilty of any crime, there’s very little we can do.”
Just then Brad came hurrying down the hillside to the car.
“I reached Silverton and he’s called police!” he reported breathlessly. “A cruiser or patrol car should come along in a few minutes. Silverton and Dobbs are driving over too. They’re ready to swear out a warrant.”
“Good!” Mr. Hatfield exclaimed. “But will we be able to hold the pair until help gets here?” ”

“ Without giving either Dan or Brad opportunity to speak, the man began to berate them in a loud voice:
[56]
“Mr. Silverton let you visit his pheasant farm, didn’t he? And you promised him you’d stick to the main trails and not disturb the pheasants! But did you keep your promise? No! The minute you were out of sight, you sneak into the restricted area!”
“Just a minute, Mr. Dobbs—” interposed Brad.
“Now don’t try giving me any excuses! You deliberately went into that section by the creek. I got the goods on you! And you needn’t deny it either!”
“No one is denying anything,” Dan said hotly. ”

“ The Cubs moved along, eyes intent on the ground. A short distance from where they had eaten lunch, Brad came upon a heel mark in a little patch of black, moist earth.
Pausing, he studied the mark a moment. “From Chips’ shoe,” he identified it. “I can tell by that wing design heel mark.”
A little farther on Dan found Red’s tracks. A broken bush indicated the direction in which he had gone.
“At least they’re together,” Mr. Holloway said in relief.
“Those dumb bunnies!” Fred said irritably. “What made ’em wander off that way? Do they think we’ve got nothing to do but trail them?” ”

“ Silverton keep any birds that are imported from Burma or the Malay States?” Dan asked eagerly. “How about Germain’s peacock pheasant?”
“Seems you’re pretty well versed in pheasants,” Dobbs said, eyeing the boy keenly. “Who told you to ask that?”
“Why, no one. Mr. Silverton mentioned it, that was all.”
“Well, we got a few of ’em,” Dobbs said reluctantly. “We’re having trouble getting the birds started. You won’t find any of ’em here by the barn.”
Apparently annoyed by the question, the foreman walked away, leaving the Cubs to their own resources. ”