Mildred A. Wirt

“ Mr. Kain strode directly to Mr. Hatfield and the two cubs. The angry expression on his face left no doubt as to his attitude about the fire.
“I might have known something like this would occur!” he began. “Boys never should be permitted to run wild in a wooded area.”
“Just a minute, Mr. Kain,” interposed the Cub leader wearily. “Don’t jump to hasty conclusions.”
“The bank property has been damaged. We happen to own the woods, you know. It was a mistake to allow your organization to use this land.”
“You’re assuming that the Cubs started the fire, Mr. Kain.” ”

“ After all, he had protested at shooting a second time, and had favored drawing lots.
“I’m sorry, Ross,” Dan said, noticing the other’s keen disappointment. “If it means so much to you, keep the role.”
Ross shook his head and tried to grin.
[83]
“No, you won the part and it’s yours for good,” he said.
“Well spoken, Ross,” said Mr. Hatfield, clapping him on the back. “A Cub has to be a good sport about losing out. You’ll be an asset to the play as the Sheriff of Nottingham.”
“Oh, sure,” Ross murmured, smiling weakly.
The Cubs started toward the target, intending to retrieve their arrows. ”

“ The Cubs had spread out their lunch at the base of a large elm tree. Brad and Dan joined the group and began to eat their sandwiches. As usual, the conversation reverted to the archery competition.
“If the Pack expects to win a prize for having the best play, it means we’ve got to dig in and work,” Mr. Hatfield warned the Cubs. “Our acting is rough, and a lot of detail has to be worked out.”
“Not to mention our archery,” added Brad with a laugh. “We can stand plenty of target practice!” ”

“ The two boys showed the other Cubs the dead bonfire ashes, the tin can and the charred weiner.
“Ross wouldn’t have built a fire this way,” Midge conceded. “You’re right, Brad. We’ve misjudged him.”
“If Ross didn’t start the fire, then who did?” demanded Red.
“That’s the question we’d all like to have answered,” Dan told him. “If we could find the answer, it might clear us at the bank.”
“We might try to keep watch of this road,” Brad suggested. “I have a hunch whoever started that fire will be using it again. By watching we might learn something.” ”

“ Brad grinned. “I’m sorry you slipped. I didn’t touch your stick, you know.”
“This scene is stupid!” Ross fumed. “I’ve had enough of Robin Hood for one day! I’m going home.”
“I’ll take you,” Mr. Holloway offered sympathetically. “You should get into dry clothes right away.”
As the two walked toward the parked car, Ross made a sorry sight indeed. His shoes and trousers were caked with mud and a lily pad still clung to the back of his shirt.
“That was a ripping scene,” Brad laughed, once Ross was beyond hearing. “Falling into the brink may cure that know-it-all of wanting to hog the best scenes. ”

“ Kain had gone, the Cubs remained for another two hours at the Brekenridge estate. Billy seemed pathetically eager for companionship.
He showed them about the grounds and displayed his archery equipment. Not in the least boastful, the boy, at request of the Cubs, demonstrated his ability with bow and arrow.
“I’ve practiced for years,” he said. “My father taught me in England. You’ll all be as good or better than I am, after you’ve practiced awhile.”
[190]
“We doubt that,” laughed Dan. “All the same, it will come in handy having you to do a little behind-the-scenes shooting.” ”

“ Ross muttered. “I won’t even need to practice to beat all the Cubs at archery.”
“Modest, aren’t you?” Brad grinned. “Well, time will tell.”
The four boys returned to the archery range where Mr. Hatfield was instructing the Cubs. He warned them that one might be injured by thrusting the breast into the way of the bowstring, or by overdrawing.
[29]
“While you are learning, it is better never to practice unless Mr. Holloway or I can be with you,” he advised.
He added, however, that Ross, Dan, Brad and Midge, who understood fairly well how to handle a bow, might be excepted from the rule. ”

“ The two boys discussed the matter with the other Cubs. Very few of the organization members had been successful in earning enough money. Everyone except Ross Langdon immediately favored the project. Ross declared that to cut weeds would inflame his nose and bring on an attack of hay fever.
“Anyway, I have more than enough money now for my Robin Hood costume,” he said smugly. “No weed cutting for me.”
“Okay,” Brad shrugged. “Suit yourself. Don’t forget though, that you have a section of ground at the castle to clear before next Saturday. We gave our promise to the bank that it would be done.” ”

“ Kill-Joy Kain
Well aware that the other Cubs were out of sorts and annoyed at him, Ross immediately took issue with Red’s pointed remark.
“Is it my fault I happened to buy my costume before this place went up in smoke?” he demanded. “Why shouldn’t I be entitled to it?”
“Ross is right,” Brad spoke up quickly. “He’s just luckier than the rest of us. At least we’ll have one good costume for the play.”
“Yeah, but Ross should pay his share of the damage,” Red protested hotly. “After all, he’s as much to blame for the fire as we are—maybe more so.” ”

“ Dan admitted goodnaturedly. “Well, I’m glad you’re all set. Running a paper route should be profitable, but it will mean hard work.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Ross shrugged. “On my bike it shouldn’t take long to make deliveries. It’s a cinch! And watch the money roll in. I’ll buy myself a super Robin Hood costume that will knock your eye out! No home-made affair for me! Not on your life!”
[61]
Having delivered himself of this, Ross smiled in a superior way and ambled off.
“Even if that guy is a Cub, he makes me sick!” Fred muttered when the boy was beyond hearing. ”

“ Brad reminded the Cubs. “For that matter, we can give up the play.”
This the Cubs were unwilling to do.
“If Old Kill-Joy Kain says we owe twenty dollars let’s pay it,” Dan proposed grimly. “We’ll have to dig up every penny we saved for our costumes. That means making out with any old materials we can lay our hands on. Time’s too short to earn any more money now.”
“Fat chance we’ll have of winning the grand prize without decent costumes or scenery,” Chips said gloomily. “We’ll look like a band of tattered beggars!”
“All except Ross,” said Red, fastening his gaze upon the Den 1 boy. ”

“ Brad exclaimed.
“Do you suppose one of the Cubs could have built the fire, Brad?”
“The fellows all have been working,” Brad replied, deeply puzzled. “Besides, everyone heard Mr. Kain warn about starting fires.”
Dan had lowered his voice. “This just goes to prove that I was right,” he declared. “I did hear laughter while we were filming the creek scene. Someone was watching us—either from the woods or this castle.”
“The bird still may be here too, Dan. Let’s look around.”
Quietly the boys went from room to room. No one could be found on the lower floor. ”

“ No one to play with ever.”
“So that is why you’ve roamed the woods and found mischief for yourself?”
“I had to do something, didn’t I?” Billy asked.
“You could have had friends here.”
Billy gazed at the gardener and gave a snort. “Pete wouldn’t let me! If I even let out a yip, he would tell me to be quiet—that I was making you worse.”
“I see,” said Colonel Brekenridge quietly.
“Whatever I did, the servants would tell me not to make so much noise,” Billy went on. “The only fun I had was watching the Cubs. I wish I could be one.”
“And why not?” interposed Mr. Holloway heartily. ”

“ Dan said. “It makes us all jumpy, especially after Mr. Kain came out here and delivered such a sock.”
“I’m sorry I accused Ross,” Red said again. “All the same, we know how he acts—”
“Never mind,” broke in Brad severely. “Mr. Hatfield is signaling us from the car. He’s ready to leave. I for one will be glad to get home and clean up.”
“Remember, we have to deliver our money to Mr. Kain tomorrow morning,” Dan warned the Cubs as they started off to the waiting cars. “I suppose we ought to meet at Mr. Hatfield’s house and all go to the bank together.” ”

“ Brad said sternly. “I guess you didn’t want Mr. Holloway to hear you.”
“What if we didn’t?” Red demanded, glaring at the Den Chief. “You had your chance to do something about Ross and you let it slide. Now it’s our turn.”
“And just what do you have against him? Let’s hear your evidence.”
“We’ve got plenty,” Red announced grimly. “The lug bought himself a fancy costume and didn’t kick in a dime to pay for the fire damage.”
“He was lucky enough to have bought his costume before the trouble developed. Why be jealous?”
“We’re not jealous,” Chips broke in. “We believe in justice, that’s all. ”

“ If we’re aiming to win the prize, we’ll have to get busy on the play right away.”
“I’ll look into the matter today,” Brad promised.
Enthusiastic over the prospect of acting in Robin Hood, the other Cubs urged Mr. Hatfield to call another Pack meeting that coming Saturday.
“I’ll tell you what,” he consented. “Let’s have a hike. How would you like to go out to the Haunted Castle and look over the place? If Ross cares to bring along his archery set, we might get in a little practice.”
“Sure, I’ll fetch the equipment,” Ross offered willingly enough. ”

“ Mr. Hatfield said, as the boys started to leave their places. “One of the Den Dads, Mr. Holloway, has a moving picture camera. He will make a movie of the play as we work it out.”
“Where will we take the pictures?” Dan asked. “Here at the Cave?”
The room which the Cubs used in summer time for their meeting place was high over the beach, reached by a long flight of stairs. Barely large enough to hold all the boys at one time, it never would provide a suitable background for the Robin Hood play.
“We’ll have to find ourselves a forest primeval to double for Sherwood Forest,” Brad chuckled. ”

“ Mr. Hatfield nodded and waited for other suggestions.
“An Indian script would be old stuff,” protested Dan. “It’s the first idea that pops into one’s mind. Probably a dozen other organizations will come up with the same thing.”
“Maybe you’ve got a better idea!” Ross scoffed.
“Well, no, I haven’t at the moment,” Dan admitted, and then his gaze rested for a moment on the Robin Hood book. “Yes, I have too!” he announced.
“Let’s hear it, Dan,” invited Mr. Hatfield. “If we’re to win first prize, we need the best idea we can get.”
“Why not build our play around the adventures of Robin Hood?” ”

“ Brad exclaimed. “Why not induct him right now?”
All the other Cubs favored the plan. Gathering the boys in a circle, Mr. Hatfield briefly explained the ideals and goals of the organization.
“A real Cub is square,” he told Billy. “Also he is reliable and loyal. He sticks by his friends. A Cub prides himself upon being fair to others. Last but far from least, he always tries to be cheerful.”
The Cub leader then explained further that the five ideals, SQUARE, LOYAL, FAIR, HAPPY and GAME, were represented by the five fingers of the Cub’s left hand. ”

“ Dan did not think so either. But he pointed out Ross probably would stick to the job until he had acquired enough to buy the Robin Hood costume.
“If he’s able to buy a good one, and I come up with a make-shift, that cinches the role for him, Fred.”
“Don’t kid yourself,” the other returned. “Dad won’t give the part to Ross just because he can dig up the best costume. He’ll have to prove he’s the better actor and archer.”
Dan paid for the newspaper and the boys left the drugstore together.
“Don’t forget we’re to go to Mr. Holloway’s house tomorrow night,” Fred reminded as they parted. ”

“ Dan told him. “Little John proved himself a fine fighter and a good shot, so Robin Hood and his merry men allowed him to join the band.”
“Let’s elect Ross the Sheriff of Nottingham,” chuckled Chips, in jest.
[20]
“Like fun!” Ross retorted. “Just bring on your target and I’ll show you I can hit the gold band every time.”
Eager to try their skill, the Cubs lined up ready to take instruction from Mr. Holloway. With the exception of Ross, Dan and Midge, the other boys had never tried archery.
“The first thing we learn is how to face the target,” the Den Dad instructed. ”

“ Brad murmured. “I wonder if the Cubs have arrived for rehearsals.”
Rounding a bend of the road, the two boys caught a glimpse of four Den 2 boys who had gathered in a huddle.
[141]
Their backs were to Dan and Brad. So earnestly were they talking, that they failed to observe the approach of the two Cubs.
“Mr. Hatfield can’t and won’t do anything,” Dan and Brad heard Red say distinctly. “We all know Ross is guilty. So it’s up to us to see that he’s punished.”
“Sure, and let’s think up a good one,” proposed Chips. “We’ve got to teach that little guy a lesson he won’t forget!” ”

“ Piling out of the truck, the linesmen ran to the scene of the fire.
“The smoke is heavy, but the fire hasn’t spread too far—yet,” the truck driver appraised the situation. “The flames are thin and could be beaten out with blankets—if we had ’em. Or water—”
Brad told him about the well.
“Fine, but we have only one bucket in the truck. That will be about as much use as spraying with an atomizer!”
As the telephone men were getting what equipment they had from the truck, Dan Carter came running up.
“Did you get hold of Mr. Hatfield?” Brad demanded.
“Yes, and Mr. Holloway too. ”

“ In this, Billy could play the part of Robin Hood in his old age, and shoot the last arrow.”
“How does the epilogue go?” asked Brad.
“The story is this,” Mr. Holloway explained. “Robin Hood had left England, but as springtime returns, he craves again to roam the woodlands of his beloved Sherwood Forest.
[187]
“He renews acquaintance with his old friends, Little John, Will Stutely, Allan-a-Dale and Midge, the Miller.
“Finally he falls ill of a fever, and seeks the aid of his cousin, the Prioress of Kirklees. The woman always has disliked Robin Hood and plots to bring his downfall.” ”

“ I’ve no time to be doing grubby work out here.”
“The rest of us have work too,” Brad retorted. “By not doing what you were supposed to, you got us in bad with Mr. Kain.”
“Unless the brush is cleared away by tomorrow night, the Cubs stand to lose the use of this property,” Dan added severely.
“Wouldn’t that be too bad?” Ross drawled. “Then you wouldn’t get the role of Robin Hood!”
Brad whirled around to glare at the Den 1 boy.
“You’re acting like a spoiled brat, Ross!” he said curtly. “You promised to clear your section of land and you’re going to do it or get out of the Pack! ”

“ Mr. Holloway is following with more helpers and equipment. Without water though, there’s not much we can do.”
“We’ve found a well,” Brad told him. “I don’t know how long the water will last though.”
Mr. Hatfield and his neighbor seized fire extinguishers and joined the toiling linesmen. He ordered the Cubs, directed by Brad, to carry water.
“But don’t get too close to the fire,” he warned. “Your job is just to keep those buckets moving.”
With the additional supply of buckets, and other Cubs to help, Brad and Dan were able to keep a fairly steady flow of water in the hands of the fire fighters. ”

“ Mr. Hatfield told the boys as they set up the archery target. “I’ve learned that at least twenty organizations are entering the contest. Furthermore, about half of them are working on Indian scripts.”
The boys had entered into play acting with tremendous enthusiasm. Everyone craved to have the Robin Hood role, but it was generally conceded that it would fall to either Dan or Ross.
Mr. Holloway took several movie shots of the two Cubs at target practice. He told them that if they would drop around to his house a few nights later, all of the films would be run off. ”

“ Holloway was making it for you.”
“I decided to buy it instead,” Ross answered. “No home-made job for me.”
With the exception of Ross, all of the Cubs who were present agreed to the plan. Having pledged themselves, they then sought Mr. Hatfield to tell him of their decision.
“If that’s what you want to do, it’s all right with me,” he agreed. “The Cubs always pay their debts. If the bank feels we’re responsible for the damage, then we’ll pay whatever they ask.”
“Have someone bring the money to the bank tomorrow,” Mr. Kain said. ”

“ Brad asked, taking up with the idea. “The forest setting would be dandy, and we could have green costumes!”
[6]
“And throw in a little real archery,” added Fred. “Wasn’t Robin Hood expert at it?”
“The very best,” Dan declared, paraphrasing the book he had just been reading. “‘No archer ever lived that could speed a gray goose shaft with more skill than he.’”
“Who wants to do Robin Hood?” Ross cut in. “An Indian pow-wow would be more fun.”
“Indians are old stuff,” Chips Davis said. “Tell us more about Robin Hood, Dan.” ”

“ Brad and I were the first to arrive on the scene. The fire had a good start then.”
“If it hadn’t been for Brad and Dan, I think the bank would have lost their building,” Mr. Hatfield interposed quietly. “To replace it at present costs would require in the neighborhood of a hundred thousand dollars, I should judge.”
“The house has no such value as it stands,” Mr. Kain said. “However, the bank is grateful to the Cubs. It’s not that. But you see our position. With so much at stake, we can’t risk having irresponsible—”
“The Cubs are not irresponsible,” Mr. Hatfield said firmly. ”

“ Boys don’t mean to cause trouble, but they are careless with matches.”
“Not the Cubs,” spoke up Mr. Hatfield. “They know and practice the rules of safety.”
“So much dry brush is a distinct danger. I dislike to say the Cubs can’t use this property, but—”
“I have an idea,” proposed Mr. Holloway, well aware that the bank official intended to forbid the Cubs from filming their picture on the grounds. “The boys will pitch in and clear out some of the brush.”
Mr. Kain was both pleased and astonished by the offer. ”