Part 26 (1/2)
”Look in Robin Hood's Strong Box. You will find something of interest.”
”Robin Hood's strong box,” Dan repeated, recalling the Castle chimney niche which had been given that name. ”Well, what do you know!”
”This message seems to make sense to you, if not to me,” Mr. Kain said testily. ”Will someone kindly explain what is meant by Robin Hood's strong box?”
CHAPTER 16 Treasure
The Cubs were reluctant to tell Mr. Kain their secret, lest he feel that they had overstepped themselves in investigating the Castle.
”Robin Hood's Strong Box is just a name for a hiding place,” Dan explained vaguely.
”Then one of you boys shot this arrow.”
The Cubs looked from one to another. Each boy shook his head.
”A mysterious archer has been annoying us a bit by shooting arrows during our rehearsals,” Mr. Hatfield explained. ”This shaft looks as if it may have come from his bow.”
”But how did he know about Robin Hood's Strong Box?” Midge muttered. ”The guy must be psychic. Either that, or he sneaks around listening to our conversation.”
”I am quite certain this arrow was not lying near my car when I drove into the grounds today,” Mr. Kain said. ”It has been shot in the last hour or so.”
”It's probably a joke,” Chips commented. He wished fervently that the bank employee would leave and be done with his prying questions. Once he was out of the way, the Cubs could organize an intensive search!
”You boys seem to know what is meant by Robin Hood's Strong Box. I rather think you're trying to keep something from me.”
”There's nothing mysterious about it,” Brad said, reluctantly deciding to reveal the hiding place. ”Robin Hood's Strong Box is merely a name we gave to a niche in the fireplace.”
”Inside the Castle?”
”Well, yes.”
”Then you have been roving around inside again?”
”No, we haven't,” Brad replied indignantly. ”We found the hiding place long ago.”
”Show it to me,” the bank employee requested.
The Cubs would have preferred to do their investigating in his absence.
But there was no escape.
Unwillingly, they walked with him back to the Castle. Dan noticed that the broken window had not yet been repaired and remarked about it.
”I've ordered new panes put in,” Mr. Kain said. ”Workmen have been very slow. Rest a.s.sured though, the work will be done no later than tomorrow.
I am quite annoyed to find so much activity hereabouts.”
The Cubs would have entered through the window, but the bank official would not permit it.