Part 4 (1/2)
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.”
”And why are you so set upon visiting the place?”
”Your preserve has some of the best woodland in the county,” said Brad.
”Pheasants are incidental? You wouldn't by chance be wanting to set Saul Dobbs in his place?”
Dan and Brad looked at each other and grinned. ”I guess that does enter into it, sir,” Brad said truthfully. ”He was rather unpleasant and it burned us up.”
”Can't say I blame you for your feelings. At times, Dobbs is inclined to become somewhat officious. When I gave him permission to carry a revolver, I didn't expect him to use it to frighten boys.”
”We weren't exactly alarmed,” Brad said. ”It was more annoying than anything else.”
”You boys impress me favorably,” Mr. Silverton continued. ”Dobbs, I think, gave me a wrong slant on the situation. Now, suppose I should agree to allow the Cubs to visit the farm. Will you promise to follow the rules?”
”We will, sir,” declared Dan eagerly. ”I'll guarantee it.”
”Then take a look at this map,” said the sportsman, whipping a small one from the top desk drawer. ”All the trails on my property are marked. Now, you may visit the barns, the pheasant runs and the central area near the foreman's house. But this breeding ground, where we keep the Germain peac.o.c.k pheasant, is restricted.”
Mr. Silverton etched in a small section along the river and highway. ”You agree to stay out of this area?” he asked again.
”We've already given our promise,” said Brad.
”Good. Then take this map along,” Mr. Silverton said, thrusting it into Dan's hand. ”Good afternoon, boys.”
Fingering the map, Dan remained facing the sportsman. ”Please, sir-”
”Yes, what is it now?”
”May we have a paper, or some authorization? Saul Dobbs may not be willing to take our word-”
”Yes, to be sure,” Mr. Silverton said hurriedly. He scribbled a brief note on a memorandum sheet which bore his printed name.
”This will take care of it,” he said. ”You should have no trouble from now on with Dobbs.”
”I'm sure we won't,” said Dan, pocketing the order.
”But remember,” Mr. Silverton warned as the boys turned to leave, ”you're on trial. If any of the Cubs disobey instructions, your privileges will end. Now get along with you. I have work to do.”
CHAPTER 3 Stragglers
Jubilant at having obtained permission to visit the Silverton Pheasant Farm, Dan and Brad told Mr. Holloway the good news when he came for them twenty minutes later.