Part 10 (1/2)
”Then let them repeat the Law.”
Solemnly the boys spoke the words:
”The Cub FOLLOWS Akela.
The Cub HELPS the Pack go.
The Pack HELPS the Cub Grow.
The Cub GIVES good will.”
Mr. Hatfield then asked the parents of the candidates to come forward to stand by their sons. Welcoming them to the Pack, he explained briefly that Cubbing was a program for the entire family, and one which centered about the home circle.
The ceremony ended and the meeting broke up with another song.
Remaining to help clear away the litter after the others had gone, Brad and Dan walked down to the river's edge with Mr. Holloway.
”The river seems to be rising again,” the Den Dad said, checking the level. ”As yet, it is not alarming. But a hard rain on top of what we've had might flood the lowlands.”
”I wonder if Dobbs has cleared out that dam in the creek?” Dan remarked, turning to stare across the river toward the Silverton property. ”We tried to tell him about it but he acted so ugly-”
The boy broke off so suddenly that Mr. Holloway who was retying the boat, straightened up quickly.
”What do you see, Dan?” he asked.
”Nothing now, Mr. Holloway. A second ago-just as I spoke, I thought I saw a flas.h.i.+ng light across the river.”
”Where, Dan?”
”On Mr. Silverton's land, or close to it. Near the old logging road, I'd judge.”
”I see nothing now.”
”No, sir. The flash only lasted a second. There, it is again! See!”
This time both Brad and Mr. Holloway saw the shooting beam of light.
Close to the ground, it shone brightly for a moment and then disappeared.
”It might have been an automobile headlight or possibly a spot light,”
Mr. Holloway said. ”Odd that an automobile would be on that old road at this time of night.”
”Shouldn't we go there to find out if anything is wrong?”
”I hardly think so,” Mr. Holloway replied, smiling at the boy's eagerness. ”Someone possibly may be prowling on Mr. Silverton's premises.
More likely though, Dobbs or another employee is doing night work. In any case, it is none of our affair.”
CHAPTER 6 Indian Feathers
On the day following the meeting of the Pack, Dan, Brad, Chips and Red tried once more to see Mr. Silverton in his office.