Part 25 (1/2)
”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.”
”What do you think we should do?” Dan asked, willing to follow the older boy's advice.
”I don't know whether we should make any accusations or not,” Brad returned doubtfully. ”One can't go around accusing persons on flimsy evidence. I guess the best thing to do is saying nothing until we've had a chance to report this to Mr. Hatfield.”
”What about this crate of pheasants?” Dan asked. ”Shall we put it back in the lean-to?”
”I don't like to do that. Those birds need food and water right now.”
”Why not take 'em to the barn and turn them loose with the other pheasants?” Dan suggested. ”Then we can explain to Mr. Silverton later on, if we need to.”
”That's a good idea!” approved Brad. ”Come on, let's move along and find out what's happened to Chips.”
Carrying the crate of pheasants, the three retraced their way along the dark path. At the masked entrance, there was no sign of Chips.
Brad whistled softly and the boys came quickly out of hiding.
”Where did those men go after they left here?” Brad questioned. ”Did you see 'em?”
”Sure,” Chips answered, staring at the crate of pheasants which Red and Dan carried between them. ”They were plenty mad about something too!”
”But which way did they go?”
”Back toward the log jam and the road.”
”I sure hope Mack and Fred kept out of sight,” Brad said anxiously.
As the four started for the creek, he explained to Chips what they had seen and heard near the lean-to.
”Did you recognize either of those two men?” he asked Chips.
”Hardly could see their faces, Brad. They were hopping mad because you hid the crate of pheasants.”
At the creek, Mack and Fred who had taken refuge among the oak trees, came out of hiding as the other Cubs emerged from the trail.
Excitedly they reported that the two men had crossed the log bridge only a few minutes before, wading through the deepening water to the parked station wagon on the old road.
”Did you get the license number?” Dan inquired.
”Couldn't,” Fred explained. ”Too dark to see that far. And the men never turned on their car lights.”
”They had a hard time getting the motor started,” Mack contributed. ”The driver got mad and began berating the other fellow. Oh, they were heated!”
”You didn't hear any names spoken?” Brad questioned.
”Names?” Mack repeated. ”Well, one of 'em called the other Bernie.”
”That's two names we have now!” Red exclaimed. ”Jake and Bernie. Ever hear of anyone by either of them?”