Dan Carter Cub Scout Part 14

Nearly all of the Cubs had finished their bows and arrows, and a few now were working on other items they hoped to enter in the Pack handicraft show.

Admittedly, the elaborate feather headdress made by Chips and Red, was by far the best article so far turned out by Den 2.

But while the two boys followed the Cub leader's instructions and brought the headgear to the Pow Wow on the appointed night, they no longer were proud of their handiwork.

Though the other Cubs were careful to avoid the subject, everyone knew that the feathers had become a symbol of the uncleared charge hanging over their heads.

Entirely unknown to the Den members, Mr. Holloway and the Cub leader had tried without success to see Paul Silverton the previous day.

Through his secretary, the sportsman had sent word that he was "in conference" and could not be disturbed.

Determined that the unfortunate affair should not mar the Indian Pow Wow, Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Holloway made no mention of their failure to iron out differences.

By the time the parents of the Cubs began to arrive at the Holloways, a roaring Council fire was burning in the beach area near where the Indian tepee had been set up.

At a smaller fire, some distance away, Mrs. Holloway stirred a huge kettle of fragrant stew which would be served after the ceremony.

The tomtoms presently burst into life, and Sam Hatfield, garbed in an Indian blanket, took the center of the circle.

Relating the story of Akela, chief of the Webelos Tribe, he told of the strength and wisdom of the great leader's father, "Arrow of Light," and of his mother, "Kind Eyes."

"From the Wolf of the forest, Akela learned the language of the earth,"

he told the listening Cubs. "And from the Bears, he acquired the secret names of the trees and the calls of the birds. Courage he learned from the Lion."

Mr. Hatfield then explained that the Webelos tribal name had an inner meaning which in the organization signified progress from Wolf rank, through Bear and Lion cla.s.sification to the ultimate goal of full fledged Scout.

"We-be-lo-s," he repeated, spelling it slowly. "Loyal we'll be."

"And what does 'Arrow of Light' signify?" inquired Mack.

"Progress toward good citizenship. Cubs, like the Indians of old, must be self-controlled, loyal, game and quiet-willing to talk little and listen much."

"If our Cubs live up to the rules-if they are square and game-our Den will be respected and make its influence felt in the community," added Mr. Suell, one of the Den fathers.

The first part of the program completed, he then told the Cubs of an exciting trip he recently had taken to Mesa Verde National Park, site of the cliff dwellers.

The Cubs asked a great many questions and examined pottery and blankets which Mr. Suell had brought back from the Indian country. After that, Fred, Mack and Dan put on an Indian ceremonial dance, characterized by more energy than grace.

Presently the Pow Wow concluded with all the Den members forming a "living circle." In close formation, facing inward, each Cub grasped the thumb of the boy on his left, raising right hand high in the two-finger Cub sign.

Up and down like a pump handle went their hands as the boys shouted: "Akela, we'll do our Best!"

At the word "Best," all the Cubs snapped smartly into salutes.

"Now for grub!" shouted Red, breaking away. "That stuff in the kettle sure smells good!"

"Lead me to it," yelled Chips.

Dan and Brad circulated among the parents, waiting until everyone had been served before they took their helpings of stew.

In the chill night air, the hot food exactly hit the spot. Time after time, the Cubs went back for more until the big kettle was nearly empty.

Brad and Dan sat slightly apart from the others, their faces splashed with firelight. They were silently staring out across the dark river, when Mr. Hatfield, coming up behind them, touched their shoulders.

"Don't say anything to the other Cubs," he warned in a low tone. "Just follow me to the beach."

"What's up?" Brad asked in surprise.

"I'll tell you at the beach."

Wondering why the Cub leader was acting so mysteriously, the pair quickly put aside their plates, and joined him at the dock. To their further surprise, Mr. Hatfield began to untie the dinghy.

"What's doing?" Brad asked again.

"That's exactly what I propose to find out," Mr. Hatfield replied. "A few minutes ago, I heard a car turn down into the old logging road."

"Near Silverton's place?" Dan interposed.

"Yes, at least I think the car was on the logging road. And I'm quite certain I saw a flashing light on Mr. Silverton's property."

"Then I was right the other night about that flashing light!" Dan cried.

"Are you going to investigate?"

"Figured I might row up the river and look around. Want to ride along?"

"We sure do," Brad declared, stepping into the boat.

"I've already told your parents not to expect you home for an hour," the Cub leader said as he shoved off. "I have my car here and will drop you off at your homes after we get back."

Few lights showed along the dark sh.o.r.e as Mr. Hatfield silently plied the oars. The boat spurted along, propelled by powerful strokes. Nearby, a sizeable fish leaped from the swift moving water, and fell back with a splash.

Hunched into their jackets, Dan and Brad speculated upon what the Cub leader might expect to see or find once they reached the old logging road.

"Maybe we have no business going there," Mr. Hatfield said presently, swerving the boat toward sh.o.r.e, "but I figure it this way. The Cubs are under suspicion, and it's up to us to clear our name if we can."

"You think someone may be sneaking into Silverton's place at night and taking pheasants?" Dan guessed. "Then we get the blame!"

"It's an angle I intend to investigate," Mr. Hatfield admitted. "In looking around though, we'll have to respect Mr. Silverton's order not to trespa.s.s."

"In that case, it may not be easy to learn anything," Brad said, a little disappointed.

Without replying, the Cub leader eased the boat in until it grated on the beach. Brad and Dan leaped out into the wet sand, and with Mr. Hatfield's aid, pulled the craft well beyond reach of the greedy waves.

The three hid the oars in a clump of bushes and set off at a fast walk toward the exit of the old logging road.

As they approached the log fence barrier, Dan suddenly halted.

"Say, isn't that a car coming out of the road now?" he demanded.