"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 flashing 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.

The receptionist informed them that the sportsman had returned to Webster City, but was not expected in that day. Questioned further by Brad, she said she thought her employer had driven to his pheasant farm.

Once outside the building, Chips proposed that the Cubs go there to see him. "Let's get it over with!" he said impatiently. "This suspense of not knowing what's what is getting me!"

"Here too," chimed in Red. "If we've got to apologize, I'm for doing it right away."

"I suppose we could hike out there," Brad agreed reluctantly. "It's a long walk though."

"Let's go," urged Dan. "The Cubs will be expecting a report at our next Den meeting."

Anxious to get the matter settled one way or another, the four boys set off for the Silverton Pheasant Farm.

In pa.s.sing through the village, they waved a friendly salute to the proprietor of the general store. If the storekeeper saw them, he gave no sign. At the moment, Brad thought nothing of the incident, though later it was to return to mind.

As the Cubs tramped on to the woodland trail, Dan spoke once more of the strange lights seen the previous night near the old logging road. Red considered the incident of slight consequence.

"Saul Dobbs or some of Mr. Silverton's men probably were working late,"

he said. "Think nothing of it."

"But it seems sort of queer, Red."

"What's queer about it? Dan, you're always trying to build a mystery out of nothing."

"I am huh?" Dan shot back. "If that's so, then why did Mr. Hatfield-"

He broke off as Brad shot him a warning glance. Belatedly, he remembered their promise to say nothing about the trip made with the Cub leader along the old logging road.

"Why did Mr. Hatfield-what?" demanded Chips.

"Oh, nothing," Dan said, and deliberately changed the subject.

Without meeting anyone, the Cubs rapidly made their way along the narrow trail. Crossing the footbridge, they came presently within view of the barn.

Saul Dobbs, who had been repairing a wire fence in one of the pheasant pens, noted the approach of the Cubs.

With an exclamation of anger, he dropped his tools and strode toward them.

"What did I tell you about staying away from here?" he demanded, deliberately blocking the path.

"We were told Mr. Silverton is here," Brad said. "We came to see him."

"Well, Mr. Silverton has no time to see you. Now git out and don't come back!"

Resenting the workman's manner, the Cubs stood their ground. Brad had noticed a large blue automobile parked not far from the barn.

"Is that Mr. Silverton's car?" he inquired.

"Git out!" Dobbs ordered again, without answering the question. "Mr.