"Chips and Red have one of the best entries," Brad told Dan after he had inspected all the items on display. "But they may not win a prize. That buckskin shirt shows a lot of work."

"And the judges have gone back to look at it at least three times," Dan agreed gloomily.

At last came the all important moment for the awaited announcement of the contest winners.

Raising his hand in signal for silence, the Cub master read off the names of minor prize winners.

"And now, the grand prize-the silver trophy which will be awarded to the Den which entered the over-all handicraft article deemed by the judges to be the best." The Cub Master paused for effect as all the Cubs waited tensely. Then he gazed directly at Red and Chips and added: "Den No. 2 wins the trophy with its entry of a pheasant feather war bonnet!"

The Cubs let out a whoop which could be heard half way across the river.

Everyone clapped Red and Chips on the shoulder, congratulating them on their victory.

"We're sure proud of you," Brad declared. "And of the trophy!"

"Maybe you and Dan will win something yourselves," Chips hinted broadly.

"But we had no entries. Only a couple of Indian bows which weren't any good. They didn't take any prize."

"Wait and see," Chips chuckled.

The Pack meeting resumed, with Mr. Hatfield telling the boys of his pride in their accomplishments.

"Honor is a Cub's most precious possession," he ended his little talk.

"And that brings me to an important moment. The Cubs sincerely feel that had it not been for the untiring efforts of two of our members, the honor of the organization might have been tarnished."

As if drawn by a magnet, all eyes now focused upon Brad and Dan. The two boys shifted uneasily, already beginning to feel uncomfortable. Their faces were flushed with embarra.s.sment.

"Let's give 'em the Grand Howl!" proposed Mr. Hatfield.

Now as Brad and Dan knew well, the Grand Howl was reserved only for distinguished guests or individuals the Pack wished to honor.

Before they could protest, all the Cubs formed a circle about the pair.

Squatting down, each boy made the familiar two-finger Cub sign. Then, like young wolves, they gave a long and l.u.s.ty howl:

"A-h-h-kay Laa! W-e-e-l d-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-r Best!"

The final word was yelled sharply and in unison. Then the Cubs leaped to their feet in a double hand salute, ending at attention.

"Brad and Dan!" Chips shouted boisterously, "They're tops in the gang!"

"And here's to the Cubs!" responded Dan, uttering a wild yip of his own.

"Long may they howl!"