Dan Carter And The Haunted Castle Part 32

"I should be," the boy answered. "I learned in England. My father taught me."

Ross Langdon produced the bow which had been picked up by the Castle.

Before he could offer it to Billy, the boy claimed the property.

"That's mine," he said. "I dropped it when I ran."

"Then you're the ghost of the Castle?" Dan asked him.

"I'm no ghost."

"That's only the name we gave you. But you're the one who shot arrows into our target during the tournament?"

"And the one who kept peeking at us as we acted out our movie scenes?"

Brad questioned.

"Sure," Billy admitted with a grin.

"Then it follows that you're the mysterious archer who shot that arrow near Mr. Kain's automobile," Dan resumed. "You told us to search in Robin Hood's Strong Box."

"Did you find the treasure?" Billy demanded. "I know you did, because I see Grandfather has the bag of coins."

Colonel Brekenridge directed a stern gaze upon his grandson.

"Why did you hide the coins in the Castle chimney niche, Billy?"

"Because I wanted the Cubs to have 'em," the boy answered promptly. "They need money to buy costumes for their play. This was all I had."

If the Cubs had felt any resentment toward Billy, it melted upon the moment.

"I'm certain you meant to be generous, Billy," his grandfather said kindly. "You realize though that those coins are very rare and valuable.

Your father gave them to you to keep."

"I'm sorry, Grandfather. I didn't stop to think. I only wanted to help.

The Cubs had to pay for all the damage done by the fire. I know 'cause I overheard 'em talking about it."

Mr. Kain squirmed uncomfortably. Now that it definitely was established the Cubs had been blameless in the fire, he was ashamed to have taken their money.

"A little mistake was made," he said gruffly.

Colonel Brekenridge asked how much the Cubs had been required to pay.

Learning that the amount was twenty dollars, he bade his nurse bring pen, ink and a check book.

"Billy was entirely at fault," he told Mr. Kain. "It would be most unfair to hold the Cubs responsible for damage. I'll gladly repay the amount."

Colonel Brekenridge made out a check to Sam Hatfield, instructing that each boy be repaid the amount he had contributed.

"Say, we'll get our costumes for the play after all!" Dan said jubilantly. "We can buy a lot of special trappings!"

"Whoop-ee!" chortled Midge, tossing his cap into the air. "Maybe we'll win that contest yet!"

"I'd like to make a little contribution to help along the cause," said Mr. Kain unexpectedly.

From his billfold, he extracted two new ten dollar bills.

"Oh, it isn't necessary to repay us," Dan protested quickly. "Colonel Brekenridge already has done that."

"This is merely a little personal offering," the bank employee said, thrusting the money into the boy's hand. "I've learned a lesson in dealing with the Cubs. Use this to buy whatever you need for your play."

"Thanks, Mr. Kain! And may we keep on using the Castle grounds?"

"As long as you like, or at least until the place is sold."

"The Castle property is for sale?" Colonel Brekenridge inquired in surprise.

"Yes, the bank has decided to get rid of it. The property is a white elephant, eating up an enormous amount in taxes and maintenance. It will be a bargain though for anyone who can afford such a mansion."

Now that everything had been arranged to the satisfaction of the Cubs, they had no further excuse for remaining.

Brad arose from the steps and the other Cubs followed his example.

"Oh, do you have to go so soon?" asked Billy, his face becoming downcast.

"Can't you stay and play with me just a little while? I'll let you use my bow and arrow and my Ping-pong table."

His words and manner made it instantly clear to the Cubs that the boy suffered from loneliness.

This fact also became evident to Colonel Breckenridge.

"Billy," he said, "as I said before, I'm afraid I've neglected you in recent months. Tell me, how do you spend your time?"

"I don't know," the boy replied vaguely. "There's nothing to do here. No one to play with ever."

"So that is why you've roamed the woods and found mischief for yourself?"

"I had to do something, didn't I?" Billy asked.

"You could have had friends here."

Billy gazed at the gardener and gave a snort. "Pete wouldn't let me! If I even let out a yip, he would tell me to be quiet-that I was making you worse."

"I see," said Colonel Brekenridge quietly.

"Whatever I did, the servants would tell me not to make so much noise,"

Billy went on. "The only fun I had was watching the Cubs. I wish I could be one."

"And why not?" interposed Mr. Holloway heartily. "You're the right age, Billy."

"Also, you're mighty handy with a bow and arrow!" added Dan. "You could teach us quite a few tricks."