Dan Carter And The Haunted Castle Part 36

"Oh, no," the colonel rea.s.sured the boys. "I expect to make my home here.

I have bought a place of my own."

"In this section of the city, I hope," Brad said politely.

"Very much so." Colonel Brekenridge smiled at the boys, and added casually, "In fact, you're standing on my property now."

The Cubs were dumbfounded.

"You mean you've bought the Castle?" Dan demanded.

"The deal with the bank was completed yesterday. I expect to finish the house as the designer originally planned it. The grounds will be cleared and replanted with shrubs and flowers."

"Say, that's great!" Chips declared, and all the boys nodded agreement.

"You'll be welcome here at any time," the colonel continued. "For that matter, to make certain you'll come, I may offer a few inducements."

"Picnic tables," suggested Billy eagerly. "Outdoor grills and fireplaces."

"By all means," agreed his grandfather. "We'll cut the brush from the woods and make interesting trails."

"The Cubs can help with that work," volunteered Dan.

Colonel Brekenridge smiled at his willingness.

"The Cubs have done their share of brush cutting," he said. "I want this place to represent sheer fun for the boys."

"Say, we're going to like that!" laughed Midge.

"I guess SO!" chuckled Red.

"The Cubs need an archery range," suggested Billy.

"I intended to ask about that," said his grandfather. "Billy, fetch a bow and arrow."

The boy ran to do his bidding. When he returned with it, the colonel placed the bow in Dan's hands.

"Now, Robin Hood, you must shoot this arrow with care," he advised. "For wherever it falls, there shall be the Cubs' future archery range."

"I know exactly the stretch we need!" declared Dan. "If only I don't miss my aim."

As the other Cubs gathered about him, the boy raised his bow and took careful aim.

Away sped the arrow, straight and true to fall to earth exactly at the spot he had planned.

"There lies our future archery range," he said, smiling at Billy. "Here's to our success!"

"And here's to the best marksman," added Brad. "The Bobcat who taught us the tricks of Robin Hood's trade!"