Dan Carter And The Money Box Part 14

Next, the Cubs designed s.h.i.+elds and mounted cardboard spears on the ends of broomsticks.

"If we have time, I'll make myself a cardboard horse," Brad announced.

"Also, we ought to have some painted banners to hang on the walls. Then this place will look like a regular knight's hall."

Temporarily, the Cubs were using the church study as a meeting place.

When the weather turned warm again in the Spring, they planned to resume sessions in their own quarters, the cave high over the river.

Brad had made his own suit of armor by sewing small roofing discs onto burlap. The Cubs, frankly envious, acknowledged the job as the best turned out.

"I could make a good suit too if I had some of those discs," Midge Holloway remarked. "Where'd you buy 'em, Brad?"

"I didn't. Saw a bunch of 'em lying on the ground near a new house that's being built. I asked the contractor if I could have 'em and he said I could."

"Say, are there any more of those discs?" Dan demanded eagerly.

"I guess so. I didn't take them all."

"I want some," piped up Babe.

"So do I," Chips chimed in. "Lead us to 'em, Brad."

"It's a long hike from here," the older boy replied dubiously. "Fact is, to get there we'd have to hike a couple of miles, going and coming. It's right at the edge of the marsh."

This information temporarily dampened the enthusiasm of the Cubs. Then Dan spoke up.

"Well, why don't we go? It's a good day for a hike. If we had more of those roof discs, we could turn out armor that would look like the real thing."

"And we might win first prize!" Fred said, his interest kindling. "What do you think about it, Dad?"

"Let's take it to a vote," his father returned. "All in favor of the hike, say Aye."

Every Cub voted to go.

"When do we start?" Dan asked impatiently. "If we don't make it today, those discs may be gone."

"That's right," Brad agreed. "Even when I was there, not many were kicking around."

"Brad, you're sure it's all right to take the discs?" Mr. Hatfield asked.

"Yes, the contractor told me I might have all that were lying around."

Rea.s.sured, the Cub leader agreed with the boys that no time should be lost in hiking to the site.

"We might have a weiner roast too," he proposed. "On the way, we'll pa.s.s a store and can buy anything we want."

The Cubs quickly put away cardboard and paint. All were dressed warmly enough for the hike except Babe who had to be sent home for st.u.r.dy shoes and a heavier jacket.

The youngster was back at the church in ten minutes, however, his pockets bulging.

"Now what have you got?" Chips asked him suspiciously.

Babe grinned and produced several crushed cookies and an apple.

"You and your appet.i.te," Chips muttered, shaking his head. "Why don't you grow up?"

Babe refused to take offense. "I thought I might get hungry on the way,"

he defended himself.

"You're always hungry," Chips retorted. "If you'd spend less time feeding your face and more time studying the rule book, maybe you'd be promoted to Wolf Rank."

"Cut it out, Chips," advised Brad, who had overheard the remark. "Babe is catching onto Cub ways fast. I'll wager he'll be a Wolf before another certain Wolf I know moves on up to Bear rank."

"Now who's rubbing it in?" Chips complained. "I'm working hard and you know it!"

"Sure, sure," Brad said, giving him a friendly clap on the back. "Only maybe you ought to dig in a little harder on those elective requirements before you toss stones at anyone else."

Despite the lateness of the season, the day was a pleasant one. Selecting Highway 23, the Cubs, led by Brad and Mr. Hatfield, soon set off in the direction of the marsh.

Their way skirted a built-up area near the city limits. A short distance beyond, they pa.s.sed a spa.r.s.ely settled section where a few new houses were in process of construction.

"How much farther?" Babe asked, limping along beside Brad.

He had attached himself like a puppy to the older boy, but found it impossible to imitate his smooth, easy gait.

"We're almost there now," Brad encouraged him. "Guess you aren't used to hiking, are you?"

"My feet hurt."

"Sure, and why wouldn't they, with those tight shoes? Better get yourself some that fit, Babe. The Cubs do a lot of hiking."

"Say, when do we eat?" demanded Red. The brisk walk had made him very hungry.

"Well, we could have the roast before we gather discs," Brad said, glancing over the terrain. "It's for the fellows to decide."

"All in favor-" shouted Red.

Every Cub voted to halt then and there and build their fire.

Mr. Hatfield selected a suitable place at the edge of the marsh, not far from the road. Under his direction, the boys cleared away dry leaves and debris to insure that the fire could not spread.

While the Cubs roasted weiners on long sticks over the coals, Mr.

Hatfield again talked over plans for the coming Round Table jamboree.

"The Pack has chosen a motto or code of honor for this month," he told the boys. "It is this: 'BE ALWAYS READY.'"

"I'm ready right now-for another weiner!" laughed Midge, reaching into the sack Mr. Hatfield had brought along.

"I guess you meant the code in a more serious sense, didn't you, Mr.

Hatfield?" Dan asked.