Quiet-spoken, the crew leader had an easy, assured manner which inspired confidence. Next term he would be a senior at Belton High School. He was an outstanding athlete, hard of muscle and ever ready for adventure.
“Hey, Jack’s right!” Willie suddenly warbled. “Here comes Mr. Livingston now!”
A powerfully built man of thirty-eight strode across the dining room to the table by the garden railing. Before becoming a Scout leader, he had spent ten years in FBI work.
“Sorry to be late, fellows,” he apologized, seating himself beside Ken.
After ordering for the group, he explained that an important conference had delayed him. “You wonder why I invited you here tonight?” he remarked, a twinkle in his eyes.
“Is it about our trip to Minnesota?” Jack inquired.
“Yes, Jack. I’m afraid it’s off for this year.”
As the news sank in, every face mirrored disappointment. For months, the Explorers had planned a canoe trip to the Minnesota lakes. And now it was off!
“It’s like this,” Mr. Livingston explained. “I have a chance to head an expedition to Peru. It looks pretty good and I hate to pass it up.”
If a rocket had exploded in their midst, the four Rovers could not have been more astonished.