“You should,” Ross retorted boastfully. “Den 1 is all set to take you for a cleaning in the canoe race. We’ll win in a walk.”
If the Den 1 boy had hoped to get a retort from Brad or Dan, they disappointed him by remaining silent. Irked by his failure to start a spirited debate, Ross picked up the paddle upon which Red had been working.
“Hey, be careful!” Red protested. “You’ll make the paint run!”
“Couldn’t make it look much worse than it is,” Ross said contemptuously. “You should see some of the paddles Den 1 has painted.”
“Works of art, I suppose?” Brad asked dryly. “Going to exhibit ’em at the museum?”
“Maybe, after we’ve nailed first prize at the Pack exhibition.”
“Put that paddle down before you wreck it!” Red ordered furiously. “You’re getting sand on the fresh paint.”
“Excuse me.” With an elaborate bow, Ross laid the paddle on the sand near the river’s edge. Glancing around, he next demanded: “Where’s your hogan?”
“Haven’t started it yet,” Brad replied. “We’ll probably get it up over the week-end.”
“Den 1 has a dandy all finished,” Ross continued boastfully. “We put it up in nothing flat.”