“What?” Dan demanded.
“Ross Langdon took it!”
For a moment after Chips had made his accusation, no one spoke.
Then Mack said thoughtfully: “He was around here making remarks. He looked at the paddle several times.”
“He came here to snoop!” Chips accused angrily. “He was afraid Red’s paddle would win a prize in the handicraft contest, so either he took it for meanness or he pitched it into the river.”
“Ross didn’t have anything in his hands when he left here,” Dan said quietly.
“Then he shoved it into the river and it floated away! That’s probably what it did!”
“Chips, don’t go completely off your base,” Brad interposed. “You’re making some pretty rash accusations.”
“Ross likes to win,” added Dan. “He’s boastful too. But I’d hate to think he’s dishonest.”
“One Cub never should make that accusation against another unless he’s prepared to back it up with proof,” resumed Brad severely. “You’re only making wild guesses, Chips.”