Brad, however, refused to take such a pessimistic view.
“Maybe Ross won’t win,” he said cheerfully. “It hasn’t been proven yet that he’s the best shot. Wait until Saturday. Once we get to the Haunted Castle he may whistle a different tune.”
CHAPTER 2
The Chimney Niche
Early Saturday afternoon found the Cub Scouts of both Den 1 and 2 hiking briskly along a deserted road leading to “The Castle.”
Immediately after the previous week’s Pack meeting at the Cave, Brad had inquired as to the ownership of the property, learning that the Webster City Savings Bank held title.
Further, he had been told that the mansion had been built twenty-two years earlier by Gorman Lubell, a millionaire who had lost his fortune in the stock market.
The unusual dwelling had been built of massive stone to resemble a miniature English castle. The interior never had been completely finished. Year after year, the Castle had stood deserted. Periodically, the bank cut the weeds and trimmed back the shrubbery, but of late even this duty had been neglected.
“Brad, you obtained permission for us to visit the property, didn’t you?” Mr. Hatfield asked as the boys trudged along.
“The bank president was out of the city,” the boy answered. “I talked to his secretary though. She said she was sure it would be all right.”
“Even if we find the grounds unsuited as a locale for our play, we can get in some archery practice,” Mr. Hatfield remarked.