After the scene had been fully discussed, the two boys took their places on either side of the bridge. The other Cubs from both Den 1 and 2 remained in the woods, ready to swarm out when Robin Hood should blow three shrill blasts on his horn.
“We’re minus a horn today, but by our next practice we’ll have one,” Mr. Hatfield said. “Also, the Den mothers have promised to help us out by making Lincoln green woodsmen costumes for all who act in the play.”
The filming of the scene began. Repeatedly Ross had to be warned by Mr. Hatfield to “take it easy.”
Although the script called for him to be tumbled into the water, he seemed determined that Brad should be pushed off the log.
Back and forth Brad and Ross whacked with their sticks as the film recording was made.
Mr. Holloway was on the verge of signaling the end of the scene, when the Den 1 boy made a quick lunge at Brad. The latter moved sideways, failing entirely to parry the blow with his own stick.
Caught off balance, Ross fell slightly forward and lost his footing. Before he could save himself or Brad could offer a helping hand, he fell sideways into the shallow water.
As Ross sprawled amid the lily pads, the watching Cubs burst into laughter. The day was warm and the creek waters exceedingly shallow. The ducking, they knew, would do the boy no harm, and was a fate quite deserved.
“Are you all right, Ross?” Mr. Holloway asked.
Putting aside his camera, he ran to help the boy.