“I’ll treat you to a bottle of pop,” he invited. “That will revive us so we can get to the Castle without wilting.”
“I can sure use a little moisture,” Dan accepted readily. “Lead me to it.”
A woman in blue gingham operated the stand, selling vegetables and a few soft drinks.
The boys bought and paid for their pop, sipping the cool liquid slowly. A friendly individual, the woman asked them about the Cub Scout organization, its aims and purpose.
Brad politely explained that Den 1 and Den 2 were included in a larger classification known as the Pack. Cub advancement, he pointed out, was based upon the completion of a set of achievements.
“When a boy finishes Wolf requirements, he is awarded the Wolf Cub rank and badge,” Dan carried on the explanation. “As soon as a Wolf Cub is ten years old, he works to complete the Bear Cub achievements. Upon reaching his eleventh birthday and after being a Bear, he may become a Lion Cub.”
“You’re a Lion?” inquired the operator of the stand.
“A Bear,” Dan corrected. “Brad, though, is a Boy Scout as well as Den Chief. He keeps the younger boys in line for Mr. Hatfield.”
“I try, you mean,” laughed Brad. “As far as one Cub is concerned, I’ve not been very successful.”
“Meaning Ross,” grinned Dan. “Well, keep trying. You may soften him up in the end.”