Later, after school had been dismissed for the day, all the Cubs met at Mr. Hatfield’s home for the hike and cook-out.
No more was said about the missing tin box, for the Cub leader felt that the matter had been too much discussed. He preferred to have the boys center thoughts on the Knight Crusade and their own activities.
Nevertheless, Dan fell into step with Brad as they set off for the marsh area, again bringing up the recent incident at Mr. Merrimac’s home. So far as either boy knew, police had not been able to catch the man who had fled from the dwelling.
“Brad, do you suppose there could be any connection between that thief and the woman who took the tin box?” Dan speculated.
“Search me,” Brad returned, shifting his knapsack to the other shoulder. “Let’s forget the money for tonight and just have fun. Mr. Hatfield’s worried enough without us always reminding him of it.”
“You’re right,” Dan agreed, properly set down. “Guess I have had it on my mind a lot lately.”
The boys hiked to an old mill of historical interest. After spending a while there, they back-tracked to the marshland area.
“I wonder if that old tramp is still camped out in the new house?” Dan speculated as they passed the construction site.
Mr. Hatfield heard the remark.
“I can answer that one,” he informed the group. “I talked to Mr. Keeler, the contractor. He checked and found you boys were right.”