Jack was whistling a slightly off-key tune. Seeing the three boys in front of him, he broke off and stopped dead in his tracks.
The moment was a tense one for the three Cubs. They were relieved though that Jack made no attempt to draw his rifle.
“What’s the idea?” he demanded, trying to shove past them.
The Cubs stood their ground.
“Mr. Hatfield wants to talk to you,” Brad said pleasantly. “You raised a few points.”
“You’ll learn nothing more from me!” Jack retorted. “I told you that! Let me past!”
Brad, Dan and Midge refused to move. Jack glared at them, and then whirled, evidently intending to run.
However, he found retreat also blocked.
During the brief conversation, Mr. Hatfield, his son, Fred, Chips, Red and Babe quietly had come up from the rear.
“What’s the big idea?” Jack repeated furiously. “You got nothing on me!”