“We can go into the study if you like. However, if the matter concerns the Cubs, why not tell them about it also?”
“Well—all right, I may as well come right out with it. I lost some money recently—a rather large sum. Information has come to me that this money contained in a metal box, was found at the church by one of the Cubs.”
The boys were listening intently, amazed expressions mirrored on their faces. First Mr. Wilson, and now a second claimant!
“How much did you lose, Mr. Brakschmidt?” the Cub leader asked.
“I can’t rightly say. For months I had been saving it. The amount was considerable.”
“And where was this money lost, Mr. Brakschmidt?”
“Why, in the church. I—I went in there a few days ago—day before yesterday to be exact—to see the pastor. I was taking the money with me to deposit in the bank. The minister wasn’t there. I must have put the box down and forgot it, because I didn’t discover my loss until later.”
“Really, Mr. Brakschmidt, I never knew you to be so careless with money,” remarked the Cub leader. “Where did you think you left the box?”
“In one of the seats,” the visitor replied after a slight hesitation.
“That wasn’t where we found the box!” Chips exclaimed. “Dan found it—”