“I’m sure sorry I couldn’t get over to Mr. Hatfield’s house in time for the meeting,” he said regretfully. “I promised Dad a week ago I’d help with this job. What came up anyway?”
“Two claimants have appeared for the money box,” Brad disclosed. “We suspect both claims may be fakes.”
“The worrisome part is that the news is all over Webster City,” Dan added earnestly. “Midge, you didn’t tell anyone?”
“Not even my father, Dan. You may ask him!”
Mr. Holloway, a Den “Dad,” had listened closely to the conversation.
“Frankly, I’m confused,” he said. “What’s all this talk about a money box?”
Now that the secret was out, Mr. Hatfield had released the Cubs from their promise not to discuss the matter. He had requested, however, that they provide no information as to the amount of cash found or the type of box.
Accordingly, Dan and Brad disclosed all but a few of the vital facts. “We can’t figure out how the story got around so fast,” the Den Chief ended. “Some of the fellows are blaming Babe, but he swears he didn’t tell.”
“Babe hasn’t been in the organization long,” Mr. Holloway replied thoughtfully. “He’s a dependable kid though. I’d take his word any day.”
“If the Cubs didn’t tell, it simmers down to this—” Dan remarked. “It must have been that man we saw peeking in at the window.”