Two days had elapsed.
The Cubs were worried and so was Mr. Hatfield.
Twice since the disappearance of the money box, the Cub leader had been called to the police station.
Each time he had been questioned politely, but detectives made it clear they were not completely satisfied with his answers.
“Three persons have laid claim to that money, and one at least has come fairly close to naming the amount you say was in the box,” Mr. Hatfield was informed. “Furthermore, trustees of the church feel the cash should be turned over to them because it was found on church property. Now you say your home wasn’t broken into to your knowledge, and yet the box disappeared. It doesn’t make sense unless your own son or one of the Cubs—”
“The Cubs, one and all, are honest,” Mr. Hatfield retorted firmly. “Anyway, they knew only that I took the box upstairs. I told no one where I hid it. So let’s keep them out of this.”
The police had been quite decent about questioning the boys.
Even so, the Cubs felt that they were involved. Dan especially considered that by finding the box he had brought trouble upon Mr. Hatfield and the Den.
“Why did I have to go digging into that coal pile anyway?” he berated himself. “We wouldn’t be in this mess except for me.”
“Nonsense, Dan,” Mr. Hatfield chided. “I’m glad you found the box. Furthermore, we’ll not waste valuable time worrying about the matter. The police are free to make any investigation they wish. We’ll cooperate.”