“Hello, Sam! What brings you here so bright and early? Another proposition to buy that camp site on Skeleton Island?”
“Not exactly, Mr. Manheim. We’re not so sure it’s a safe place.”
“Skeleton Island not safe?” Mr. Manheim demanded. “What gave you that idea? Sit down and tell me all about it.” He waved everyone into chairs.
Mr. Hatfield introduced the three Cubs and then went directly to the point. He related how a stone had been tossed at Dan and showed Mr. Manheim the warning note.
“Why, someone is playing a joke on you,” the island owner said after reading the message. “Don’t tell me you take this seriously?”
“We did and do, Mr. Manheim.”
“I see nothing to cause alarm. Probably some boys from a rival troop are having a little fun at your expense.”
“The stone was hurled by a man,” Dan interposed. “I saw his face quite plainly.”
“It’s possible that tramps have taken up quarters in the underbrush,” Mr. Manheim said reluctantly. “Jabowski’s orders are to keep hoodlums away from the island. I’ll jack him up a bit if he’s been remiss in his duty.”
“Jabowski is your caretaker at Skeleton Island?” Mr. Hatfield inquired.