“Swell!” Chips agreed.
“We’ll invite all the Cubs in Webster City. Make it a bang-up affair. Tonight, shall we say?”
“You’re moving a bit fast for me,” said Mr. Hatfield. “How can you plan such an affair on short notice?”
“Leave that to me,” said Mr. Manheim, pressing the desk buzzer. “We’ll call in a caterer, a friend of mine who will take care of every detail. Your job, Mr. Hatfield, will be to have the Cubs there on the island.”
“I don’t doubt the boys will jump at the chance for a barbecue even on short notice,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “But what about transportation?”
“My motorboat will be available. And Jabowski can take the overflow on a motor raft he has at the island.”
“Well—” Mr. Hatfield gazed dubiously at the Cubs. “I hardly know what to say. It’s such short notice—”
“The trouble with you, Sam, is that you’re not in the habit of making quick decisions,” the other said jovially. “You have your boys at the dock at seven o’clock. I’ll take care of everything else.”
“All right,” Mr. Hatfield agreed. “I’ll get in touch with the Cub leader of Den 1. I only hope you aren’t biting off more than you can chew.”
“Never have yet,” the island owner said, escorting the party to the door. “See you tonight. We’ll have a jamboree that will give those Cubs the thrill of their young lives!”