“It all adds up to an uncertain picture,” Mr. Hatfield said soberly. “Everything may go well tonight. I hope so. But between you and me and the gate-post, I’m wondering if Mr. Manheim’s barbecue may not be a mistake!”
CHAPTER 11
A Barbecue for the Cubs
Despite Mr. Hatfield’s misgivings, the jamboree came off that night according to schedule.
At the appointed hour, the island owner’s motorboat and the power raft were at the Webster City Yacht Club docks to pick up members of Den 1.
Mr. Manheim personally took command of the speedboat, while his man Jabowski carried the overflow of boys across the river on the open raft.
In an ugly mood, the caretaker complained that the barbecue was “a lot of stupid nonsense.”
Actually, he smarted from a lecture delivered by his employer. For three hours that afternoon the island owner had tried to find Jabowski. Finally tracing him to a waterfront tavern, he had warned the man that unless he paid attention to his duties, he would be discharged.
Jabowski blamed the Cubs for the reprimand, and so did his utmost to make them feel uncomfortable.
“Sit still!” he ordered Ross Langdon, who shifted his weight as the raft chugged across the river. “You want to upset us?”
“Aw, I hardly moved,” Ross growled. “Anyway, if this raft isn’t safe, you shouldn’t be taking kids across the river in it.”