Taking the boys partially into his confidence, the Cub leader explained that he wished to obtain as much information as possible about Jabowski or any other occupants of the island.
“What sort of information?” Mack asked, puzzled.
“It’s a request that can’t be explained,” Mr. Hatfield replied. “Just keep your eyes open. If you notice anything unusual report it after the hunt is over. Dan will lay the trail.”
“I’ll need twenty minutes start of the gang,” Dan announced, already making his plans.
Mr. Hatfield told the Cubs that he might be absent from camp upon their return. He had arranged for a yacht club boat to pick him up, as he wished to visit Tim Tyler to make certain the boy had suffered no ill effects from his previous night’s ducking.
“I shan’t be gone long,” he told the Cubs. “During my absence, Brad will be in charge.”
“And that means you all must do just as I say,” Brad instructed the younger boys. “I’ll lead the clue hunt, and I want you to stick close to me. No stragglers!”
The Cubs allowed Dan a full twenty minutes start and then set out in pursuit.
Midge found the first clue, a bit of bush broken off and weighted down with stones.
Farther on, Red spied a forked stick which pointed the direction. The trail avoided the marsh, skirting the shore much of the way. Finally it wound through a brushy hollow and came out within view of the old hotel where Jabowski lived.