Observing through the open doorway of the Cave that all the Cubs had gathered there, Mrs. Holloway expressed surprise that the treasure hunt had ended so early.
“Why, I’m late bringing the food!” she exclaimed. “I expected the beach outing to last at least another half hour.”
Mr. Hatfield told her what had occurred, adding: “Perhaps you can do something for the boy. He’s inside.”
“You’ve sent for a doctor?” Mrs. Holloway inquired.
“Yes, Mr. Suell went after Dr. Redfield a few minutes ago. The lad seems to be coming around all right. He’s a strange sort of boy—so far, he won’t tell us his name or anything about himself.”
“I’ll find out,” Mrs. Holloway said confidently.
Inside the Cave, nearly all of the Cubs had gathered about the couch where the strange boy lay. His dark brown eyes now appeared alert, and roved systematically over the room, taking in every detail.
He noted an animal skin which hung on the wall above the couch, a shelf of Indian handicraft articles, and raffia baskets made by the Cubs. His gaze dwelt longest upon a silver trophy engraved with the Den 2 name.
“We won that cup in the Pack handicraft show,” Chips volunteered, observing the boy’s interest. “Red and I made an Indian headdress which took top honors.”
“Aw, cut out the boasting,” Red interposed with a laugh. “Remember, if it hadn’t been for Brad and Dan recovering that feather war bonnet after it was carried down river with the flood, the Den wouldn’t have won a thing.”