“I’ll be there, Mr. Hatfield. I just want to try one more idea. Don’t wait for me. You and Brad go on.”
The Cub leader was reluctant to leave the boy alone in the Cave. Twice during the week, Red and Chips had reported that they thought someone might be spying on the clubroom.
Although inclined to believe the boys were fanciful, Mr. Hatfield nevertheless disliked to leave Dan by himself.
“Sure you’ll be all right?” he asked.
“Of course.”
“Brad and I will be glad to wait if you’re set on working longer on that code.”
“No need, Mr. Hatfield. I’ll put out the light and see that everything is ship-shape when I leave.”
“Well, don’t stay too long, Dan.”
In departing, Mr. Hatfield and Brad lowered a canvas covering which served as a door across the cave entrance. Of no practical value in protecting the clubroom from intruders, it kept out wind and rain.
Left to himself, Dan devoted himself once more to the task at hand.