CHAPTER 9
A Missing Code
Dan was at the Cave before seven o’clock the next morning. Early as was the hour, Mr. Hatfield had arrived ahead of him and already had moved out most of the camping equipment which was to be taken to Skeleton Island.
“Why, hello, Dan,” the Cub leader greeted him in pleased surprise. “I hardly expected to see you before eight o’clock.”
“I scarcely expected to see myself,” Dan grinned. “Fact is, I came to look for a paper I lost last night. Mr. Hatfield, I nearly broke the code only to have the message disappear!”
Quickly the boy related everything that had occurred.
“Ross and I agreed not to tell any of the Cubs,” he added. “I figured it would only worry them.”
“You’re right in keeping quiet about it,” Mr. Hatfield said at once. “I hadn’t intended to mention it, but for several days I’ve had a feeling this place is being spied upon. Frankly, I don’t like it.”
“Any idea who may be doing it, Mr. Hatfield?”
“None whatsoever.”
“Do you think it has anything to do with that message we found, or Jacques?”