“Aw, Mr. Hatfield—”
“I’m asking the Cubs to stay pretty much in this section of the island,” the Cub leader explained. “Later on, we’ll do our exploring in a group.”
“Oh, all right,” Chips consented reluctantly.
“Want me to go along?” Fred asked.
Chips, acting as if he had not heard, ambled off. Fred, who preferred to remain in camp, let him go alone.
Fresh water was needed, so Dan and Mack went to the nearby spring for a bucket of water. The other Cubs finished making their balsam beds. This work completed, they joined Brad under the shade trees.
“Wonder what’s become of Chips?” Mr. Hatfield presently remarked, scanning the beach area. “I don’t see him anywhere.”
“You know Chips,” said Brad significantly.
“I do indeed. His intentions are good, but he’s apt to wander off.”
“Odd that he went by himself,” Brad mused. “He really gave Fred the brush-off. Want me to see what’s become of him, Mr. Hatfield?”