Flattening himself on the ground, Brad crawled into the bushes, disappearing into their shelter just as two men entered the clearing.
CHAPTER 12
A Crate of Pheasants
In the indistinct light, the Cubs scarcely could distinguish the features of the two strangers.
Both were dressed in rough clothing and high rubber boots. The taller of the pair wore a large-brimmed felt hat which completely hid his face.
The other, whom the Cubs never before had seen, was stockily built, muscular, and walked with a heavy tread.
Neither of the men spoke as they moved directly to the lean-to. The taller of the pair opened the creaking door and peered inside.
“Nothing here!” he exclaimed. “Not a single crate!”
“Are you sure?” the other demanded, looking for himself. “Then we’ve been double crossed!”
“Looks like it, Jake,” the other muttered, angrily slamming shut the door. “He told us he’d leave the birds here, didn’t he?”
“Yeah. He telephoned me at my home early this morning and said everything was set. Figure he pulled a fast one?”