Despite the urgency of getting back to the creek to dynamite the log jam, Brad determined to bring up the matter then and there.
“Dan and I very easily can explain why we’re here—” he began, only to have Mr. Silverton interrupt.
“There’s no need for you to explain to Dobbs, boys.”
“But we feel you should know, sir,” Dan broke in. “We brought two cocks which we found across the creek in a shipping crate.”
“In a shipping crate?” the owner of the pheasant farm repeated in a puzzled voice.
Dan explained how he and Brad had come upon the hidden path, and of seeing the two strangers who had complained of being double-crossed when they failed to find the crated pheasants.
“Dobbs, what do you know of this matter?” his employer demanded severely.
“Why, not a thing.” The foreman laughed nervously. “Not a thing. We built a little lean-to about a year ago where I sometimes keep a few tools. Haven’t used it in months or been near there.”
“You told me nothing of having built the shack, Dobbs. In fact, I find there are many things you neglected to report. Who are the men who have been trespassing on my property?”
“I wouldn’t know,” Dobbs whined. “I’ve never seen anyone use the old logging road.”