Mr. Silverton frowned at the request. “My foreman, Saul Dobbs, informs me that recently some of the pheasants have been stolen,” he said discouragingly. “Furthermore, boys have been sneaking in and scaring the birds.”
“Not the Cubs, sir,” said Dan earnestly.
“Perhaps not, but my pheasants represent a considerable investment. I can’t risk losing choice birds. I’m sorry, but if Dobbs told you to stay out, I’m afraid I’ll have to back him up.”
Dan and Brad exchanged a startled glance. Instantly it dawned upon them that the foreman already had prejudiced his employer against the Cubs.
“Dobbs told you about our visit this morning?” Dan asked.
“Yes, he telephoned to report you were there. He said you were quite insistent upon seeing the farm.”
“But, sir, that wasn’t exactly true,” Brad denied. “We were all walking along the trail, when up pops Mr. Dobbs with his revolver. He told us to leave, so we did, without any argument. Mr. Hatfield and Midge’s father were along and they’ll back me up in the statement.”
“You say Dobbs threatened you with a revolver?” Mr. Silverton asked, displeased.
“He didn’t exactly threaten us,” Dan answered truthfully. “He just put his hand on the holster to let us know he meant business.”
“We wouldn’t have turned-tail only we’re law abiding and we knew we had no right on the property without your consent,” added Brad.