“If only we knew whose store was to be robbed we would have something to work on,” suggested the scout leader, invitingly.
“Oh! I think I know that much even now,” admitted Ralph. “They seemed to be talking about the easiest way to get in, and I heard them mention old Mr. Ainslee several times, as if it was to be his jewelry store.”
Hugh would not have been human if he had not felt a chilling sensation pass over him upon learning to what extreme lengths the enemies of reform were willing to go in order to accomplish their purpose. This was to upset the prevailing conditions, and put the town back into the old rut that was winked at by the police and authorities, it being impolitic to notice them too closely.
His determination was immediately taken, for Hugh could often reach a conclusion as speedily as on other occasions he took time to make up his mind.
“Ralph, I was headed for home when you stopped me,” he went on to explain, “but after hearing what you’ve just said, I want to have Mr. Dobbs and the mayor know what those desperate men are thinking of doing. Would you mind coming with me and repeating your story to them?”
“Not a bit, Hugh; fact is, I expected that you would ask me to do so, and I’d made up my mind what to say. Sure, I’ll go along, and repeat every word.”
Accordingly the pair trudged their way to the parsonage, and were fortunate enough to find the minister in his study. Mr. Dobbs was a venerable man who always took a great interest in all the activities of the Oakvale boys. The scouts had no more sincere friend and advocate than he proved to be, even when the organization had been young, and much doubt had been expressed among the better people of the town as to the wisdom of allowing such a movement to crystallize.
He greeted the boys with his customary warmth.
“I’m very glad to have you drop in on me this way,” he told them. “If it is in search of any advice or other assistance, I shall be glad to know what I can do for boys I think so highly of. Tell me what your errand is this time, Hugh, my son.”
Of course the parson was highly indignant when he heard to what actual depths of depravity some of those men were willing to descend in order to undo the work of the loyal scouts, and the better elements among the residents of Oakvale.