But Danny was determined to make him listen.
“Look here,” he said, “it’s all very well for you to say, ‘Dry up,’ but what would you say if you saw a chap chuck a good bike into a pond and then make off?”
“I’d say the chap who told me such a yarn was a liar,” said Fred. “I must go and report that you’ve got back,” he added. “You cut along home and stop telling everyone detective stories. Remember you’re a Wolf Cub, and not a kid any more. A Cub is truthful.”
Danny flushed to the roots of his hair. But he had the sense not to answer back, for he knew that if he did he would not be able to resist punching his Sixer’s head—and that would not be loyalty. So he turned and went sadly home.
But the strange thing he had seen was not to be put out of his mind so easily. Something must be done. He decided to go to the Scouts about it that night.
After tea he set out for the Scouts’ Headquarters. There was a meeting on. He banged at the door.
“What d’you want?” said the Second who opened it.
“I want to speak to Patrol-Leader Church,” said Danny. He felt sure his friend would give him a fair hearing.
“He’s away,” said the Scout, “gone to see his uncle at Thornhurst.”
“I’ve got something very important to report,” said Danny.