But there was something more than this.
It would not have been exactly correct to say that Bob Dexter gave this party solely for the purpose of advancing him toward a solution of the Storm Mountain mystery—to help him discover the secret of the log cabin. For he had been planning to give a party for six months back—before he ever even dreamed that Hiram Beegle would be robbed of the treasure map.
However, the party now fitted well into Bob’s plans, and he took advantage of it to carry out a scheme he wanted to try.
The party was at its merriest, and the boys and girls were gathered in a ring about the organ grinder and his monkey, when Bob touched Ned Fuller on the arm.
Ned, who had been tossing nuts to the monkey, turned about and, in answer to Bob’s nod of the head, followed his chum to a quiet corner.
“What’s up?” asked Ned. “Want me to help you dish out the ice cream, Bob?”
“No, the steward will do that.”
“But something’s up—you look serious. Those fellows haven’t got old Hiram for good this time; have they?”
“Not that I know of. But I want you to take charge of things here for a little while.”
“Take charge of things?”