Part 33 (1/2)

”Fine chance of that!”

”They may try to pull another job. What was the date on that coded message?”

”The 24th. I remember because it's the day of our Pack swimming meet.”

”That date may have significance,” Brad speculated. ”But it's not for us to decide. Let's get out of here now and give Mr. Hatfield all the facts.

Then he can take the responsibility.”

Dan knew that the older boy's advice was sound and should be followed.

But it was with a sinking heart that he followed Brad through the damp tunnel to the river.

He was willing to bet that neither the Cub leader nor police would favor another raid on the island. His attempt to straighten out matters had failed! Time had run out.

Through his bungling, the Cubs would lose their island camp. And there wasn't a thing he could do.

CHAPTER 14 Victory for Den 2

At the ”Y” swimming pool, Dan Carter and the Cubs lounged against the tiled wall, awaiting the signal for start of the long-awaited Pack meet.

The gallery was jammed with spectators, for parents and friends of both teams had turned out in large numbers to witness this decisive contest of the season. A large silver cup, to be awarded the winning Den, stood on a table in plain view of the swimmers.

”Gosh, I sure hope we can win that beautiful baby,” Midge said, gazing longingly at the trophy. ”Dan, we're depending on you to do your stuff!”

”I'll sure try,” Dan replied, s.h.i.+vering in his wet suit. ”But you know Ross! He's jet propelled. Furthermore, he hasn't forgotten how we won that last meet.”

As the boys talked, Ross himself sauntered past. He paused to hitch up his trunks and fix Dan with an amused eye.

”It's going to be too bad for you, little shrimp,” he jeered. ”This time, you won't win on a fluke! In fact, you won't win. Period.”

”Don't be too sure,” Midge cut in. ”Take a look at the events that have been posted.”

”What's different about 'em?” Ross demanded suspiciously.

”The coaches got together and subst.i.tuted a 75-yard free style for the 50-yard. They figure it's a better test of swimming form. In the shorter distance, a good turn at the wall gives a fellow a big advantage.”

”No one told me about changing the distance,” Ross muttered. ”I'm going to find out about this!”

The Cubs saw him arguing vigorously with his own coach and Mr. Hatfield.

The two men listened to his complaint but did not change the list of scheduled events.

”It's this way, Ross,” Mr. Hatfield explained. ”The Cubs steadily have increased their endurance as well as their speed. At the beginning of the season, a 50-yard swim was a hard race for everyone concerned. Now it's a breeze. The 75-yard freestyle is a far better test of one's real ability.”

”Sure, I guess so,” Ross admitted, but he looked worried. Though the Den 1 coach had urged him many times to practice the longer length, he nearly always had stopped short at the end of two turns.

While waiting for the starting signal, Dan at the other end of the pool allowed his gaze to wander over the packed audience. In the back row near the door he caught a glimpse of a short little man whose sharp-featured face gave him a start.

”Midge, look over there!” he muttered, nudging his companion.