As the Cubs left the camp to return home for supper, Dan was in a very dark mood. Not only was he discouraged over the loss of the Navajo blanket, but he wondered how the sand painting ever could be properly completed.
“That’s right,” Brad sympathized with him. “You were using the design on the blanket for the sand painting, weren’t you? That is tough.”
“I made a rough sketch of it. But it’s not a very good job. The design is so complicated, I doubt the Cubs can follow it.”
“Yes, but we have the center all done. I guess it’s better to go on, but it’s going to be hard.”
“We ought to get that blanket back somehow, Dan. Professor Sarazen didn’t say so, but I have a hunch it’s worth a lot of money.”
“Losing it has taken all the fun out of planning for the pow-wow. Any idea what became of it, Brad?”
“An idea maybe. But nothing we can act on.”
The two Cubs had reached Morton and White St., where they must separate to go to their individual homes. They paused in front of Grisby’s Grocery Store to say goodbye.
Standing there, Dan chanced to glance through the big plateglass window where an array of fruit had been temptingly displayed.
It was not the fruit, however, which held his attention. Instead, his gaze fastened upon two men inside the store. They stood at the counter, making purchases from Mr. Grisby, the owner.
“Our friends!” Dan exclaimed. “Looks as if they’re buying camp stuff. At least they’re getting enough to last ’em awhile.”
Brad turned to stare through the big grocery store window.
“White Nose and Eagle Feather!” he exclaimed.
“Let’s go in and talk to them,” Dan suggested impulsively.
“I’d like to—very much,” Brad said, thinking of the missing Navajo blanket. “I’d like to ask them some questions. It might not be wise though.”
“I know what you mean, Brad. The same suspicion is in my mind.”
“We don’t dare accuse them of anything, Dan. We have no proof.”
“Oh, I realize that. But at least we can talk to ’em. We might learn something.”
“We could make the excuse of inviting them to our next Cub Scout meeting.”
“Not a bad idea,” Brad instantly approved. “White Nose and Eagle Feather could tell the Cubs about Indian customs. Let’s do it!”
Their minds made up, the two boys entered the grocery store.