“A fellow by the name of Dobbs—Saul Dobbs. He looks after the place for Mr. Silverton. A rather disagreeable customer, I’m told.”
“I take it he doesn’t like visitors at the farm?”
“He drives ’em off,” the storekeeper said, handing Mr. Hatfield his change.
“That I wouldn’t know. But Silverton seems like a fairly decent sort of chap. Friendly and approachable.”
“No, in Webster City. Has an office in the Gardner Building there. On nice weekends, he drives out to the pheasant farm to look it over, but mostly he lets Dobbs run the place.”
“I see,” said the Cub leader, pocketing his change. “Well, good morning, sir.”
Outside the general store, the Cubs gathered in a group to discuss their next move.
“You heard how it stacks up,” said Mr. Hatfield. “If we want to visit the farm, we’ll have to see Mr. Silverton. That means a trip into Webster City. Is it worth the effort?”
“I wasn’t so crazy to see the place at first,” said Dan. “But now I am, if only to prove to Saul Dobbs that he can’t order us around.”
Red proposed that the Cubs descend upon Mr. Silverton in a delegation.
“That hardly seems wise,” replied Mr. Hatfield. “I think someone should stay in camp.”
“Why not appoint the ones who are to go?” suggested his son Fred.
“Me for one!” urged Chips instantly. “I can give Mr. Silverton an earful about that workman of his!”
The Cub leader smiled. “That’s what I’m afraid you might do, Chips. This mission requires diplomacy and tact—you know, smooth talk and control. I’ll delegate Brad and Dan.”
“How’ll we get there?” Dan asked, pleased to have been selected.
“I’ll take you in my car,” offered Midge’s father.
The Cubs hiked back to the river and rowed to their camp. Although the rain had ceased, the river, they noted, still was slowly rising.
Mr. Holloway immediately backed his car from the garage, ready for the trip to Webster City.
“Good luck with Mr. Silverton,” Sam Hatfield said as Brad and Dan climbed in beside Mr. Holloway. “Just give him the facts.”
“And don’t be afraid to talk up!” Chips added.
As the car pulled away, Dan stole a quick glance at Brad. Always he had admired the dark-haired older boy who seemed so sure of himself, yet never was conceited. An outstanding athlete for his age, Brad would enter Webster City High School in the fall.