Dan Carter and the Money Box Read online

  CHAPTER 19 "I Promise"

  Knowing that Mrs. Jones and the Cubs might not be able to hold the trampa prisoner very long in the barricaded basement, Dan ran as fast as hecould down the road.

  He had no idea which way Mr. Hatfield had gone. However, it seemed to himthat the house most likely to have a telephone, was a large white one aquarter of a mile farther on toward town.

  Dan was midway there when he saw a state trooper's car approaching. Hisheart leaped. Help, he thought, was at hand.

  Even before the boy signaled, the car came to a grinding halt a shortdistance away. Two state troopers were in the front seat, with Mr.Hatfield sitting between them.

  "Get in, Dan," the Cub leader said, as the door swung open. "Whathappened at the shack?"

  Dan tersely told him.

  "On to Mrs. Jones' place," one of the state troopers declared, shiftinggears. "We'll get the fellow!"

  As the car swung into the farmyard a few minutes later, Mrs. Jones metthe group at the door.

  "I'm glad you got here!" she said in relief. "That tramp has been makinga frightful fuss in the cellar. We were afraid he would break down thedoor."

  The troopers decided to accost the man from the outside exit, rather thansubjecting the Cubs to possible gunfire.

  With weapons drawn, the two officers flung wide the double cellar doors.

  "Come out or we'll shoot!" the order was given.

  The Cubs thought the tramp might defy the officers. However, in a momenthe came out of his dark hole, hands raised.

  Officer Peterson snapped a pair of handcuffs over the man's wrists andmarched him into the house.

  "Your name?" he demanded.

  "Carl Blakemore." The tramp blinked owlishly, his gaze roving from oneface to another.

  "You've been living in a shack near here?"

  "I've been sleeping there nights," the man muttered.

  "You're under arrest for stealing money from the home of Sam Hatfield.Anything to say?"

  "Not a thing," the tramp muttered. Then he suddenly changed his mind."Yes, I have too!" he announced. "I know you'll take me to jail, so I mayas well tell you the whole story. Not that you'll believe me!"

  "Go ahead," the trooper encouraged.

  "All right, I stole the money," the tramp frankly admitted. "The firstplace I took it from was the Merrimac house."

  "Then he was telling the truth when he said he'd lost a strongbox!" Danexclaimed. "The other claimants were false."

  "It was Merrimac's money," the tramp confirmed. "What's more, except fortwenty-five dollars I used to live on, every cent of it is still here inthe box."

  "How did the box get in the coal bin of the church?" Mr. Hatfieldquestioned.

  "I'm coming to that. But first I'd like to tell why I came to WebsterCity in the first place."

  "Tell the story in your own way," Trooper Peterson instructed him. "Youcan put your hands down now."

  "Thanks."

  "It's only fair to warn you that anything you say may be used against youin court."

  "I got nothing to hide," the tramp said with a shrug. "I've had a toughlife, knockin' around the world. Sometimes I've had enough toeat--sometimes I haven't. For awhile I worked on a lake freighter. Then Igot a bad infection in my leg. When I came out of the hospital, I wasbroke and discouraged.

  "I began to turn things over in my mind, wishing I could settle down andstart a new life. Then I remembered I had an uncle here in Webster Citythat was well fixed. I'd never paid any attention to the old duffer, orhe to me. I couldn't even remember his name. But I thought I'd drift outthis way and look him up. Figured he might stake me to a new start."

  "Who was your uncle?" Mr. Hatfield asked curiously.

  "You'll hear in a minute. Well, as I was saying, I came out here andtried to look him up. I didn't have any luck. Finally I was down to mylast dime.

  "I was desperate. I tried to get help from charity, but was told theycouldn't help me because I was a non-county resident."

  "Never mind all these details," State Trooper Peterson cut inimpatiently. "You robbed the Merrimac home?"

  "Yes, I heard talk in a pool room that the old man had a strongbox. Inoticed by watching the house that he was careless about locking hisdoors. So I watched my chance and slipped in. I found the box without anytrouble. But as I was leaving, I saw a photograph that gave me a terrificshock."

  "Mr. Merrimac's picture?" questioned the trooper.

  "No, it was a picture of my mother. In a flash, I knew that I was robbingmy own uncle, because he was the only person in Webster City who wouldhave such a photograph."

  "But you went through with the deed all the same?" Officer Petersonreminded him.

  "I didn't have time to think things to a conclusion," the tramp saidlamely. "As I was looking at the photograph, a woman came into the houseto do some work. Seeing her, I got panicky and fled."

  "With the money."

  "Yes, I kept it. But right away, my conscience began to bother me. I'dnever stolen anything before. The last thing I wanted to do was takemoney from my own relative.

  "I made up my mind I'd return it and then try to get Merrimac to helpme."

  "What changed your mind?"

  "Everything worked against me. First I made the mistake of hiding themoney box in the empty church. It was my bad luck that the Cub Scouts hada meeting there before I had a chance to get it back again."

  "You were the man we met on the street that night in the rain!" Danidentified him.

  "Sure, I asked you what was going on. That was the first I knew thechurch had been reopened."

  "Then later you peeked through the church window!"

  "I saw a light in the basement first," the tramp explained. "That gave mea real scare. But I had a worse jolt when I saw you kids had found themoney and were counting it."

  "You followed us in a car after we left the church?" Mr. Hatfieldinquired.

  "Where would I get a car?"

  "Then how did you learn where the money box was taken?"

  "I knew you'd either take it home or to the police station."

  "So you broke into my home later and took the box?"

  "I had to get it back."

  "You dressed as a woman so you wouldn't be recognized?" Mr. Hatfieldresumed the questioning. "You wore a black silk dress with diamond-shapedjet buttons?"

  "That's right!"

  "You mean you wore my dress!" Mrs. Jones exclaimed indignantly. "Why,then you stole it from the shed! You've been taking wood too!"

  "Only a little."

  "All this time I wrongfully was blaming Jack," Mrs. Jones said. "And theboy never once spoke up to set me right!"

  "After using the dress, I suppose you hid it in the hollow log in thewoods," Mr. Hatfield commented.

  "That's right," the tramp agreed. "For a while I slept in an unoccupiedhouse near here. After the contractor drove me away, I had to throw upthat shack in the woods. It was pretty cold at night."

  "What about the money?" Trooper Peterson reminded him.

  "There's not much more to tell. I made up my mind to return it toMerrimac like I said."

  "But you never did?"

  "I tried. Once I got into the house, but before I could put the box whereI'd found it, someone rang the doorbell. I had to get out fast!"

  "You could have left the money," the trooper pointed out.

  "I guess so," the tramp admitted. "I was sort of rattled. I just crawledout the back window and beat it as fast as I could."

  "After that, you didn't make another attempt to return the money?"

  "I didn't know what to do. I used a little to buy food. Oh, I was weakall right--I admit it. But it's the truth I never intended to steal frommy own uncle. I know you won't believe my story."

  "On the contrary, everything you have told us tallies with the facts aswe know them," Mr. Hatfield assured him.

  "Well, that's my story and it's all there is to it," the tramp said
,making a despairing gesture with his hands. "You may as well take me offto jail now."

  The troopers escorted the man to the waiting car. As the man left thehome, he paused in the doorway to direct a word to the Cubs.

  "No hard feelings, boys," he said. "You fellows made it plenty tough forme, but I'm not blaming anyone except myself. I led a useless life and Igot what's coming to me!"

  After the car had driven away, Mr. Hatfield told the Cubs they mustreturn to Webster City without further delay. So much time had elapsedthat he was afraid lest their parents worry.

  "Jack, we owe you a lot," he said, shaking the boy's hand. "Through yourcooperation, my name will be completely cleared, and Mr. Merrimac willhave his money again. Many thanks not only from me but from all theCubs."

  "Sure, that's okay," the boy replied in deep embarrassment. He hesitated,and then with a darting glance at Mrs. Jones asked: "Are you going tosend me back to the Institute?"

  "Send you back?" Mrs. Jones demanded with a quick laugh which had realaffection. "Why, Jack! What an idea! I need you here to help me."

  "You do? You aren't just saying it?" said Jack.

  "Jack, I truly need and want you," the widow repeated. "Since my own sonsgrew up, I've wanted another boy the worst way. One I could depend on.Shucks! I wouldn't have a boy without spirit!"

  "I'll never run away again," Jack said earnestly. "I promise!"

  "When a Cub gives a promise, he never breaks it," Mr. Hatfield remindedhim. "So be sure you really mean it."

  "I'm not a Cub," Jack said slowly. "I'd like to be one someday."

  "There's no reason why you can't join the organization if you're willingto live up to the rules," Mr. Hatfield assured him. "We'll give you alittle start now. Boys, show Jack the Cub sign."

  The boys all raised the two first fingers of their right hands, holdingthem high.

  "What does that mean?" Jack asked curiously.

  "Those two fingers signify the ears of the Wolf," Dan explained.

  "It's the Indian sign for 'intelligence,'" Mr. Hatfield added. "If youwant to be a Cub, Jack, you must learn to use your head instead of youremotions. Remember that the next time you're inclined to do somethingrash."

  "I'll remember," Jack grinned, making the sign with his right hand. "Fromnow on, you can depend on me. I promise!"

  CHAPTER 20 Knights of the Round Table

  In the Cubs' meeting room at the church, parents had gathered to witnessa knighting ceremony of the entire Pack.

  The room had been gaily decorated with colorful banners made by the boysof Den 2. Chairs had been arranged in a perfect circle to represent theRound Table.

  Earlier in the evening Den 1 already had offered its ceremonialperformance. Now it was time for Den 2 to show what it could do.

  From the ante-room where the Cubs were scrambling into their suits ofarmor, a buzz of conversation issued forth.

  "Hurry up, fellows!" Dan urged the others. "We're three minutes paststarting time now. Everyone all set?"

  "I can't get this flashlight to work," complained Red. As a torch bearer,he was assigned to hold a long pole with a flashlight attached to theend.

  "You've been playing with it too much," Brad told him. "Luckily, Ibrought some extra batteries. Here, put this in, and we'll be ready tostart."

  "I'm going to forget my lines," Babe mumbled, repeating them over andover.

  "You'll do fine," Brad encouraged him. "All ready, fellows? Dan, you'reto do the knighting honors. So get in there!"

  A trumpet, slightly off-key, blared a triumphal salute.

  Pulling his armor into place, Dan marched into the ceremonial hall totake his position in front of a torch bearer. Addressing the onlookingparents, he said clearly:

  "Among us tonight there are a few who have not yet joined the Knights ofthe Round Table. Although these newcomers have no armor of steel, theyare equipped with armor of good will, squareness and honor. So we aregathered here to welcome them into our circle. Bring the first manforward!"

  Brad, holding a torch high, led Jack Phillips from the sidelines. At asignal, the boy knelt on his left knee in front of Dan, who said:

  "As a knight of the Cub Scout organization, you must promise always to doyour part. You must follow our leader, obey his orders and give goodwill."

  "I promise always to do my best," slowly repeated Jack, who had beencoached in his lines.

  With his wooden sword, Dan tapped the boy lightly on the shoulder.

  "I dub thee a Knight of the Round Table," he said. "As a knight andmember of Den 2, you are expected to help with all our crusades. Arise!"

  As Jack scrambled up, everyone cheered and clapped. The ceremony however,was not over.

  "We welcome you, Sir Jack!" Dan continued. "Don your armor!"

  A suit fashioned from cardboard, burlap and roofing discs had beenprepared for the boy. Babe and Midge helped him get into the costume.

  Then as Jack reappeared all decked out as a knight, the other boys formeda double column, facing each other. Swords were raised above their headsto form a long archway. Jack walked through to take his place at the endof the line.

  Next, Babe, who was only a Bobcat, received the Order of the Wolf. Otherpromotions and achievement awards were given out.

  As a climax to the knighting ceremony, Dan was promoted from Wolf to Bearrank. The boy had worked hard to win the honor, learning rules of safety,making many handicraft articles and learning how to tie difficult knots.

  His most appreciated task however, had been the making of a fifty-pageDen scrapbook.

  In the book the boy had included press notices of Den meetings andactivities. Ten of the pages were devoted to snapshots of the Cubs and topublished accounts concerning the missing money box and its recovery.

  "This scrapbook will be one of the Den's most treasured possessions," Mr.Hatfield assured him at conclusion of the knighting ceremony. "It willserve always as a nice reminder of our little adventure."

  Before the evening was over, the Cubs were to have another very pleasantsurprise. Soon the Cub Master made the announcement for which everyonehad been waiting. Den 2 had won first prize in the knighting ceremony,with Brad and Dan being awarded individual honors for having the mostoriginal suits of armor.

  After congratulations were over, Dan thought to ask Mr. Hatfield if hehad heard what was to become of the tramp, Carl Blakemore.

  "He was in jail the last I heard," the Cub leader replied. "I was toldthough that Mr. Merrimac offered to go his bail. He investigated andfound that the fellow had told the truth about being his nephew."

  "Queer that he didn't know him by sight."

  "He'd never seen him--not even as a boy," Mr. Hatfield explained. "It wasquite humiliating for Mr. Merrimac to find out about Carl. However, he'smaking the best of a bad situation, and I understand, wants to help himif he can."

  The Den Mother and her helpers had prepared a fine supper for all theCubs. Dan and Mr. Hatfield were starting toward the table, when at thesame moment they saw a newcomer enter the church meeting room.

  "Why, it's Mr. Merrimac himself!" Dan exclaimed.

  The elderly man never before had attended a Cub meeting, and in fact,derived little enjoyment from social affairs.

  Now his gaze wandered from Cub to Cub until he had picked out Dan andBrad from the group. Made aware that he seemed to be looking for them,they went over to speak to him.

  "Well, boys," he said heartily, "I believe I made you a little promiseseveral days ago. And according to the code of the Cubs, a promise alwaysmust be kept. Right?"

  "Right," agreed Brad, smiling broadly. Already he had a notion as to whathad brought Mr. Merrimac to the Cub meeting.

  "You boys did me a big favor," the man continued. "I never expected tosee the color of my money again, but thanks to your fine organization Igot nearly every penny of it back."

  "Jack Phillips had a hand in it too," Dan reminded him.

  "I am fully aware of th
at," Mr. Merrimac nodded. "Fact is, I've talked tocourt officials about the lad. I mean to help him if I can."

  "He has a good home with Mrs. Jones," Brad said hastily. "What's more, helikes it there."

  "Oh, I have no intention of taking the boy away from her. That thoughtnever entered my head. I did think that later on, the lad may want alittle special schooling that Mrs. Jones may not be able to provide.That's where I aim to step into the picture."

  "Why, that's fine!" Brad exclaimed, while Dan echoed the sentiment.

  "To get back to the purpose of my call here tonight," Mr. Merrimacresumed. "You'll remember I promised that if my money were recovered I'dnot forget the church fund?"

  "Yes, but we wouldn't hold you to it," Brad said generously.

  "Tut! I always intended to give to the building fund. I was a bit testyabout it because of my loss. Well, I can see you're in a hurry to getstarted on those victuals, so I'll cut it short. Here's my donation."

  He handed Dan a check. The boy read the figure $1,500.00 and whistledsoftly.

  "Wow! This is more than generous, Mr. Merrimac! It's magnificent."

  "Your contribution will put the Cubs over the top!" added Brad.

  "That's all I have to say," Mr. Merrimac declared. "I have to get backhome now."

  "Stay for supper, Mr. Merrimac," Dan urged.

  "No, I want to be home," the old man replied. "My nephew is there now,you know. Came this afternoon."

  The information was new to the boys, but they tried not to showcuriosity.

  "Carl will stay with me for a while," Mr. Merrimac explained. "I was ableto get him off on probation. If he leads a straight life, as I think hewill, he'll be assured of a good home with me."

  "Your heart's in the right spot, Mr. Merrimac," Dan declared warmly.

  "Tut!" the old man chuckled, embarrassed by the praise. "Well, good-byeboys, or should I say, Sir Knights!"

  A delightful social hour followed for the Cubs, their parents andfriends. Among those present was Mrs. Jones, who seemed as proud of Jackas if he were her own son.

  All too soon to please the Cubs, it was time for the meeting to break up.Brad began to put away the swords and other items used during theceremony.

  Coming upon the scrapbook which Dan had made, he fingered through it.

  "You did a bang-up job recording the history of the Cubs," he praised."But why all the blank pages at the end?"

  "They represent the future," Dan laughed, stepping out of his armor. "Andboy! Judging from the past, what a future we'll have. How about it,fellows?"

  "We'll do our best to make 'er glow!" shouted Chips.

  The other Cubs, gathering up their belongings, signified agreement, bygiving a long and lusty wolf wail.

  "A-h-h-kay Iaa!" they shouted. "W-e-e-l d-o-o-o-o our Best!"

  On that note, the Cubs in a burst of enthusiasm, grabbed Dan and tossedhim a little way into the air. Then, like a pack of healthy young wolves,they raced out of the meeting hall.

  Transcriber's Notes

  --Silently corrected a few typos (but left nonstandard spelling and dialect as is).

  --Rearranged front matter to a more-logical streaming order.