“Well, for crying out loud!” Red cried indignantly. “Who is pulling this stuff? I say it’s time we get that guy and poke him in the nose!”
The Cubs and their leaders went back with Dan to view the painting. All trace of it had been obliterated.
“Even my materials are gone this time,” Dan said bitterly. “I mixed the colors so carefully too. I’m through!”
“We can’t blame you for feeling that way after twice losing your picture,” Mr. Hatfield said sympathetically. “This time we may as well forget about it, Dan. You’ve more than done your part.”
Dan remained silent for a moment, a little ashamed of his outburst.
“I suppose I could try it again,” he said after a moment. “Time’s short though. And there’s no assurance that the sand painting wouldn’t be ruined a third time.”
“Someone’s doing it out of meanness!” Red declared. “I still think Ross may have a finger in it.”
“We’ve just run into bad luck, that’s all,” Brad said. “Our troubles began when we lost the paddles and the blanket. Without a sand painting, I guess Den 1 will outshine us in the handicraft contest. But it can’t be helped. It’s not Dan’s fault.”
“I’m willing to start another painting,” Dan offered doggedly. “Maybe we could set up a guard to watch.”
Mr. Hatfield opposed this suggestion. “Someone would have to stay here on a twenty-four-hour schedule, Dan. That isn’t practical.”
“We’re tired and discouraged tonight,” Mr. Hatfield resumed. “Suppose we decide what to do about the painting tomorrow. Meanwhile, maybe Mr. Holloway or I will have an inspiration.”
So the matter was left. As the Cubs started up the slope toward Mr. Holloway’s home, Mr. Hatfield recalled that his hat was lying inside the hogan. Telling the Cubs not to wait for him, he went inside to get it.
A moment later he was outside the hut again, calling excitedly to the boys.
“Come back here a minute!” he shouted. “I want to show you something!”
At Mr. Hatfield’s shout, the Cubs, who had started toward the house, immediately turned back.
Dan was the first to reach the doorway of the hogan. He thought he could guess why the Cub leader had called.
“No such thing. Take a look at this!” Mr. Hatfield focused the beam of his flashlight on the floor of the hogan.