Dan Carter and the Haunted Castle

by Mildred A. Wirt

  CHAPTER 19 A New Cub

  The point-blank question did not disconcert Billy Brekenridge.

  "Why, no, Grandfather," he replied soberly. "I didn't start the fire.That is, I don't think so."

  "You don't seem to be very certain, Billy."

  "Did you roast weiners that morning?" interposed Dan.

  "No-o," the boy replied, thinking hard. "Oh, yes, I did, too. It was onlya little fire though."

  "Little fires have a way of spreading into large ones if they arecarelessly tended," remarked Mr. Hatfield. "On that particular day astrong wind was blowing in the direction of the Castle."

  "Then you think I started that big fire?" Billy asked, his eyes wide andvery blue.

  "We're afraid you may have done it unintentionally," his grandfatherreplied. "Billy, I fear I have neglected you of late, not paying as muchattention to your comings and goings as I should have done."

  Billy said nothing, but stirred uncomfortably. He took it for granted hewas to be severely punished for having caused the fire.

  "Now there are other questions to be asked," his grandfather resumed."You're quite handy with a bow and arrow, I believe."

  "I should be," the boy answered. "I learned in England. My father taughtme."

  Ross Langdon produced the bow which had been picked up by the Castle.

  Before he could offer it to Billy, the boy claimed the property.

  "That's mine," he said. "I dropped it when I ran."

  "Then you're the ghost of the Castle?" Dan asked him.

  "I'm no ghost."

  "That's only the name we gave you. But you're the one who shot arrowsinto our target during the tournament?"

  "And the one who kept peeking at us as we acted out our movie scenes?"Brad questioned.

  "Sure," Billy admitted with a grin.

  "Then it follows that you're the mysterious archer who shot that arrownear Mr. Kain's automobile," Dan resumed. "You told us to search in RobinHood's Strong Box."

  "Did you find the treasure?" Billy demanded. "I know you did, because Isee Grandfather has the bag of coins."

  Colonel Brekenridge directed a stern gaze upon his grandson.

  "Why did you hide the coins in the Castle chimney niche, Billy?"

  "Because I wanted the Cubs to have 'em," the boy answered promptly. "Theyneed money to buy costumes for their play. This was all I had."

  If the Cubs had felt any resentment toward Billy, it melted upon themoment.

  "I'm certain you meant to be generous, Billy," his grandfather saidkindly. "You realize though that those coins are very rare and valuable.Your father gave them to you to keep."

  "I'm sorry, Grandfather. I didn't stop to think. I only wanted to help.The Cubs had to pay for all the damage done by the fire. I know 'cause Ioverheard 'em talking about it."

  Mr. Kain squirmed uncomfortably. Now that it definitely was establishedthe Cubs had been blameless in the fire, he was ashamed to have takentheir money.

  "A little mistake was made," he said gruffly.

  Colonel Brekenridge asked how much the Cubs had been required to pay.Learning that the amount was twenty dollars, he bade his nurse bring pen,ink and a check book.

  "Billy was entirely at fault," he told Mr. Kain. "It would be most unfairto hold the Cubs responsible for damage. I'll gladly repay the amount."

  Colonel Brekenridge made out a check to Sam Hatfield, instructing thateach boy be repaid the amount he had contributed.

  "Say, we'll get our costumes for the play after all!" Dan saidjubilantly. "We can buy a lot of special trappings!"

  "Whoop-ee!" chortled Midge, tossing his cap into the air. "Maybe we'llwin that contest yet!"

  "I'd like to make a little contribution to help along the cause," saidMr. Kain unexpectedly.

  From his billfold, he extracted two new ten dollar bills.

  "Oh, it isn't necessary to repay us," Dan protested quickly. "ColonelBrekenridge already has done that."

  "This is merely a little personal offering," the bank employee said,thrusting the money into the boy's hand. "I've learned a lesson indealing with the Cubs. Use this to buy whatever you need for your play."

  "Thanks, Mr. Kain! And may we keep on using the Castle grounds?"

  "As long as you like, or at least until the place is sold."

  "The Castle property is for sale?" Colonel Brekenridge inquired insurprise.

  "Yes, the bank has decided to get rid of it. The property is a whiteelephant, eating up an enormous amount in taxes and maintenance. It willbe a bargain though for anyone who can afford such a mansion."

  Now that everything had been arranged to the satisfaction of the Cubs,they had no further excuse for remaining.

  Brad arose from the steps and the other Cubs followed his example.

  "Oh, do you have to go so soon?" asked Billy, his face becoming downcast."Can't you stay and play with me just a little while? I'll let you use mybow and arrow and my Ping-pong table."

  His words and manner made it instantly clear to the Cubs that the boysuffered from loneliness.

  This fact also became evident to Colonel Breckenridge.

  "Billy," he said, "as I said before, I'm afraid I've neglected you inrecent months. Tell me, how do you spend your time?"

  "I don't know," the boy replied vaguely. "There's nothing to do here. Noone to play with ever."

  "So that is why you've roamed the woods and found mischief for yourself?"

  "I had to do something, didn't I?" Billy asked.

  "You could have had friends here."

  Billy gazed at the gardener and gave a snort. "Pete wouldn't let me! If Ieven let out a yip, he would tell me to be quiet--that I was making youworse."

  "I see," said Colonel Brekenridge quietly.

  "Whatever I did, the servants would tell me not to make so much noise,"Billy went on. "The only fun I had was watching the Cubs. I wish I couldbe one."

  "And why not?" interposed Mr. Holloway heartily. "You're the right age,Billy."

  "Also, you're mighty handy with a bow and arrow!" added Dan. "You couldteach us quite a few tricks."

  "Billy would be a real asset in our play," added Brad. "If we're to winthe prize, we need a few fancy marksmen."

  Billy's face had become highly animated. Springing up from the steps, hegazed anxiously at his grandfather.

  "Oh, may I join?" he pleaded. "May I, Grandfather? I promise I'll be asquiet as a mouse around here and never make you nervous."

  The colonel laughed. "Billy, you're the same as a Cub Scout right now, ifthe organization will take a rascal like you! Furthermore, your days oftiptoeing around lest you disturb me are at an end. I'm well on the roadto recovery. A little healthy boy-noise will do me good for a change!"

  Billy now turned to Mr. Hatfield, eagerly demanding to know if he mightbe taken into the organization.

  "Of course we want you," the Cub leader assured him. "We'll have theinitiation as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you may take part in all ouractivities."

  "The Robin Hood play?"

  "Certainly."

  Dan now spoke up. "I think Billy should be Robin Hood," he saidgenerously. "We all know he's a better shot than anyone in the Pack."

  "I'd like to be in the play, but I don't want the lead part," Billyreplied.

  Mr. Holloway pointed out that many of the scenes had been filmed. Toplace Billy in the leading role at such a late date would mean retaking agreat deal of film.

  "We'll find a role for him," he promised. "Give me time to think ofsomething."

  The boys told Billy a little about the Cub organization and particularlyof their plans for the play.

  They were amazed to learn that the boy not only was thoroughly familiarwith the Robin Hood story, but had visited the real Nottingham Castle inEngland.

  "You're going to be a big help to us in supplying authentic detail forthe play," Mr. Holloway assured him.

  Colonel Brekenridge remarked that it was appr
oaching the luncheon hour.He would not hear of the Cubs leaving.

  Instead, he invited them all to remain for a picnic lunch.

  "Pete will look after everything," he said, chuckling at his own joke."He likes visitors, you know."

  Billy was thrilled to think that the Cubs would remain. He flew about,issuing orders to the servants and telling them exactly what he wantedfor lunch. Double tables were set up under the trees and a cloth wasspread.

  Although unable to join the group, Colonel Brekenridge watched from hiswheel chair on the veranda.

  "How does the story of Robin Hood end?" Midge asked, as the boys sateating hamburger sandwiches. "You've never told us, Mr. Holloway."

  "Robin Hood had a long and merry life in Sherwood Forest," the Den Dadresponded. "If we like, we may end our story on that note. I was thinkingthough, that an epilogue might be added. In this, Billy could play thepart of Robin Hood in his old age, and shoot the last arrow."

  "How does the epilogue go?" asked Brad.

  "The story is this," Mr. Holloway explained. "Robin Hood had leftEngland, but as springtime returns, he craves again to roam the woodlandsof his beloved Sherwood Forest.

  "He renews acquaintance with his old friends, Little John, Will Stutely,Allan-a-Dale and Midge, the Miller.

  "Finally he falls ill of a fever, and seeks the aid of his cousin, thePrioress of Kirklees. The woman always has disliked Robin Hood and plotsto bring his downfall."

  "She locks him in a room of the tower and allows him to weaken!" declaredDan, who recalled the story. "A long while elapses before Little Johnhears his faint cries for help. By the time he traces the call and breaksdown the oaken door, Robin Hood is on the verge of death."

  "Yes," Mr. Holloway nodded, "and when Robin Hood realized that his hourhad come, he bade Little John string his stout bow for him and choose asmooth arrow from his quiver.

  "Then from his bed, Robin Hood prepared to shoot through the open window.He directed Little John to dig his grave where the arrow came to rest."

  "I don't like a sad ending to a story," Midge protested.

  The other Cubs, however, favored adding the epilogue. They thought it notonly would round up the story with a most effective scene, but would giveBilly Brekenridge a chance to play a star part.

  "I'll fix myself up to look like an old man!" the boy declared happily."I can shoot that arrow from a lying down position easy as anything."

  Throughout the morning, Mr. Kain had been increasingly impressed not onlyby the Cubs but by their plans for the Robin Hood play.

  "When will it be given?" he asked Mr. Hatfield.

  The Cub leader told him that plans had been made to present the playbefore three judges the following Saturday. An invitation also would beextended to parents to witness the show.

  "This play deserves a larger audience," Mr. Kain declaredenthusiastically. "Why not put out posters and invite the town?"

  "We'd like to do that, Mr. Kain. The boys have worked hard. We wereafraid though, that the bank might not want so many people tramping overthe grounds."

  "Let me take care of that," replied the bank employee. "After the way theCubs saved the property for us, I'm sure we owe them a little something."

  The Cubs were delighted by Mr. Kain's change of attitude.

  They were even more pleased when he went on, saying: "From watchingrehearsals and listening to an outline of the epilogue, I plainly seeyou're handicapped by having to do all your scenes outdoors."

  "Yes, we are, but that can't be helped," Mr. Hatfield agreed.

  "Why not do the final scene inside the Castle at the window?"

  "Could it be arranged?"

  "I'm sure of it. I'll see the bank president this very afternoon and letyou know." Mr. Kain arose and picked up his hat. "Well, good-bye boys,and good luck in winning the contest," he said. "It's been mosteducational knowing you."

  After Mr. Kain had gone, the Cubs remained for another two hours at theBrekenridge estate. Billy seemed pathetically eager for companionship.

  He showed them about the grounds and displayed his archery equipment. Notin the least boastful, the boy, at request of the Cubs, demonstrated hisability with bow and arrow.

  "I've practiced for years," he said. "My father taught me in England.You'll all be as good or better than I am, after you've practicedawhile."

  "We doubt that," laughed Dan. "All the same, it will come in handy havingyou to do a little behind-the-scenes shooting."

  "I'll be your double," Billy volunteered. "Whenever a scene requires veryaccurate shooting, I can substitute for you, but my face won't show."

  Details of the various scenes in which both boys would take part wereworked out. Then it was time for the Cubs to leave.

  "You'll come again--soon?" Billy asked wistfully, escorting the group tothe estate entrance.

  "Sure," Dan told him. "As often as we're invited."

  "That will be every single day!" Billy laughed. "You won't forget yourother promise--to make me a Cub?"

  "No one can make you a Cub," Dan replied. "That's up to you. You may besure, though, we'll take you into the organization."

  "The initiation will be soon," Mr. Hatfield promised. "Meanwhile, boys,let's all remember the Cub motto--'Do Your Best.' If we're to win firstin the play contest, we all must put forth top effort."

  CHAPTER 20 Epilogue

  On the day set for the presentation of the Cubs' Robin Hood play, theboys of Dens 1 and 2 arrived early at the Castle grounds.

  The weather had favored them. A rain the previous day had settled thedust and the air was pleasantly cool.

  "Everything's perfect," Brad declared in satisfaction. "Now if we don'tmuff our lines, we're all set."

  "I don't know," Dan replied, none too confident. "I almost wish we hadadopted Ross' idea and put on an Indian pow wow instead of such anelaborate presentation."

  "Don't you think it!" the Den Chief replied. "Just as Mr. Hatfield said,Indian shows are a dime a dozen."

  "That one the Hi-Y Club put on was good though, Brad. We have realcompetition."

  The previous night the Cubs had witnessed the Indian skit presented byanother competitor for the grand prize. As Dan remarked, it had been verygood indeed.

  Ten organizations finally had entered the contests. Six of theperformances had been of mediocre caliber. The other three, however,definitely were in the running for the prize.

  "Don't forget, the last things usually are best," Brad encouraged hisfriend. "We've worked hard and we should win."

  "We should, but will we?" Dan countered. "The shooting match is our bigscene. If I should get nervous and miss the target--that would ruineverything."

  "You won't be nervous, Dan," Brad said. "Quit your worrying. Now let'sget into our costumes. The crowd soon will arrive."

  For the occasion, the bank had opened the Castle to visitors. One roomhad been set aside as the Cubs' dressing quarters. Here all of the Cubshad gathered.

  "At any rate, we have top-notch costumes," Midge declared in satisfactionas he scrambled into his tight-fitting suit of green. "Thanks to Mr.Brekenridge and the bank officials!"

  The room buzzed with conversation. Red could not find his cap with theyellow feather. Chips, certain that he would forget his lines, keptmumbling them over and over. Everyone talked at once, and no onelistened. Of the group, Billy Brekenridge appeared the most calm.

  "I wish I had your confidence," Dan told him enviously.

  "Oh, I don't need any," the boy laughed. "My part is small, at the veryend. I know I can shoot Robin Hood's last arrow straight and true."

  "Wish I could be as sure of myself," Dan sighed.

  "Just relax and don't think about the crowd," Billy advised him. "You'veimproved a lot in practice this last week. You'll do fine."

  The crowd soon began to arrive, everyone seating themselves on the grassnear the Castle. Presently, Mr. Hatfield brought word that the judges hadappeared.

 
; "I have news for you," he told the Cubs. "The judges may announce thewinner of the contest at conclusion of our performance. All the otherplays have been given, you know. Ours is the last one to be graded."

  "I hope they award us something for effort," Chips said grimly.

  Mr. Hatfield explained that the grading would be according to strictrules. A certain number of points were to be allowed for originality ofmaterial, a certain number for costumes, stage direction, acting ability,and general effectiveness.

  By two o'clock, the hour set for the start of the play, a large thronghad gathered on the Castle grounds.

  The Cubs were amazed to see Colonel Brekenridge in the audience. He satin the shade in his wheel chair, accompanied by his nurse.

  At last came the moment of starting. Four trumpeters announced theopening with blasts from their instruments.

  Although all scenes had been taken many times, Mr. Holloway had postedhimself at an advantageous position to make a final filming of the play.It was planned that the picture later would be offered to otherorganizations for showings.

  The play began with the prologue in which Robin Hood encountered LittleJohn at the bridge.

  Their sprightly duel evoked much laughter from the crowd and went offwithout a single mistake.

  "Even the judges were laughing," Brad whispered to Fred. "We're doing allright so far."

  As the play unfolded, the audience learned that a reward of two hundredpounds had been offered for Robin Hood's head, and that the Sheriff ofNottingham had sworn he himself would seize the outlaw.

  The Cubs were uncertain how Ross Langdon would act his role. Duringpractice he had alternately sulked or clowned.

  As it developed, the doubts proved needless. Ross was as determined asthe other Cubs to win honors for the Pack. He spoke his lines carefully,and his blustering manner exactly fitted the role.

  Finally, came the vital scene of the play, the shooting match atNottingham Town.

  When Dan's turn came to shoot, he could feel his heart hammering againsthis ribs. The other archers in the scene had shot their arrows flyinginto the target.

  And, as luck would have it, two of the shots had been especially good. Touphold the role of Robin Hood, he must beat both of them.

  "Gosh! Do your best, Dan," Midge whispered to his friend. "I didn't meanto put an arrow in the gold. It slipped away from me!"

  Dan dared not look too long at the target. Drawing the bow, he loosed thestring.

  For a moment he stood motionless, his eye fixed upon his point of aim. Hewas afraid to hope. If the arrow failed to beat the other two--the matchwas a farce!

  Then a shout went up and the audience began to clap.

  The arrow had flown straight and true, lodging inside of the other two,and clipping a bit of feather from the one Midge had shot.

  "Bravo!" shouted Midge. "A beautiful shot!"

  The play moved on swiftly now to the epilogue.

  In this final scene only Billy Brekenridge and Brad appeared, the latteracting his role of Little John.

  Billy had been made up to look very old. Propped on pillows, he reclinedjust inside the Castle, but visible to the audience.

  As the camera began to grind, Brad as Little John opened wide thewindows.

  An amplifier carried Robin Hood's final words to the audience. Speakingwith a great deal of feeling, Billy instructed Little John to make hislast resting place the spot where his arrow fell.

  Then, raising himself upright, he drew the bowstring. Out through theopen window sped the arrow. A perfect shot, it fell in a green bowerdirectly in view of the judges.

  A blast from the trumpets signalled the end of the performance.

  "That was swell, Billy!" Brad cried, grasping his hand. "Your shotcouldn't have been better!"

  "Where that arrow fell we'll place our target for the archery range,"Billy said dreamily. "I've got it all planned."

  Brad was too excited at the moment by the success of the play to wonderwhat the boy meant.

  Parents poured around the Cubs, congratulating them upon their fineacting.

  Though pleased that it was over, the Cubs were none too confident ofvictory. The judges, they noticed, had gone into a huddle. Apparently,they were in disagreement, for they seemed to be arguing rather heatedly.

  "No soap," Chips muttered hopelessly. "I stumbled over my lines in oneplace. I'm sure that prejudiced one judge. I saw him looking hard at me."

  Ten minutes elapsed. Then word came that the judges were ready toannounce their decision. George Hutton, as spokesman for the group,stepped out in front of the expectant audience.

  "The task of choosing the best play from among ten entries has been mostdifficult," he began. "All have had exceeding merit. In the unanimousopinion of the judges, however, one presentation has been outstanding inevery respect."

  "_Which_ one?" whispered Midge impatiently. "Can't he ever get to thepoint?"

  "First prize is awarded to the Cub Scouts for their play 'Robin Hood,'"Mr. Hutton announced. "From start to finish, the presentation was a_finished_ production."

  After that, there was no containing the pride of the Cubs. As they talkedgleefully of their success, however, they gave full credit to Mr.Hatfield, Midge's father, and to Brad and Dan who had contributed soheavily of their time.

  Now that the winner had been announced, the crowd began to leave. Mr.Holloway called the boys together to thank them for their splendid effortand to tell them that already he had received many requests to show theRobin Hood film.

  "Just think!" Fred said jubilantly. "Now that we've won the prize, we'llhave a complete archery set! Bows and arrows for everyone and targets!We'll have a chance to really become experts."

  "We'll need an archery range though," Red pointed out. "Now that our playis finished, we can't expect the bank to allow us to keep on using thesegrounds."

  "That's so," Fred admitted, a trifle crestfallen. "Well, at any rate,we'll have Billy here to teach us how to shoot."

  "Speaking of Billy reminds me of an important matter," remarked Mr.Hatfield, who had overheard the conversation. "Officially, he isn't a Cubyet."

  "Why don't we initiate him?" demanded Chips.

  "Soon, too," chimed in Dan. "We need Billy."

  "I was thinking the same thing," agreed the Cub leader. "ColonelBrekenridge is here now with his nurse. He may never be able to come toone of our meetings--"

  "He'd like to see Billy taken into the organization!" Brad exclaimed."Why not induct him right now?"

  All the other Cubs favored the plan. Gathering the boys in a circle, Mr.Hatfield briefly explained the ideals and goals of the organization.

  "A real Cub is square," he told Billy. "Also he is reliable and loyal. Hesticks by his friends. A Cub prides himself upon being fair to others.Last but far from least, he always tries to be cheerful."

  The Cub leader then explained further that the five ideals, SQUARE,LOYAL, FAIR, HAPPY and GAME, were represented by the five fingers of theCub's left hand.

  Billy then was asked to repeat the Cub Promise:

  "I, Billy Brekenridge, promise to do my best, to be square and to obeythe law of the Cub Pack."

  All of the Cubs of Dens 1 and 2 repeated the Law of the Pack:

  The Cub Follows Akela. The Cub Helps the Pack Go. The Pack Helps the Cub Grow. The Cub Gives Good Will.

  The boys showed Billy the official handclasp and how to make the Cub signwith the two first fingers of the right hand.

  "You're a full fledged Bobcat now!" Brad told him when the ceremony hadbeen completed. "Work hard and you'll soon be a Wolf."

  "And after that a Bear and a Lion!" laughed Ross Langdon. "It's hardgoing though."

  Colonel Brekenridge, who had witnessed the ceremony, asked his nurse towheel him to the group.

  Congratulating his grandson upon his entry into the Cub organization, hethen cordially invited the boys to come to his estate whenever they feltthe urge.

  "I don't expect to be living there long though,"
he added. "The place hasbeen none too satisfactory."

  This information rather dashed the expectation of the Cubs.

  "You're not moving away from Webster City, Colonel Brekenridge?" Danquestioned. "We'd hate to lose Billy right after taking him into theDen."

  "Oh, no," the colonel reassured the boys. "I expect to make my home here.I have bought a place of my own."

  "In this section of the city, I hope," Brad said politely.

  "Very much so." Colonel Brekenridge smiled at the boys, and addedcasually, "In fact, you're standing on my property now."

  The Cubs were dumbfounded.

  "You mean you've bought the Castle?" Dan demanded.

  "The deal with the bank was completed yesterday. I expect to finish thehouse as the designer originally planned it. The grounds will be clearedand replanted with shrubs and flowers."

  "Say, that's great!" Chips declared, and all the boys nodded agreement.

  "You'll be welcome here at any time," the colonel continued. "For thatmatter, to make certain you'll come, I may offer a few inducements."

  "Picnic tables," suggested Billy eagerly. "Outdoor grills andfireplaces."

  "By all means," agreed his grandfather. "We'll cut the brush from thewoods and make interesting trails."

  "The Cubs can help with that work," volunteered Dan.

  Colonel Brekenridge smiled at his willingness.

  "The Cubs have done their share of brush cutting," he said. "I want thisplace to represent sheer fun for the boys."

  "Say, we're going to like that!" laughed Midge.

  "I guess SO!" chuckled Red.

  "The Cubs need an archery range," suggested Billy.

  "I intended to ask about that," said his grandfather. "Billy, fetch a bowand arrow."

  The boy ran to do his bidding. When he returned with it, the colonelplaced the bow in Dan's hands.

  "Now, Robin Hood, you must shoot this arrow with care," he advised. "Forwherever it falls, there shall be the Cubs' future archery range."

  "I know exactly the stretch we need!" declared Dan. "If only I don't missmy aim."

  As the other Cubs gathered about him, the boy raised his bow and tookcareful aim.

  Away sped the arrow, straight and true to fall to earth exactly at thespot he had planned.

  "There lies our future archery range," he said, smiling at Billy. "Here'sto our success!"

  "And here's to the best marksman," added Brad. "The Bobcat who taught usthe tricks of Robin Hood's trade!"

  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.

  --Corrected one speaker in dialog (from "Dan" to "Russ").