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!"

CHAPTER 14 RED'S SLIP OF TONGUE

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.

"Something else stolen?" he demanded.

"No such thing. Take a look at this!" Mr. Hatfield focused the beam of his flashlight on the floor of the hogan.

Dan sucked in his breath, completely taken by surprise.

Skillfully laid out in brilliant colors, was a sand painting. In scope it was far more elaborate than the one which had been destroyed outside of the hut.

"Can you beat that!" Dan exclaimed. "How did it get here?"

Before Mr. Hatfield could voice an opinion, Mr. Holloway and the other Cubs had rushed up.

For awhile the hogan buzzed with excited conversation, as the boys speculated upon how the painting had been transferred.

"It wasn't really transferred, though the basic design is the same," Mr.

Hatfield pointed out. "Dan's painting was broken up so that the same materials could be used here to make this much more elaborate picture."

"Who did it, and why?" Dan demanded.

"Not Ross, that's sure," contributed Red. "He doesn't have that much skill."

"This picture was done by an expert," Mr. Holloway agreed. "An Indian, I'd judge. Note the skill with which the curving lines have been put on."

"Why was the picture made here?" mused Brad. "Why inside the hogan?"

"I think I can guess the answer," Mr. Hatfield replied. "Navajo sand paintings usually are done inside a hogan-often in the home of the person for whom a 'cure' is sought."

"And the custom is to destroy the painting before the day is done," Mr.

Holloway added. "By tomorrow morning, we may find this picture wrecked as were the others."

"Gosh, I hope not!" Dan exclaimed. "This painting is the best one yet."

"It will be just the thing to set off our handicraft exhibition at the pow-wow tomorrow," Brad declared. "We'll really have something nifty to show the Den 1 Cubs when they show up for the canoe race!"

"Can't we take turns guarding the hogan tonight?" suggested Mack. "I'm willing to take a trick."

Mr. Hatfield turned down the proposal. "Your parents wouldn't want you up all night," he said. "Furthermore, if you did stay up, you'd be no good for the pow-wow."

"But we don't want to lose this sand painting, Mr. Hatfield."

"Tell you what," Mr. Holloway volunteered. "My house is just up the hill, so it won't be a hardship for me to keep watch. I won't guarantee to stay here all night, or to prevent destruction of the painting. But I'm willing to check occasionally."

Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs thought the Den Dad would be taking too much upon himself. However, he insisted he wanted to a.s.sume guard duty, so finally it was agreed that he should a.s.sume responsibility for watching the river camp that night.

"Now, hike for home, boys," Mr. Hatfield directed when the matter had been settled. "Get a lot of sleep tonight. Remember, tomorrow is the big day."

The Cubs were thoroughly familiar with the program that had been planned.

Early morning hours would be spent in last-minute preparations. The pow-wow, a money raising project, would start before noon and continue into the early afternoon. Parents and friends of both dens had been invited to attend.

In addition to an exhibition of craft items, a canoe race, and minor athletic events, the organization had planned an elaborate ceremonial.

All Cubs planned to wear Indian costumes which they had made.

As a climax to the gathering, there was to be guitar music around a camp fire and the serving of "treats" from a chuck wagon.

A silver plaque would be awarded the den which won the highest number of points in both craft and athletic events.

Altogether, the Cubs felt that the pow-wow would be one of the most successful ceremonial affairs the organization ever had held. As an added attraction, the leaders had planned a side trip to the ravine where the parents and Den 1 boys for the first time would be given opportunity to view the mysterious carved face.

"I wish we had found out who carved the big head," Dan remarked regretfully. "I'll bet it was the same person who made this sand painting."

"And very likely the same one who is hiding in the cave," Brad muttered.

"What was that?" Midge demanded, not catching the mumbled words.

"Oh, nothing, just talking to myself," Brad answered. He knew that Mr.

Hatfield was not yet ready to reveal to the Cubs all of the observations made in the cave. Therefore, he remained silent.

Now that it was decided Mr. Holloway should remain to guard the camp, the Cubs were without means of transportation into Webster City. Mrs.

Holloway, however, offered to drive them into town. All reached their homes a little late, but in time for dinner.

"See you tomorrow early," Dan told Brad as they parted for the night.

"We've got a busy day ahead of us."

"Get a good night's rest," Brad advised. "Mr. Hatfield is putting us into the canoe race as a team. Midge will be a subst.i.tute."

Dan was pleased to learn that he and Brad had been chosen to represent the den in the all-important race. The announcement was not exactly a surprise. For a long while everyone had taken it for granted that the two Cubs would be selected. By far, they were the best canoeists, with Midge a close second to Dan.

"I'll see you in the morning," Dan bade his friend goodbye.

True to his promise, he turned in very early after putting a few finishing touches on his Indian costume. When the alarm went off at seven o'clock the next morning, he was out of bed in a flash, ready and eager for a full day.

"You're certainly br.i.m.m.i.n.g with pep today," his mother observed as he raced down the stairs for breakfast. "It's a beautiful morning too."