Mystery of the Desert Giant Read Online Free PDF Page B

responsible.”
    â€œYes. The hangar is out of the way,” Joe agreed. “He might have sneaked in here any time, especially during the night. He knew we’d go over Grafton’s plane sooner or later.”
    â€œThis proves that our movements are being watched a lot more closely than we realized,” said Frank soberly, pocketing the note. “I think it’s time to check with Dad. Let’s go!”
    The boys learned that Grafton’s plane had indeed been broken into and would be more carefully guarded in the future. Back in their motel room, Frank put through a long-distance call to Bayport.
    â€œHello, Mother! ... Yes, we’re all right. ... Everything’s fine. We’re enjoying ourselves very much.... Can you put Dad on, please? ... Oh!”
    Covering the mouthpiece with one hand, Frank told his companions, “Dad’s case has taken him out of town and Mother doesn’t know where to reach him. He left us a message.
    â€œGo ahead, Mother,” Frank resumed. For the benefit of Joe and Chet, he repeated the note as Mrs. Hardy read it to him.
    â€œHold up work at Blythe.... Proceed to Los Angeles.... Investigate Grafton’s business and interview his family.... Hope to see you before long. Dad.”
    The next morning as the three boys loaded their rucksacks, Frank grinningly whispered some order, then they went to the motel office.
    â€œLeaving so soon, boys?” the manager inquired.
    â€œYes, the country doesn’t agree with our friend’s appetite,” Joe replied.
    â€œNo place like home,” Chet Morton added.
    â€œIf we’ve left anything behind, will you send it to our address in Bayport?” Frank asked.
    â€œCertainly. Sorry you don’t like it here.”
    It was not until the three friends had taken off from the county airport that the subject came up again. Then, with a grin, Joe said, “Did we look dissatisfied enough? I was trying to play my part, but I almost burst out laughing instead.”
    â€œI think that manager will remember us all right when somebody asks him about us.” Frank chuckled.
    â€œHe’ll say we were in a mighty big hurry to leave Blythe and go back East,” Chet joined in the joking.
    â€œWhich is just what we want,” Frank declared. “Meanwhile, we’ll be in Los Angeles digging up clues!”
    The flight was a brief one. Soon Frank, Joe, and Chet were installed in a spacious room in one of the city’s older downtown hotels. While the brothers unpacked, Chet fussily inspected their quarters.
    â€œGood solid metal fire escape,” he announced, glancing out one of the windows.
    Chet announced he was going on an errand and went out. An hour later, as Frank and Joe were discussing a plan of action, he returned.
    â€œNo more detective work for old Chet today,” he announced brightly. “Here we are in Los Angeles, the movie capital of the world. I don’t know about you fellows, but I’m going out to a lot and watch them make movies. Behold!”
    With a flourish he produced three passes to a motion-picture lot. “I called up an uncle who lives here in town,” he explained. “What about it, fellows?”
    â€œYou go ahead, Chet,” Frank suggested. “Joe and I will see what we can find out about Grafton and Wetherby at police headquarters, and show the warning note. Meet you back here later.”
    At headquarters the Hardys spoke to the detective sergeant who had been assigned to the case. “We’re really stumped on this Grafton disappearance,” the man admitted ruefully. “Nothing to go on. And we don’t know much about Wetherby except what the Blythe police could give us.”
    â€œDo you think Mrs. Grafton would see us?” Frank inquired.
    â€œOh, yes. Poor woman, she’ll be grateful for your interest. You might stop at Grafton’s electronics plant, too. A manager operates it