The Bombay Boomerang Read Online Free PDF

turns guarding the Hardy home while Frank and Joe were out of town.
    At the airport Jack greeted them with some disturbing news. “Two toughs have been asking questions about you. I didn’t know who they were so I kept my mouth shut and they went away no wiser than when they came.”
    â€œWhat’d they look like?” Frank asked.
    Jack described the pair.
    â€œSnap Brim and Beret,” Joe commented.
    â€œWhat’s that?” Jack asked.
    â€œThat’s the headgear they were wearing when we first met them,” Joe explained. “You see, we’re real close to those two. In fact, too close for comfort.”
    â€œNew case?” Jack inquired.
    â€œRight,” Frank replied. “Could their angle this morning have been to arrange an accident for our plane?”
    â€œThey might have had that in mind, but I didn’t let them anywhere near it. Every working part is in order. Well, I’d better turn the engine over a few times. Warm her up for take-off. Won’t take more than a few minutes.”
    â€œOkay,” Frank said. “I’m rather thirsty, so I’ll grab a quick cup of tea in the cafeteria meanwhile.”
    â€œI’ll come with you,” Joe said. “We’ll meet you at the plane, Jack!”
    As they were sipping their steaming tea, a voice echoed over the loudspeaker. “Calling Frank and Joe Hardy! Calling Frank and Joe Hardy!”
    They looked at each other in surprise. “What do you make of that?” Joe asked.
    Frank shrugged. “Let’s go find out!”
    They hastened to the desk and were informed that Mr. Marks wanted them to meet him at one of the airport repair shops. The clerk gave them directions.
    â€œSo Dad finally surfaced and right here!” Frank said. “Wonder why he picked this place.”
    â€œI was there with Jack Wayne once,” Joe replied. “He told me that it’s hardly ever used in the morning. At this time it should be vacant.”
    â€œThis could mean two things. Either this is on the level and Dad doesn’t want to be seen, or it’s a neat little trap set up by our two buddies.”
    â€œLet’s proceed with caution,” Joe advised as they approached the shop. No one was in sight. Frank slowly opened the door. There were power tools in one corner; drills, auger bits, and screwdrivers along the wall.
    â€œMr. Marks?” Frank called out.
    â€œSh! Over here, Frank!” came a whispered reply.
    The boys walked inside. Parts of a dismantled engine lay on a broad workbench. Crates stood piled up behind it. There were no workmen in sight.
    Suddenly Frank and Joe had visions of roman candles going off, followed by an explosion of blinding light. Then they blacked out!

CHAPTER V
    The Missing Missile
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    A VOICE that seemed to come from far off said, “Frank, Joe, wake up!”
    Groggily Joe opened his eyes. The repair shop came into focus. So did Jack Wayne, who was squatting on his heels and shaking him by the shoulder.
    â€œBoy, whoever clouted you on the head really did a good job!” the pilot said as the boys came to. “You both were unconscious when I found you!”
    â€œYou can say that again,” Frank groaned. “The place seemed empty when we came in. Somebody whispered ‘Over here,’ and it sounded just like Dad. Then, pow! The building caved in on us.”
    Joe rubbed the back of his head gingerly, wincing when he touched the bump caused by the blow. He rose unsteadily to his feet, bracing himself with one hand on the doorknob. “I didn’t see anyone, either. I’d swear we were mowed down by a runaway jetliner! Whoever sapped us must have been hiding behind the door.”
    â€œAnd he, or they, laid you two out like a couple of iced mackerel,” Jack observed.
    â€œWe walked right into that trap,” Frank said ruefully. “Should have known better. I bet Snap Brim and