The Clue of the Hissing Serpent Read Online Free PDF Page A

said. “The name sounds familiar.”
    â€œOur father is Fenton Hardy, the detective,” Frank explained.
    â€œThat cuts no ice with me. You think that entitles you to privileges?”
    â€œWe don’t want any privileges. Just give us a break so we can get this muffler fixed.”
    â€œTell it to the magistrate,” came the unyielding reply. “And now get in that bomb and follow me!”
    Disgusted, the boys returned to their car and drove after the policeman to Allendale. He pulled up in front of an old house which had been converted into headquarters.
    Inside, a small light illuminated the sparse office. The officer motioned for the Hardys to sit down, then made a phone call. Ten minutes later an elderly man arrived.
    He was wearing pajamas under a light coat and looked suspiciously at Frank and Joe. “What’s up?” he demanded.
    â€œThe charge is disturbing the peace while driving without a muffler,” the officer said. To the Hardys he explained, “This is the magistrate.”
    Without listening to the boys’ side of the story, the man declared, “Fine is twenty-five dollars.”
    â€œBut we don’t have that much with us,” Frank said.
    â€œThen we’ll have to lock you up. Besides, you can’t drive that car. It’s got to be towed away!”

CHAPTER V
    Cat Trap
    JOE was visibly frustrated. He started to reply, but Frank realized that saying the wrong thing would make matters even worse.
    â€œCool it,” he whispered to his brother. Then he turned to the magistrate. “Don’t you think this is a bit much, sir? We haven’t got the money to pay the fine and on top of that we can’t even drive the car. What do you suggest we do?”
    â€œThat’s your problem,” the judge replied with a curt wave of the hand. “The law’s the law. You stay here till that fine is paid.” With that he walked out the door.
    â€œBeing such a small town,” the officer said, “we just have one cell. Get the money up or in you go!”
    â€œMay I use the telephone?” Frank asked.
    â€œSure. Calling your lawyer?” the policeman asked.
    â€œOf course not. I’m going to talk to my father.”
    Aunt Gertrude answered, and to Frank’s dismay told him that Mr. Hardy was not home yet. But she detected the frustration in her nephew’s tense question.
    â€œAre you in trouble?” she asked, then answered her own question, “Yes, you’re in trouble. I can tell by your voice. Laura, get on the extension. The boys are in trouble!”
    Frank heard a click, then his mother said, “What’s the matter, Frank?”
    â€œWe’ve been arrested.”
    Both women gasped. “What for?” Mrs. Hardy asked.
    â€œThe muffler broke. The car makes an awful racket and the law says you can’t drive like that.”
    Frank explained where they were and his mother said, “That’s a shame. It would only be a short drive home.”
    â€œMakes no difference in this place,” Frank said quietly. “We need twenty-five dollars to pay the fine and we’ll have to get the car towed.”
    Joe gave his brother a nudge. “Ask Mother to get in touch with Tony Prito. He can pick up the money and rescue us with his father’s truck.”
    Frank nodded and passed on the information.
    â€œI’ll call Tony right away,” Mrs. Hardy promised.
    The policeman allowed the boys to sit in the office while they were waiting. An hour later a half-ton pickup stopped in front of the building. Out stepped Tony Prito, a handsome boy with black curly hair, whose father owned a construction company.
    â€œAre we glad to see you!” Joe greeted him. “This hasn’t been our day!”
    â€œAlways call Prito for immediate service,” Tony quipped. He handed Frank the money to pay the fine. Then the boys went out, put a tow-line from the truck to the