The Clue of the Hissing Serpent Read Online Free PDF

car, and drove back to Bayport.
    When they arrived at the Hardy house, Tony said, “Biff and I will help you make the repairs tomorrow, okay?”
    â€œThanks,” Joe said. “We’ll go down to the auto store first thing in the morning and get the parts.”
    Mr. Hardy had come home half an hour earlier and listened while his sons told about the weird balloon, the strange visit to Krassner, and the explosive charge in their tail pipe.
    â€œKrassner sounds like a man in trouble,” Mr. Hardy said. “Did he give any inkling of what’s bothering him?”
    â€œNothing, Dad,” Frank replied.
    â€œWell, boys, it’s after midnight. Let’s hit the sack and talk more about this tomorrow.”
    The next morning after breakfast Frank and Joe went to an auto store and returned with the necessary parts to repair their car.
    Biff and Tony were already waiting with a couple of heavy-duty jacks, and soon they were busy at work underneath the automobile.
    At lunchtime Mrs. Hardy brought out sandwiches. The boys got cleaned up and took a half-hour break, then continued with their installation. By one o’clock they had still not finished.
    Joe said, “Frank, why don’t you go over to the Snyders’, and I’ll stay here until the job’s done?”
    â€œGood idea,” Frank agreed. He washed the grease from his hands, took a shower, and put on clean clothes. He entered the Snyders’ house shortly before the salesman was scheduled to arrive.
    â€œI found a good place for you to hide,” Mrs. Snyder said. “Near the entrance of the living room is a closet with sliding doors. Get in there and peek out when the man comes.”
    â€œThank you,” Frank said. “That’s just perfect.”
    The bell rang. “Get inside, hurry!” the woman said and went to answer it.
    Frank hid in the closet and closed the doors, leaving only a small crack through which he could observe the living room.
    Mrs. Snyder walked in with a stocky man. He had a large black mustache and a beard, and introduced himself as Mr. Horgan.
    Mrs. Snyder beckoned him to sit down on the sofa. He did, putting a sample case on the floor. Then he opened the bag and revealed a large selection of costume jewelry.
    â€œHere are your earrings, ma’am,” he said. “A present from Associated Jewelers.”
    Mrs. Snyder accepted the gift graciously and put them on.
    â€œThey’re lovely,” Horgan said, beaming. “Now look at these other things, ma’am.”
    The woman examined the baubles which Horgan showed her. She tried on a necklace, held brooch after brooch to her dress to study the effect, and slipped several rings onto her fingers.
    Horgan looked up nervously once in a while. Then he stood up and walked to the window.
    â€œAre you expecting someone?” Mrs. Snyder asked.
    â€œNo, no. It’s just not my nature to sit still.” Horgan smiled. “Now which of these beautiful pieces of jewelry would you like to buy?”
    At this point Frank became aware of something he had not noticed before. He felt a slight movement in the darkness and reached out. The tail of a cat gently brushed past his leg!
    â€œGood grief!” Frank thought. “Another one. They’re even in the closet.”
    The animal wanted to get out and began scratching on the door. Frank picked up the cat, hoping to keep it quiet, while Horgan went on with his sales spiel.

    â€œGet inside, hurry!” Mrs. Snyder said.
    He would give Mrs. Snyder a lovely brooch if she would allow a friend to fit Mr. Snyder for a Hong Kong custom-tailored suit.
    â€œYou see, ma’am, the cost of labor in Hong Kong is very cheap and the tailors are excellent. My friend can take your husband’s measurements, airmail them to Hong Kong, and deliver the suit in about four weeks.”
    â€œI’ll have to ask Ralph about it,” Mrs. Snyder said. “Wait a moment.