The Great Airport Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page A

platinum racket is a slick operator,” Joe remarked.
    Unheard by the boys over the hum of the ventilating system, an overhead hoist was being put into operation. It was only a short distance behind the two young detectives. A heavy piece of machinery was slowly lifted off the floor, then edged to a position directly above Frank and Joe.
    Suddenly the boys were startled to hear the sharp, metallic snap of a release clutch. This was immediately followed by a deep whirling sound directly above them. Frank and Joe looked up instantly. A massive bulk of metal was plunging toward them!
    The boys made a frantic leap and went tumbling across the floor. The hurtling object pulverized the crate on which they had been seated, and sent splinters of wood and metal in all directions.
    â€œThat was close!” Joe exclaimed.
    Frank said grimly, “Someone did that on purpose!”
    As the boys scrambled to their feet, a door slammed violently at the far end of the warehouse. The Hardys ran to the door and flung it open. No one was in sight. They hurried outside and were about to search the area when they were confronted by a company guard.
    â€œHold it!” he ordered. “What’s going on here?”
    â€œDid you see anyone run from the warehouse just now?” asked Frank.
    â€œNo one but you two!” the guard retorted. “I thought I heard a loud crash inside the building. What happened?”
    The boys told him of the incident, and added that immediately after the crash they had heard someone fleeing from the building.
    The guard eyed them with suspicion. “We’d better go inside and take a look.”
    Frank and Joe were annoyed at being delayed but had no choice in the matter. The man herded them into the warehouse and peered down at the huge, twisted piece of machinery on the floor. It not only had crushed the wooden crate, but had embedded itself deep in the concrete floor.
    â€œWhat’s the big idea of lying about this?” he thundered. “You caused this accident, but you’re blaming it on someone else!”
    â€œWe had nothing to do with it!” Joe protested angrily. “And besides, we might have been killed. We were sitting on that very crate.”
    â€œOh, yeah?” the guard sneered.
    Frank looked hard at the man. “We demand to see Mr. Allen!” he said.
    â€œThe head of the company?” the guard asked. “Fine chance of that. Mr. Allen’s a busy man. He wouldn’t have time to talk to a couple of kids.”
    â€œI wouldn’t be too sure of that!” Joe warned.

    The massive bulk of metal plunged toward the boys
    The guard was bewildered by the demand. He broke into a nervous grin.
    â€œWe don’t have to bother Mr. Allen,” he said. “Somebody might lose his job because of this. Besides, this equipment is being discarded. Let’s just forget the whole thing.”
    The young detectives did not answer. They left the warehouse and returned to their jobs.
    â€œThat guard certainly changed his attitude in a hurry when we asked to see Mr. Allen,” Joe remarked.
    â€œPerhaps he’s afraid that he’d lose his own job for not keeping a closer eye on things,” Frank suggested. “After what happened, we’d better watch our step around here!”
    After supper that evening Frank and Joe joined their father in his study. The boys told him about their narrow escape, and of their failure to uncover any clues.
    â€œI’m sure our real reason for working at Stanwide is suspected,” said Frank.
    Mr. Hardy agreed, and added, “As long as you continue to work at Stanwide, the thieves will probably lie low and you won’t learn anything. Besides, it’s too dangerous for you there. Your close call in the warehouse sounds as if the thieves are already trying desperately to get rid of you.”
    The sleuth advised his sons to report to Mr. Allen everything that had happened, then resign