The Great Airport Mystery Read Online Free PDF

their jobs.
    â€œWork on the case from the outside,” he advised. “I’ll arrange to obtain a clearance for you at the airport, so you can roam around just like the regular personnel.”
    Frank smiled. “Then we’ll have lots of time to keep a close watch on Stanwide’s hangar.”
    Joe nodded. “And also, I’d like to investigate the wooded area where we saw Bush Barney. That mystery hasn’t been solved.”
    â€œGood idea,” Frank replied. “And let’s make our first look an over-all one—from the air.”

CHAPTER VI
    Aerial Mission
    â€œTHE meterologist at the airport says it should be clear tomorrow,” Frank announced as he put down the telephone.
    â€œI’ll call Ace Air Service first thing in the morning and arrange to schedule an airplane,” said Mr. Hardy. “What time do you boys want to take off?”
    â€œWe plan to photograph the wooded area with our aerial camera,” Frank answered. “If we arrive there shortly after twelve o‘clock, the sun will be almost directly overhead. There won’t be any shadows from trees and other objects.”
    â€œGood thinking,” Mr. Hardy said approvingly. “You’ll be less likely to miss important details that might be hidden if there were shadows.”
    The investigator said that, meanwhile, he would check into the ownership of the land.
    â€œIf it is private property,” said Joe, “I doubt it belongs to that fellow who chased us.”
    At that instant Aunt Gertrude entered the study, carrying a large tray of brownies and lemonade. She placed it on Mr. Hardy’s desk.
    â€œI’m sure you can all forget about your new case long enough to have a snack,” she said in a cajoling voice.
    â€œFrank and I have to watch what we eat,” Joe said jokingly. “We don’t want to get airsick tomorrow.”
    â€œAirsick?” the tall woman exclaimed, her eyes opening wider. “My word! So you boys intend to go flying around in a bouncy plane?”
    â€œWe’re just going up to take some pictures of crooks,” said Frank, grinning.
    â€œIsn’t your detective work dangerous enough here on the ground?” Aunt Gertrude asked sharply.
    Mr. Hardy reached out and patted his sister on the shoulder. “Doing detective work while flying isn’t any more of a risk than it is while riding in a car,” he told her reassuringly.
    But Miss Hardy was not convinced. “At least in an automobile”—she sighed—“you can get out and walk if the motor stops!” Shaking her head, she left the study.
    â€œBy the way,” said Mr. Hardy, “a fellow from the Bayport control tower delivered a small package for you boys this morning.”
    He extracted a set of keys from his pocket, unlocked his desk drawer, and took out the package. Frank eagerly opened it while Joe went to fetch their tape recorder.
    â€œThis,” Frank explained, “is the tape containing the conversation between the control tower and someone who sounds like Clint Hill. I thought if we listened to the recording several times, we might be able to identify the ‘ghost’ with one of our suspects.”
    At that moment a stout, cheerful-looking boy strolled into the study.
    â€œHi, Chet!‘ The Hardys grinned at the new arrival.
    Good-natured Chet Morton was one of Frank and Joe’s best pals. Although comfort-loving and not fond of danger, he was loyal and had often helped the brothers in solving mysteries.
    â€œHi, everyone!” Chet responded. Spotting the tray of refreshments, he eyed them hungrily.
    â€œYou’re just in time for a little snack,” said Frank, chuckling. Their friend’s large appetite was well known to all!
    â€œThanks. I thought I’d stop by and see what you and Joe are up to!”
    Just then Joe returned with the recorder. Frank put the tape on the machine and snapped the