The Great Airport Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page B

“Start” switch. Seconds later a ghostly voice issued from the speaker.
    â€œWhat is that?” queried Chet with a look of genuine astonishment.
    â€œYou’re listening to a ghost.” Joe grinned.
    â€œGhost!” Chet replied scornfully. “That caterwauling wouldn’t even scare a nervous cat.”
    They played the tape several times. Chet tried to imitate the eerie voice.
    â€œThe dead can tell no tales!” said the tape.
    â€œThe dead can tell no tales!” Chet repeated.
    â€œThat’s a pretty good imitation.” Frank laughed. “Maybe you can get work haunting houses.”
    The Hardys listened to the tape a few more times, but were unable to associate the “ghost” with any of the suspects they had encountered.
    Chet, who by now had consumed most of the brownies, glanced at his watch and announced it was time for him to go home. As he left the study, the boys were amused to hear him mumbling, “The dead can tell no tales!”
    The next morning Frank and Joe drove to the Stanwide Mining Equipment Company. Mr. Allen welcomed them with a smile as they entered his office.
    â€œHow has the case been coming?” he asked. “Have you managed to uncover any clues?”
    â€œWe haven’t found much to go on,” Frank said regretfully.
    The boys told him about their visit to the Stanwide hangar, and described all that had happened during their masquerade as employees. Mr. Allen expressed deep concern over their narrow escape in the warehouse.
    The Hardys said they were certain that, somehow, information had leaked out as to their real reasons for working in the plant. He agreed that it might be too dangerous for them to continue their undercover work there.
    â€œI’m disturbed to hear about Art Rodax’s conduct,” Mr. Allen declared. “I won’t have a man of his character working for my company!”
    â€œI suggest you say nothing to him,” Frank urged. “Every one of your employees is a suspect at present. If Rodax is fired, it may spoil our chances of getting to the bottom of the platinum thefts.”
    Frank also pointed out that it would be unwise for Joe and himself to resign suddenly from their jobs. This might make it appear that their investigation had uncovered some clues and would put whoever was involved in the thefts doubly on guard.
    â€œThen what will you do?” Mr. Allen asked.
    â€œWe’ll get ourselves fired,” said Frank.
    â€œHow?” his brother questioned.
    â€œFrom the beginning, Rodax has resented our being hired,” Frank said. “Maybe it’s because he’s mixed up in the racket, and he knows about us. Anyhow, I’m willing to bet he wouldn’t need much of an excuse to fire us.”
    Frank glanced at his wrist watch. “You know how fussy he is about having us report for work twenty minutes early. Well, we’re now nearly an hour late. That should do it.”
    After telling Mr. Allen that they would keep him posted on any new developments in the case, the young detectives went off to the messenger department. When they came face to face with Rodax, Frank could see that his plan was working out even better than he had expected.
    â€œDo you know what time it is!” shouted Rodax. Although he seemed furious, the boys could sense that he was actually pleased with the situation.
    â€œWe couldn’t get here any earlier,” said Joe.
    â€œYou won’t have to worry about that any more!” Rodax bellowed. “You’re fired!”
    The boys pretended to be angry and concerned. “We’ll report this to the main office!” Frank blazed.
    â€œGo ahead!” Rodax yelled. “See how far that will get you!” He turned and stalked off with a self-satisfied air.
    The boys left the factory and started for the airfield. On the way they discussed Rodax briefly.
    â€œI wonder how pleased old sour face would be,”