The Hidden Harbor Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page A

campers finished their cocoa, then crawled into their bags and slept soundly. After breakfast next morning, the boys attended Sunday church service. They had lunch in town, then Frank said, “Let’s drive to Professor Rand’s house. If the professor isn’t there, we’ll go to the police. I don’t care what Blackstone says. We saw Rand take a nasty crack on the head. He may be seriously injured, or worse!”
    When the three boys reached the run-down plantation house, they found it as empty as it had appeared the day before. They headed at full speed for Larchmont and went to Bart Worth’s home.
    â€œYou have news?” he asked expectantly.
    Joe related the fierce quarrel the Hardys had witnessed in the Blackstone mansion two nights before. “Bart,” the boy went on, “has anyone mentioned having seen the professor lately?”
    The young editor shook his head and grabbed his hat in one movement. “It’s a case for the police now,” he said, rising. But Frank restrained him.
    â€œYou’d better not become involved,” the boy advised. “After all, Joe and I were the witnesses. The police know you have a feud with Blackstone, and might not believe you. Also, we don’t want Blackstone to know we’re working for you.”
    Bart agreed, and the boys left to make a report to the authorities.
    Larchmont’s police station was a trim building of whitewashed brick, just across the square from the courthouse. A desk sergeant led the three into the office of Police Chief Gerald. Frank gave an account of the attack to the middle-aged law officer, who listened intently.
    â€œHmm ... by the time you entered the room, the vase had been mended,” the chief repeated. He stared ahead in deep thought. “What do you young fellows want me to do?” he asked.
    â€œWe think you should procure a warrant and search Blackstone’s house,” Frank urged promptly.
    The chief smiled, picked up the telephone, and dialed a number.
    â€œHello?” he began politely. “Mr. Blackstone, this is Chief Gerald. Some visitors to our town have been telling me about a fight at your place two nights ago. One of the men-Professor Rand, by the sound of it—is supposedly missing. I’m afraid I’ll be obliged to get a warrant and make a search of your place.”
    The three boys watched the officer’s face eagerly for some hint of Blackstone’s reaction. But they could tell nothing until the chief hung up. He looked at the boys quizzically and reported, “Mr. Blackstone says I don’t need a warrant. Told me to come on out there right now, and bring the visitors with me—that he hasn’t anything to hide.”
    Chief Gerald summoned one of his patrolmen and led Frank, Joe, and Chet to a police car outside. Within twenty minutes they were parked in front of the large brick house. Samuel Blackstone stood waiting on the porch.
    â€œThis way, Chief,” he greeted the law officer, not waiting for an introduction to Chet Morton. “I want you to see everything.” The heavy-set man did not address the boys directly.
    Mr. Blackstone conducted them to every part of his house. Frank and Joe kept a sharp watch, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Finally, he led the group to the front door.
    â€œYou’ve seen the house,” said Blackstone. “Now read this.”
    He produced a note written on Professor Rand’s stationery. The chief read it aloud:
    â€œ ‘Dear Samuel, if you want me I’m at the Storm Island Lighthouse for a few days, doing some research. Ruel.’ ”
    â€œMy cousin is an archaeologist,” Blackstone explained. “His specialty is American Indian civilization. He’s always looking for old relics.”
    â€œWell, this note sounds friendly enough,” commented Gerald as he handed it back.
    â€œAnd are you satisfied?” The big man suddenly turned hard,