The Sign of the Crooked Arrow Read Online Free PDF Page B

abandon.
    Joe hurried to the place where the boys had parked their car. Frank was waiting.
    â€œFind out anything, Joe?” he asked. “I thought maybe something had happened to you.”
    His brother quickly brought him up to date.
    â€œWe’ve got to investigate Jenk’s place thoroughly,” he said. “I have a feeling he’s connected in some way with the Bayport holdup gang.”
    â€œIt’s a sure bet Jenk won’t give us any information,” Frank reasoned. “He’s seen too much of us already.”
    â€œI’ve got it!” Joe exclaimed. “We’ll send Chet!”
    â€œGood idea,” Frank agreed with a laugh. “Jenk wouldn’t suspect him. He looks too innocent.”
    In a few minutes the telephone rang at the Morton farm. Chet answered.
    â€œHi, Frank,” he said cheerfully. “What’s new on the case?”
    â€œThat’s why I called,” Frank began. “We’ve got a little job for you.”
    â€œOh, oh!” said Chet. “I knew this was coming!”
    Frank quickly outlined what he wanted his chum to do. Chet did not sound enthusiastic.
    â€œWhat’s the matter?” Frank asked. “Scared?”
    â€œThose are pretty tough guys in that end of town,” Chet protested.
    â€œYou can handle them,” Frank replied. “What about those judo lessons?”
    â€œOh, yeah, I forgot.” Chet laughed nervously.
    â€œOkay,” Frank said, “then it’s a deal. See you tomorrow morning at ten at our house. Joe and I want to stop at the hospital first.”
    Chet arrived at the Hardys’ a little early and managed to pack away a second breakfast.
    â€œYou’re supposed to be reducing,” Frank reminded him.
    Chet grimaced. “You’d better humor me if you want me to do your dirty work for you,” he declared. “Say, how’s your dad?”
    â€œMuch better, thanks,” Frank replied. “He sure gave us a scare, though.”
    As the three boys started off a few minutes later, Frank outlined their plan.
    â€œJoe will keep an eye on the front door,” he said, “I’ll station myself in the delivery alley at the back.”
    â€œAnd I?” Chet asked apprehensively.
    â€œYou go inside,” Frank continued, “and see if you can spot anything to do with a crooked arrow. Also, try to find out if Jenk’s selling anything besides tobacco.”
    â€œM-maybe you’d better go in,” Chet said a bit shakily, “and I’ll stand guard.”
    â€œWhy, Chet,” Joe said with a straight face, “you’re not going to back out, are you?”
    â€œAll right, all right,” Chet gave in.
    Frank parked the car a block from the scene. Joe stood in a doorway almost directly across the street from the shop and Frank concealed himself behind three tall ashcans in back of the building. Chet, summoning his courage, entered the store. All had agreed to meet ten minutes later in a diner down the street.
    But they did not have to wait that long. Frank heard the back screen door of Jenk’s shop bang shut. Poking his head around one of the cans to get a better view, he saw the same short, muscular-looking man who had socked him the previous day! The fellow stopped momentarily, glanced quickly around, then quietly slipped down the alley.
    Hardly had the man disappeared when the sound of angry words and scuffling issued from the shop. Frank could hear Jenk growl in a low tone and Chet reply in a high-pitched voice.
    â€œLet go of me!” Chet cried. “If you don’t I‘ll—I’ll—”
    A crash followed and the screen door flew open. A blurred figure bounced into the alley, rolling nearly to the ashcans.
    â€œChet!” Frank whispered, standing up from his hiding place. “What happened?”
    â€œTell you later,” Chet puffed. “Let’s get out of here!”
    Frank led