What Happened at Midnight Read Online Free PDF Page B

asked.
    â€œYes. So far we have no word on the sedan or the men traveling in it, one of them injured. You’re sure your brother was kidnapped?”

    â€œGet out of here!” the man growled
    â€œWithout a doubt!”
    â€œHmm!” Stanton muttered. “The sedan’s probably miles away by now with a different license plate. But our men will keep on the lookout.”
    Realizing they could do no more here, Frank and Chet decided to return to Bayport.
    â€œWhat’s our next move?” Chet asked.
    â€œWhoever kidnapped Joe might ask for ransom, Chet. I’d better stick close to the phone at home in case someone tries to establish contact.”
    Then Frank’s heart sank as he thought of having to tell his mother and father and aunt that Joe was missing! When he pulled into the Hardy garage some time later, Frank shut off the ignition and sat quiet for several seconds. Then he took a deep breath and climbed out of the car.
    He had no sooner entered the house when Mrs. Hardy rushed to meet him. “What happened to Joe?” she cried.
    Frank was startled by her question. Before answering, he hugged his mother and led her into the living room.
    â€œI just got home, and decided to telephone the Morton farm. I spoke to Iola,” Mrs. Hardy explained. “She seemed terribly upset and started to tell me something about Joe, then stopped. She said you were on your way here and would explain.”
    Frank related the whole story of Joe’s disappearance. Mrs. Hardy was stunned by the news and tears filled her eyes.
    â€œI would have told you sooner,” Frank said “but I was hoping to find Joe before this.”
    Although Mrs. Hardy worried about the dangers involved in her family’s sleuthing activities, she rarely displayed her concern openly. But now she could not hide her anxiety. She began to tremble.
    â€œWe must do something!” she pleaded. “Have you notified the police?”
    â€œYes,” Frank answered. “And the FBI.”
    â€œYour father! He should be told about this at once!”
    â€œBut we can’t reach him,” Frank reminded her.
    The hours dragged on into early evening. Mrs. Hardy continually walked the floor, saying over and over, “This is dreadful, dreadful!”
    Frank paced around nervously, mulling over in his mind the events that had taken place during the past two days. The telephone rang. Was it the kidnapper calling? Frank rushed to answer the call.
    â€œFrank, this is Chief Collig!”
    â€œYes, Chief! Any news?”
    â€œNot much. The police managed to detect the scratched-off serial number on the engine block of the car lying in the ditch. It was traced through the State Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The car was stolen yesterday evening from a man in Lewiston. No one saw the thief.”
    â€œWell, we’re right back where we started,” Frank said.
    After a light late supper, Frank settled himself into a wing chair within reach of the telephone. The hours ticked by with no word from Joe or his abductors. Finally, through sheer exhaustion, Frank dozed off.
    When he awoke, the sun was already sending bright, warm rays into the room. Frank got up and began to pace back and forth. He and his mother ate a sketchy breakfast. They grew more uneasy when the morning passed without any news of Joe.
    Shortly after noontime a taxi stopped in front of the Hardy home. A tall, angular woman, carrying a small suitcase, got out of the cab and hurried toward the house.
    â€œIt’s Aunt Gertrude,” Frank announced to his mother.
    â€œI’m glad to be home!” Miss Hardy exclaimed as she entered the house like a rush of wind.
    She glanced at Mrs. Hardy and immediately sensed that something was troubling her. “Laura! You look exhausted. Haven’t you been getting enough sleep? What’s wrong?”
    â€œWe have something to tell you,” Frank declared. “You’d better sit