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saying that women won't make good detectives?" Joe grinned and helped himself to Aunt Gertrude's apple pie. think they make better cooks."
    "I refuse to contribute to this discussion." Fenton Hardy filled his coffee cup, and headed for his study.
    While Joe started in on the pie, Frank excused himself and followed his father. "I checked out Phil Sidler's hotel room, Dad." Frank told his father what had happened there.
    The fact that Phil's room had been searched and that someone wanted his identity kept secret told Frank there was more going on in the case than a simple automobile accident.
    His father confirmed his opinion, and then tried to stop Frank's investigation.
    "Frank, I got some more information late this afternoon. The police checked out Phil Sidler. He's a strong suspect in a recent diamond robbery in New York. The robbery looked like it was related to a number of similar crimes around the state. There's a strong connection to one gang."
    "Then they think Phil Sidler was a member of this gang?" Frank gingerly rubbed the back of his head where the lump was now perfectly formed.
    "Yes, and, Frank — " Fenton Hardy got up from his desk and walked over to the window, looking out. He was silent for a while.
    "What is it, Dad?" Frank asked, breaking the quiet.
    Mr. Hardy swung around and walked back to face Frank. "The New York district attorney's office is claiming that Annie Shea might also be part of this gang. I think O'Hara maybe thinking Annie got Joe involved."

Chapter 5
    "That's crazy," Frank said, getting to his feet. "What's with that woman? How could she think Joe's a thief!" "Calm down, Frank. She doesn't know Joe. And our getting angry at her won't help him any. Although I have to admit that I had the same reaction at the station."
    "I didn't tell Joe about going to Phil's room and about it being searched. I don't like keeping secrets from him. Do you think we should tell him about Annie?"
    "I don't know, Frank. I guess we both know what he'd say."
    "Let's sleep on it, Dad." Frank headed for his room. "A thief and a murderer!" he muttered. "Perfectly dumb."
    In the morning, when he and Joe were eating their late breakfast, Frank decided to tell everything. After all, Joe had everything at stake, and Frank was beginning to feel that he needed his partner to help him.
    "Joe, I have some bad news," Frank said buttering his toast and spreading Aunt Gertrude's homemade strawberry jam on top.
    "Shoot. I'm getting used to it." Joe polished off a second glass of milk.
    "The police on the Sidler case suspect Phil of being part of a recent diamond heist. It seems he might have been part of a gang."
    "So I found a criminal for them. Maybe, they'll thank me instead of accusing me of murder." Joe's tone of voice suggested his depression had turned to anger.
    "Joe ..." Frank hesitated. There was only one way to tell Joe this — straight. "Joe, the cops have heard from the New York DA's office. They think Annie might be part of the gang."
    Joe stared at Frank in disbelief. "You'll think up anything to get at Annie, won't you, Frank? I know you don't like her, but I never thought you'd say anything like this."
    "I didn't make it up, Joe. Call Dad. Call the police department. Talk to Con," he said quietly and evenly.
    "I'll do better than that." Joe pushed away from the table. "I'll ask Annie. She'll tell me the truth."
    "I'm going with you to look for her, Joe." "Not if you're going to accuse her of being a crook."
    "Joe, I don't know what's going on here any more than you do. I have no idea if Annie is guilty or innocent. I'm just telling you what Dad told me. But I don't want you to be alone. I don't want anything to happen so O'Hara will have an excuse to lock you up."
    Joe studied Frank's face. Finally he said, "Okay, big brother, looks like I'm stuck with you. Let's go."
    The Hardys first drove to Mr. Pizza to see if Annie would be coming in that day. Joe's face was grim as they approached the back door.
    "Hey,