01. The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon

Author:Franklin W. Dixon
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XI

Anxious Waiting

THE suspect, the Hardys learned, was out of prison on parole. His name was John Jackley, but he was known as Red Jackley because when caught before going to prison he had been wearing a red wig.

“He lives right here in New York, and maybe he’s back home by this time,” Joe spoke up. “Let’s go see him.”

“Just a minute,” Mr. Hardy said, holding up his hand. “I don’t like to leave Mother alone so long. Besides, in this type of sleuthing three detectives together are too noticeable to a crook. This Jackley may or may not be our man. But if he is, he’s probably dangerous. I want you boys to take the evening plane home. I’ll phone the house the minute the thief is in custody.”

“All right, Dad,” his sons chorused, though secretly disappointed that they had to leave.

When they reached home, Frank and Joe learned that their mother had been working on the case from a completely different angle. Hers was the humanitarian side.

“I went to call on the Robinsons to try to bolster their spirits,” she said. “I told them about your trip to New York and that seemed to cheer them a lot. Monday I’m going to bake a ham and a cake for you to take to them. Mrs. Robinson isn’t well and can do little in the kitchen.”

“That’s swell of you!” Frank said admiringly. “I’ll go.”

Joe told them he had a tennis match to play. “I’ll do the next errand,” he promised.

Monday, during a change of classes, Frank met Callie Shaw in the corridor. “Hi!” she said. “What great problem is on Detective Hardy’s mind? You look as if you’d lost your best criminal!”

Frank grimaced. “Maybe I have,” he said.

He told Callie that he had phoned home at noon confidently expecting to hear that his father had reported the arrest of the real thief of the Applegate money and the exoneration of Mr. Robinson. “But there was no word, Callie, and I’m worried Dad may be in danger.”

“I don’t blame you,” she said. “What do you think has happened?”

“Well, you never can tell when you’re dealing with criminals.”

“Now, Frank, you’re not trying to tell me your father would let himself get trapped?” Callie said.

“No, I don’t think he would, Callie. Maybe Dad hasn’t returned because he still hasn’t found the man he was looking for.”

“Well, I certainly hope that thief is caught,” said Callie. “But, Frank, nobody really believes Mr. Robinson did it!”

“Nobody but Hurd Applegate and the men who employ people. Until they find the man who did take the stuff, Mr. Robinson is out of a job.”

“I’m going over to see the Robinsons soon. Where are they living?”

Frank gave Callie the address. Her eyes widened. “Why, that’s in one of the poorest sections of the city! Frank, I had no idea the Robinsons’ plight was that bad!”

“It is—and it’ll be a lot worse unless Mr. Robinson gets work pretty soon. Slim’s earnings aren’t enough to take care of the whole family.

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