011-While The Clock Ticked by Franklin W. Dixon

Author:Franklin W. Dixon [Dixon, Franklin W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-07T14:27:26+00:00

Frank looked up at him.

"Why, no," he replied sarcastically, "we're doing the family washing."

"Not much difference between that heap of junk and a washing machine, anyway,"

returned Chet, unabashed, "except that a washing machine goes sometimes."

109

110 -ttOiile the Clock Ticked Joe put down the monkey wrench and leaned^ against the hood of the car.

"Doing much walking lately?" he asked.

Chet blinked. '' Walking ?''

"Yes-strolling in the moonlight."

Chet munched at the apple. "I don't quit get you."

"No?" remarked Frank. "I hear you've turned detective lately."

"Not me. I leave that to you chaps."

"We understand you've taken up plain and fancy shadowing," said Joe.

"Who? Me?"

"Yes, you. What was the big idea of shadowing us last night?"

Chet looked uncomfortable.

"Oh, you mean that?" he said.

"Yes, we mean that. And we're waiting for the explanation," Frank said.

"Oh, I was just out for a little walk," said Chet airily. "There's no law against walking along the road, is there?"

"No. None at all."

"In that case," said Chet, moving away, "I guess I'll try it."

Frank took Chet by the scruff of the neck and sat him down firmly on the running-board.

"Be seated, fat one!" he ordered. "You 11 do your walking after we've put you under a little cross-examination."

Mr. Dalrymple's ClerK 111

"My, but we're getting legal," said Chet meekly.

The Hardy boys confronted him.

"Now," said Frank, "what was the idea of trailing us out toward the Purdy place last night?"

Chet gulped.

"I didn't know you even saw me," he replied plaintively.

"My dear boy," Frank told him. "We not only saw you, but we doubled back and followed you up to the house."

"I wondered why I lost you so quickly."

"Come on. What was the idea?"

Chet shrugged.

"I followed you, all right. I dropped around here to see you and I just caught sight of you going down the street so I trailed along. Matter of fact, I guess I was a bit curious."

"Curious about what?"

"About this mystery you're working on."

Frank was surprised.

"How did you know we were working on a mystery."

"Little bird told me," said Chet with a broad "Wink.

"Don't you believe him," said Joe. "He just guessed it. He tried to pump me but I Couldn't tell him anything."

"I don't see," observed Chet, "why you H2 While the Clock Ticked won't let me in on it after all I've done for you. What's going on at the Purdy place, anyway? You won't catch me going back there again."

"Why not?" asked Frank.

"After what happened last night? No, sir. I'm not following you two any more."

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