042-The Viking Symbol Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon

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

traffic. Joe shifted impatiently in his seat. "I hope we get there before they question that man," he said. "I'd like to be on hand for the surprise!"

When they finally pulled up in front of the Edmonton police headquarters, Inspector Knight was just coming out the front door.

"Hello, boys! Glad you're here," he said, smiling warmly and extending his hand. "We're going over to the hospital. Our stake-out reports that the suspect is heading there."

Joe was surprised. "You haven't picked him up yet?" he asked.

"The fellow really hasn't done anything," the inspector replied. "But if he goes to the hospital to see Baker-Jones again, we'll question him."

Joe and Chet drove off in a police car with Inspector Knight and another officer, who was at the wheel. When they reached the hospital, the driver parked at the side entrance.

"We'll sit here and keep watch," said the inspector.

88 The Viking Symbol Mystery Ten minutes later he exclaimed, "There he is!"

Inspector Knight indicated a man coming down the street toward the front of the hospital. He had a bushy black pompadour and mustache, and, the boys noticed, was walking with a distinct limp. He went slowly up the steps to the building and into the entrance lobby.

Both officers and the two boys slipped from the car and followed quietly.

Inside, they saw the stranger go directly to the reception desk and heard him ask to see Mr. Baker-Jones.

"Your name, please?" the clerk asked politely.

"Phillips."

Instantly the inspector went forward. "We'd like to ask you a few questions, Mr. Phillips," he said.

The stranger swung around quickly. Suddenly Joe gasped. Then he dashed up to the man and stood, stock-still, staring at him. The bushy-haired caller straightened up and smiled.

"Joe! Chet!" he said in a familiar voice.

Chet's mouth flew open. "Wh-a-at! Mr. Hardy!" He gaped. "Boy oh boy! You had me fooled!"

"But not Joe," the detective said.

"What does this mean?" Inspector Knight asked, greatly perplexed.

Moving away from the reception desk, Mr. Hardy stripped off his mustache and wig. He introduced himself quickly to the Canadian police officer, then explained, "I thought I would be An Amazing Suspect 89

able to foil the rune stone crooks by coming up here in disguise-make them think I was still in Bayport." He chuckled. "I didn't figure on getting caught by my own son!"

"I'm sorry, Dad," Joe said. "Guess maybe I spoiled your plan."

"I doubt it," Mr. Hardy said, putting an arm around his son's shoulders. "You boys were really on the alert-I'm proud of you!"

He turned to Inspector Knight. "As long as we're both here, perhaps we can compare notes on this case."

"Fine, Mr. Hardy," said the inspector. "I've wanted to meet you for a long time. Only I'm afraid my department hasn't turned up any new leads to that impostor or to the stolen stone and money."

"How is Mr. Baker-Jones?" Joe asked.

"The hospital told me this morning," Inspector Knight replied, "that he is improving, but still in no condition to answer questions."

"Well, we'll keep working on the case," Mr. Hardy promised.

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