083-The Swamp Monster by Franklin W. Dixon

Author:Franklin W. Dixon [Dixon, Franklin W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-07T15:12:16+00:00

Chapter 11

The Black Mask

The sun was beginning to set when Frank, Joe and Chet helped the girls gather up the remains of the picnic supper.

"Boy, this basket's a lot lighter than when I started," E.D. grinned.

"You don't have to worry about leftovers when Chet's around," Joe told her. "He eats everything but the forks."

"Oh, yeah?" Chet retorted. "I don't see a whole lot of food on your plate, fella."

"That's telling him," Bea laughed. "Joe finished off everything I brought. And I think he's still hungry."

"No way," Joe groaned, patting his stomach.

Chet groaned also. "I'm not going to eat for a whole week!"

"Dad and Professor Pierce and Mr. Baker are over by the cars. We can get a ride if we want," Frank reported, pointing to the parking lot.

"Great," Marilyn said. "I need to get back. I have some things to do."

"You two better come with us," Joe grinned at E.D. and Bea. "Chet's going to treat us all to dessert at Pop's Malt Shop."

"Huh?" Chet blinked at Joe. "Did I say that?" Then, after barely a moment's thought, Chet agreed that a visit to Pop's was a good idea.

"So much for not eating for a week," Frank said wryly.

"I don't think I can handle dessert just yet," Marilyn laughed. "And even the small servings at Pop's are enough for three people."

"They won't make any money off Joe and Chet," Frank assured her. "Those two — uh - oh, here comes trouble again."

Lew Hawks and Shiner Black were standing under a tree on the path. Both were dressed in Jayhawker costumes. Frank was almost certain the pair were deliberately waiting for them to pass.

"Well, now, if it isn't one of the Rebels from

the big stampede," Hawks said. He gave Frank a crooked grin. "Sure glad you guys weren't hurt or anything."

Shiner Black laughed at his friend's joke.

"I bet you are," Frank said tightly. He stood his ground and looked straight in the bully's eyes. "Is that it, or did you have something else to say?"

Shiner looked offended. "This guy's not very friendly, is he, Lew?"

"He sure isn't," Lew said. "I think I'm gonna cry."

"Come on, let's go, Marilyn," Frank said.

Lew took a step to his left and blocked Frank's path. "Sorry," he grinned slyly, "guess you'll have to go around."

"I'm not looking for trouble," Frank told him. "But if — "

"Well, maybe you've got it," Lew said narrowly, "whether you want it or not!" He swung at Frank without warning. Frank ducked and let the fist graze his shoulder. Then, twisting on his heels, he gripped the other boy's arm and flipped him off the side of his hip. Hawks bellowed in surprise and sprawled flat on his back. Frank turned quickly. Shiner Black was starting to spring. He took one look at his friend and changed his mind.

Frank glanced down at Hawks. "Okay if I pass now?"

Hawks pulled himself erect. "I'll get you for this," he growled. "You wait and see if I don't!"

Frank didn't answer. He guided Marilyn down the pathway to the cars.

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