12. Footprints Under the Window by Franklin W. Dixon

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

CHAPTER XII

“Stranger” Sighted

“BUT I know nothing about this camera!” the technician protested. He tried to wrench free from the guards.

The Hardys looked on tensely. Each had the same thought. Had the film they had found come from this odd-looking camera in the employee’s jacket? Was he in league with the spies?

The security captain turned the device over in his hands. “Clever disguise. It looks like a tool. All right, Pryce. Come along!”

“Somebody put it into my pocket!” the technician insisted. “This is all a horrible mistake!”

Mr. Dykeman was summoned and given a full report. The intelligence agent inspected the camera, then nodded to the guards. Pryce was led away, still maintaining his innocence.

The men went back to their drawing boards, and Mr. Dykeman beckoned the Hardys to one side. “Could be a big break in our case.”

Frank whispered, “Do you think Pryce is the security leak?”

“Good chance,” the agent replied. “But we’ll check out the camera for prints and see if we can find anything to indicate it held the film you boys found. Right now, we’ll interrogate Pryce. Keep everything you’ve seen here today strictly confidential.”

“Will do!” Frank agreed. “By the way, sir, have you any word from Dad?”

Mr. Dykeman shook his head. “But I’m sure he’ll be contacting us.”

“One more question,” Frank said. “Do you know Mr. Orrin North?”

“North—the shipping magnate? Not personally. I understand he’s prominent in town. Why?”

The Hardys told the agent of North’s reward offer for finding Gomez. Mr. Dykeman seemed interested but puzzled. He looked at the boys keenly. “You suspect he has an ulterior motive?”

“Yes, we do,” Frank replied promptly. “We’ll play along with his request and see what happens.”

The boys said good-by and left. On the way to their car they saw the Corporated Laundries truck parked near the maintenance building.

“Guess they have the concession here,” said Joe.

At the gate the Hardys turned in their badges. They noticed the laundry truck behind them. It was stopped, inspected, and logged out.

“Those security guards would find a needle in a haystack!” Joe commented as he turned into the street.

“If one is in the haystack,” Frank quipped.

On the way home the young sleuths excitedly talked about Raymond Martin, the suspected employee Pryce, and the secret Mirco-Eye project.

“Some camera!” Joe remarked. “I’ll bet the Footprints gang will try anything to get it.”

“Speaking of prints, I vote we return to Barren Sands right after lunch.”

“Me too! That beachcomber may come back for another pickup. Let’s buzz Chet.”

Aunt Gertrude had plates of sizzling hamburgers and crisp French fried potatoes ready for the boys at home. They grinned in anticipation and ate hungrily.

“This hits the spot, Aunty!” Joe said.

Miss Hardy unfolded her napkin. “Glad to hear that,” she remarked. “I suppose you two are up to your ears in more mysteries.”

Frank laughed. “Over our heads, I’d say.”

“Ran into a mystery myself today,” Aunt Gertrude announced a bit smugly.

“A mystery!” Frank echoed. “Where?”

“Downtown, while I was shopping. I met Mr. Ricardo.”

“Mr. Ricardo! You’re sure?”

“Of course. I never forget a face.” She paused.

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