130-Sidetracked to Danger by Franklin W. Dixon

Author:Franklin W. Dixon [Dixon, Franklin W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-07T15:15:03+00:00

Chapter 9

A Mysterious Disappearance

The old locomotive's brakes screeched as the train bore down. His heart pounding, Frank rolled once, jumped to his feet, and scrambled to safety on the adjacent set of tracks.

He raced to the steps leading to the opposite platform as the train wheezed past him to a stop. An agitated stationmaster was there to meet him. "Are you all right?" the stationmaster asked. "You had a terrible fall!"

"Yes, I'm fine," Frank said, not mentioning the shove he'd felt in his back.

The stationmaster escorted Frank down into the train bed and back to the boarding platform.

"Are you okay?" Joe asked. "Man, that was close." He brushed off his brother's sweater.

Jackson and Genji joined them, followed by several of the other kids. "Frank, what happened?" Genji asked. "Did you trip?"

"Not exactly," Frank said. "I'll tell you later. I'm okay."

Finally, the party climbed a three-step metal stool into the dinner train. The train had just three passenger cars. The first was furnished with blue-and-white lounge chairs and small tables.

Jackson led the group on a tour of the other two cars. The second car had a kitchenette. The refrigerators and cupboards overflowed with pizzas, fried chicken, salads, biscuits, fruit, juice, and sodas. A huge birthday cake rested on the counter.

The last car had rows of empty seats and a small private area at the end with facing seats and stools, a large supply closet, and two restrooms.

While the gang settled in the large, comfortable chairs in the first car, Jackson checked out the locomotive.

"You should see the setup," he told the Hardys when he returned. He put his glasses in a vest pocket and showed them the engineer's cap that the crew had given him. "It's just like the one I'm doing my training on back in Bayport." He was barely able to control his excitement. "There's a three-man crew — engineer and two firemen."

At that moment, one of the firemen came into the car. "I'm doubling as your conductor," he announced. "Welcome aboard. If everyone is here now, we'll get started." He stepped off the train, checked the platform, waved to the engineer, and hoisted the metal stool aboard.

With a snort and a loud whistle, the Iron Horse lurched and chugged out of the station.

One of the partygoers had brought a boom box and an assortment of CDs. Others went into the kitchenette car and began warming pizzas and chicken in the microwaves. Soon the party was in full swing.

"Okay, give," Jackson said, as he, Joe, and Genji cornered Frank. "What happened back at the station?"

"Joe told us about that man you two followed," Genji said.

"I was pushed onto those tracks," Frank said grimly, remembering the horrible moment when he realized he was falling in front of the train.

"Do you think it was the same guy you were chasing?" Genji asked, her eyes wide.

"Could be," Frank said. "He could have given us the slip, then doubled back and waited."

"First the horse and carriage, now this ... " Jackson said. Joe and Frank exchanged looks.

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