155-The Hunt for the Four Brothers by Franklin W. Dixon

Author:Franklin W. Dixon [Dixon, Franklin W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-07T15:15:13+00:00

CHAPTER 9

A Surprise Confession

"What did you say?" Frank asked, unable to believe his ears.

"Confessed to what?" Joe added.

"Breaking and entering and stealing property with the help of these two husky dogs," the sheriff replied.

Daniels stood silent and stone faced.

"Thank you for tracking him down, Sheriff Lyle," Craven said.

Lyle arched an eyebrow and looked at Daniels. "I didn't track him down. Mr. Daniels walked up to us near the old asylum with these two dogs. He gave himself up."

"These aren't Mr. Daniels's dogs," Frank protested.

"Yes, they are," Daniels insisted. "They're strays I found a few months ago. I've been keeping them up at the old asylum."

"Why did you do this, Mr. Daniels?" Craven asked.

"I needed money, Daniels said in a flat voice.

"You are going to need money," Lyle growled. "You have four hundred and seventy-five dollars in parking tickets and penalty fees."

Reach into my front right pocket," Daniels said.

Sheriff Lyle pulled out a large roll of cash from Daniels's pocket.

"I can't accept stolen money," Lyle said.

"Not stolen," Daniels replied. "I've kept it hidden, for emergencies."

Lyle quickly counted it. "Five hundred dollars. Well, Mr. Daniels, I'm in a generous mood. Rather than tack on jail time, we'll call this even," Lyle said, handing Daniels twenty-five dollars in change.

"I'm not sure the man you robbed will be so generous," Craven said. "He's coming over here from the front porch right now."

Frank saw Tringle and Flatts making their way down the gravel path toward Craven's office.

"But why were you stealing soap?" Joe asked.

"I wasn't," Daniels replied. "I may have knocked a few things around in that lady's bathroom looking for money."

"If you had five hundred dollars," Frank asked, "Why were you looking for money?"

"Well, I ... I ... ” Daniels faltered.

Larry Tringle joined the group.

"Mr. Tringle, Rob Daniels has confessed to breaking into your room," Craven told him.

"If you'd like to press charges, we can go in to town , Lyle said.

"No, that's all right," Tringle said. "I got my money and watch back."

Frank and Joe were bug-eyed.

"Sheriff Lyle, I'd like to discuss the matter with you and Mr. Daniels in private," Craven said.

"Well, I'm glad that's all settled," Jons said, covering the pet carriers with the tarp.

"I want to see you two in my office tomorrow morning directly after breakfast," Craven ordered Joe and Frank. "Understand?" Craven led Daniels and Lyle into his office and closed the door.

Tringle headed back to the inn, and Flatts walked down toward the lake.

"Do you believe Rob Daniels's confession?" Joe asked.

"Not for a minute," Frank replied. "I think someone paid him that five hundred dollars to take the blame."

Frank checked his watch. "It's one thirty-five, so I'm five minutes late reporting to maintenance."

"I think I'll find Tringle now and then come back to talk to Daniels," Joe said.

"Good luck!" Frank called over his shoulder.

Larry Tringle showed Joe out onto the balcony of his room, where Mrs. Tringle was seated at a small table.

"Hello, young man," Mrs. Tringle greeted Joe.

"Hi. This won't take a second," Joe said. "Can

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