Hardy Boys Mystery Series by 18

Author:18 [18]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Published: 2010-08-22T23:29:37.572000+00:00

CHAPTEE XIV

THE VALUABLE BOOK

before Frank and Joe were ready to leave, their father summoned them. He was so

much better that he greeted his sons with his old enthusiasm.

"Boys, now that the excitement of the fire is over I've a job for you. Our friend Sergeant

Johnson has just sent a confidential messenger from headquarters with a note."

'' A note ? What about ?'' Frank inquired.

"It seems that Johnson overheard Hosktn and Slim in their cell say something about a

boat named the Black Parrot."

"The Black Parrot!" exclaimed the brothers together.

"The ship is due to dock at a place called Little Cove. He heard them say it was to

arrive there some time this week."

"Then you want us to meet her, Dad?" Joe asked excitedly.

Mr. Hardy's face grew very grave. "I want you to do more than that. I want you to ship

on it to Bayport if you can possibly manage to

111

112 The Twisted Claw

do so! From all you've told me about your experiences with that fellow Pierre and some

of the others connected with the Black Parrot, I think you may be able to solve our whole

case if you can ride aboard her for a while."

"Then we'll do it, Dad!" Frank exclaimed. "We'll manage it somehow!"

"It's going to be a very dangerous mission for you boys," warned their father, "so

remember to be careful. I 'd go myself if I could!''

"Don't worry," said Joe. "Stay here and get back your strength. We'll obtain all the

information we can and report to you."

At Doctor Watkin's insistence the brothers took time for a few hours' sleep despite their

impatience to be off. Then, just as night began to fall, they bade good-bye to their father and

the kindly physician and spurred their horses in the direction of Woodsville.

"Wonder if there's anything left of the place?" Frank speculated as they galloped along

the dark trail.

"No way of telling until we get there. Shall we sleep any tonight or go straight through!"

"We just woke up!" his brother laughed. "I'm not tired. Are you?"

"Not in the least!"

As they approached the vicinity of Woodsville they could detect the odor of charred

em-bers and smoke.

The Valuable Book 113

"Do you suppose we'll have to run through any more fires? I think our record's good

enough as it stands!"

"So do I!" agreed Frank heartily.

As they progressed they were happy to note that the smell of smoke grew no stronger.

"The fire may have been over toward one side of town," Joe suggested, "and didn't

touch the burg itself."

Frank hoped with all his heart that Joe was correct, for he was intensely eager to get

back the pirate book and search for further clues. Presently his brother gave a shout.

'' Woodsville ahead! See the light ?''

Ten minutes later they clattered into the village square and dismounted before the hotel,

which had not been touched by fire. A heavy pall of smoke hung in the air, indicating that the

blaze was still burning not far away.

Inside the hostelry Mr. Hendrick met the lads with a puzzled smile. "You have come back

like ze prodigal sons, eh? You go

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