Hardy Boys Mystery Series by 43

Author:43 [43]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-08-23T01:11:57.290000+00:00

CHAPTER XII

"Five Rabbit"

IN whispers, so they would not awaken Chet, Frank and Joe discussed the strange warning.

"I think we should take it to the local police," said Frank.

At the hotel desk Joe asked the manager if it would be safe for them to be on the streets alone at this

hour of night. Mr Perez looked at them in surprise and said that Oaxaca was a very fine town with

excellent police protection.

"No offence intended," said Joe, "My brother and I were attacked recently in Mexico City."

"Oh, I understand now." Mr Perez smiled. "You wish to go to a restaurant?"

"We may drop in for a midnight snack," said Joe, not wishing to give his real reason for going out. "If we

get into any trouble, we'll make a beeline to police headquarters." He grinned. "Where is it, by the way?"

Mr Perez gave them directions and the boys set off. At headquarters they told the officer on duty,

Captain Valero, what had happened to Chet and themselves at the Monte Alban ruins.

The officer frowned. "I am sorry you were subjected to this indignity. Did you bring the paper with you?"

Frank handed it to Captain Valero, who read it several times. Finally he spoke up. "There's a band of

young reactionaries in this area, I am sorry to say, and this may be more of their work. Their motives are

perhaps laudable, but they should not try to act independently of the law."

Frank and Joe, puzzled, asked what the young men did.

Captain Valero replied, "They are against visitors from your country and from every other nation. They

have an idea that sightseers come here for the sole purpose of stealing our relics. As you know, there is a

law that anything of value found in Mexico must be turned over to our government. The presentation is

often made to a museum." He smiled. "Our State Museum here in Oaxaca has a priceless collection of

artefacts. You must visit it."

"But it isn't true that all visitors from the United States come here with theft in mind," Joe protested.

"The authorities know that," the captain stated, "but it is difficult to persuade hotheaded young men that

they are wrong in the methods they use to carry out their fanaticism."

Frank changed the subject. "Joe and I are down here looking for two men. That is why we went out to

the ruins. Do you happen to know a Roberto Hermosa or a Señor Tatloc?"

"I have not heard of Roberto Hermosa. Señor Tatloc is an archaeologist, yes?" As the boys nodded,

Captain Valero went on, "I have heard that some famous archaeologist - I don't know the name - was

working at Monte Alban. Perhaps he is Señor Tatloc, but I cannot say for sure."

The police officer paused a few moments, then said, "I am afraid I have not been of much help to you

boys.

But I wish you luck in your quest. In the meantime, I will keep this note. It will be very good evidence

against this overpatriotic, troublesome young group, if they are guilty. I must warn you that they can be

dangerous.

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