Hardy Boys Mystery Series by 39

Author:39 [39]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Published: 2010-08-23T01:11:44.657000+00:00

CHAPTER X

Shore Pirates!

"what's up?" Joe asked his brother excitedly.

Frank shot a quick glance toward the living room from which Chin Gok was eying the

boys with intense curiosity, then replied in a low voice:

"That was a telegram from Ti-Ming. It said, 'Don't sell the Hai Hau at any price or the

curse it carries will descend on you!' "

Joe was startled, but was careful to show no outward sign of this, since Chin Gok's eyes

were still fastened on the Hardys.

"Looks as if Ti-Ming's trying to throw a scare into us," Joe murmured.

"Could be," Frank replied. "But why? Anyway, let's not give Chin Gok any

encouragement about buying the Hai Hau."

"Check."

The brothers rejoined Aunt Gertrude and the Chinese caller. Frank addressed Chin

Gok. "We'll

93

94 The Mystery of the Chinese Junk

think over your offer, but we don't plan to sell."

Chin Gok dropped his air of exaggerated politeness. A look of rage twisted his

features. Losing his temper completely, he stood up and shrilled, "You-you fools-" and burst

into a torrent of Chinese.

Aunt Gertrude drew herself up. "You cannot talk to my nephews that way!" she said icily.

"You will leave immediately." She gestured toward the front door.

Chin Gok, although still muttering angrily, retreated slowly. The instant he was on the

front porch, Miss Hardy shut the door firmly.

Joe looked at his aunt admiringly. "Wow! You really convinced him you meant

business!"

Aunt Gertrude frowned. "Yes. But I almost wish you boys had sold him that junk. I have a

feeling it will only bring more trouble."

Frank spoke up. "Joe and I can't give up work on this mystery now." Joe nodded

vigorously.

The next morning the Hardys and their partners assembled at the Chinese junk.

Although only four passengers bought tickets for the trip to Rocky Isle, the boys refused to let

their spirits be dampened.

"Heave ho!" Tony sang out as he cast off.

Several people on the dock made sarcastic comments as the Hai Hau pulled away

from the pier.

"You got plenty of life rafts aboard?" called one man derisively.

Shore Pirates! 95

"Don't need 'em," Biff called back, unruffled. "We just had a swell repair job on the hull."

His confident manner and words allayed any qualms the junk's passengers might have

had. Everyone relaxed, and soon were laughing and singing as the Hai Hau glided across

the bay.

Once on Rocky Isle, the four travelers enjoyed a refreshing swim and leisurely picnic.

The boys returned for a second group. This time there were five.

When the Hai Hau returned to its pier on the last trip back, the owners felt that it had

been a most successful day, even though there had not been a capacity number of

passengers on either excursion.

"Simply thrilling!" a pleasant-faced woman exclaimed as she disembarked. "I've always

wanted to sail in one of these Chinese ships and I enjoyed every minute of it!"

The other passengers added their delighted comments, which could be clearly heard by

the group of spectators on the dock.

"We're over the hump!" Tony chuckled, and his companions grinned happily.

After the onlookers had dispersed, Frank said to his partners, "What say we give the

junk another going-over tonight and hunt for hidden

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