"Arthur, Robert - The Three Investigators 010 - The Mystery of the Moaning Cave" - читать интересную книгу автора (Arthur Robert)

Robert Arthur

The Mystery of the Moaning Cave





A Message from Alfred Hitchcock



IT is a pleasure to welcome you on the set of the latest mystery starring those three lads who call themselves The Three Investigators. In the event that you have not become acquainted with them in their previous appearances, allow me to introduce Jupiter Jones, Pete Crenshaw, and Bob Andrews, all of Rocky Beach, California, not far from the fabled city of Hollywood.

Some time ago the three formed the detective firm of The Three Investigators to solve any mysteries that came their way. Head of the firm is Jupiter Jones, who is known for his logical mind, his cool head, and his stubborn refusal to let any riddle get the better of him. The Second Investigator is Pete Crenshaw, whose athletic skill serves the firm well in times of danger. The third and most studious member of the trio is Bob Andrews, who attends to research and record keeping. The firm makes its headquarters in a mobile home trailer hidden away in The Jones Salvage Yard, run by Jupiter's aunt and uncle.

"We Investigate Anything" is the boys' motto, and this time they prove it by journeying to a ranch in the California mountains to look into a cave that moans, a legendary bandit who refuses to stay dead, and some very strange happenings in a deserted valley. What they find will keep you biting your fingernails on the edge of your chair if you are the nervous type, so beware!

And now, enough of a preview. The case is about to unfold. Lights! Camera! Action!



ALFRED HITCHCOCK





1

The Valley Moans



"Aaoooahhhhhh--ooooooooooooo--ooooo--oo!"

The eerie moan rolled out across the valley in the twilight.

"That's it," Pete Crenshaw whispered. "It's started again."

Pete, Jupiter Jones and Bob Andrews were crouched on a high ridge in a remote corner of the Crooked-Y Ranch, just a few hundred feet from the Pacific Ocean.

The moan came again, long, drawn-out and chilling. "Aaaaaaaaaaahhhh--ooooooooooo--oooo!"

A shiver ran up Pete's spine. "I don't blame the ranch hands for not wanting to come here any more," he said to his companions.

"Maybe it comes from the lighthouse we saw on the way," Bob suggested in a low tone. "Maybe it's some kind of echo from the foghorn."

Jupiter shook his head. "No, Bob, I don't think it's the lighthouse. The sound is not that of a fog-horn signal. Besides, there isn't any fog this evening."