"Carey, M.V. - The Three Investigators 15 - The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints" - читать интересную книгу автора (Carey M.V)

M. V. Carey

The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints





A word from Alfred Hitchcock



Since it is awkward to be introduced to someone you already know, those of you who are acquainted with The Three Investigators may skip this introduction and proceed directly to Chapter One, where the fun begins.

If you have not yet met Jupiter Jones, Pete Crenshaw, and Bob Andrews, however, a smattering of background information on this remarkable trio may be in order.

Any discussion of The Three Investigators begins with Jupiter Jones, the plump and brainy lad who has no hesitation in admitting that he is the leader of the group--First Investigator and, according to some individuals, chief troublemaker. Jupiter is assisted in his endeavours by Pete Crenshaw, an athletic boy with a prudent desire to avoid danger. This desire is frequently thwarted when Jupiter Jones has a case to solve. The third member of the team is Bob Andrews, a quiet, studious type whose part-time job in the library gives The Three Investigators quick and expert access to information on almost any subject.

All of these lads reside in Rocky Beach, a small town on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, not too far from Hollywood. Bob Andrews and Pete Crenshaw live with their parents, but Jupiter Jones, who was orphaned when he was very young, makes his home with his aunt and uncle. He assists them in the care and management of The Jones Salvage Yard, the most well-organized junk operation on the entire Pacific Coast.

One must admit that Jupiter occasionally neglects his duties at the salvage yard when there are more exciting things to claim his attention--such as the lonely Potter whom you will encounter shortly, and the bewildered visitors who come to Rocky Beach anticipating a pleasant summer, only to find themselves living in a house which is haunted by a barefooted ghost.

Or is it haunted by something even more sinister?

Of one thing you can be certain, Jupiter Jones and his chums will find out.

So much for the introductions. On with the adventure!



ALFRED HITCHCOCK





1

The Potter Appears--and Disappears



JUPITER JONES heard the truck turn off the Coast Highway. There was no mistaking it. It was The Potter.

Jupe had been raking the white gravel drive of The Jones Salvage Yard. Now he stopped and listened. "He's coming this way," announced Jupiter.

Aunt Mathilda was nearby, watering the geraniums she had planted along the edge of the drive. She turned the nozzle of the hose, cutting off the flow of water, and looked down the short street towards the highway. "Now why on earth?" she wondered.

The Potter's ancient truck wheezed up the very slight grade between the Coast Highway and The Jones Salvage Yard. "He'll never make it," said Aunt Mathilda.