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

Jupiter pulled at his lip and thought of The Potter, so alone in his house by the sea.

"He never gave up on her," said young Tom. "He sent money every month--for my mother, you know. And when my folks were married, he sent them a terrific tea set. And he never stopped writing. Even after my grandmother died, he wrote to my mother. Still does."

"And your father?" asked Jupiter.

"Oh, he's a great guy," said Tom happily. "He runs the hardware store in Belleview. He didn't exactly go into fits of joy when Mum decided to come out here and see Grandfather, but she argued him round to it."

"I don't suppose you know why your grandfather came to California," said Jupiter.

"The weather, I suppose," said Tom. "Isn't that why most people come?"

"There are other reasons," Jupiter told him. His eyes were on the path to the beach. The two dark-clad men came floundering up the path, crossed the main road, and started to walk up the lane to Hilltop House.

Jupiter stood up and leaned against one of the urns, tracing the pattern of the screaming scarlet eagles with a forefinger. "An interesting series of puzzles," he remarked. "First, why did The Potter choose to disappear? Second, who searched his office yesterday? Also, who, or what, caused those flaming footprints in the kitchen? And why? And isn't it curious that no one in Rocky Beach even knew you existed?"

"But if he was a hermit?" said young Tom. "I mean, a guy who only has one chair in his house isn't exactly running a social club."

"Hermit or no hermit," said Jupiter Jones, "he was also a grandfather. A number of Aunt Mathilda's friends are grandparents, and they're always showing off snapshots of their grandchildren. The Potter never, never did that. He never even mentioned you or your mother to anyone."

Tom hunched forward and hugged his knees. "Makes you feel invisible," he declared. "This thing's like some kind of a bad dream. I'd say we ought to hightail it out of here and get back home, onlyа.а.а."

"Only, if you did that, you'd never know the answer, would you?" said Jupiter. "I would suggest that you employ a firm of private investigators."

"Hey, we couldn't do that!" protested Tom. "We aren't wracked in poverty, but we aren't exactly rolling in the green stuff either. Private investigators cost money."

"You'll find this firm very reasonable," said Jupiter. He took a card out of his pocket and handed it to Tom. It was an oversized business card, and it read:





THE THREE INVESTIGATORS



"We Investigate Anything"

? ? ?

First Investigator -

Second Investigator -

Records and Research -

JUPITER JONES

PETER CRENSHAW