"Dixon, Franklin W - Hardy Boys 008 - The Mystery of Cabin Island" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dixon Franklin W)

The Hawk zoomed past in such a violent rush of wind that Frank thought his craft would surely turn over. But he kept a firm hold on the tiller and Joe eased the sheet. Slowly the craft pulled out of the sharp turn and Frank was able to slow to a stop.

For a moment no one spoke. The boys stared at one another, numb with relief. Then Joe glanced over his shoulder and exclaimed, "They've piled up!"

"Serves them right," Biff declared. "They might have killed us all."

"Still, we'd better go over and see if they're badly injured," Frank said.

The four got out of the Seagull and made their way across the ice to the troublemakers, who were surveying the Hawk's broken mast.

Ike Nash limped towards the Seagull's crew, his eyes blazing. "You jerks are going to pay for this damage!" he shouted. "Besides, I'll have to see a doctor about my ankle. It's probably broken. You'll get all the bills, that's for sure!"

"It was your fault," Joe declared. "And if your ankle were broken, Ike, you couldn't walk."

"Save that stuff!" Tad snapped back. "If we wanted to hear a lecture, we'd have stayed in school!"

Biff turned away in disgust. "We can't tell these idiots a thing," he muttered. "Let's go!"

"We may as well," Joe agreed. "Nobody's seriously hurt, so they can make their own way to shore."

The Hardys and their pals headed back for the Seagull, ignoring the threats and angry remarks the bullies shouted after them.

"Let's go home," Chet said. "It's almost suppertime, and man, I'm starved!"

The four boarded the craft and sped on towards Bayport. Frank's face wore a thoughtful frown as they glided over the ice.

"What's the matter?" Joe shouted above the wind. "Not worried about those two blowhards back there, are you?"

Frank shook his head. "No, just thinking about that fellow in the mackinaw. I'd sure like to know who he is and what he's doing on Cabin Island."

"Same here." Joe was about to suggest that the quarrelsome stranger might have something to do with the mystery promised by Elroy Jefferson. But, smothering a grin, Joe decided he had better not alarm Chet unnecessarily!

The stout youth almost seemed to read Joe's mind. "I just hope that tough guy isn't around to make trouble if we're going to be spending Christmas vacation on the island," Chet muttered gloomily.

"Don't worry. If he tries anything, we can handle him," Biff said confidently.

Reaching Bayport harbor, they stowed the Seagull in the boathouse. Frank locked up and the boys climbed into the Hardys' convertible.

On the way to the farm where Chet lived on the outskirts of Bayport, Joe suggested, "Why not pack our supplies for the trip into the Seagull the night before we leave? Then we'll be able to get a quick start."

"But that's Christmas Day!" Biff objected. "We'll want to be home."

"True. How about tomorrow?" Frank asked. "We could pack in the afternoon, in plenty of time for Christmas Eve." This suggestion was agreed upon.

"What shall we bring?" Chet inquired.

"Oh, sleeping bags, extra blankets, snowshoes - that sort of thing," Joe replied.

"And flashlights!" Frank added. "Mr Jefferson did tell me the cabin is primitive - no electricity, no running water. We'll be roughing it."