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

"I was thinking of the meals," Chet persisted. "Who's in charge of food?"

Frank grinned. "You! But we'll all bring some."

"Sounds fine to me," said Biff, and the others nodded assent.

As they pulled up in front of the Mortons' farmhouse, Chet asked, "What time do we meet tomorrow to pack the Seagull?"

"About four o'clock," Joe suggested. "Frank and I ought to be back from our visit with Mr Jefferson by then."

The Hardys next drove Biff to his house. As they headed for their own home, Joe said, "I can't wait to know the details of Mr Jefferson's mystery! Haven't you any idea what it's about?"

Frank shook his head. The brothers had become fascinated with detective work at an early age, because their father, Fenton Hardy, was a private investigator whose skill had won him fame all over the country.

Mr Hardy frequently praised Frank and Joe for their ability to recognize significant clues and to make intelligent deductions.

The boys went into the house and found Mr and Mrs Hardy in the living-room. After greeting their parents, Frank said, "I'm afraid Joe and I have a confession. We've made some vacation plans without consulting you."

"I guess we got excited and forgot," Joe admitted. "But it all happened this afternoon."

Tall, muscular Fenton Hardy, his eyes twinkling, winked at his slender, attractive wife. "Laura, do you have the same hunch I do?"

Mrs Hardy smiled ruefully. "Another mystery. Am I right, boys?"

"Yes. But we don't know what kind yet," Frank replied.

The brothers took turns telling of Mr Jefferson's offer. When they had finished, Mr Hardy said, "I think the trip is a reward you deserve."

"Then it's okay, Dad - Mother?" Joe asked.

"All right. But I do hope there won't be any danger."

"We'll be careful," Frank assured her, "Don't worry about us."

"Well," Mrs Hardy said, "I'll have to make a trip to the market for your food supplies."

"You'll have to take a truck to bring home all that food!" exclaimed a tart voice from the doorway. The boys' Aunt Gertrude entered the living-room and added, "I know what it is to feed Chet Morton." She sniffed. "I only hope all you boys won't catch your death of cold!"

Aunt Gertrude was Fenton Hardy's unmarried sister, a tall, angular woman who often made long visits with the family. She liked to affect strictness, and it provoked her that she often found herself smiling when alas had intended to be stern with her nephews.

Underneath her peppery manner, Miss Hardy held a deep affection for the boys. She also was interested in their sleuthing, although always predicting dire results.

Joe could not resist teasing her. "Now, Aunty, how about you coming along as our cook?"

"Humph," Miss Hardy mumbled, and hastened to the kitchen.

Soon after supper Frank and Joe excused themselves and went upstairs to pack. "We may as well stow everything aboard the Seagull tomorrow except the food," Frank said. "That should give us an early start on Saturday."

The boys stuffed their clothes and gear into duffle bags. Next morning everything was placed in the boot of the convertible.