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

Shortly after lunch Frank and Joe drove to the Jefferson home, a large colonial dwelling on Shore Road. A housekeeper answered their knock, took their coats, and asked the visitors to be seated in the spacious front hall.

Mr Jefferson is busy," the woman said. "He will with you shortly."

After the housekeeper had left, Joe exclaimed in a low voice, "Mother and Aunt Gertrude would sure go for this place! Look at that fancy carved table and gilded work. And those paintings on the walls! The whole house must be furnished in antiques."

"I think it is," Frank told him. "I've heard that Mr Jefferson has a large collection. In fact, he's regarded as an expert on antiques."

Suddenly the boys stopped talking. Loud voices came from the living-room adjoining the hall. The Hardys exchanged quizzical glances.

"Wonder what's going on?" Joe muttered.

"Trouble, from the sound of it," Frank replied.

The speakers seemed to be growing angrier with every sentence. Soon their words were clearly audible.

"I don't understand, Mr Jefferson, why you won't sell. You'll regret this!"

"Cabin Island is not for sale, and that is final, Mr Hanleigh. Now, please leave my home!"

The first voice snapped back, "You haven't heard the last from me!"

Startled, the Hardys stood up. At the same instant a large man stomped into the hall. Frank and Joe were nearly elbowed aside by the angry caller as he strode towards his coat, which was lying on a chair.

The boys nudged each other in excitement. It was the belligerent young man who had chased them off Cabin Island!

As he shrugged violently into his coat, his eyes fell nn Frank and Joe. "You two again!" he shouted, glaring at the boys. "Keep out of my way!"

Then he flung open the door and was gone.





- 3 -

Missing Grandson



"GOOD afternoon, boys." An elderly man, tall and thin, with shining white hair, stepped into the hall.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting, and also to subject you to Mr Hanleigh's bad manners."

"Oh, we don't mind," France said, shaking hands, and added, "I'd like to introduce my brother Joe."

"How do you do, Joe? Boys, I overheard what Mr Hanleigh said to you a moment ago. Whatever did he mean?"

"After you offered us your cabin," Frank explained, "Joe and I were eager to look at Cabin Island, so we went over. Mr Hanleigh was there and ordered us to leave."