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

Mr Jefferson's smile disappeared and deeper wrinkles formed in his face. He said somberly, "Come in and sit down in the livingroom. We'll talk more about this."

Frank and Joe followed their host into a large room, richly furnished with antiques. Heavy, wine-red curtains muted the afternoon sunlight, and a miniature crystal chandelier sparkled at either side of a marble fireplace.

Mr Jefferson motioned the Hardys to be seated in velours-upholstered chairs and went on, "If that
fellow Hanleigh shows up while you are staying on the island, you're to chase him off at once!"

"Then you didn't know Mr Hanleigh was on your island?" Frank asked.

"No, indeed," Mr Jefferson replied vehemently. "Mr Hanleigh lives some distance from Bayport. He has come here repeatedly, insisting that I sell Cabin Island to him, but I have refused. Unfortunately, the man is persistent."

"I imagine the island is fairly valuable," Frank commented.

"It is," the elderly man admitted. "But it is not worth as much as the price Hanleigh offers. Besides, the place means more to me than money. My wife and I spent many happy vacations in that cabin with our orphaned grandson, Johnny-my son's boy. And now-" He sighed. "Mrs Jefferson has passed away."

"We're very sorry," said Joe, then added, "It's really great of you to invite us to vacation on Cabin Island."

"Not at all," the old man assured him. "I can't thank you sufficiently for saving my automobile from those thieves. You boys have a great deal of courage."

The Hardys looked embarrassed, and Frank replied, "We enjoyed the case. Joe and I seem to thrive on excitement."

Mr Jefferson's smile changed to an expression of disapproval. "I'm surprised your parents permit you to pursue criminals, however much you appear to thrive on danger," he declared. "I'd never allow my grandson to do such a thing, although he, too, is fascinated by mysterious crimes."
The elderly man's sudden criticism made the Hardys a little uncomfortable. Frank changed the subject and said quickly, "I'd like to hear more about Cabin Island, Mr Jefferson. We weren't there long enough to see much."

Their host relaxed as he spoke of his property. "The cabin itself is well built and cozy, as long as there are logs on the fire. You'll find a good supply of wood in the shed at the back of the cabin. Use all you need."

"I suppose we cook with wood?" Joe inquired.

"Oh, yes!" Mr Jefferson declared with gusto. "The kitchen is warm as toast when the old cooking-stove is stoked up! My wife and I talked of modernizing, but we liked things the way they were, and decided not to. Incidentally, you'll find all the cooking utensils you'll need."

"That's good," Frank said. He hesitated before adding, "Mr Jefferson, may we invite two of our friends to join us?"

"All the better," the old man said with enthusiasm. "The place is large enough. It has two bedrooms, each with a pair of bunks. By the way, how did you fellows get to the island?"

"We have an ice-yacht," Joe explained.

Mr Jefferson frowned. "Ice-yachts are too risky for youngsters. My Johnny always wanted one, but of course I refused him. Prudence is what young people lack. If my Johnny had learned prudence, things wouldn't be as they are now."

Frank and Joe exchanged quick glances, sensing that the mystery was about to be revealed.

The old man sighed and passed his hands over his eyes. In a low voice he added, "My Johnny has disappeared!"

The Hardys were both shocked and sympathetic. "That's terrible!" Joe exclaimed, then asked, "How old is Johnny ?"

"Fifteen, but he's a big boy. He looks a bit older."

"How long has your grandson been missing?" Frank questioned.

"When I returned from Europe recently," Mr Jefferson replied, "my housekeeper reported that Johnny had left school two weeks before."