hb 002 the house on the cliff

8/13/2019 HB 002 the House on the Cliff

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!B "a#e: HB02 - The House on the CliCreator $!: !"A#!B Type: T"$t

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The Har#7 Bo7s 7ster7 tories

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CHAPT"! 3"

p7in= B7 Telescope

Fo 7ou bo7s want to help me on another caseGF 5enton Har#7>internationall7 smile# at his teen-a=e sons.

F+a#> 7ou sai# 7ouEre worF5ran< spo


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han#. F #i#nEt sa7 capture themK Just sai# loo< or them.F

F"ven thatEs a bi= assi=nment. Than athletic #etective wal narrow carr7in= case stoo#. Tappin= it> he sai#:

F,ou bo7s have learne# how to manipulate this telescope prett7 well.How woul# 7ou li hisblue e7es lashin= in anticipation.

5ran who was a 7ear ol#er than his brother an# less impetuous> as F+a#> have 7ou an7 i#eas about the i#entit7o an7 o the smu==lersGF

F,es> #o>F r. Har#7 answere# his tall> #arF the #etective tol# the bo7s.Ft was throu=h them that was inall7 calle# in. Em sure that thethets are the result o smu==lin=> ver7 cleverl7 #one. ThatEs thereason suspect nattman. HeEs a note# criminal an# has been mixe# upin smu==lin= rac an# aterbein= release#> #roppe# out o si=ht.F

FAn# 7ou thin< heEs wor


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Ft soun#s as i we coul# =et a terriic ran=e up an# #own the shorerom there an# man7 miles across the water>F 5ran< remar sta7 a air amount o time> an# still =et home tosupper.F

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Fh> easil7.F oe answere#. Four motorc7cles can reall7 burn up theroa#F

His ather smile#> but cautione#> FThis telescope happens to be ver7valuable. The less Jouncin= it receives the better.F

F =et the point>F oe conce#e#> then as F+a#> #o 7ou want us to or woul# it beall ri=ht to taF r. Har#7 sai#> Fbut F,ou pac< the telescope on 7our motorc7cle. Ell phone.F

Chet orton was a stout> =oo#-nature# bo7 who love# to eat. 3ext tothat> he enJo7e# bein= with the Har#7s an# sharin= their excitin=a#ventures> althou=h at times> when the situations became #an=erous> hewishe# he were somewhere else. Chet also love# to tin so that he coul# have a real Fhot ro#.F

n contrast to Chet> Bi Hooper was tall an# lan he use# his le=s almost as spi#er #oes>coverin= tremen#ous #istances on level =roun#s or vaultin= ences.

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A ew minutes later oe Joine# his brother in the =ara=e an# tol# himthat both Chet an# Bi woul# =o alon=. Chet> he sai#> ha# apolo=iIe#or not bein= able to oer the Dueen or the trip but her en=ine wasFall over the =ara=e.F FAs usual>F 5ran< sai# with a =rin as the twobo7s climbe# on their motorc7cles an# set out.

Presentl7 the Har#7s stoppe# at Bi HooperEs home. He ran out the #oorto meet them an# climbe# aboar# behin# oe. Chet live# on a arm at theouts about a iteen-minute run rom the Hooper home.The stout bo7 ha# strolle# #own the lane to the roa# an# was waitin=or his rien#s. He hoiste# himsel onto 5ranF he remar


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Ft #epen#s on weather con#itions>F 5ran< replie#. Fn a clear #a7 7oucan maF Bi soF oe answere#.

The motorc7lce chu==e# alon= the shore

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roa#> with 5ran< watchin= his spee#ometer careull7. F8e ou=ht to becomin= to the Pollitt place soon>F he sai# inall7. F1eep 7our e7es

open> ellows.F

The bo7s ro#e on in silence> but su##enl7 the7 all exclaime# to=ether>FThere it isF

At the entrance to a #rivewa7 thic into which the name EPollittF ha# been chisele#. 5ran be7on# a lawn over=rown withwee#s> the7 came upon the tall> ramblin= buil#in=. t stoo# liF Chet spo


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telescope an# attache# tripo#> pullin= up the e7e-en# section irst.

Bi an# Chet exclaime# in a#miration.

FBo7> thatEs reall7 neatF Chet remarF Chet remarF He complaine#.

oe lau=he#. FAn# 7ou wonEt until insert one o the e7epieces intothe a#apter o the bi= telescope an# put another e7epiece into thein#er.F

n a ew minutes the Har#7s ha# the ascinatin= #evice wor an# each bo7 too< a turn loo #isappointe#.



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5ran< ha# Just ta F see somethin=F

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He now be=an a runnin= account o the scene he ha# Just pic


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F4etEs scatter an# see i we can in# another #oor>F ran< su==este#.

5ran< an# oe too< one si#e o the house> Bi an# Chet the other. The7met at the rear o the ol# home an# to=ether trie# the #oor there.This> too> was locF 5ran< answere#.

As the bo7s reache# the win#ow> which seeme# to open into a librar7>the7 hear# the scream a=ain.

FHelp Hurr7 HelpF came an a=oniIe# cr7.

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CHAPT"! T8

TH"5 AT 8!1

oe was irst to sli#e throu=h the bro ellows>F he calle# out> Funtil unloc< this.F

Duic raise# the win#ow> an# the other threebo7s steppe# insi#e the librar7. 3o one was there an# the7 ran into thelar=e center hall.

FHelloF 5ran< shoute#. F8here are 7ouGF

There was no answer. Fa7be that person who was callin= or help haspasse# out or is unconscious>F oe su==este#. F4etEs loo< aroun#.F

The bo7s #ashe# in various #irections> an# investi=ate# the livin= roomwith its ol#-ashione# urnishin=s> the #inin= room with its heavil7carve# "n=lish oa< set> the an# what ha# evi#entl7 been amai#Es be#room in #a7s =one b7. 3ow it was heape# hi=h with empt7 boxesan#

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crates. There was no one in an7 o the rooms an# the Har#7s an# theirtwo rien#s met a=ain in the hall.

FThe man must be upstairs>F 5ran< #eci#e#.

He starte# up the ront stairwa7 an# the others ollowe#. There wereseveral be#rooms. u##enl7 Chet hun= bac


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spe# rom one to another o the man7 rooms. 5inall7 the7 investi=ate#the last o them.

F3obo#7 hereF 8hat #o 7ou ma who ha# reJoine# the =roup> sai# worrie#l7> F-- ma7be the placeis haunte#F

oeEs e7es were searchin= or an entrance to the thir# loor. eein=none> he opene# three #oors in the hall> hopin= to in# a stairwa7. Hesaw none.

FThere must be an attic in this house>F he sai#. F won#er how 7ou =etto it.F

Fa7be thereEs an entrance rom one o the be#rooms>F 5ran< su==este#.F4etEs see.F

The bo7s separate# to investi=ate. u##enl7 5ran< calle# out> FEveoun# itF

The others ran to where he ha# #iscovere# a #oor behin# a manEs shabb7robe han=in= insi#e a closet. This in turn reveale# a stairwa7 an# the=roup hurrie#l7 climbe# it> Chet brin=in= up the rear.

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The attic room was enormous. l# newspapers an# ma=aIines were strewnaroun# amon= ol#-ashione# trun but there was no humanbein= in si=ht.

F =uess that cr7 or help #i#nEt come rom the house at all>F Bisu==este#. F8hatEll we #o nowG 4oo< out#oorsGF

F =uess weEll have to>F 5ran< answere#.

He starte# #own the steep stairwa7. !eachin= the oot> he turne# thehan#le o the #oor which ha# swun= shut. To his concern he was not ableto open it.

F8hatEs the matterGF as


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FPrett7 rotten leavin=it open behin# them. To their relie> the telescope still stoo# at thee#=e o the cli> pointin= seawar#.

FThan< =oo#nessF sai# oe. FE# hate to have to tell +a# the telescopewas =oneF

5ran< rushe# over to ta he oun# thatthe7 not behin# him. But a moment later oe came runnin= aroun# the

corner o the home callin= out:

FThe motorc7cles are sae 3obo#7 stole themF

FThan< =oo#ness or that>F 5ran< sai#.

Chet an# Bi Joine# them an# all loppe# #own on the =rass to #iscussthe m7sterious happenin=s an# wor< out a plan o action.

F that thie is hi#in= insi#e the house> Fm =oin= to in# him>F oe



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#eclare# inall7.

FEm with 7ou>F sai# 5ran Jumpin= up. Fhow about 7ou> Bi> =uar#in=the motorc7cles an# Chet ta boththe ront an# bac< #oors will be covere#> too> in case that thie comesout.F

FF the Har#7sE rien#s a=ree#.

As 5ran< an# oe entere# the ront hall> oe remar FThereEs a bac Ell taF sai# 5ran


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Fearch me>F his brother answere#. FThe =host must have a cone#erate.F

The brothers peere# over the e#=e o the cli but coul# see onl7Ja==e# roc #isappointe# that the7 ha# learne# nothin= an# ha# noexplanation or the secon# lau=h.

FEm =la# it stoppe#> an7how>F sai# Chet. Ft =ave me =oose pimples an#ma#e chills run up an# #own m7 spine.F

Bi looellows. orr7 to brea< up this man hunt. a7be 7ou can ta


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Bi turne# to loo< over his shoul#er. FA lan#sli#eF he shoute#.

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!oc loosene# b7 recent heav7 rainstorms> were tumblin= #ownthe steep hillsi#e at terriic spee#.

F5ran theirhearts sin the motorc7cle> an# the telescope were bowle# over b7 the

allin= roc oe an#Bi reache# their si#es.

F5ran sat up slowl7. Asi#e rom loo the7seeme# to be all ri=ht. F!oc< Just misse# m7 hea#>F 5ran< sai# inall7.

F =ot a mean wallop on m7 shoul#er>F Chet pante# =in=erl7> rubbin= thesore spot.

F,ou ellows were lucF Bi spo an# oe no##e# his intenserelie.

FHow about the telescopeGF 5ran< as pushe# out o the straps which ha# hel# itin place on the motorc7cle>

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la7 in the roa#. covere# with stone an# #irt. oe opene# the heavil7line# box an# careull7 examine# the telescope.

F looF he sai# in a relieve# voice. F course wewonEt


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Ben#er> that bi= en# on ilton Hi=h team. HeEs hit me man7 a time thesame wa7.F

5ran too> #eclare# that he elt no ill eects. To=ether> the bo7slun= roc< ater roc< into the iel# between the roa# an# the wateran#> in pairs> carrie# the heavier rocF 5ran< spo Em arai# 7ouEre=oin= to be late =ettin= home.F He chuc the helmsman chan=e# his min#> or at once the

nose o his boat was pointe# out into the ocean a=ain.

But the moment o hesitation ha# =iven the

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pursuers the chance the7 nee#e#. witl7 the =ap between the racin=crat =rew smaller an# smaller until the boats were runnin= si#e b7



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si#e. The7 were so close to=ether that a collision seeme# imminent.

FThe7Ell all be one o the two men su##enl7 raise# his ri=ht arm hi=h. A momentlater he hurle# an obJect throu=h the air. t lan#e# in bac< o theen=ine housin= in the center o the crat. At the same time the lar=erboat spe# o seawar#.

F8hat was thatGF Chet as


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The two plun=e# into the water an# struc< out or the stric 5ran< an# Chet spe# up the slope> cut across a strip o=rass> an# be=an runnin= #own the embanF 5ran< shoute# as he loo ortunatel7> ha# mana=e# to sieIe a piece o wrec 5ran< an# Chet ma#e their wa7 #own the slope.!oc butevi#entl7 still seaworth7. There were two sets o oars.

F9rab hol#F 5ran< #irecte# Chet.

The bo7s pulle# the boat across the pebbles an# into the water. witl7the7 ixe# the oars in the loc5ran< an# Chet rowe# towar# the #istresse# swimmer. Presentl7 the7overtoo< oe an# Bi> who clambere# aboar#. The man ha# seen the bo7san# calle# eebl7 to them to hurr7.

F5asterF oe ur=e#. FHe loo he su##enl7 let =o his hol# onthe bit o wrec as he bent to his oar a=ain.

oe ma#e a tremen#ousl7 lon=> outwar# #ive an# #isappeare# into the

water where the man ha# =one #own. 5ran< an# Chet rowe# the boat to thespot an# leane# over the si#e to peer #own.

ust then> oe an# the stran=er bro withthe bo7 hol#in= an arm un#er the manEs shoul#ers. His hea# sa==e#.

FHeEs unconsciousF Bi whispere# hoarsel7> as he helpe# pull thevictim into the boat. The man sprawle# helplessl7 on the bottom> more#ea# than alive.



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F8eE# better revive him an# =et him to the hospital>F sai# 5ran orcin= a little water rom themanEs lun=s> but the stran=er #i# not re=ain consciousness.

F thin< he collapse# rom exhaustion>F oe spo


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FHow about callin= a #octorGF 5ran< as as thou=h in a #aIe.

F8here am GF he muttere# aintl7.

F,ouEre sae>F 5ran< assure# him. F,ouEre with rien#s.F

F,ou save# meGF

F,es.F

FPrett7 near-- cashe# in-- #i#nEt GF

F,ou nearl7 #rowne#> but 7ouEre all ri=ht now. 8hen 7ou eel liF sai# 5ran weEll call the police or the Coast 9uar# an# report those menwho trie# to mur#er 7ou.F

The man in the be# blin no> +onEt #o that.F

The bo7s were shoc then sai#> FThan butE# rather let matters stan# as the7 are. Ell ta


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The snac< consiste# o san#whiches o home-cure# ham with cheese>=lasses o resh mil an# rich lemon pie> roth7 with merin=ue. Chetbeame#. Frs. 1ane> 7ou ou=ht to open a restaurant.

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E# be a stea#7 customer. ,ouEre the best pie ma an# Bi chucoo#-lovin= chum ma


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5ran< an# oe were not convince#. Ater the7 ha# #roppe# their chums atthe orton an# Hopper homes> the7 #iscusse# the #a7Es stran=e an#varie# a#ventures all the wa7 to the Har#7 house.

FEm sure that =host business was meant to be somethin= more than apranF 5ran< state#.

F!i=ht>F his brother a=ree#.F Just ha# an i#ea> 5ran but he coul# have ri==e# up a tape recor#er to ma


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smaller one. Coul# he ha# been this same ellow who calls himselonesGF

F8e coul#nEt i#enti7 him>F oe replie#> Fbut he mi=ht be.F

5ran< snappe# his in=ers. F,es> an# he coul# be one o the smu==lers.F

FBut who threw that han# =rena#e at himGF oe as surel7. An# those =u7s in the other spee#boat-- the7 coul#nEthave been Coast 9uar# men> even in #is=uise. The7 woul#nEt use=rena#es.F

FoeEs ri=ht on the secon# point>F r. Har#7 a=ree#. FBut ones ma7still be a smu==ler.F

F,ou mean he mi=ht have #one somethin= to ma F4etEs =o tal< to him ri=ht awa7 B7 mornin= heEll be =oneF

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CHAPT"! 5"

P!"T"4 P"T"

Fust a minuteF rs. Har#7 sai# to her sons. FHow about supperGF

F8e can eat when we come bac< rom our interview with ones>F oeanswere#. Fother> he ma7 #eci#e to leave the armhouse an7 time.F

+espairin=l7 rs. Har#7 returne# to her husban#. F8hat #o 7ou thin5entonGF

The #etective =ave his wie an un#erstan#in= smile> then turne# to5ran< an# oe. F+i#nEt 7ou sa7 ones was in prett7 ba# shapeGF

F,es> +a#>F 5ran< replie#.

FThen #oubt ver7 much that heEll tr7 to leave the 1aneEs home beorethe time he set-- tomorrow mornin=. Em sure that itEll be sae or usto eat otherEs =oo# supper an# still see our man in time.F

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oe subsi#e#> an# to ma sai# with a smile>F9uess let this m7ster7 =o to m7 brain or a minute. As a matter o



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act> have an empt7 space insi#e o me bi= enou=h to eat two suppersF

rs. Har#7 twea Just as she ha#reLuentl7 #one ever since he was a small bo7. He smile# at heraectionatel7> then as suppose 7ou ill the water =lasses an# =et mil< or 7ou an#5ranF rs. Har#7 sai#> as she an# oe went #ownstairs to=ether.

At the table> as oten happene# at meals in the Har#7 home> theconversation revolve# aroun# the m7ster7. 5ran< asF the #etective replie#. Fnattman is a slipper7in#ivi#ual. He covers his trac thou=h. Thelaw irm which is han#lin= ol# r. PollittEs aairs has ha# no luc< inlocatin= the nephew to whom the propert7 was let.F

Fr. 1ane sai# heE# hear# r. Pollitt call his nephew a no-=oo#>F 5ranF r. Har#7 sai#. FThe law7ers learne# rom thepolice that heEs a hoo#lum an# is wante# or bur=lar7.F

5ran< whistle#. FThat puts the nephew in a

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ba# spot> #oesnEt itG he shows up to claim the propert7> heEll benabbe# as a criminal.F

F"xactl7>F r. Har#7 answere#.

F8hat will become o the propert7GF oe Luerie#.

Hs ather sai# he thou=ht the executors mi=ht let the house remainvacant or the7 mi=ht possibl7 rent it. FThe7 coul# #o this on a month-to-month basis. This woul# =ive a##e# income to the estate.F

F8hich woul#nEt #o the nephew much =oo# i he were in Jail>F rs. Har#7put in.

FThat woul# #epen# on how lon= his sentence was>F her husban# sai#. FHema7 not be a #an=erous criminal. He ma7 Just have allen into ba#compan7 an# unwittin=l7 become an accessor7 in some hol#up or bur=lar7.F

Fn that case>F 5ran< remar Fhe ma7 realiIe that he woul#nEt haveto sta7 in prison lon=. He ma7 appear to claim the propert7> ta an# then lea# a normal> law-abi#in= lie out at his uncleEsplace.F

F8ell> sincerel7 hope so>F r. Har#7 replie#. FThe trouble is> sooten when a 7oun= man Joins a =roup o hoo#lums or rac heEsblac even thou=h he tries to =ostrai=ht.F The #etective smile#. FThe best wa7 to avoi# such a



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situation is never to =et into itF

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At this moment the phone ran= an# 5ran< went to answer it. FtEs or7ou> +a#F he calle#> comin= bac< to the table.

r. Har#7 spent nearl7 iteen minutes in conversation with the caller.n the meantime> the bo7s an# rs. Har#7 inishe# their supper. Then>while r. Har#7 ate his #essert> he tol# his amil7 a little about theinormation he ha# Just receive# on the phone.

Fore #ru=s have #isappeare#>F he sai# tersel7. FEm positive now thatnattman is behin# all this.F

F8ere the #ru=s stolen aroun# hereGF 5ran< asan# replace# the wrappin= so neatl7 that neither the customs oicialsnor the post oice was aware that the pac Fthe #ru=s coul# have been remove# ri=ht on thepremises> an# have ha# nothin= to #o with smu==lers.F

F,ouEre ri=ht>F r. Har#7 a=ree#. F"ach time #ru=s are reporte#

missin=> thereEs a new an=le to the case. Althou=h Em convince#nattman is bac< o it> how to prove this is reall7 a stic


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FThatEs his nicF r. Har#7 tol# them. Helau=he#. F+urin= the past ew 7ears Eve munche# on so man7 o thepretIels he sells> thin< Em his best customer.F

B7 this time the bo7Es ather ha# inishe# his #essert> an# hesu==este# the7 leave at once or the 1ane armhouse. He brou=ht hisblac< se#an rom the =ara=e an# the bo7s hoppe# in. t #i# not ta the house is #arF 5ran< remar puIIle#.

Fa7be ever7oneEs asleep>F oe su==este#.

FThis earl7GF 5ran< proteste#.

r. Har#7 continue# on #own the lane. There was no si=n o an7onearoun# the place. 5ran< remarF he a##e#.

FEm Luite sure the7 woul#nEt>F his ather averre#. F the7Ere asleep>Em arai# weEll have to waF oe su==este#. Fa7be that has a a sinF oe sai# #eJecte#l7.



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F8eEve =ooe#.F

FTr7 the then as F8hat happene#GF

5or several moments r. an# rs. 1ane were too upset to tell theirstor7. But inall7 the armer sta==ere# over to the win#ow an# pointe#



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an# speculate# on the i#entit7 o those responsible.

FEll bet those men in the other motorboat saw us rescue ones> or elsethe7 hear# somehow that heE# been taF oe surmise#.

F the7 are the won#er what will happen to ones now>F5ran< sai# =ravel7. FThe7 trie# to F r. Har#7 state# thou=htull7.FThe7 were probabl7

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arai# heE# tell all he an# coul#nEt aor# to leave him at thearmhouse.F

8hen the7 =ot bac< to the 1anesE> the7 oun# the armer an# his wiesomewhat recovere# rom their harrowin= experience. rs. 1ane was bus7

strai=htenin= up the F 5ran< reporte# sa#l7.

F8ell> those hoo#lums ha# a hi=h-powere# car an# the7 werenEt wastinEan7 time. coul# see Eem rom the win#ow as the7 went #own the lane>Fthe armer remar rownin= an=ril7 at the recollection.

FPlease tell us exactl7 what happene#> r. 1ane>F oe ur=e#.

F8ell> abel an# were here in the F the man be=an. Fabel waswashinE the supper #ishes when this ellow came to the #oor. He was atall chap with a lon=> thin ace.F

FHe asthe ellow tol# us that r. ones was his brother an# he ha# come totaF r. 1ane bro an# putthe =a=s in our mouths>F the armer continue#. FThen we hear# Eem =oinEinto onesEs room. Prett7 soon the7 carrie# him out to a car where aourth ellow was sittinE at the wheel.F



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F+i# ones put up a i=ht when the7 too< him awa7GF 5ran< as but o course coul#nEt #oan7thinE an# he was too wea< to stru==le much.F

FThis whole aair is ver7 peculiar>F r. Har#7 observe#. FPerhapsones is mixe# up in the smu==lin= =oin= on aroun# here. But who werethose our men> won#erGF

rs. 1ane shoo< her hea#. FAll weEre sure =la# 7ou an# 7oursons came out toni=ht. ThereEs no tellin= how lon= weE# have been tie#up beore somebo#7 oun# usF

F8eEre =la#> too> that we =ot here>F 5ran< replie#.

F,ou ol 7ou can.F

FEll certainl7 tr7>F the bo7sE ather promise#.

The Har#7s ba#e the armer an# his wie =oo#-b7. The7 promise# to calla=ain at the 1ane arm as soon as the7 ha# an7 urther inormation> an#r. 1ane> in turn> sai# he woul# noti7 them i he oun# an7 trace oones or his


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Ft ma7 be his si=nature. not> itEs a ver7 =oo# or=er7.F rs. Har#7was plainl7 worrie#.

F +a# #i#nEt write this note>F oe as Fwho #i# an# wh7GF

F,our ather has man7 enemies-- criminals whom he has been instrumentalin sen#in= to prison. there has been oul pla7> the note mi=ht havebeen sent to


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millin= thron= or six more bloc FComeinto this warehouse.F

The brothers ollowe# him #own the street a short #istance an# throu=ha #oorwa7 into an enormous room which at the moment was practicall7empt7.

F,ouEve brou=ht a messa=e rom 7our popGF the ven#or asF PretIel Pete answere#. FBut #i#nEt thin< nothin= aboutit. alwa7s thou=ht #etectives #isappeare#-- sometimes in or#er toool people the7 were ater.F

FThe7 sometimes #o>F oe tol# him. FBut this time seems to be#ierent. +a# sai# he oten came

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search or their ather. B7 now the7 were ver7 amiliar with the shoreroa# but #i# not recall havin= seen an7 si=n rea#in= Hillcrest.

Fuppose itEs not marF sai# oe. F8eEll never in# it.F

5ran< =rippe# his han#le bars har#. F +a# oun# it> we wonEt =ive upuntil we #o.F

The motorc7cles chu==e# past si#e roa# ater si#e roa#. The artherawa7 rom Ba7port the bo7s went> the arther apart these roa#s became.

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Ater a while the7 came to the 1anesE armhouse an# were tempte# tostop to see i the7 mi=ht ashort #istance ahea#> oe saw a small car su##enl7 turn into the shoreroa#. t seeme# to have come ri=ht out o a clump o bushes an# trees.

FCome on> 5ran hopin= to spea< to the #river o the car. But heshot #own the roa# in the opposite #irection at terriic spee#. 8hen5ran< an# oe reache# the place rom which he ha# Just emer=e#> the7saw that it was a roa#> thou=h har#l7 noticeable to an7one passin= b7.

FEll taF 5ran< sai#> shuttin= o hismotorc7cle an# wal rutte# lane. u##enl7 he calle#bac F8eEre in luc oe. see a homema#e si=n on a tree. t sa7sHillcrest !oa#.F

5ran< returne# to his brother an# the bo7s trun#le# their machines upamon= the trees to hi#e them. Then the7 set o aoot alon= the almostimpassable woo#s roa#.

FThere arenEt an7 tire tracF oe remar an# then in a low tone su==este# that the7 approach the#eserte# armhouse ver7 Luietl7> in case members o the =an= were there.

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Fn act> thin< it mi=ht be better i we #i#nEt sta7 on this roa# but

went throu=h the woo#s.F

oe a=ree# an# silentl7 the Har#7s pic


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F8hatEs thatGF

FA passen=er ship that ties up here once in a while.F

5ran< an# oe actuall7 Jumpe# in their chairs. Their thou=hts wentracin= to Ali in=h> smu==lers> a =an= at the #eserte# armhouse

At that moment Chie Colli=Es phone ran=. The Har#7s waite# politel7 ashe answere#> hopin= to #iscuss these new #evelopments with him. Butsu##enl7 he put #own the instrument> Jumpe# up> an# sai#:

F"mer=enc7> ellows. Have to leave ri=ht awa7F 8ith that he rushe# outo his oice.

5ran< an# oe arose an# #isappointe#l7 let hea#Luarters. !eturnin=home> the7 reporte# ever7thin= to their mother> but upon seein= howorlorn she loo 5ran< sai# hopeull7> FThat note 7ou receive# with+a#Es name on it coul# have been on the level.F

rs. Har#7 shoo< her hea#. F5enton woul#nEt or=et the secret si=n.

Just F am sai# slowl7> Fbut #onEt F 5ran< ur=e#. FTell us ever7thin= 7ou


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F8here #i# 7ou see r. Har#7GF rs. Har#7 as seeGF hesai#. Fostl7 #rive in Ba7port but sometimes have a run to anothertown. ThatEs how come to be out there that morninE. F

Fut whereGF

FAlon= the shore roa#. Em sure it was on#a7>

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because when came home or supper m7 wie ha# been #oinE the washinEan# she onl7 #oes that on on#a7.F

FThat was the #a7 +a# letF oe exclaime#.

F8ell> please =o on with the stor7>F 5ran< pro##e# am Bates. F8here

#i# 7ou see himGF

The truc< #river explaine# that his emplo7er ha# sent him to a town#own the coast to #eliver some urniture. F was about hal a mile romthe ol# Pollitt place when saw a man wal li an# then see itEsr. Har#7.F

F,ou FCan 7ou tell us an7thin= moreGF

FEm arai# not> maEam>F the truc


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F,es> 7ouEve =iven us a valuable lea#>F 5ran< a##e#. F3ow weEll F the #river sai#> wal Fan# it le# to the ol# Pollitt place. helet his car somewhere> he must have been plannin= to investi=ate thehaunte# house without bein= seen.F

Fomethin= must have happene# to himF oe crie# out. F5ran Ell bethe went to PollittEs an# that a 5ran when 7ouput it that wa7. All ri=ht. Ell =ive m7 permission> but 7ou mustnEt =oalone.F

F8h7 not> otherG 8e can loo< out or ourselves>F oe insiste#.

F9et some o the bo7s to =o with 7ou. ThereEs saet7 in numbers>F hismother sai#.

The bo7s a=ree# to this plan an# =ot bus7 on the telephone roun#in= uptheir pals. Chet orton an# Bi Hooper a=ree# to =o> an# the7su==este# as two more o the Har#7sErien#s at Ba7port Hi=h. Phil owne# a motorc7cle. He an# Ton7 sai# the7coul# =o alon=.

hortl7 ater lunch the =roup set out. Chet ro#e with 5ran Bi withoe> an# Ton7 with Phil. The three motorc7cles went out o Ba7port>past the Tower ansion> an# alon= the shore roa#.

The7 passe# the 1ane armhouse> Hillcrest !oa#> an# at last came insi=ht o the steep cli risin= rom Barmet Ba7 an# crowne# b7 theramblin= rame house where 5elix Pollitt ha# live#. All this time the7ha# watche# careull7 or a si=n o r. Har#7Es car> but oun# none.



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F,our #a# hi# it well>F Chet remar


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cleare# awa7. 4eaves an# twi=s ha# been ra


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F8eEre not snoopin=>F 5ran< #eclare#. F8e are loo


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his min# was racin=. n his wa7 out he =lance# a=ain at the pe=.

The cap was =one

5ran< =ave no si=n that he ha# notice# an7thin= amiss. He walF he sai# nonchalantl7.

F,ou mi=ht as well>F snappe# the woman. FThereEs no stran=er aroun#here> tell 7ou.F

The bo7s starte# o #own the lane. 8hen the7 were out o si=ht o thehouse> 5ran< stoppe# an# turne# to his companions.

F+o 7ou


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FPerhaps weE# better as< the police to loo< aroun#>F oe su==este#.

The re#hea# =lance# meanin=l7 at the woman. The other man steppe#orwar#. F F he sai#. FtEs mine. 8hatabout itGF

Ft isnEt 7ours an# 7ou F 5ran< #eclare#. FThat cap belon=s tothe man weEre loo showin= his7ellowe# teeth in a snarl. F+onEt tell me Em l7inE.F

The re#-haire# man intervene#. F,ouEre mista 1lein>F he sai#. F !e#>F 1lein conce#e# hastil7.

F,ou oun# itGF as oun# it. A brown cap with bloo#stains on it.F

FThatEs the one. But wh7 #i# 7ou hi#e it when went into the to tell the truth> them bloo#stains ma#e me nervous. #i#nEt so thou=ht E#better


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The bo7 turne# bac< the insi#e lap an# there he oun# what he wasloo #o 7ouGF !e# answere# belli=erentl7.

F canEt contra#ict 7ou> but Em =oin= to turn this over to thepolice>F 5ran< tol# him. F 7ou 7ouE#better spea< up now.F

FHe #oesnEt F shrille# the woman an=ril7. F9oawa7 an# #onEt bother us. +i#nEt he tell 7ou he oun# the cap on theroa#G tol# him to burn up the #irt7 thin=. But he wante# to have itcleane# an# wear it.F

The bo7s turne# awa7> 5ran< still hol#in= the cap. FCome on> ellows>Fhe sai#. F4etEs =et out o here.F

As the bo7s starte# #own the lane the7 cast a last =lance bac< at the7ar#. The woman an# the two men were stan#in= Just where th# 7oun=sleuths ha# let them. The woman was motionless> her han#s on her hips.!e# was stan#in= with his arms ol#e#> an# 1lein> the swarth7 man> wasleanin=

)'6666666666

MAttach EPa=eN0)).=iE hereO

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a=ainst a tree. All three were =aIin= intentl7 an# silentl7 ater the#epartin= bo7s.

FEm sure that those people F 5ran< sai# =riml7> as the bo7s mounte# their motorc7cles an#ro#e bac< towar# Ba7port.

F8hat are 7ou plannin= to #o nextGF Phil as


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F weEre with 7ouF

The bo7s ro#e #irectl7 to police hea#Luarters an# let theirmotorc7cles in the par Fthis is Luite a #ele=ation 8hat can #oor 7ouGF

As 5ran< an# oe too< turns> with an occasional =raphic illustrationrom one o the other bo7s> the7 tol# the ull stor7 an# showe# him thebloo#staine# cap.

Chie Colli= loo F course 7ou realiIe that the area where thePollitt house is locate# is outsi#e the limits o Ba7port> so m7 mencanEt =o there. But Ell =et in touch with Captain !7#er o the tatePolice at once> so he can assi=n men to the case.F

)%6666666666

The bo7s than Ton7> Bi> an#Phil went their separate wa7s while 5ran< an# oe turne# towar# home.The7 #eci#e# not to upset their mother about the bloo#staine# cap> butmerel7 tell her that the tate Police woul# taF 5ran< #eclare#.

F8hat Eve been won#erin=>F sai# oe> Fis where those two motorboatscame rom that #a7 ones was attac 5ran there mi=ht be a secret harbor in thereGF

Fi=ht be. HereEs the wa7 it coul# wor 5ran it sure soun#s reasonableF

FAn# perhaps that explains wh7 the


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the7 let the 1ane armhouse Just a little while beore we #i#> weshoul# have been able to =et within si=ht o their car. But we #i#nEt.F

F,ou mean the7 turne# in at the Pollitt placeGF

F8h7 notG Probabl7 ones is hi##en there ri=ht now.F

FAn# ma7be +a# too>F oe crie# out excite#l7.

FThatEs ri=ht. Em a=ainst Just sittin= an# waitin= or the statetroopers to in# him. How about as so we can investi=ate the oot o that cliGF

F =et 7ouF oe a=ree# enthusiasticall7. FAn# i we pic< up an7inormation we can turn it over to the tate Police an# the7 can rai#the Pollitt placeF

%06666666666

CHAPT"! T"3

A 8ater7 Tunnel

8H"3 the brothers arrive# home 5ran< an# oe assure# their mother thatthe tate Police woul# soon in# r. Har#7. ome o the anxiet7 lether ace as she listene# to her sonsE reassurin= wor#s.

8hen she went to the the bo7swent to phone Ton7 Prito. Ater 5ran< explaine# their plan to him> hea=ree# at once to let them use the 3apoli> provi#e# the7 too< him alon=.

F woul#nEt miss it or an7thin=>F he sai#. FBut canEt =o untilaternoon. Have to #o some wor< or m7 #a# in the mornin=. Ell meet7ou at the boathouse at two oEcloc Ton7. have a Job o m7 own in the mornin=.F

Chet calle# a ew minutes later. As 5ran< inishe# tellin= him aboutthe plan> he whistle#.

%&

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F,ou ellows have =ot 7our nerve all ri=ht. But count me in> will 7ouG starte# this thin= with 7ou an# E# li oe as F8hatEs on or themornin=GF



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Ton7 steere# the boat closer towar# the shore> so that it woul# not bevisible rom the Pollitt =roun#s. Then he slac an# the crat ma#eits wa7 towar# the bottom o the cli.

There were currents here that #eman#e# s but Ton7brou=ht the 3apoli throu=h them easil7> an# at last the boat waschu==in= alon= close to the ace o the cli.

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The bo7s ea=erl7 scanne# the ormi#able wall o roc li Jutte#out o the water almost at the boatEs si#e. nl7 Ton7Es Luic< e7e ha#save# the 3apoli rom hittin= it

The7 ha# blun#ere# into a veritable maIe o rees which exten#e# orseveral 7ar#s ahea#. Ton7Es passen=ers hel# their breaths. t seeme#impossible that the7 coul# run the =antlet o those roc that was closeF heexclaime#. F #i#nEt see those roc


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5ran< no##e# tensel7. F9o ahea#.F

The 3apoli slippe# throu=h the openin= an# in a ew moments came outinto a pon# o consi#erable extent. The bo7s loo F4oo< to m7 ri=ht>ellows.F

Amon= the thic his ace was weather-beaten> an# his lips thin an#cruel. He stoo# Luietl7> loo the man shoute#> F9et out o hereF

Ton7 throttle# the en=ine an# 5ran< calle#> F8e arenEt #oin= an7 harm.F

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F sai# E9et outE This is private propert7.F

The bo7s hesitate#. nstantl7 the man> as thou=h to bac< up hiscomman#s> reache# si=niicantl7 towar# the holster o a revolver.

FTurn that boat aroun# an# beat itF he snappe#. FAn# #onEt ever comebac< here 3ot i 7ou hislet han# pointin= to the exit> his ri=ht tappin= the =un holster> asthe motorboat ma#e its wa7 out throu=h the tunnel.

F4ooF remar assoon as the 3apoli was in open water a=ain.

FHe sure #i#nEtF 5ran< exclaime#. F expecte# him to start poppin=that =un at an7 momentF

FHe must have an important reason. 8ho an# what #o 7ou suppose he isGFTon7 asF 5ran< sai# thou=htull7> F thin< that man mi=ht have beennattmanF

%%

CHAPT"! "4""3



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Cli 8atchers

F5ranF sai# Chet. FHe must be nattmanor one o his =an=.F

FAn#>F 5ran< went on> Fthe act that he was in that cove must mean hehas some connection with the house on the cli.F

Fnattman> F oe crie#.

FAn# trie# to F 5ran< continue# the thou=ht.

F4etEs =et awa7 rom hereF Chet ur=e#.

F8h7 shoul# we =o nowGF 5ran< #eman#e#.

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F8eEve stumble# on somethin= important. That hi##en pon# ma7 be thesmu==lersE base.F

FBut i the7 use the house how #o the7 =et to itGF Ton7 asF oe sai#. F8hatsa7 we han= aroun# here or a while an# in# out what we canGF

Ton7 cau=ht the Har#7sE enthusiasm an# a=ree# to F oe replie#. FAs it is> he must thin< we were simpl7 out or acruise an# wan#ere# into that tunnel b7 mistaF his brother a=ree#. F heE# hemi=ht have acte# ver7 #ierentl7.F

n the late aternoon Ton7 too< the 3apoli bac< to the suspecte# shorespot. 1eepin= well out rom the brea he cruise# alon= thecli. The bo7s


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(06666666666

able to #istin=uish the narrow openin= in the rocF Ton7 remar ellows>F he sai#. Faw a lo=-- ohF

He shut o his en=ine in a lash an# leane# over the =unwale. Hiscompanions picF oe remar


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F,ou #eserve a me#al>F Chet remar itEll=ive Ali in=h a chance to #rop the stolen #ru=s overboar# to nattman.F

FCorrect>F sai# 5ran but we hope that we can #o both.F

Twili=ht #eepene# into #arF Ton7 whispere#.

The soun# seeme# to come rom near the cli. trainin= their e7es inthat #irection> the our were at last able to #istin=uish a aintmovin= li=ht.

FCan 7ou hea# over that wa7> Ton7GF 5ran< as the7 coul# barel7#istin=uish the outline o a motorboat. The crat seeme# to be ma


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crawl. Then came the aint clatter o oars an# low voices. Themotorboat ha# evi#entl7 met a rowboat.

The next moment> with an abrupt roar> the motorboat turne# an# race#out to sea at an ever-increasin= rate o spee#.

F8here can it be =oin=GF sai# Ton7> in amaIement. Fut to meet thearco PoloGF

FProbabl7>F 5ran< replie#> Fan# weE# never catch it. won#er where therowboatEs =oin=.F

The our bo7s waite# in silence or several minutes. Then the rattle ooars came a=ain. This time the soun# was closer. The rowboat was comin=towar# them

F8hatEll we #o nowGF Ton7 asF 5ran< whispere#. Ton7 complie#.

Throu=h the =loom su##enl7 came snatches o conversation rom therowboat. F--a hun#re# poun#s--F the7 hear# a man sa7 harshl7> an# thenthe rest o the sentence was lost. There was a len=th7 murmur ovoices> then> F #onEt 7ou


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an# =et awa7.F

F8ell> ma7be 7ouEre ri=ht>F sai# the irst man #oubtull7. FBut still--F

His voice #ie# awa7 as the boat entere# the tunnel.

oe =rabbe# 5ran


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F8ell> here =oesF oe whispere#> hea#in= or the tunnel.

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CHAPT"! T8"4"

The ecret Passa=e

CAT4, 5ran< an# oe ma#e their wa7 across the slipper7 roc as he came up to where hisbrother was stan#in= in the shallow water at the e#=e o the cli.

F,es. 5or a moment sure thou=ht E# spraine# m7 anF oe replie#tensel7> Fbut it seems to be oF 5ran< whispere# an# Luic i those men are in heresome place.F

oe =runte# in a=reement. F8hat shall we #oGF

Tentativel7> 5ran< put one oot into the water rom the roc< on whichhe was stan#in=.



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lon=> with a le#=e runnin= alon= one si#e. At the en# was a tin7 wharwith a rowboat tie# to a post.

FThis is antasticF oe whispere#. FAn# it must have been here a lon=time. +o 7ou suppose itEs connecte# with the Pollitt placeGF

F it is> it coul# mean ol# r. Pollitt was mixe# up with thesmu==lersF 5ran< answere#. FHe7> #o 7ou suppose nattman is hisnephewGF

"xcite# over this possible new an=le to the case> 5ran< an# oe steppe#onto the le#=e. The7 #resse#> then Luietl7 inche# orwar#. !eachin= thewhar> the7 looF oe a=ree#> Fan# rom the #istance weEve come E# i=ure thatweEre ri=ht un#erneath the house on the cli.F

F4etEs =o up.F

The li=ht cast stran=e sha#ows in the passa=e throu=h the roc 5ran< lashe# the li=ht ahea# o them.hortl7 the7 coul# see that the steps en#e# at a heav7 #oor. tsramewor< was set into the wall o rocweEll never =et out. But> on the other han#> we must in# +a#F

5ran< steppe# orwar#> presse# his ear a=ainst the #oor> an# listene#intentl7. There was not a soun# be7on#.

He turne# o his li=ht an# loo


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&026666666666

FTr7 it a=ain. a7be itEs Just stuc this time also pushin= the #oor withhis shoul#er. u##enl7> with a noise which echoe# rom wall to wall>the latch snappe# an# the #oor swun= open.

oe steppe# orwar#> but 5ran< put out a restrainin= han#. F8aitF hecautione#. FThat noise ma7 brin= someone.F

Tensel7> the7 stoo# alert or the sli=htest soun#. But none came.Hopeul that there was no one in the area be7on#> 5ran< switche# on thelashli=ht.

The vivi# beam cut the #ar bales> an# pac the bo7s steppe# throu=h the#oorwa7 an# looF the 7oun= sleuths thou=ht. FThose men went someplace.F

Bolts o beautiul sil< ha# been tosse# on top

&0*6666666666

o some o the bales. aluable tapestries were also l7in= carelessl7aroun#. n one corner our boxes were pile# on top o one another.5ran< acci#entall7


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5ran< seiIe# the topmost box. t was ver7 li=ht an# he remove# it romthe pile without #iicult7.

F thou=ht soF 5ran< sai# with satisaction. The lashli=ht ha#reveale# the top o a #oor which ha# been hi##en rom view.

The bo7s lost no time in movin= the other three boxes. Then 5ran< an#oe #iscovere# how it was possible or the boxes to be pile# up in sucha position> in spite o the act that the smu==lers ha# let the cavean# close# the #oor behin# them.

Attache# to the bottom o the #oor was a thin

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woo#en platorm that proJecte# out over the loor o the cave an# onthis the boxes ha# been pile#.

Fer7 clever>F oe remar the boxes swin= in with the platorm an# it loo letEs see where the #oor lea#s>F 5ran< propose#.

He snappe# o his li=ht an# with utmost caution opene# the #oor. tma#e no soun#. A=ain there was #ar or he wasstill too ar awa7> but =ra#uall7 the tones =rew lou#er. Then> to thebrothersE alarm> the7 hear# ootsteps. Hastil7 the7 retreate# into thesecret cave.

FDuic


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rom the bottom o the #oor. He worF 5ran< whispere#. FHi#eF

The beam o the lashli=ht reveale# a number o boxes close to the#oor. n top o these someone ha# thrown a heav7 bolt o sil theol#s o which hun= #own to the loor. The brothers scramble# switl7behin# the boxes> pressin= themselves close a=ainst the wall. The7 ha#Just enou=h time to hi#e an# switch out 5ran


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The boxes were place# a small #istance apart> an# onl7 the act thatol#s o sil< hun= #own over the open spaces between the boxesprevente# the bo7s rom bein= seen imme#iatel7. However> throu=h acrac< in one o the crates> the Har#7s coul# Just ma


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8hen the7 ha# #ie# awa7 completel7> 5ran< switche# on the lashli=ht.F8owF he sai#> =ivin= a tremen#ous si=h o relie. FThat was a closecall sure thou=ht the7 ha# us.F

Fe too>F oe a=ree#. F8e woul#nEt have ha# a chance with that pair.4ooF oe sai# =riml7.

F8eEll have to watch our step even more careull7. 8e #onEt want towal< ri=ht into the whole rin= o smu==lers>F 5ran< remin#e# him.

F!i=ht. #onEt crave an7thin= worse than what weEve Just =onethrou=h>F sai# oe. F thou=ht E# #ie o suspense while that pair wasin here.F

The7 crosse# the room> opene# the #oor> an# starte# up the #ar then more steps with a #oor at the top.

FEll =o irst>F 5ran< oere#. Ftic< close behin# me. thin< EllF oe a=ree#. Fnattman mi=ht

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have a =uar# at the top an# thereEs no use a#vertisin= our presence.F

tep b7 step> the bo7s crept upwar# in the in then continue# their Journe7. 9ropin= aroun#>the7 inall7 reache# another #oor. 5ran< hunte# or the #oor han#le.



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5in#in= it> he turne# the Fbut weE# better wait a ewminutes.F

F"ver7 secon# is vital i +a#Es a prisoner>F oe obJecte#.

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5ran< was about to acce#e to his brotherEs ur=in= when both bo7s hear#ootsteps on the other si#e o the #oor. A chill ran #own their spines.

Fhall we runGF oe sai# earull7.

Ft woul#nEt #o us an7 =oo#. 4istenF

There came a Lueer shuin= soun# an# a si=h rom somewhere be7on# the

#oor. That was all.

FomeoneEs in there>F 5ran< breathe#. oe no##e# in the #ar Ethe7 probabl7 coul# not #o it without ma the situation too< anunexpecte# turn. A #oor slamme# in the #istance. Then came the murmuro voices an# the soun# o a#vancin= ootsteps.

FThis nonsense has =one ar enou=h>F a man sai# an=ril7. FHeEll writethat note at once> or Ell chieF another voice spoF the irstman promise# col#l7.

nstantl7 5ran< an# oe thou=ht o the note their mother ha# receive#.8as the man these smu==lers were tal who was to be orce# to obe7 them orperhaps lose his lieG



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There was a su##en commotion in the room an# two or three o thesmu==lers be=an tal but there was a hint o uneasiness inhis voice. F,ou #onEt itEs curtains or 7ouF

5ran< an# oe were sha or sta7 an# ris< capture an# tr7 to rescuetheir ather.

F,ou canEt scare me> nattman>F the #etective

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sai#. F have a eelin= 7our time is up. ,ouEre never =oin= to =et thatbi= shipment.F

The #etectiveEs voice seeme# a little stron=er> the bo7s elt.

nattman lau=he#. F thou=ht 7ou were smart> but 7ouEre pla7in= alosin= =ame> warn 7ou. An# how about 7our amil7G Are 7ou #oin= thema service b7 bein= so stubbornGF

There was silence or a while. Then 5enton Har#7 answere# slowl7:

F7 wie an# bo7s woul# rather F sneere# nattman. FBut 7ouEllchan=e 7our min#. Are 7ou thirst7GF

There was no repl7.

FAre 7ou hun=r7GF

till no answer.

F,ou men. 8eEll leave him to himsel or a while an#=ive him time to thin< about it.F



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5ran< sLueeIe# oeEs arm in relie an# exhilaration. There was still achance to save their ather

5ootsteps echoe# as nattman an# the others

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let the room an# wal but 5ran< hel# him bacF he cautione#> FThe7 ma7 have let someone on =uar#.F

The bo7s stoo# still> listenin= intentl7. But there were no urthersoun#s rom be7on# the #oor. At len=th> satisie# that his ather ha#in#ee# been let alone> 5ran< elt or the then peere# into the

corri#or which was #iml7 li=hte# rom one overhea# bulb. There was nosi=n o a =uar#.

Three #oors opene# rom the corri#or-- two on the opposite si#e romwhere the brothers were stan#in= an# another at the en#.

The passa=e was loore# with plan


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5ran< pulle# out his poc


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FBut weEve =ot to hurr7> +a#F 5ran< sai# excite#l7. Fee i 7ou canstan# up.F

FEll-- Ell #o m7 best>F his ather replie#> as the bo7s rubbe# hisle=s vi=orousl7 to restore ull circulation.

F8e must run beore those croo the #etective sta==ere# an# woul# have allen i 5ran< ha# notta clin=in= to both bo7s or support.

The three hastene# out the #oor o the room an# across the corri#or tothe cave. As the7 entere# it> r. Har#7Es clic the corri#or #oor was lun=open an# the ceilin= li=ht snappe# on.

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MAttach Pa=eN&2*.=i hereO

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5ran< an# oe ha# a conuse# =limpse o the #ar< man whom the7 ha# seenat the pon# that aternoon. nattman Two rou=h-loo apparentl7 not reco=niIin=the =roup or a moment.

FtEs the Har#7sF one o the other men crie# out.

The leein= trio starte# #own the steps but =ot no arther than thelan#in= when the smu==lers appeare# at the stairwa7 an# rushe# #ownater them.

FtopF crie# nattman> Jumpin= #own the last three steps an# whippin=an automatic rom his hip poc 5ran< crouche# or a sprin=> then leape##irectl7 at the smu==ler. He struc< at the manEs wrist an# the revolverlew out o his =rasp. t s


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the steps. 5ran< close# in on the man. nattman ha# been ta 5ran< orce#him a=ainst the wall.

oe> in the meantime> with a swit uppercut ha# whose stren=th ha# partiall7 returne#> was battlin=the thir# as best he coul#.

But at this moment the bo7s saw their atherEs

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a#versar7 #o#=e to the wall an# press a button. n an instant an alarmbell soun#e# in the corri#or. 8ithin secon#s a new =roup o nattmanEs=an= appeare#. As some hel# #rawn revolvers> others overpowere# thethree Har#7s.

n the ace o the =uns> ather an# sons were orce# to surren#er an#

return to the room where r. Har#7 ha# been hel# captive beore.

8ithin ive minutes 5enton Har#7 was boun# a=ain to the cot> while5ran< an# oe> trusse# up an# unable to move> were tie# to two chairs.

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CHAPT"! 55T""3

+ire Threats

3ATTA3> once he ha# recovere# rom his irst consternation an#surprise at in#in= the Har#7 bo7s in the un#er=roun# room> was in hi=h=oo# humor. He turne# to his men.

Fust in time>F he =loate#> rubbin= his han#s to=ether in satisaction.F we ha#nEt come here when we #i#> the7E# have all escape#F

The Har#7 bo7s were silent> sic< with #espair. The7 ha# been sure the7were =oin= to succee# in rescuin= their ather an# now the three othem were prisoners o the smu==lin= =an=.

F8hat are we =oinE to #o with these =u7sGF as


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FtEs about whatEs to be #one with the Har#7s> now that weEve =ot Eem>Fthe man sai# hesitantl7. FtEs 7our business what 7ou #o to people whoma no> 7ou wonEt>F replie# the irst man who ha# a##resse# him.F8eEre partners in this #eal an# weEre =oinE to have our ull share o

what comes in. 8e ainEt ris 7ou F athir# smu==ler spo


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ba# 7our bo7s ha# to come bar=in= in here>F he sai#. F3ow the three o7ou will have to ta FhavenEt 7ou an7thin= to sa7GF

F3othin=. +o as 7ou wish with me. But let the bo7s =o.F

F8eEll stic< with 7ou> +a#>F sai# 5ran< LuicF nattman #eclare#. FEm not =oin= to let one o 7ouhave the chance o =ettin= bac< to Ba7port with 7our stor7.F

The rin=lea#er o the smu==lers stoo# in the center o the room or awhile> contemplatin= his captives with a bitter smile. Then he turne#

su#. #enl7 on his heel.

F8ell> the7Ere sae enou=h>F he tol# !e#. F8e

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have that business with Bur loa#Bur 7ou sta7 here an# a surl7> truculent ellow in overalls an# a ra==e# sweater>no##e# an# sat #own on a box near the #oor. This arran=ement seeme# tosatis7 nattman. Ater warnin= allo7 not to all asleep on the Joban# to see to it that the prisoners #i# not escape> he let the room.He was ollowe# b7 !e# an# the other smu==lers.

A heav7 silence ell over the room ater the #eparture o the men.allo7 crouche# =loomil7 on the box> =aIin= blanF he thou=ht. Ft loo


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To li=hten their spirits the Har#7s be=an to tal hopin= a=ainst hopeto #istract the =uar# an# perhaps overpower him.

Fhut up> 7ou =u7sF allo7 =rowle#. FDuit 7our tal an#rubbe# his e7es. But when he settle# #own a=ain> his hea# be=an to no#.

n the meantime> the bo7s notice# their ather stru==lin= with hisbon#s. To their amaIement

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he #i# not seem to be so ti=htl7 boun# as the7 ha# thou=ht. Both o

them trie# movin= but coul# not bu#=e an inch.

The bo7s exchan=e# =lances> both realiIin= what ha# happene#. F+a#resorte# to an ol# tric an# oe was silentl7umin=> F8h7 #i#nEt we thin< o itGF

r. Har#7 ha# proite# b7 his previous experience. 8hen the smu==lersha# seiIe# the #etective an# tie# him to the cot or the secon# time>he ha# use# a #evice reLuentl7 emplo7e# b7 ma=icians an# proessionalFescape artistsF who boast that the7 can release themselves rom



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F3ow heEll release us>F oe thou=ht excite#l7> Fan# we can escape romhereF

As 5enton Har#7 tiptoe# towar# his sons> the boar# loor sLuea as i #reamin=> shoo< his hea#> thensat up.

Fh> noF 5ran< murmure#> earul o what woul# happen. He saw hisather pic< up a white ra= someone ha# #roppe#.

A loo< o intense amaIement crosse# allo7Es ace. As he opene# hismouth to 7ell or help> 5enton Har#7 leape# across the intervenin=space an# lun= himsel on the smu==ler.

F1eep LuietF the #etective or#ere#.

allo7 ha# time onl7 to utter a mule# =asp beore the #etectiveclappe# a han# over the =uar#Es mouth> Jamme# the ra= in it> an#topple# him to the loor. The two rolle# over an# over in a #esperate>

silent stru==le. The bo7s> helpless> loo their ears mountin=.The7 the#etective ha# the a#vanta=e

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o a surprise attac or he coul# breathe better than hisopponent. But su##enl7 allo7 mana=e# to raise himsel to his +a#F 5ran< hisse#. FHeEs =ot his =unF

Duic< as a lash the #etective lan#e# a blow on the =uar#Es Jaw. allo7blin beaten.

FHeEs =ot a +a#>F oe sai# Luietl7. F8atch that.F

FThan oe>F his ather replie#. Then> motionin= with the pistol> hesai#> FAll ri=ht. 4etEs have the


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5ran< an# oe wante# to shout with Jo7> but merel7 =rinne# at theirather.

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till watchin= allo7> the #etective wal too< the an# while his ather watche#allo7> he cut 5ranF r. Har#7 or#ere#> Fcome over hereF

He motione# towar# the be# an# in#icate# b7 =estures that the smu==lerwas to lie #own on the cot. allo7 shoo< his hea# vi=orousl7> but waspro##e# over b7 oe. The =uar# la7 #own on the cot.

The ropes which ha# hel# r. Har#7 ha# not been cut. Duic ma then weE# better run in the other #irection. F,ou #ouble-crosser> 7ou This loot belon=s tothe whole =an= an# #onEt 7ou or=et itF

F4isten>F sai# the secon# voice. F #onEt have to ta


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8hoEs to thu##in= soun#s. The bo7s an#



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their ather assume# the smu==lersE truc< was bein= loa#e# with the=oo#s which were to be #ispose# o b7 the man name# Bur the Har#7s stole out into the 7ar#.

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CHAPT"! ""3T""3

Hosta=e

4rrH" as n#ians the three Har#7s hurrie# across the lawn an##isappeare# amon= the trees. The7 hea#e# or the roa#> a =oo# #istanceawa7.

F hope a bus comes alon=>F 5ran< sai# to himsel. FThen we can =et toa phone an# report--F

His thou=ht was ru#el7 interrupte# as the bo7s an# their ather hear# asoun# that struc< terror to their hearts-- the clatter o the lo=stumblin= o the trap #oor

An instant later came a hoarse shout. FChie !e# The Har#7s =ot awa78atch out or themF

FHe must be one o the men we hear# comin= up rom the shore>F oe#eci#e#. FThe7 must have oun# allo7 trusse# upF

nstantl7 the place became alive with smu==lers lashin= their li=hts.ome o the men ran

&@26666666666

rom the truc< towar# the roa#> shoutin=. thers be=an to comb thewoo#s. Another man emer=e# rom the trap #oor. He an# his companion#ashe# to the ocean si#e o the house.

Two burl7 smu==lers lun= open the FThe7 ainEt in the houseF

FAn# the7Ere not #own at the shoreF the other 7elle#. F Just tal


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There were ervent han#sha althou=h the7inwar#l7 relaxe#.

3ow new worries assaile# the Har#7s. t was possible that nattman an#his =an=> havin= been alerte#> woul# move out an# #isappear beore thepolice or Coast 9uar# coul# =et to the house on the cli.

5ran


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FHar#7> i 7ou want to live> sa7 soF nattman sai#> an evil rin= inhis voice.

3o answer rom the #etective.

F8eEve =ot 7ou cornere# this timeF

r. Har#7 #i# not repl7.

F4isten> Har#7F nattman shoute#. F Har#7F

3earl7 a minute went b7 without a si=n rom the two enem7 camps. Thennattman move# up the stairs a ew more steps.

FHar#7> have a proposition to maF he sai# presentl7. F so #o want to live. o letEs call it Luits.F

The #etective maintaine# his silence an# nattman continue# up thesteps. F9ive 7ou m7

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MAttach EPa=eN&@(.=iE hereO

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wor# wonEt shoot. An# empt7-han#e#except or the li=ht. n a moment he spotte# the Har#7s with his hi=h-powere# lashli=ht.

FHereEs the proposition-- 7our lives in exchan=e or mine an# m7=an=Es.F

FHow #o 7ou meanGF r. Har#7 asF the smu==ler sai#> Fthat 7ou are m7 hosta=es.F

FHosta=esF 5ran< an# oe exclaime# to=ether.

F,es. m7 men an# can =et our stu move# awa7 beore the police orthe Coast 9uar# mi=ht happen in here> then 7ou can leave a littlelater.F



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Chet tol# him> then sai#> F,ouE# better ta starte# the motor> an# spe# otowar# Barmet Ba7.

F8eEve sure waste# a lot o time>F he remar Chet ant# Ton7 were amaIe# to in# Bi Hooper

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an# Phil Cohen comin= out o it. err7 9ilro7> another Ba7port Hi=hrien#> was with them.

F8ell> or PeteEs sa an# Bi a##e#> FBo7> arewe =la# to see 7ou 8here are 5ran< an# oeGFFtill huntin= or the smu==lers>F Chet replie#. F8hat brin=s 7ou hereGF

Bi explaine# that an hour a=o rs. Har#7 ha# telephone# him to see ihe ha# hear# rom 5ran< an# oe. he conesse# to bein= excee#in=l7worrie# about her sons. rs. Har#7 FBi went on. Ferr7 thou=ht ma7be 5ran< an# oe ha# come bac< to townan# were somewhere aroun#. 8e loo but we coul#nEt in# theman7where> so we borrowe# r. 9ilro7Es car an# came out here to tell theCoast 9uar#. The7Ere =oin= to sen# out boats. ,ouE# better come in an#tal< to Chie 8arrant icer !obinson 7oursel.F

The bo7s hurrie# insi#e. DuicF err7 oere#. FEm arai#> thou=h>that the news isnEt =oin= to ma


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8hile err7 was =one> Chet tol# the chie warrant oicer that theHar#7s thou=ht the7


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FAbout sixteen miles rom 7our hea#Luarters>F was the answer.

F8ill 7ou in char=e o Chie Pett7 icer Brown.F

FEll #o that.F

FAli in=h can be arreste# when 7our ship #oc a uniorme# coast=uar#man came in.He was intro#uce# as Chie Pett7 icer Bertram in char=e o theAlice> which woul# ollow Ton7 an# Chet to the smu==lersE hi#e-out.

FEm rea#7> sir>F he tol# his chie> ater a short briein=. He turne#to the bo7s. FAll setGF

Chet an# Ton7 no##e#. As the7 turne# to ollow Bertram> Bi> Phil> an#err7 loo Chie !obinson leane# acrosshis #es< an# sai#> F =uess 7ou ellows were hopin= to be in on thistoo. How woul# 7ou li F,ou mean itGF

F+o 7ou want a ormal invitationGF Chie !obinson as an# ater intro#ucin= the bo7s>he explaine# what the mission o the Henle7 was to be.

F un#erstan#> sir>F Brown replie#. F8eEll leave at once.F

The three bo7s ollowe# him #own to the #oc< an# went aboar#. The7 metthe other Coast 9uar# men an# the ast patrol boat set o. t seeme#to the bo7s as i the sixteen miles were covere# in an incre#ibl7 shorttime. The li=hts o the arco Polo loome# up in the #istance.

FheEs movin= ver7 slowl7> isnEt sheGF Bi as


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an# li=hts.

8hen the7 reache# the #esi=nate# spot> Pett7 icer Brown or#ere#ever7one on boar# the Henle7 not to tal< or to move aroun#. The arco

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PoloEs #ec as well as the water some #istance rom the crat> wasilluminate# b7 li=ht rom some o the stateroom portholes. Bi> Phil>an# err7 crow#e# close to the chie as he traine# his powerulbinoculars on the =alle7 hatches> so he coul# =ive them a runnin=account o an7thin= that mi=ht happen. The oicer reporte# littleactivit7 aboar# the arco Polo an# the bo7s assume# that the passen=erseither were asleep or pacwith a swarth7 complexion an# rather lon=ish coal-blac< hair> appeare#

in the circular openin=. He loo then raise# a lar=e pail an##umpe# its contents into the water. Duic or he scoope# somethin= up an# the pole vanishe# romsi=ht.

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The bo7s straine# their ears or the soun# o a small boat. t #i# notcome an# the7 were puIIle#. The7 also won#ere# wh7 Pett7 icer Brownseeme# to be #oin= nothin= about tr7in= to apprehen# the person.

The tense s


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u##enl7 the en=ine o the smu==lersE spee#boat was starte#. Tersel7>Brown be=an issuin= or#ers to his men. The motors roare# into action.

The chase was on

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CHAPT"! 33"T""3

The Chase

3 A ew minutes the Henle7Es brilliant searchli=ht was turne# on. tpicPhil> an# err7. F8eEll shoot across their bow.F

He or#ere# the bo7s out o the line o ire> in case the smu==lersshoul# attempt to retaliate. The7 obe7e#> an# thou=h rom their shelterthe three coul# not see the spee#boat> the7 listene# intentl7 to whatwas =oin= on.

The Henle7 plowe# ahea# an# presentl7 the bo7s hear# a shot whistlethrou=h the air.

&'2

Ftop 7our en=ineF Brown comman#e#. A secon# later he a##e#> F+ropthose =unsF

The smu==lers evi#entl7 #i# both> or F,ou ellows can come orwar# now.F

The three scramble# to his si#e. Bi was Just in time to see one othe two capture# men hal turn an# sl7l7 run his han# into the lar=epoc F9ot an un#erwater Jobto #o.F

Bi was over the si#e in a lash an# swimmin= with stron=> lon=stro Pett7 icer Brown ha# or#ere# the smu==lers to put



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their han#s over their hea#s. As the Henle7 came alon=si#e> two o theenliste# coast=uar#men Jumpe# across an# slippe# han#cus on them.Brown instructe# one o the enliste# men to ta roc F+ive> neenF

Duic< as a lash the two smu==lers #isappeare# into the water on thear si#e o their boat. 8hen the7 #i# not reappear> Chet calle#:

FEll bet the7Ere swimmin= un#erwater to the tunnel. ArenEt we =oin=



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ater themGF

F8e sure are>F Pett7 icer Bertram replie#. FTon7> can 7ou in# thechannel which lea#s to that tunnelGF

F thin< so>F Ton7 answere#> e7in= the smu==lersE spee#boat which now>unatten#e#> ha# been thrown violentl7 b7 the waves onto some rocF the chie pett7 oicer state#.He let two o his own men aboar# the Alice to =uar# it an# to be rea#7or an7 other smu==lers who mi=ht be arrivin= at the hi#e-out.

The rest o the crew> inclu#in= Bertram himsel> climbe# aboar# the3apoli> an# Ton7 starte# throu=h the narrow passa=e between the roc


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F mean>F the smu==ler crie# out> Fthat =ot three hosta=es in thishouse-- 5enton Har#7 an# his two sonsF

Chet an# Ton7 Jumpe#. The bo7s ha# oun# their ather> onl7 to becomecaptives themselves. An# now the three were to be use# as hosta=es

F8hatEs the restGF Captain !7#er as weEll clear out o here. newill sta7 behin# lon=

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enou=h to tell 7ou where the Har#7s are.F nattman now set his Jaw.FBut i 7ou come in an# tr7 to ta itEll be curtains or theHar#7sF

ChetEs an# Ton7Es hearts san an# their ather> or the past hour> ha##espaire# o escapin= beore nattman mi=ht carr7 out his sinisterthreat. Ater the smu==ler let the attic> the7 ha# hear# hammerin= an#suspecte# the smu==lers were nailin= bars across the #oor. The Har#7stiptoe# to the oot o the stairwa7> onl7 to in# their ears conirme#.

F those bars are ma#e o woo#>F 5ran< whispere#> Fma7be we can cutthrou=h them with our F his ather a=ree#. Foe> ta


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There was silence outsi#e the house. This seeme# to worr7 the man. Hecrie# out> Ft wonEt #o 7ou an7 =oo# to tal< thin=s over =ot 7ouwhere want 7ou an#--F

&)2

4i but soon the smu==lin= =an= =ave upwithout i=htin= urther. The capture o their lea#er an# the su##enattac< ha# unnerve# them.

The Har#7s waite# upstairs with their prisoner. n a ew moments Chetan# Ton7 appeare# an# behin# them> to the utter astonishment o 5ran were Bi> Phil> an# err7.

tories were Luic


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an# arran=in= thin=s so that we never =ot home a=ain.F

The who ha# been silent or several minutes> nowcrie# out> F,ouEre craI7 ThereEs not a wor# o truth in it ThereisnEt an7 boat oshoreF

The others i=nore# the man. As soon as he stoppe# 7ellin=> oe too< upthe stor7. F have a hunch 7ouEll in# that 7our Coast 9uar# man is aprisoner on that car=o ship. The name o the captain is 5oster.F

F,ou mean our man A7res is on that shipGF Pett7 icer Brown as i he were cornere#. ,ou see> heEs sort o a countersp7 orthe Coast 9uar#. He preten#e# to Join the smu==lers an# we havenEthear# rom him since atur#a7.F

F oun# out about him>F nattman bra==e#. FThat name ones #i#nEt oolus. saw him ma hopin= that the smu==ler woul# ina#vertentl7 coness somethin=he #i# not inten# to.

F hear# 7ou inherite# this house rom 7our uncle> r. Pollitt>F 5ranF he sai# pleasantl7. F+i# 7our uncle buil# themGF

nattman #roppe# his sullen attitu#e. F3o> he #i#nEt>F the smu==leranswere#. F7 uncle oun# them all b7 acci#ent. He starte# #i==in=throu=h his cellar wall to enlar=e the place> an# broF sai# 5ran lon= a=o. The7 apparentl7ha# #eci#e# it woul# be an i#eal hi#e-out an# ha# built the steps allthe wa7 to the top o the =roun#.

F course the woo#she# wasnEt there then>F nattman explaine#. FAtleast not the one thatEs here now. The trap #oor was> thou=h> but there

was a tumble-#own buil#in= over it.F

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FHow about the corri#orG 8as it the same siIe when 7our uncle oun# itGF

F,es>F the smu==ler answere#. F7 uncle i=ure# that was livin=Luarters or the pirates when the7 werenEt on their ship.F

FPrett7 ascinatin= stor7>F Ton7 Prito spo the e7epieces to 7our telescope> an#7our motorc7cle tools> wonEt #o me an7 =oo#. ,ouEll in# them in a#rawer in the Fr. Har#7> env7 7ou. An# -- never thou=ht E# be ma r. Har#7. tEs because 7ou brou=ht up two suchine bo7s an# the7 =ot swell rien#s. e-- wasnEt so luc


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wron= mi=ht have helpe# me> but he was meanan# selish an# never =ave us an7 mone7. The most he woul# #o wasinvite m7 mother an# me here once in a while or a short visit. hate#him because he ma#e m7 mother wor< ver7 har# aroun# the house all thetime we were here. t wasnEt an7 vacation or her.

Fne o the times when was here m7 uncle showe# me the piratesE hi#e-out an# never or=ot it. Ater =ot in with a =an= o hoo#s thou=ht that was m7 chance.

F,ou see> #i#nEt #are =o to claim the propert7 as the ri=htul heir.But now Em plannin= to ta because were toooverwhelme# b7 his complete chan=e o heart to sa7 an7thin= or a ewsecon#s. But when the man loo as i plea#in= or his hearers tobelieve him> r. Har#7 sai#> FThatEs

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a ver7 ine thin= or 7ou to #o> nattman. Em sure that the bo7s whobeneit rom livin= here will alwa7s be =rateul to 7ou.F

EThe solemn scene was su##enl7 interrupte# b7 the return o Chie Pett7icer Brown. He reporte# that another patrol boat ha# pic within a Luarter o an hour> wor# came thatCaptain 5oster ha# been put un#er arrest> an# that the missin= Coast9uar# man ha# been oun# on the ship> as well as a Luantit7 omerchan#ise which the captain ha# expecte# nattman to remove.

The prisoners were now ta opene# the trap #oor> an# starte# #ownthe secret passa=ewa7 to the pon# below. The7 climbe# into the 3apolian# Ton7 slippe# behin# the wheel. The Coast 9uar# men thou=htull7 ha#let the portable searchli=ht on the prow an# Ton7 was able to ma what happene# to 7our carGF



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r. Har#7 smile#. FtEs in Ba7port in a =ara=e. was bein= ollowe#>so shoo< o the sha#owers an# too< the bus.F He a##e# rueull7> FButit #i#nEt #o me much =oo#. nattmanEs men attac F8hile have the chance> want tothan< each o 7ou bo7s in#ivi#uall7 or what 7ou #i#. 8ithout the seveno 7ou> this case mi=ht never have been solve# an# mi=ht not havebeen oun# alive.F

o#estl7 5ran< an# oe an# their rien#s acsecretl7 hopin= another m7ster7 woul# come their wa7 soon. ne #i# an#b7 learnin= The ecret o the l# ill the Har#7 bo7s encountere# acunnin= =an= o countereiters.

u##enl7 oe remar FCompliments are l7in= aroun# here prett7thic but thereEs one person we or=ot to mention. 8ithout him> 5ran

hb 002 the house on the cliff

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