The Clue of the Hissing Serpent by Franklin W. Dixon Page A

directly to his sons, who briefed him on the frustrating events. Meanwhile, Chet’s spirits had been lifted greatly by the appearance of his family, though he looked pale and wan.
    It was long after midnight when the rescuers pulled him from his miserable prison. Two attendants arrived in an ambulance and verified Chet’s suspicion about a broken arm. They applied a splint before lifting him into the ambulance, then whisked him off to Bayport Hospital.
    His family followed and the Hardys hurried home. In their lab they developed the film expertly, then started to make prints.
    â€œHey, these are just great!” Frank said as Mr. Hardy looked over his shoulder. Two persons, photographed entering and leaving the premises of Associated Jewelers, were indeed Smith and Jones!
    â€œNow we know for sure they’re all in together,” the detective said.
    After a few hours’ sleep and a quick breakfast Mr. Hardy phoned the hospital and learned that Chet was in satisfactory condition and Sam would be released about ten o’clock. Then he and his sons took the photographs to Chief Collig. They were compared with mug shots of known criminals in the area, but to no avail.
    â€œI’ll send copies to the FBI in Washington,” Collig said. “Maybe they can identify them.”
    Then the chief drove with the Hardys to Associated Jewelers. The area across the street had been roped off, while workmen razed the remainder of the structure.
    The chief tried the door of the office building. It was locked. Frank and Joe went around to look into the windows. “Holy crow!” Frank exclaimed. “They’ve cleared out. The place is empty!”
    The workmen were questioned but had seen nothing.
    â€œObviously our friends left through the back door,” Frank declared.
    â€œWell, Bayport is lucky to be rid of those scoundrels,” Chief Collig said.
    â€œBut we still have to keep on their trail,” Mr. Hardy stated. “I’m sure they’ll go to another city, probably even another state, and start all over again with their fraudulent business.”
    By the time the Hardys returned home, the Bayport Times had trumpeted the bravery of Chet Morton all over the front page. Pictures and stories described the disaster and hailed the Hardys’ friend as the hero.
    â€œHe probably saved our lives,” Frank commented.
    â€œAnd he certainly didn’t think about his own safety,” Joe added. “Let’s hope his arm gets better soon.”
    The boys notified the Motor Vehicle Bureau of the loss of their driver’s licenses and Aunt Gertrude drove them to the agency to get new ones.
    Mr. Hardy, meanwhile, called Conrad Greene and spoke to the chess champion’s father. When his sons returned, the detective said, “The senior Greene was rather unfriendly and his son won’t talk to anyone!”
    â€œMaybe we’d better drive out there and see him personally,” Frank said.
    Joe nodded. “But first let’s visit Chet in the hospital.”
    The Hardys were surprised to find Krassner sitting at their pal’s bedside.
    â€œHi, Mr. Krassner,” Joe greeted him. “What do you think of our hero?”
    â€œHe’s got plenty of guts,” Krassner said admiringly.
    â€œI’ve also got a cast on my arm that’s heavy enough to sink a ship,” Chet said. “Here, take a look at this!”
    Just then two pretty young nurses entered the room. “Chester, we came to autograph your cast,” one of them said.
    â€œOh sure. Right over here!”
    While the girls were inscribing their names, Chet said, “What about the surveillance, fellows? Get any good shots?”
    â€œI’ll say so!” Joe replied. “Great close-ups of Smith and Jones!”
    At that moment Frank happened to glance at Krassner. At the mention of Smith and Jones, a fearful expression came over his face!

CHAPTER IX
    A Gathering