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

Storm
    FRANK gave his brother a nudge. But Joe had already realized that he should not have talked about their case in front of Krassner.
    The man’s look of concern now turned into a subdued smile. “I’m glad to see Chet’s coming along so well,” he said, leaning forward to write his name on the plaster cast. Then he turned to the Hardys. “How about setting a date for visiting me, boys? You wanted to see the Ruby King.”
    â€œSure,” Frank said. “Is tomorrow okay with you?”
    â€œThat’ll be fine. Late in the afternoon.”
    The young detectives said good-by to their friend, waved to Krassner, then hastened down the hospital corridor. As they were climbing into their car, Frank said, “Krassner must know Smith and Jones. Did you see the look on his face when you mentioned their names?”
    Joe nodded. “Sorry I didn’t keep my mouth shut.”
    Frank shrugged. “He seemed to be frightened,” he said. “I wonder why.”
    When they reached home, Fenton Hardy was waiting for them in his study.
    â€œI think we’ve hit pay dirt,” he said. “The FBI has records on Smith and Jones. Smith’s real name is Peter Lee Fong. He comes from Hong Kong.”
    â€œAnd Jones?” Joe asked eagerly.
    â€œHe’s Cyril Eggleby from Kowloon.”
    â€œThat’s near Hong Kong, isn’t it?” asked Frank.
    â€œYes. Right across the harbor. These two are being sought for smuggling operations.”
    â€œSmuggling?” Frank looked amazed. “Seems we’re on to a big-time racket.”
    â€œAnd a very disturbing one,” Mr. Hardy said. “Krassner is a well-known and trusted citizen. How he fits into the picture might prove very embarrassing to him.”
    â€œHe sure fits in somewhere,” Joe said, and mentioned their observation at the hospital.
    Mr. Hardy was thoughtful. “Let’s review what we know so far. Krassner is afraid of Smith and Jones and has been shot at in the air. Were his attackers Smith and Jones? And why do those two want to bug Conrad Greene’s phone? Maybe because he might win the Ruby King. Someone threatens Krassner’s life unless he gives up the Ruby King—”
    â€œSo it stands to reason,” Frank put in excitedly, “that Smith and Jones are Krassner’s enemies who are after the chess piece!”
    â€œWow!” Joe said. “That is the logical conclusion. But what do Smith and Jones have to do with Associated Jewelers?”
    Mr. Hardy shrugged. “We don’t know. And we’re not sure if our deductions are correct. Let’s think about our next step.”
    â€œI’d say we better see Conrad Greene,” Frank said.
    â€œWhat if he won’t talk to us?” Joe asked.
    â€œYou’ve got to make him listen somehow,” Mr. Hardy said. “Also, I think a surveillance of the area where you saw the serpent balloon is in order.”
    â€œAerial surveillance, Dad?”
    â€œThat would be fine. Maybe you can discover its home base. I have to go to New York for a few days. Perhaps I can find out more about Krassner from Wall Street friends while I’m there.”
    In the interest of speed, it was decided that Frank would go to Ocean Bluffs to see Conrad Greene while Joe would do the surveillance. Frank phoned Biff Hooper, inviting him to come along, and Joe contacted Tony Prito and asked him how he would like to do some flying.
    â€œSure, when?” Tony asked.
    â€œTomorrow.”
    â€œSomething to do with your case?”
    â€œRight. Aerial reconnaisance. I want to look for that serpent balloon.”
    â€œWhat about Frank?”
    â€œHe’s busy on another angle.”
    â€œOkay,” Tony said. “When do we meet, and where?”
    â€œAt the airport, about ten o’clock.”
    â€œI’ll be there.’
    When Tony showed up at the airport the next morning, he found