"Arden, William - The Three Investigators 28 - The Mystery of the Deadly Double" - читать интересную книгу автора (Arden William)

Pete suddenly saw that the door of the green Mercedes was open, and only one person was still in the car. The stocky man nodded back toward the Mercedes.

"I'm afraid we've been driving in circles, eh? Rather a bad show. Actually, we've been attempting to locate the old mission you chaps have here."

Pete realized that the man had an accent. English, and yet not exactly like any English accent he'd ever heard. The car just held some lost tourists! So much for Jupiter and his hunches!

"Oh, sure." Pete took the map and showed the man where he was, and where the Spanish mission was up the Coast Highway. "It's not so easy to find."

"Quite." The man nodded. "Well, thank you so much."

The man went back to the green Mercedes and the car drove off. Bob and Jupiter came running up to Pete. Jupiter was staring after the disappearing Mercedes.

"Just tourists, First," Pete said disgustedly, and told them all that had happened. "The guy had a real funny English accent."

"Lost?" Jupiter said, sounding dejected. "That's all?"

"What else, First? We're not even on a case," Pete said.

Jupiter was glum but thoughtful. "It's a possible story since they were foreigners, but--"

"Jupe!" Pete groaned. "They were lost! That's all!"

"And we've got more planning to do for our trip!" Bob said.

"Sure," Pete said. "After we eat some lunch."

Bob and Jupiter looked at each other. There was a bin of old tennis balls near the main gate. Bob and Jupe grabbed balls and began to hurl them at Pete, who ran off into the yard laughing.





2

Kidnapped!



UP EARLY the next morning, Bob dressed quickly and hurried down to the kitchen. As he raced through his breakfast, his father put down his newspaper and watched him with a smile.

"An important investigation this morning?" Mr Andrews said.

"Not today, Dad. We're going to Magic Mountain--in the gold-plated Rolls-Royce. With Worthington driving us!"

Mr Andrews whistled admiringly. "Three elegant young fellows, eh? I'm afraid that growing up is going to be a little dull for you."

"Not if Jupe grows up with us!"

"No," Mr Andrews said, laughing, "I guess not."