"Carey, M.V. - The Three Investigators 32 - The Mystery of the Blazing Cliffs" - читать интересную книгу автора (Carey M.V)

Pete looked pleadingly at Jupe, who stood up.

"It was very kind of you to invite us," said Jupe, "but we must go. Konrad is anxious to get to San Jose."

"Of course," said Mrs Barron. "We mustn't make you late."

She walked to the door with the boys, and she stood and watched them go down the front steps.

"You have a good time?" asked Elsie Spratt when they came into the ranch-house kitchen.

"Interesting," said Bob, "but not cosy. You said it."

Elsie laughed. "A rattlesnake in a rainstorm."

Konrad had just finished his dinner. He carried his dishes to the sink, and then the four visitors went out to the truck. Detweiler stood on the porch of the ranch house as they drove out, waving goodbye to them.

"Nice people," said Bob.

"Except for Mr Barron," said Pete. "What a grump!"

The truck rumbled down the lane, and when it neared the gate a mile away it slowed. Then it stopped and the boys heard Konrad open the door of the cab.

"Jupe?" Konrad called.

Jupe jumped down from the back of the truck, followed by his friends. They saw a man standing in the road, blocking the way. The man wore an army uniform, and there were cartridges in the belt at his waist. A helmet was buckled under his chin. He held a rifle at the ready across his chest.

"Sorry," he said. "The road is closed."

"What's the trouble?" said Jupiter.

"I don't know," said the soldier. His voice shook as if he were afraid. "I've got orders that no one gets past. The road is closed."

He shifted the rifle slightly, as if to draw attention to it. It slipped in his grasp and began to fall.

"Watch it!" yelled Pete.

The soldier grabbed clumsily at the gun, and with a stunning roar it went off!





4

Invasion!



THE SOUND OF THE EXPLOSION echoed through the valley. The young soldier stared at his gun, shocked, his eyes enormous in his pale face.