"Dixon, Franklin W - Hardy Boys 043 - The Mystery Of The Aztec Warrior" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dixon Franklin W)

Joe chanted in a singsong, off key voice:

"For making tortillas you'll use a metate. And for a bed we'll use a petate."

Chet scowled. "You won't catch me sleeping on any straw mat. I'm not an Aztec!"

Frank and Joe laughed, then led the way into the house to brief Chet on the trip and show him the prints. "We're going to the various places where Mr Moore took pictures," Frank told him.

"That means we'll see some Indian ruins?"

"We sure will - probably several of them."

Chet looked dubious. "I hope you won't ask me to climb to the top and look for clues. I hear those steps are so narrow you have to walk sideways to keep from falling off."

"Right," said Frank. "That's the best way to go either up or down, according to the Indians. You zigzag from left to right so you never get tired or out of breath."

Shortly afterwards, Mr Hardy came in to announce that all the arrangements for the trip had been made. "I have the special passes for you three teenagers and have reserved hotel accommodation in Mexico City. If there are any other places you want to investigate, you'll have to make your own plans."

"How are we going to travel?" Chet asked.

"In my plane," the detective answered. "Jack Wayne will, take you and then return immediately. He'll fly down for you when you're ready to come back."

Mr Hardy had found it necessary to purchase a plane for use in emergencies connected with his work. Both Frank and Joe had piloted the craft, but Jack Wayne was always in command on long trips.

"When do we start?" Joe asked.

"How about tomorrow morning?"

The three boys said they would be ready, and Chet left to go home and pack. Frank busied himself working out an itinerary of the places shown in Mr Moore's pictures while Joe went to the workshop to print extra copies of the deceased man's mysterious companion.

When this was done, the brothers drove to the airfield to test the Hardy plane. Jack Wayne was not there, so the boys hopped into the blue-and-white, single-engine craft and Frank took the controls. Soon they were soaring above Bayport, then out over Barmet Bay.

"Seems to be shipshape," Frank observed, circling back.

As they prepared to land, Joe suddenly gasped in horror. "Look out!"

Zooming directly towards them was another plane! There was not a second to lose. Frank pulled back on the joystick and sent his craft sharply upwards. A collision was avoided by mere yards as the other plane sped on below them.

The Hardys shuddered at the close call. "That pilot must be nuts!" Joe said hoarsely.

Frank landed without further incident. From the tower they learned that a novice had been flying the other plane, and had temporarily "frozen" in panic.

"Too bad," said Joe. "He'd better stay grounded for a while."

Still shaken, the boys went home. As they entered the hall, their father was answering the phone. Mr Weaver had rung to say that Mr Brower had regained consciousness. Could the three detectives come to the Bayport Hospital?

"Right away," Mr Hardy promised.

The three went to the hospital. After inquiring at the Information Desk where Mr Brower's room was, they took the elevator to the second floor. Mr Weaver greeted them at the door of the patient's room.