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

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Mexican Disguise

"IF Chet Morton can prove to me that he has found the Aztec warrior," said Joe, pacing the floor of his hotel room, "I'll give him a big fat five-dollar bill!"

Frank was staring out of the window. "It would be worth a lot more. I just can't believe it!"

The brothers speculated excitedly about their friend's discovery. They did not dare leave the room for fear Chet might return, and they most certainly wanted to be on hand if the mystery had been solved!

Nearly an hour went by before a soft tap came on the door. Both brothers ran to open it. As they swung the door wide, Frank and Joe stared in disbelief.

Standing before them was a plump figure in full Aztec warrior garb, feathered helmet, a long, elaborately embroidered tunic, and sandals!

The figure strode into the room. As the light from the window fell on him, Frank and Joe's amazement turned to hilarity. They burst into guffaws of laughter, spun in half circles and dropped on to the bed.

"Chet Morton, you loon!" Frank exclaimed. "Where did you get that outfit?"

"I guess we deserve having a joke played on us." Joe chuckled.

Chet Morton did not even smile. He stood looking at his chums with a hurt expression on his face. "This isn't funny," he said. "I figured the best way to get a lead on the living Aztec warrior was to wear this costume in the street and attract attention. Everybody will be asking questions and then we can ask some in return."

"You're likely to be taken to the funny farm," said Joe.

Slowly Chet removed the helmet. As he laid it on the dressing-table, he said, "I guess you fellows don't like my idea, and I thought it was such a good one. You don't know what a hard time I had finding a costume store that was open and stocked this get-up. And I paid a whole week's rent for it!" he added woefully.

"That's too bad," said Frank, grinning. "Maybe you ought to buy the costume and take it home. It sure would make a hit in Bayport."

"Okay. I will."

The stout boy was saved from further needling by the ringing of the telephone. Frank answered and learned that the call was from police headquarters. "Can you come down right away?" Chief Diaz asked. "Your friend Jack Wayne is here."

"Really!" Frank exclaimed. "That's great. We'll be there pronto."

When he reported the news to the other boys, they were astounded. Joe remarked, "Mighty efficient police force, I'd say!"
The Hardys helped Chet out of his costume, then the trio raced downstairs to the hotel entrance. Frank flagged a taxi and soon they were hurrying into police headquarters.

"Jack!" the Hardys cried out joyfully upon seeing the pilot.

There were hearty handshakes, then Frank and Joe asked for the full story of the kidnapping and release.

Their lean, tanned friend looked haggard but produced a broad grin. Pointing to the silver-and-turquoise bracelet on his arm, he said, "This did it. If you fellows hadn't uncovered the clue, I might still be the prisoner of those lowdown weasels! The police quizzed people who saw me wearing it and trailed me to the house where I was tied up.

"Nobody else was there and those crooks haven't been captured yet. The only one whose face I ever saw was the man who climbed into your father's plane at the Bayport airfield, poked a gun into my ribs and ordered me to take off. I didn't have any choice, but I was sure you Hardys would follow us."

As Jack Wayne paused, Frank said, "It's a lucky thing we saw your handkerchief signal this morning."