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

"We sure did," Joe told him. "Thanks for saving our necks."

Suddenly Chet began to wobble. The Hardys grabbed him and insisted that they go back to the hotel at once. Supporting him again, they made the trek to their car. For a moment Frank was worried that their unknown assailants might have tampered with it. To his relief, as soon as he turned on the ignition, the engine roared to life.

As they started off, all three boys wondered what the mysterious assailants had hoped to accomplish. Were they part of the gang looking for the valuable Aztec warrior and still harassing the threesome to keep them from proceeding with their detective work?

"Whoever they were," said Chet, "you Hardys were too smart for them. I'm sorry I fouled you up and you couldn't find out about that light on top of the pyramid. Do you suppose those gangsters hide out up there?"

"I doubt it," said Frank. "It would be too noticeable. Maybe some of our questions can be answered if we come back tomorrow and search Monte Alban in the daylight."

Chet said nothing. His head ached, and he felt a little dizzy. "Bed sure will feel good," he said. He did not mention that he hoped Frank and Joe would make the trip by themselves the following day.

Actually the Hardys had the same idea. But they decided to wait until morning before saying anything to Chet.

When they reached their hotel room, the dazed boy dropped on to his bed. "I think I'll sleep with my clothes on," he said. "Too much trouble to take 'em off." His voice faded.

"We'll do it," the Hardys offered.

First, they removed his jacket and hung it up. Next came his shoes and socks, then his trousers.

As Frank unbuttoned Chet's sports shirt, a wadded piece of paper fell to the floor.

Frank picked it up. "What's this?" he asked.

Chet, who had closed his eyes, responded sleepily, "What's what?"

"This piece of paper you wadded up and put inside your shirt."

"I didn't put anything in my shirt," Chet insisted.

Eagerly Joe grabbed the paper and smoothed it out. Printed boldly in Spanish was a warning. Joe blinked, but refrained from reading it aloud, not wishing to disturb Chet any further.

Frank sensed that his brother had found something important but waited. The stout boy had become drowsy again and said nothing more about the paper. The Hardys finished undressing him and put on his pyjamas. Within another thirty seconds, Chet was fast asleep.

Frank counted his friend's pulse beat. "He's okay, Joe."

Quickly moving to the dressing-table where Joe had laid the paper, Frank gasped in astonishment. The message read:
Yankees go home. You cannot steal any of our treasures. If you disobey, you will lose your lives!




- 12 -

"Five Rabbit"



IN whispers, so they would not awaken Chet, Frank and Joe discussed the strange warning.