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

"Seсor Hermosa is not at home," she said in answer to Joe's question. "He is out at the Mitla ruins."

"We were going out there. No doubt we'll see him," Joe went on.

"Perhaps you will," she said non-committally. "Mitla is an enormous place, and Seсor Hermosa works in any area which strikes his fancy. I must warn you about one thing. He has his dogs with him - and they are not friendly."

Chet frowned. "You can be sure we'll stay away from them," he said.

Frank smiled. "If we do, we won't be able to talk with Seсor Hermosa - and it's very important that we do."

"I regret I cannot be of more help," the housekeeper said. "Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I must get back to my work."

The boys returned to the car and drove the rest of the way to Mitla. "That woman was right - this place is immense," said Chet, glancing around in awe. "Boy, look at all those pyramids!"

They parked the car and started to walk.

"According to this guide book," said Joe, "the architecture of the Mitla pyramids is unique. Every stone that went into the buildings is four inches in length, and they are fitted together so perfectly that no mortar was needed They have lasted since about the year A.D. 70!"

The site contained four major palaces and a number of smaller ones. These opened off a central court.

"Look at all those steps!" Chet remarked "I'm going to call Mexico the country of steps."

The Hardys were more interested in the angular stone doorways, some of them opening into tombs from which skeletons and treasures had long since been removed.

As the three sleuths neared one of the buildings, Chet looked in dismay at the low doorway. The only possible way to enter was to crawl. This prospect did not please him.

"You fellows go ahead," he suggested. "If you see anything worthwhile, give a yell and I'll come."

The Hardys gave their chum a look of pretended disgust. Joe said, "What kind of sleuth are you?"

"I'll stay out here and look around for Roberto Hermosa," Chet announced, unruffled.

Frank and Joe dropped to their knees and pulled themselves through the low opening. The roof of the tomb was not much higher, and they were unable to stand up.

Joe, in the lead, advanced a few feet. As he was reaching inside a hip pocket to pull out his torch, he heard a menacing snarl. Was this one of Hermosa's unfriendly dogs or a wild animal?

Joe started to retreat hurriedly and bumped squarely into Frank. Suddenly, before either boy could reach the exit, terrific growling and yapping started in the tomb. The next second an animal's long fangs sank into one of Joe's legs!




- 16 -

Stunning News



JOE cried out in pain. Instantly a man's voice yelled in Spanish, "Down, Sol! Down!" The animal released its hold on the boy's leg.

A bright light was beamed on the Hardys, who were still trying to back out of the tomb.