"Dixon, Franklin W - Hardy Boys 044 - The Haunted Fort (b)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dixon Franklin W)

"You said it!" Chet agreed, "Uncle Jim and his students must resent a character like that."

Frank appeared lost in thought. "I wish we could do more in getting to the bottom of this mystery. If only we knew what kind of clue to look for!"

"Do you think Gilman has any interest in the gold chain?" Chet asked.

Frank shrugged. "He didn't act like it-but you never know."

Joe's lip curled. "He's too busy dreaming up acid criticisms."

A mist hung over the lake now, the water below them seeming almost colorless through the trees. Up ahead at a bend in the road, Chet noticed an observation area offering a commanding view of the lake. The boys decided to pull over for a look.

"Maybe we can see the fort from here," Joe said. Chet parked on the wide shoulder and they got out.

A strong wind coursed up the slopes from the lake. Several homes were scattered along the opposite shore. The boys looked out to their right. Barely visible in the dusk was the jutting outline of one of Senandaga's walls. The Hardys again speculated on the collapse of the fort section that morning.

Suddenly Joe leaned forward and asked curiously, "What kind of craft is that?"

The others looked down and saw a small white barge, coupled to a green tugboat. They could dimly make out two metal strands coming from the front of the barge.

"Oh, that must be the cable ferry Uncle Jim mentioned," Chet recalled. "It takes cars and passengers across the lake." He glanced at his watch. "Let's go back," he said. "Supper was a long time ago!" The famished boy grinned and the brothers laughed.

They started for the car. Joe, who was last, abruptly stopped in his tracks. His ears strained to catch a distant sound.

"Fellows, wait! Hear that?"

They listened intently. Echoing down the lake from the ramparts came the ominous thump, thump, thump of a drum!

CHAPTER VII.

An Angry Sculptor.

"LISTEN!" Joe urged, as Frank and Chet joined him apprehensively at the lookout.

"What is it?" Chet asked.

Joe held up his hand for silence and they listened intently. Frank leaned far out in the direction of the mist-shrouded fort. The only sound was that of the wind through the trees.

Joe explained as they got back in the car. "I'm positive it was drumbeats!" he said emphatically. "It was coming from-the fort!"

A cold chill raced up Chet's spine. He shuddered. "Y-you think Senandaga really is h-haunted?"

"It could have been the wind playing tricks," Frank speculated. "Personally, I think it was your stomach rumbling, Chet. Why didn't you tell us you were so hungry?"

The three broke into laughter, and drove back to Millwood, where they persuaded the kind-hearted cook to provide them with a snack.

The Hardys suggested they check the grounds before going to bed. The place seemed to be deserted. Joe happened to glance over toward the moonlit gallery and noticed something move in the shadows. A man was crouched at the locked door!

"Somebody's trying to get into the gallery!"