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

The pilot and dockers agreed. They said that the ferry had run for years without a cable breakdown. "I'm afraid," said the pilot, "it'll be some time before we're able to repair the damage."

After local authorities had been notified, the pilot insisted on driving the boys back to Millwood. He located a boat trailer on which to tow the bateau.

During the trip they discussed the accident. Who could have cut the ferry cables? Was there any connection between this, the art thefts, and the other strange occurrences?

"It'll probably cut down the turnout at our exhibit tomorrow." Chet sighed gloomily.

"It sure didn't help our treasure search," Joe murmured.

Once back in their room, and after a hot shower, the boys felt less despondent. Frank suggested that he and Joe offer to act as guides at Senandaga. "It'll give us a chance to look around inside the fort," he added.

They consulted with Uncle Jim, who was shocked to learn of the ferry mishap. He readily agreed to the Hardys' proposal and was sure Mr. Davenport would concur.

The exhausted sleuths then went to bed. "At least," thought Chet in satisfaction as he dozed off, "my painting is ready."

When Joe woke the next morning he hopped to the window. "The sun's out!" he exclaimed. "Wake up, fellows!"

After breakfast the Hardys wished Chet luck as he hurried off with his painting. The entire school grounds were devoted to the display. Some students hung their watercolors and oils on a long wooden backing sheltered by a red-striped awning. Other paintings stood on easels scattered about the lawn. The sculpture entries were displayed on several long benches near the judges' table.

Meanwhile, the Hardys were ready to tackle their job at the fort. They had decided to go in the bateau. Heading for the lake, they met Mr. Davenport, dressed impeccably in a white summer suit. He was in good spirits.

"Happy Senandaga Day, boys!" he drawled. "Great idea you two being guides." Frowning slightly, he cautioned them to admit the tourists only in groups and to keep them at the ground level of the fort ruins.

"Safer that way," he said. "Also, less chance for someone to sneak off alone and look for the treasure."

"We'll do our best," Frank promised.

Soon the brothers were paddling downlake in the bateau. They passed several canoes and motorboats heading in the direction of Millwood.

"Looks as if the ferry accident may not affect attendance too much," Joe said.

Rounding the promontory, the Hardys looked up at the flagpole over the sprawling, gray fortress. They could not believe their eyes. A banner fluttered from the staff, but this one bore three crosses, two red and one white on a field of blue.

"It's the British Union Jack!" Frank exclaimed.

Quickly the boys poled into a cove at the foot of the fort and beached their craft. They scrambled up a steep path and made their way around to the moss-covered entrance passageway in the north wall.

The brothers hurried through it and found themselves on the old parade grounds. Around the sides stood the ruins of two barracks and the officers' quarters. In the center was a deep hole which, according to their map, had once been a well. As a precaution, they placed some old planks over it.

The Hardys once more stared up at the British flag.

"Well," said Frank, "if there's a ghost prowling around Senandaga, now's the time to track him down. Visitors will be arriving soon."

They walked about the massive, crumbling interior. After circling the parapets, the boys reached the south demilune by a wooden drawbridge, which Mr. Davenport had had reconstructed. After checking the west demilune, they headed back through the entrance tunnel.

"No flag-raising ghosts so far," Joe quipped as they walked inland to unlock the promontory gate.

"The ramparts seem safe enough," Frank observed, "but the west demilune, dungeons, and stores are in bad shape. They'll have to be off limits."