A Figure in Hiding Read Online Free Page B

gave that phony address to the motel manager in hopes we’d fall for it.”
    Collig nodded. “That figures, all right.” He asked to see the glass eye and studied it for a moment. “Any idea why Spotty’s so eager to get this back?”
    â€œNot yet,” Frank said, “but Dad got a lead that may give us the answer. We’d like to hang on to the eye till we find out for sure.”
    â€œOkay. I’ll have to admit it’s got me stumped.” As the boys walked down the stone steps of headquarters, Frank said, “How about a milk-shake?”
    Joe grinned. “You read my mind. I can sure use one!”
    They drove several blocks to the Hot Rocket, a favorite eating spot of their high school crowd. A familiar yellow jalopy was parked outside.
    â€œWell, well! Look who’s in there!” Frank said.
    The chunky figure of Chet Morton, the jalopy’s owner, was seated in one of the booths. He was poring over a magazine and munching a hamburger.
    â€œHi, fellows!” he mumbled.
    The Hardys gave their order and slid onto the seat across from him. Frank flipped up the cover of Chet’s magazine and saw that it was Muscle Man. A weight lifter with bulging arms and torso decorated the cover.
    â€œWow! You really are going in for physical culture!” Frank chuckled.
    â€œAnd he-man food,” Chet said, as the Hardys milkshakes were served. “That stuff you’ve got is for sissies. From now on, I’m sticking to ground beefsteak, milk, raw fruits, and leafy vegetables. No more candy.”
    He paused to flex a bicep and compare it to a photograph in the magazine.
    â€œBoy, this is serious!” Joe said. “What’s suddenly made you so hip on body-building?”
    â€œJust for that wisecrack, I’ll tell you,” Chet said proudly. “Meet the new Assistant Supervisor of Physical Training at Doc Grafton’s Health Farm!”
    Frank and Joe stared in astonishment. “Assistant Supervisor of Physical Training!” Frank echoed. “Are you kidding?”
    â€œDo I sound like it?” Chet bragged. “The chef there comes to our farm and buys all his vegetables. He told the doc about me and he offered me a job bouncing medicine balls to the guests and helping them work out. I start tomorrow morning.”
    Joe burst out laughing. “Now I get it. You mean they hired you as an exercise boy!”
    Chet scowled. “Well ... I’ll be helping Doc Grafton train the people who come there, so Assistant Supervisor is what the job amounts to. The doc used to be a real boxing trainer!”
    Joe winked at his brother. “Can you picture Chet putting Zachary Mudge through the exercise bit?”
    At Chet’s puzzled look, the Hardys told him of their eccentric visitor. They also briefed him on their new mystery, ending with the recent attack on them.
    The chubby boy whistled. “Glass eyes! Strong-arm crooks on the loose! Not for me!”
    Frank grinned. “We may have to call on your muscles for help!”
    â€œOh, I’ll be too busy for detective work,” Chet said hastily. Although not eager to get involved in any dangerous situations, he had often joined the brothers in their sleuthing, and was a loyal friend.
    â€œIf you start tomorrow morning, Chet, how come you aren’t home and asleep?” Frank asked. “Muscle men need their rest.”
    â€œAw, I got roped into picking up Iola and Callie after the movie,” Chet explained. “They went to the Bijou to see some creepy love picture.”
    The Hardys perked up. Joe liked Chet’s sister, Iola, and her friend Callie Shaw was Frank’s favorite date.
    â€œUh—look, old buddy,” said Joe, “why don’t you stay put and study some more valuable health tips? Frank and I can pick up the girls and bring them back here.”
    Chet looked up slyly. “Will you guys treat?”
    â€œWhat a chiseler!”