The Mystery of Cabin Island Read Online Free

great beauty, what stories behind each of those medals!” He sighed deeply.
    Joe asked, “Could they have been fenced somewhere—sold to a disreputable coin dealer?”
    â€œI think not,” came the reply. “My collection was so famous, any dealer would recognize the pieces.” He added that all the important dealers knew about the theft.
    The Hardys were more fascinated than ever. “Did anything else unusual happen at the time your medals were taken, Mr. Jefferson?” Frank asked.
    â€œAmazing. How did you guess? As a matter of fact, something odd did occur then. One of my servants, the houseman—John Paul Sparewell—dropped out of sight and nothing has been heard of him since.”
    â€œQuite a coincidence,” Joe said. “You think Sparewell may be the thief?”
    â€œI don’t like to suspect anyone without proof,” Mr. Jefferson replied. “But at this point, the detectives and I feel that he probably is. Indeed, it’s a most baffling crime. However, you boys aren’t to concern yourselves with it.”
    â€œBut there may be some connection between the missing medals and your grandson’s disappearance,” Frank suggested.
    â€œThe only connection is Johnny’s silly notions,” Mr. Jefferson asserted. “I suppose it was because he heard the detectives discussing the theft of the medals so often at the house here. The boy began to think he could solve the mystery, and started seeing clues everywhere. Ridiculous.”
    â€œThen Johnny may be working on the case right now!” Joe exclaimed. “Perhaps that’s his secret mission.”
    â€œYou could be right.” Mr. Jefferson looked despondent. “And who knows what harm may come to him! Johnny can be stubborn. When he sets his mind on something, he doesn’t give up easily.”
    The old man sighed wearily and the Hardys felt that further questions might be unwise.
    â€œWe must get back now,” Frank announced. “Thanks again for your invitation, Mr. Jefferson.”
    Their host smiled wanly, crossed the room, and opened the drawer of a small, ornate table. From it he took a key which he handed to Frank. “Have a fine vacation, all of you!”
    â€œWe’ll do our best to find Johnny,” Joe added, “and let you know of our progress.”
    They all shook hands, then the boys retrieved their overcoats and said good-by.
    As the brothers drove away from the Jefferson home, Joe turned to Frank, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “A big assignment!” he declared.
    â€œJust the kind we like!” Frank grinned. “One thing I have a hunch about—Johnny is not in Texas! At least, not now. If he doesn’t want to be found, he’d never let on where he really is.”
    â€œYou’re probably right,” Joe conceded. “Wow! I wish it were the day after Christmas!”
    Frank drove silently for a few minutes, seemingly intent on threading his way through the pre-holiday traffic. But Joe guessed from his brother’s expression that the mystery was in Frank’s thoughts.
    â€œGive you a penny for ‘em,” Joe said with a grin.
    Frank smiled. “I’ve been thinking about Mr. Jefferson’s idea that there are no dangerous individuals involved in this case. I don’t agree.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œJoe, two years ago a man disappeared, probably because of those medals. Now a boy who was interested in them is gone. Then Hanleigh turns up, trying to force Mr. Jefferson to sell the island.”
    â€œI see what you mean. Sounds like the old case is still plenty hot.”
    Frank nodded. “And with a priceless treasure at stake, we’d better watch out for danger.”

CHAPTER IV
    A Christmas Visitor
    As the Hardys drove on toward the bay area, they continued to discuss the missing boy.
    â€œMr. Jefferson appears to be very strict with his grandson,” Joe