The Secret of the Old Mill Read Online Free

past year on the big sale of land to Elekton Controls,” he said. “I thought it was time to take an afternoon off and do some thinking while the fish were nibbling.”
    â€œIs that the property in back of the plant they just finished building?” asked Frank.
    â€œThat’s right.” Mr. Morton pointed upstream. “You can just see the top of the main building from here.”
    â€œThe property you sold has the old Turner mill on it,” Joe remarked. “Quite a contrast. A company that makes top-secret control parts for space missiles in a modern building right next to an ancient, abandoned gristmill.”
    â€œI suppose they’ll tear the old place down,” Frank remarked.
    â€œNo, Elekton has decided to use it,” Mr. Morton went on. “I suggested to them that the old mill would make an attractive gatehouse for the plant’s rear entrance. After all, it’s a historic place, built by the settlers when this whole area was inhabited by Indians. The company has renovated the old mill a bit, restoring the old living quarters and adding modern facilities.”
    â€œIs someone living there?” Joe asked with interest.
    â€œI understand a couple of their employees are,” Mr. Morton replied. Then he continued, “They’ve even repaired the wheel, so it’s turning again. Hearing the rushing water and the grinding of the wheel’s gear mechanism brought back memories to me.”
    â€œAbout the Indians, Dad?” Chet joked.
    â€œNot quite, son.” His father smiled. “But I can remember when the mill produced the best flour around here. Your grandmother made many a delicious loaf of bread from wheat ground in the Turner mill.”
    â€œThat’s for me!” Chet said.
    Everyone laughed as Mr. Morton reminisced further about having seen the mill in full operation when he was a boy. Suddenly he and the Hardys noticed that Chet had fallen silent. There was a familiar, faraway look in his eyes.
    Joe grinned. “Chet, you’re turning some new idea over in your mind.”
    â€œThat’s right,” Chet said excitedly. “I’ve been thinking that maybe I could get a summer job at Elekton.”
    Mr. Morton exchanged amazed glances with the Hardys at the thought of Chet’s working during the summer vacation! But, with growing enthusiasm, Chet went on:
    â€œI could earn the twenty dollars I owe you, Dad. Besides, if I am going to be a scientist, I couldn’t think of a better place to work.”
    â€œElekton’s a fine company,” his father said. “I wish you luck, son.”
    â€œThanks, Dad.” Chet smiled broadly. “See you later. I have to go now and pay Mr. Reed the money I owe him.”
    On the drive back to town, Chet told Frank and Joe that he was going to apply for a job at the Elekton plant the next day.
    â€œWe’ll go along,” Joe offered. “I’d like to see the plant and the old mill.”
    â€œSwell,” said Chet.
    When they reached the shopping area in Bayport, Chet drove directly to Mr. Reed’s store. The three boys had just alighted from the parked car when Chet excitedly grabbed his friends’ arms.
    â€œThere he is!” the chubby boy exclaimed. “Right down the street—the man who gave me that phony twenty!”

CHAPTER IV
    The Shadowy Visitor
    â€œTHERE he goes! Across the street!” Joe said excitedly. “Let’s ask him about the counterfeit bill!”
    The three boys broke into a run, dodging in and out of the crowd of afternoon shoppers. The Hardys kept their eyes trained on the stocky figure of their quarry.
    But their chase was halted at the corner by a red traffic light against them. The street was congested with vehicles and it was impossible for the boys to get across.
    â€œWhat luck!” Joe growled impatiently.
    It seemed to be the longest red light they had ever encountered. When it changed, the