The Secret of the Old Mill Read Online Free Page B

the boys looked puzzled, the chief smiled. “On the upper left portion of the note you’ll see a small letter. One that is not followed by a number. That’s the check letter and in this case it’s B.”
    The boys listened as Chief Collig further explained, “If the letter B corresponds to the remainder two, after you have done the division, it means the bill is either genuine—or a careful fake. The same way with the remainder, one. The check letter would be A or G; and with the remainder three, the check letter C or I, and so on.”
    â€œWow! Some arithmetic!” Chet remarked.
    Frank looked thoughtful. “In this case, the test of the divisional check indicates the bill is genuine.”
    â€œExactly,” Chief Collig said. “And the portrait of Jackson is good. The border, sometimes called lathe or scrollwork, is excellent.”
    â€œBut, Chief,” said Joe, puzzled, “everything you’ve mentioned points toward the bill’s being the real thing.”
    â€œThat’s right. However, you’ll see through the microscope that the lines in the portrait are slightly grayish and the red and blue fibers running through the bank note have been simulated with colored ink.”
    In turn, the boys peered through the microscope, observing the points the chief had called to their attention.
    Chief Collig snapped off the light in Chet’s microscope and pulled the bill out from under the clips that were holding it in place.
    He handed the fake bill to Frank and at the same time gave him a genuine one from his wallet. “Now feel the difference in the paper quality,” he directed.
    Frank did so and could tell immediately that the forged bill was much rougher and thicker than the genuine one.
    Just then the chief’s telephone rang. He answered it, speaking quickly. When he hung up, Chief Collig said, “I must go out on a call, boys. Thanks for bringing in this bill. If you come across any others like it, or clues that might help the police, let me know. In the meantime, I’ll relay your description of the suspect to the Secret Service, and also turn this bill over to them.”
    Chief Collig arose from his desk, and the boys walked out of the building with him. On the way, Joe said, “I wonder if Oscar Smuff has heard of the counterfeiting racket, and is—er—working on it.”
    â€œI wouldn’t be surprised.” The chief sighed. “That fellow will never give up.”
    The boys did not mention their encounter with Smuff earlier in the afternoon, but they were fairly certain that Oscar Smuff had trailed the man because he was a stranger in town and had been carrying a suitcase. The aspiring detective undoubtedly had jumped to the conclusion that the suitcase was filled with counterfeit money.
    When the chief had gone, Joe glanced at his watch. “If we’re going to meet Dad’s train, we’d better get started.”
    The three boys climbed into the jalopy and drove off. They arrived at the station just as the four-o’clock train was coming to a halt.
    A moment later they spotted Mr. Hardy alighting from the rear car. “Dad!” cried Frank and Joe, and dashed to greet him, followed by Chet.
    Fenton Hardy, a tall, distinguished-looking man, smiled broadly. “I appreciate this special reception—and a ride home, too,” he added, noticing Chet’s jalopy in the lot.
    â€œRight this way, sir.” Chet grinned.
    Joe took his father’s suitcase and everyone went to the car. As they rode along, the boys gave Mr. Hardy an account of the afternoon’s exciting events.
    The detective listened intently. In conclusion, Frank said, “Dad, does your new case have anything to do with the counterfeiting ring?”
    Mr. Hardy did not answer for a moment. His mind seemed to be focused on another matter. Finally he said, “No. But I’ll be glad to help you boys track down any