The Yellow Feather Mystery Read Online Free Page A

familiar voice stopped them short.
    â€œFrank and Joe! It seems like ages since we last saw you!”
    Spinning around, the brothers faced two attractive girls.
    Frank smiled at the one who had called to them. “Hello, Callie!”
    â€œHi, Iola!” Joe said, grinning.
    Callie Shaw and Iola Morton, Chet’s sister, were classmates of the Hardys at Bayport High. Iola, who had shoulder-length dark hair, a tilted nose, and twinkling eyes, dated Joe for school dances. Callie, blond and vivacious, always accompanied Frank.
    â€œYou boys look as if you were on the trail of international spies—or something equally as dangerous!” Callie teased.
    â€œYou’re right about the danger,” Joe replied, laughing. “As a matter of fact, we’re headed for the river to take a ride on Chet’s new propeller sled.”
    â€œOh, that awful thing!” Iola exclaimed. “Better tell that brother of mine to be careful or you’ll end up in the hospital.”
    â€œWe have another reason for wanting all three of you to stay in one piece,” Callie added with a smile at Frank. “You’re invited to take us on a sleigh ride next week.”
    Frank winked at his brother. “Okay, girls. If we survive this afternoon’s ride we’ll go.”
    The boys said good-by and headed home. After a quick lunch they borrowed their father’s car and rode to the Hooper cabin. Rangy Biff, who had come with Chet, greeted them enthusiastically when they arrived.
    â€œSee what this character’s done now,” he said. “Chet’s put snow runners on his propeller sled and wants to take us for a ride in the woods.”
    â€œSure, it’s all set,” Chet told them as he revved up the motor. “Hop on!”
    The sled worked to perfection. Traveling along an old trail that curved and wound among the trees, it moved over the rolling countryside in an effortless glide. Suddenly Joe gripped Frank’s arm and pointed.
    â€œLook! Those tire tracks ahead!”
    Stretching out before them were the telltale marks of an automobile. Every few feet along the left track was the indication that one of the tires had a deep cut in it!
    Joe signaled Chet to stop and they all got off the sled, while Frank told the story of the wild driver the evening before.
    â€œThe same track as that—” Frank was saying when Joe exclaimed:
    â€œAnd there’s the car, parked up ahead!”
    â€œAnd look who’s beside it,” Biff cried in amazement. “Benny Tass—with a rifle in his hands!”

CHAPTER IV
    Unwanted Detectives
    â€œWHEW, I’m glad Benny isn’t pointing that gun at us!” Chet muttered.
    The boys’ surprise at seeing him with a rifle was nothing compared to the look of amazement on the face of Benny Tass when he saw them hurrying toward him. Hastily he tried to conceal the weapon, sliding it through a rear window of the car.
    â€œWell, Benny,” Frank greeted him, “this is very interesting. Why are you carrying a gun?”
    â€œWhat’s that to you?” the bully snapped.
    â€œIt just happens that this property is posted against hunting!” Joe told him. “Look at all the signs around here.”
    â€œLeave me alone!” Benny cried. “This land belongs to the Academy. I got permission!”
    The boys were startled. “From whom?” Frank asked sharply.
    â€œMr. Kurt!” Benny shot back. “He told me a couple of weeks ago I could hunt any time I felt like it. And he’s temporary headmaster—so I guess his word’s good enough!”
    Lacking proof to refute Benny’s claim, Joe tried a new tack. “This your car, Benny?”
    â€œYes, it is. So what?”
    â€œPlenty. I think it’s the one that hit our convertible last evening and almost knocked us into a ditch!” Frank retorted, his eyes blazing.
    â€œYou’re crazy! It wasn’t me!”