Danger on Vampire Trail Read Free Page A

desired.
    â€œHumble pie,” Chet said, downcast.
    â€œNow you just erase that long face, Chester,” Aunt Gertrude said. “You’ll have a deep-dish apple pie tomorrow!”
    That afternoon the Hardy boys and their father went to Bayport Police Headquarters to have a conference with Chief Collig. He was a ruddy-faced man, who cooperated fully with the detective and his sons whenever they were working on a case.
    â€œI was sorry to lower the boom on Chet,” he said, “but it was my duty to notify the State Police of any trailer tents I saw around Bayport.”
    The chief explained that he had warned merchants to beware of the fake Cyrus Kogan. “However,” Collig added, “I think he’s skipped town by now.”
    Mr. Hardy spoke up. “Bayport’s a pretty big place with many shops, Chief. I think the guy might hang around to swindle another dealer or two. His success at Browning’s may feed his ego.”
    The boys agreed with their father and laid a plan to catch the criminal. That evening they called their friends together. Chet and Biff came over, along with Tony Prito and Phil Cohen. Tony was a handsome boy with an olive complexion. Phil was a slight youth and an A-student in Bayport High.
    When they had all gathered in the living room, Frank outlined the plan. They would stake out the stores in Bayport where expensive merchandise was sold.
    â€œWe’ll watch fur shops, fancy jewelers, and the like,” Frank said. He showed the boys the picture of Kogan, and Chet added whatever description he could. “The guy’s as smooth as maple syrup,” he concluded.
    The stakeout the next day produced nothing but tired feet and boredom as the weary boys watched in vain.
    On the second day, while Frank and Joe were home for lunch, Phil Cohen phoned, his voice edged with excitement.
    â€œWhat’s up, Phil?” Joe asked.
    â€œI saw him, Joe!”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œHe went into the Corner Antique Shop.”
    â€œOkay. Keep an eye on him. Frank and I will be right over.”
    Joe flipped his napkin on the table, grabbed the car keys, and ran out. Frank followed.
    â€œI hope we get him!” Frank said, sliding into the seat next to the driver. “But it means the end of our camping trip!”
    â€œDon’t be too sure about that,” Joe said. “He’s not the only Magnacard swindler. And he might not talk!”
    Minutes later Joe parked at a prudent distance from the shop, located near a residential area north of town.
    The shop was housed in a rustic cottage which lent an aura of antiquity to the establishment. There was only one car in sight, parked halfway down the block. As they approached the shop, Frank and Joe saw Phil flattened against the wall next to the front door. He motioned them to be silent.
    The Hardys slithered up beside Phil and listened. Frank put one eye to the edge of an open window. The customer, whom Frank identified immediately as their man, was examining an antique rifle.
    â€œThis one is rather expensive,” the shopkeeper said. “It’s extremely rare!”
    â€œRare guns are my hobby,” the customer replied. With that Kogan pulled out his wallet and produced a credit card.
    â€œAh, a Magnacard,” the shopkeeper said, smiling.
    â€œOh nuts!” Frank thought. “This dealer hasn’t been warned.” To his brother and Phil he said, “Come on.”
    They walked in quietly but the man heard them. As he wheeled around, the Hardys made a dive for him. But Kogan was agile. He swung the rifle, hitting both boys across the chest.
    Frank and Joe cried out in pain and fell to the floor.

CHAPTER III
    Farewell Party
    Â 
    Â 
    Â 
    Â 
    TERRIFIED, the shopkeeper ducked down behind the counter. The man, still carrying the gun, dashed past Phil, jabbed the boy with the muzzle and knocked him off balance. Then he raced outside, sprinted halfway down the block,