The Ghost at Skeleton Rock Read Free Page A

amazement.
    â€œDid you hear somebody mention the name Hugo?” Joe whispered breathlessly.
    Freezing in their tracks, the Hardys listened intently.
    â€œWe’ll get the Hardys and get ’em good, Hugo!” said a rough voice.
    â€œYeah,” came the chuckling reply. “We’ll ambush them tonight!”

CHAPTER III
    The Hijacked Dummy
    â€œAMBUSH?” Joe flashed his brother a startled glance.
    Frank clenched his fists. “I don’t know what’s going on back there, but let’s find out!”
    With their hearts thumping and their fists ready for trouble, the Hardys dashed around the corner of the barn, then stopped dead in open-mouthed astonishment. The only person in sight was Chet Morton, propped up against the back of the barn.
    â€œHi, fellows!” he greeted them, lifting his eyebrows in an innocent, deadpan look. “Expecting someone else?”
    â€œBut where are those two men we heard?” Joe asked in surprise.
    â€œYou’re looking at ‘em, pal. Both of ’em!” Chet replied.
    To prove this, he switched over to his two “tough guy” voices and uttered a few more blood-curdling threats.
    â€œYou?” Frank could hardly believe his ears.
    â€œThat’s right.” The stout boy chuckled. “A slight case of ventriloquism, gentlemen. Learned it from books. Thought it might come in handy helping you fellows on your cases.” He burst into laughter. “Oh, boy, did you two ever fall for my act—hook, line, and sinker!”
    â€œAnd that phone call begging for help?” Joe growled. “That was just a trick, too, to get us over here?”
    Chet nodded. “But don’t hold it against me.”
    The Hardy boys grinned, then Frank said, “You sure fooled us. I’ll say you’re good.”
    â€œI sure am!” Chet agreed. “In fact, I may make a career out of ventriloquism,” he went on, turning serious. “Man, I can see myself now, doing a big show on television! Chet Morton, Man of Many Voices—World’s Greatest Imitator!”
    This time it was the Hardys’ chance to needle their friend. “World’s Greatest Appetite, you mean!” Joe hooted. “Otherwise known as Chet Morton, Man of Many Helpings!”
    Chet’s moonface took on a hurt look. “Okay, okay. Just because I happen to appreciate good food,” he sulked. “If you fellows don’t think I’m ready for the big time, just listen to this.”
    He jerked his thumb toward the house and whispered, “Here comes my pesky cousin, Jinny.”
    A moment later a little girl’s shrill, whiny voice seemed to come drifting around the corner of the barn:
    â€œOh, Chet! Your mother says you better get in the house right this minute and start cleaning up the basement! Y’hear me? You better come quick, or I’m gonna tell her just where you’re hiding!”
    The boys were amazed at the demonstration. Chet’s lips had hardly moved.
    â€œThat’s pretty convincing, Chet,” said Frank.
    Chet looked somewhat mollified. “It ought to be good,” he bragged. “I’ve been studying and practicing secretly a whole month. I’m even thinking of buying a Hugo!”
    â€œA Hugo?” Frank and Joe gasped together.
    â€œSure,” Chet said calmly. “The same kind of dummy Professor Fox uses.”
    â€œOh!” The Hardys relaxed as they recalled the act to which Chet was referring. Professor Fox was a star ventriloquist on TV. His dummy, Hugo, had become so popular that it was being copied and sold on a large scale. The dummy came in various-priced models.
    â€œI’m going to get the most expensive Hugo on the market,” Chet bragged. “I’ve been saving to buy it by doing extra chores around the farm. I have enough money now.”
    Just then Chet’s bull terrier, Spud, came wandering out to see what was going