The Mummy Case Read Free

added. “He knew about the alarm system the museum used to have, and he was on guard that night.”
    Wilcox got to his feet. “I’d like to stay longer,” he said, “but I have to catch a plane to Chicago for a conference of archeologists. In fact, I’m the main speaker. You boys know what you have to do, so I’ll leave the investigation to you.”
    â€œWhat about the mummy?” Colden asked.
    â€œYou and Najeeb are in charge,” Wilcox replied. “See that the case is prepared for shipment to Cairo and cooperate with Frank and Joe in the matter of the stolen statuettes.”
    Wilcox left, and Colden excused himself to make a phone call. Najeeb Salim stood up and paced around the room. “Perhaps we should have Ali arrested at once!” he proposed.
    â€œWe can‘t,” Frank said. “There’s no real evidence against him. Even though we saw him holding the dagger, we don’t know what he intended to do with it. »
    â€œThen we should dismiss him! Why give him another chance to steal?”
    The Egyptian’s vehemence began to arouse Frank’s suspicion. “Maybe Salim’s involved in this and is looking for a scapegoat,” he thought.
    The same idea occurred to Joe, who made a mental note to keep an eye on Salim. Just then Colden returned from his office. “I talked to Cairo,” he announced. “They’re ready for you and the mummy, Najeeb. How’s the investigation coming along?” he asked Frank and Joe.
    Frank shrugged. “Ali is our prime suspect so far, but we don’t have any proof. What do you think, Mr. Colden?”
    â€œI think we should have a cup of coffee,” the assistant curator replied, “and go over the events point by point. I’ll call the kitchen. Will you boys join us?”
    â€œI’d prefer a soda,” Frank said. “There’s a machine at the end of the hall. How about you, Joe?”
    â€œSoda’s fine.”
    Frank went out and came back with two colas. He handed one to Joe just as the woman who ran the museum’s kitchen arrived in the office. She was an attractive blonde in her late twenties whose somewhat sharp features softened for a moment as she smiled at the boys.
    â€œI’m Norma Jones,” she said. “If you want anything from the galley, just say the word.”
    Colden settled himself on the sofa with Salim beside him and the Hardys occupied the chairs in front of the desk. Norma Jones left and closed the door behind her.
    â€œThe police interrogated the staff,” Colden began, “but no one could shed any light on the matter. ”
    â€œI suppose they searched the premises for clues?” Joe inquired.
    â€œThey did,” Salim replied. “It took hours since there was no sign of breaking and entering. But—” Suddenly a strange look came over him. His pupils dilated, and his breath came in short gasps. He shuddered and ran his fingers around his collar in an effort to loosen it.
    â€œMr. Salim,” Frank exclaimed, “are you okay?”
    There was no reply. Instead, the Egyptian jerked to his feet and lunged toward the young detective. His fingers reached for Frank’s throat in a convulsive grip! The chair went over backward, and the pair landed on the carpet. Savagely, Salim tried to strangle Frank Hardy!

3
    Mummy Powder
    Joe leaped to his brother’s aid, but Frank had already managed to break Salim’s grip. Pushing the Egyptian aside, he scrambled clear. Salim jerked to his feet again. For a moment he swayed there and the boy braced for another violent attack. However, Salim suddenly collapsed onto the carpet, rolled over, and lay motionless!
    â€œWow!” Joe exclaimed. “What got into him?”
    Frank pointed at Colden. “Something’s wrong with both of them!”
    Colden was leaning back on the sofa. His eyes were closed, and he gasped loudly. Joe shook him, and