The Shore Road Mystery Read Free Page A

mystery,” Chet remarked.
    Frank suggested they all look at a map of the Shore Road area. “Maybe we can figure where the cars disappear to.”
    Just then the telephone rang. Joe took the call, then rushed back to the others.
    â€œThat was Jack!” he exclaimed. “He sounded upset and wants us out at the farm right away!”
    Suspecting a sudden development in Jack’s secret mystery, the three boys piled into Chet’s green jalopy and headed out Shore Road. As they pulled into the dirt lane to the Dodd farmhouse, they saw the rotating red lights of police cars in front of the house.
    â€œSomething has happened!” Joe exclaimed.
    Officers and excited reporters were assembled near the front of the big porch, while three patrolmen stood by an empty car near the back of the house. The hum of car engines filled the night air.
    After parking, the Hardys and Chet found Mr. Dodd and Jack standing next to a state trooper at the side of the building. The thin, well-dressed farmer, who had a slight mustache, looked pale and worn. Jack’s hands were clenched.
    â€œThe Hardys! And Chet!” Mr. Dodd exclaimed, forcing a smile as the boys rushed up to them.
    â€œWhat has happened?” Frank asked immediately.
    Jack hung his head and pointed to the unoccupied automobile. “We’ve been accused of stealing that car!”
    â€œStealing!”
    â€œYes,” Mr. Dodd continued grimly. “Jack had just discovered this car on our property tonight when all these officers began to arrive—apparently having received a ‘tip-off’ over the phone that we were the Shore Road thieves.”
    A husky, uniformed man, Chief Ezra Collig, approached the group and greeted the Hardys. Mr. Dodd tried to recall the whereabouts of himself and his son on the day the car was reported stolen.
    Jack added, “We couldn’t have stolen the car on that day, sir. Both Dad and I were—”
    At that moment his attention was diverted by an approaching officer. In his hand he carried a fishing pole.
    â€œIs this your rod, son?” he asked.
    Jack stared in surprise. “Yes, but—”
    â€œThen what was it doing in the trunk of the stolen car?” the officer demanded.

CHAPTER III
    A Pilgrim Mystery
    â€œMY fishing pole—in the stolen car!” Jack repeated in disbelief. “It’s been missing from my boat since yesterday.”
    Chief Collig examined the rod, then frowned. “Personally, I’m inclined to believe you, Jack. But I’m afraid you and your father will have to come to headquarters. We particularly want to check the fingerprints on the car.”
    â€œFingerprints?” Joe queried.
    Mr. Dodd nodded resignedly. “I’m afraid you’ll find my fingerprints inside. I got into the car, hoping to find the owner’s name in the glove compartment.”
    Frank spoke in low tones to Chief Collig as flashbulbs illuminated the area. The chief assured him the Dodds could be released on bail until a hearing, but said the figure would probably be a very high one. The Hardys promised to visit Mr. Dodd and Jack the next morning about their release.
    â€œWe’ll contact Dad right away,” Frank told the Dodds.
    Chet added, “Jack, keep your chin up!” He drove the Hardys home, where they wired their father.
    The following morning the brothers drove to Bayport Police Headquarters to see Mr. Dodd and Jack. As they had feared, the bail figure was too high for the Dodds to pay it all at this time.
    â€œFrank!” Joe exclaimed as the boys left the building. “Maybe Dad will help them out with the rest!”
    Over the telephone, Fenton Hardy supported the boys’ faith in the Dodds’ innocence and promised to arrange by phone for the balance of the bail payment. Shortly after noontime the two prisoners were released.
    â€œWe can’t thank you boys and your father enough,” Mr. Dodd said as Frank was