The Sinister Signpost Read Free

boys having trouble?” Mr. Hardy asked quickly.
    The car manufacturer spoke to Joe in a displeased voice. “Why are you holding onto my son like that?”
    â€œYour—your son?” Frank stammered.
    Joe released his grip on the young man.
    â€œYes,” Alden continued. “This is my son Roger”
    Mr. Hardy introduced his client to the boys. Except for Roger, everyone was mutually embarrassed.
    â€œThese guys,” the young man shouted, “are trying to pin some sort of car accident on me!”
    Alden eyed Roger suspiciously. “I don’t think the Hardy boys would accuse anyone without good reason. If you were involved in an accident, it wouldn’t be the first time.”
    Frank and Joe glanced at each other. It seemed wise not to force the issue. They told Mr. Alden about their encounter with a dragster the previous day, but could not say for certain that the driver of the bright-orange car was Roger.
    â€œThen only my son can clear up this matter,” Alden said. He put the question to Roger.
    The young man became even more arrogant. “I didn’t ram into anybody’s car, and I never heard of Shore Road!”
    His father was in a quandary. Finally he said, “Until this matter can be investigated further, I forbid you to drive your dragster in the competitions today.”
    â€œWe’ll see about that!” Roger muttered defiantly. He glared at the Hardys, then turned and walked off at a furious pace.
    â€œI don’t know what to do about my son,” Alden said with remorse. “His mother died several years ago, and I haven’t been able to spend much time with him. He’s been getting more difficult to live with every day.”
    â€œI’m sure he’ll straighten out,” Mr. Hardy remarked sympathetically.
    â€œI hope so,” Alden replied. Suddenly his mood changed. He turned to Frank and Joe. “Now down to business. Your father tells me you two are going to work with him on the case,” he said.
    â€œThat’s right,” Frank replied.
    â€œExcellent! I’m sure you have some questions of your own you’ll want to ask me. However, I must fly to Washington immediately after the competitions. How about all of us meeting in my office Monday morning?”
    The Hardys nodded.
    Alden looked at his wrist watch. “It is time for me to get to my post. I’m the official timekeeper for the stock-car runs. Perhaps you would like to join me out on the track.”
    â€œWould we!” the boys answered excitedly.
    As they started to Walk off, Frank bent down and picked up a small packet which had fallen from his brother’s pocket during the scuffle. It was Joe’s detective kit. Each of the Hardys carried one. Among the items that had spilled out was a magnifying glass and a metal signaling mirror. He handed the kit to Joe.
    Suddenly a voice crackled from the loudspeaker of the P.A. system.
    â€œThe first trial run will be made by car number twenty-two. The driver is Roger Alden!”
    â€œWhat!” exploded Alden. “How did he get his hands on a car? I must stop him! Roger doesn’t have enough experience for closed-circuit racing!”

CHAPTER III
    Prime Suspect
    ALDEN rushed toward the starting line with the Hardys close at his heels.
    â€œStop that car!” he shouted.
    But it was too late. Roger roared off.
    â€œFlag that car down!” Alden ordered one of the track officials.
    â€œI’ll try to signal him with my mirror when he comes along the straightaway,” Joe said.
    Frank and Joe ran alongside the track opposite to the direction Roger was headed. They watched him as he skidded dangerously on the far turn.
    â€œDid you see that?” Frank yelled.
    â€œYes. He took that curve too fast.”
    The boys hurried down the straightaway. As Roger came around the second far turn, his car spun out of control and crashed through the fence on the sideline. A huge