The Viking Symbol Mystery Read Free

hopefully, as they drove downtown to headquarters.
    But when they arrived, the lieutenant greeted Chief Collig with the news that there were no fingerprints matching Kelly’s in the police file. A quick teletype check with the FBI, using the Henry system, had also been fruitless.
    â€œA blank wall, all right,” Joe observed in disgust. “But he sure looks guilty.”
    â€œWe’ll keep on the alert for other clues,” Frank declared.
    Chief Collig promised that he in turn would circulate a description of Kelly and let the boys know if he learned anything. They said good-by and were driven home by a patrolman.
    The brothers found their petite, pretty mother and their Aunt Gertrude waiting for them in the living room. The women looked worried.
    â€œI hate to see you two get mixed up in another dangerous mystery—and your father is still out on his case.” Mrs. Hardy sighed.
    â€œYes,” sniffed Aunt Gertrude. “I just know you’ll be hurt one of these days.”
    Frank and Joe gave both women a hug, and Joe said, “We’re still alive and able to eat.” He grinned and added, “You know we can take care of ourselves.”
    It was true. The boys had been involved in many risky adventures since their first case—The Tower Treasure. Recently they had challenged a ruthless band of hijackers while tracking down The Clue of the Screeching Owl.
    Despite the women’s concern for the boys’ safety, they obviously were interested as the brothers told of their visit to the hospital. They, too, thought it was significant that there was nothing on the injured man giving an address When Frank mentioned that the man’s worn clothing did not fit him, Aunt Gertrude looked thoughtful.
    â€œThere was a man at our guild sale today who bought some used clothing!” she exclaimed. “He didn’t seem like the type we usually have as a customer.”
    Joe broke in eagerly, “Can you describe him, Aunt Gertrude?”
    â€œI remember him clearly. He was very pale and thin. Acted sort of furtive—he’d look away whenever anyone caught his eye. He was well dressed in a black-and-white checkered sport jacket and gray slacks, but the clothes he bought were almost threadbare. I was sure they’d be too big.”
    Frank burst out, “That could have been Kelly. He’s pale and thin. His clothes were worn and certainly didn’t fit him!”
    â€œSure!” Joe put in excitedly. “A rummage sale would be the perfect place to buy used clothing if someone wanted to make sure it wouldn’t be traced.”
    â€œIf we could find his regular clothes,” said Frank, “maybe we’d learn where Kelly comes from.”
    â€œYou can look for that evidence in the morning,” their mother announced quietly. “It is late.”
    Admitting that it had been a long day, the brothers said good night and went to bed. They were sound asleep almost instantly.
    At breakfast the next morning Frank and Joe briefed their father on the hospital trip and their suspicions of Kelly. The detective frowned. “I’d certainly like to find out,” he said, “what the fellow is up to.”
    Just then a cheerful whistle sounded from the front lawn, and a moment later Biff Hooper and Tony Prito appeared in the hall.
    â€œWe’re all set,” cried Biff. He waved two plane tickets for that afternoon’s flight to Alberta.
    â€œAt Edmonton, the capital of the province,” Biff explained, “we’ll change for Hay River. There we’ll pick up a plane going across Great Slave Lake to Yellowknife.”
    â€œThat’s where Sam Radley will meet us. Right, Mr. Hardy?” Tony asked.
    â€œYes. I’ll telegraph Sam your schedule,” the detective replied. “He’ll give you the necessary orders when you arrive.”
    â€œGreat!” Tony grinned, and Biff added, “We’ll do our best