The Missing Chums Read Online Free Page B

those prowl cars!”
    â€œHi, Tony,” Joe greeted him.
    â€œThanks for getting here so fast!” Frank said.
    The three boys left the station at once, ran across the pier, and scrambled down a ladder into the Napoli. Tony started his motor, switched on his running lights, and throttled cautiously into the bay.
    The surface of the water was smooth and the air was warm. The fog, however, was thicker than ever. Tony tried his spotlight but even this did not penetrate the murk for any great distance.
    â€œSuppose we zigzag along shore about half a mile out,” Joe suggested. “The Coast Guard will cover the middle of the bay.”
    The Napoli moved steadily through the night. The boys could see nothing.
    â€œWe need our ears for this job,” Frank said finally. “Shut her off a minute, Tony.”
    The steady purr of the motor ceased and the craft drifted noiselessly. Far to seaward, outside the harbor’s mouth, a deep-voiced foghorn rasped its warning at regular intervals.
    â€œNothing,” Joe muttered disgustedly. “Start her again, Tony!”
    â€œWait!” Frank ordered. “There—another boat!”
    â€œI don’t hear it!” Tony whispered.
    â€œIt’s very high-pitched—just a tingle. Turn her out into the bay, Tony. Run full throttle until I say stop.”
    The Napoli shot forward, roaring through the fog.
    â€œStop!” Frank cried out.
    Again came the sudden, hushed silence. Only the wake of the Napoli washed audibly behind them. But now all three boys heard the sound of a boat engine.
    â€œYou were right,” Joe whispered. “I think it is the Sleuth. Listen!”
    The high-pitched whine drew slowly closer, then gradually receded. Soon it approached again.
    â€œShe’s going in circles!” Joe chortled gleefully. “Head toward her, Tony.”
    â€œSure. But which way?”
    â€œTo the right,” Joe said promptly.
    â€œStraight ahead!” Frank countered.
    Tony started his engine and headed midway between the two directions. He drove steadily forward until Joe signaled to cut it again.
    The other craft was very near them and over the motor’s purr they could hear angry voices.
    â€œIt won’t work!” one cried out. “Try it yourself!” Another shouted, “Move over, then!”
    Frank, Joe, and Tony listened, grinning, while the men argued about the disabled boat. Suddenly the Sleuth’s motor was silent.
    â€œThey’re drifting away,” Frank said quietly.
    Although Tony followed in the direction he thought the other boat was taking, the voices grew faint. Desperately Tony opened his throttle wide, then shut off the motor again to listen. The voices had ceased.
    â€œThe men must have heard us,” Joe whispered. “They probably know they’re being chased.”
    For a time the eerie pursuit continued, but at last Frank said, “It’s no use. They could have drifted a mile away by now.”
    â€œOr they could be five feet from us,” Joe whispered. “We’ll never find them in this fog.”
    â€œBesides, we’re low on gas,” Tony added, and turned the Napoli toward Bayport.
    â€œJoe and I will come to the party later,” Frank told Tony. “I think Dad would like to hear our account of the bank robbery.”
    After dropping Frank and Joe at the Coast Guard pier, Tony returned his boat to its mooring and went back to Callie’s house. Meanwhile, the brothers, dejected, cycled home. Opening the front door, they found their father in the hall taking his hat from the rack. Mr. Hardy stopped short.
    â€œTell me what you know about the bank holdup,” he said crisply. His sons stared in surprise.
    Then Frank grinned. “I guess Chief Collig told you about us, didn’t he?”
    â€œYes,” replied Mr. Hardy. “He just phoned to ask my help. I’m on my way downtown. Brief me quickly.”
    The