Disaster for Hire by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online Page B

germ that kills the trees. Works fast, spreads fast. We have acres and acres of prime timber dying. What's worse, none of the standard remedies work." He paused, looking at Frank. "We have no idea what's causing it."
    "My guess," Frank said, "is that there's a man-made bacterium being used against Selva."
    Weber scowled. "You mean something they might have dreamed up in that lab at Farber University?"
    "It makes sense," said Joe. "And it explains why Bookman was killed. He either found out what was going on, or he was in on it and then had second thoughts."
    "Maybe I'd better get over to that lab and have a look around," said Weber angrily. "If they're messing around with something that kills trees, I want to know."
    "Wait, now," cautioned Frank. "We don't have any proof so far, and whatever is going on has been carefully covered up. Also, if you get them rattled, they may do something to Dad."
    Exhaling, Weber settled back in his chair. "You think that Fenton's being held by the tree-killers?"
    "We're hoping they're holding him," answered Frank. "That they haven't ... killed him."
    Joe asked, "What can you tell us about Ray Garner?"
    Weber made a wry face. "Typical spoiled rich man's kid. He still acts that way as a grown-up," he replied. "Old Lloyd Garner's supposed to b running things, but he's been in pretty bad shape for the past couple of years. Ray's more or less in charge. The old man was no angel, but Ray' worse. He's got a big smile, but the ethics of bulldozer. He'll plow under anybody who gets in his way."
    "So Garner is Selva's chief rival?" asked Frank.
    "They sure are. And they've been trying to buy us out, even before Junior took over," Webe said bitterly. "What are you getting at, Frank? You think Garner's behind this?"
    "I have no proof," said Frank.
    "It sure makes sense, though. Ruin enough our timber, get us on the ropes — then push for another take-over bid," Curly reasoned out loud.
    "This is mostly theory so far, Curly. Please don't go spreading it around," Frank said.
    "Yeah, I know. Fenton's my friend. I won't do anything to put him in danger." Curly made a fist and tapped his desktop. "But Selva's losing money, a lot of money, every day. The soone we can — "
    "We're working against time too," said Joe.
    "Sure, I realize that, but— Okay, I'll sit on it,' promised Curly Weber. "But as soon as you guys find your dad, let me know. Then I'm going to start an investigation on my own."
    "Of course," said Frank.
    Joe asked, "Did you and Dad talk about anything else, Curly?"
    "He wanted to know how to get to a town called Crosscut. It's about fifty miles east of us," said the bald security officer. "Not many people live there anymore. Once there was a thriving lumber mill near Crosscut, but it folded up years ago."
    "Why'd he want to go there?"
    "I'm not sure. He told me he'd explain when he got back."
    "Was he going that same day?"
    "I'm not sure of that either," said Weber. "He did mention he had some other people to see around Seattle."
    "Can you tell us how to get there?" asked Joe.
    "I can do better than that." Weber pulled out a yellow legal pad. "I'll draw you a map."
     
    ***
     
    The forest had long since closed in on Frank and Joe. Tall pine trees rose high on both sides of the winding two-lane road. Branches of the towering trees interlocked and the afternoon woodlands were filled with deep shadows, crisscrossed with long slanting beams of sunlight. Broadleaf shrubs grew among the trees and spilled out to the road edge. Overhead a small flock of dusty-gray pigeons fluttered by.
    While Frank drove, Joe sat slouched in his seat, hands locked behind his head. "This really is the wilderness," Joe commented. "We haven't seen another car or living soul for over a half hour."
    "Yes, there's still a lot of unspoiled land around here," agreed Frank.
    "Except that somebody is trying to spoil Selva's timberlands."
    "And if it's man-made bacteria they're using, there can be some dangerous side effects,"