One False Step by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online Page A

goes on, doesn’t it?” Frank said.
    â€œGuess so!” Joe said. “This party was planned before the Winston’s robbery, so I guess that Elisabeth didn’t see any reason to cancel it.”
    â€œI wonder where Chet, Tony, and Matt are,” Frank said.
    â€œIf we find the food, we’ll find Chet,” Joe said,“and if Tony and Matt aren’t with him, he can probably tell us where they are.”
    â€œWe may have to dance our way there, Joe,” Frank said as he surveyed the barrier of people in front of them.
    â€œHey! There’s nothing wrong with that,” Joe said. “Let’s do it!”
    Frank and Joe plunged into the crowd. By the time they finally reached a long buffet table, they had each danced with several girls and had been invited to a month’s worth of parties all around the Philadelphia area.
    â€œWhew!” Frank said. He took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow. “That was more exhausting than a 5K.”
    â€œYeah,” Joe said. He surveyed the array of food. “I think I worked up a hearty appetite.”
    â€œMe too,” Frank said. He picked up a plate. “You know, I’m surprised Chet isn’t standing here.”
    â€œI’m not,” Joe said. “This place is huge, so there are probably many more tables of food strategically placed.”
    â€œYou’re right,” Frank agreed. He helped himself to some chips and a delicious-looking artichoke and spinach dip. “Mmm! This is really good. I think I’m . . .” He stopped in mid-sentence. “Look, Joe. There’s Elisabeth von Battenberg, and that guy she’s with looks familiar.”
    Joe looked. “Isn’t he one of the acrobats from High-Wire Troupe B?” he said.
    â€œIt’s hard to tell with the strobe lights,” Frank said.
    â€œWell, I think he is,” Joe said, “and it looks like he and Elisabeth are arguing about something.”
    â€œI say we go check it out, Joe,” Frank said. “If it is one of those acrobats from High-Wire Troupe B, I’d like to hear his excuse about why they didn’t perform tonight.”
    The Hardy boys handed their plates to a server and once again plunged into the crowd.
    Several times they were stopped by girls wanting to dance with them, but Frank and Joe both managed to make sure that while they were dancing, they were still heading toward Elisabeth and the Aérocirque acrobat. But when they finally reached Elisabeth, the acrobat had disappeared.
    Elisabeth gave them a big smile. “Oh, you made it! I’m delighted.”
    â€œYes! It’s some party!” Frank said.
    â€œI was afraid you might find the Winston’s apartment more interesting,” Elisabeth said. She gave them a playful pout. “I would have been really disappointed if one of my parties had come in second to a robbery.”
    Joe looked around. “Frank and I thought we saw some of the Aérocirque acrobats here talking to you,” he said.
    Elisabeth looked puzzled. “Oh, really? No, but Daddy may have let them know they were welcome to come to the party, so some of them could be here,” she said, once again giving them a wide smile. “I haven’t seen any of them.” She grabbed Frank’s arm. “Come on. I want to introduce the famous Hardy boys around,” she said. “Almost every girl here is from a family worth millions of dollars. It’ll be worth your while!” Elisabeth stopped. “See that girl with the really red hair?”
    Frank and Joe looked.
    â€œNow, that’s red hair,” Frank said.
    â€œIt’s her natural color, too,” Elisabeth said. “That’s Julia Baker. She’s the heiress to the Baker fortune. They’re in oil. She’s worth almost a billion dollars.”
    â€œWow!” Joe said.
    â€œThat blonde with her is Gretchen Wall. Her family is almost as