Speed Times Five by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online Page B

play and safety rule,” Frank said. “Not to mention common courtesy.”
    â€œThere’s also a rule about interfering with other racers and teams,” Lupin replied. “And I heard that you two pressed your luck on that point. Don’t expect me to be disqualified, even if you want to be.”
    â€œWho said we were going to be disqualified?” Joe asked, his eyes narrowing with anger.
    â€œEveryone in camp knows it,” Lupin said. “Except maybe you two. If you’re smart, you’ll keep to yourselves from now on—assuming Bennett doesn’t bounce you out before we start today.” He walked away but called back, “See you at the starting line—maybe.”
    Joe stepped forward, fists clenched, but Frank said, “Let it go, Joe. He’s not worth it.”
    â€œThat guy really steams me,” Joe said. “I see why he got voted off that TV show.”
    â€œLet’s check our gear and then get our start times for the day,” Frank said.
    The brothers checked out the kayaks and stowed their gear inside them. Then they hiked up the bank toward the officials’ tent.
    Just before they reached it, though, someone called, “Hey, you two, stop!”

6 Not Just Another Walk in the Woods
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    The Hardys spun and saw a man walking toward them out of the darkness. Though he didn’t have his usual camera crew in tow, the brothers quickly recognized Vince Bennett, the race organizer.
    â€œI’ve been looking for you Hardy boys,” Bennett said.
    â€œWhat can we do for you, Mr. Bennett?” Frank asked.
    â€œI heard what you did yesterday,” Bennett said. “You know, of course, that your actions were not strictly according to race rules.”
    â€œHere it comes,” Joe whispered apprehensively.
    â€œHowever,” Bennett continued, “your actions were in the spirit of fair sportsmanship and may very well have saved Ms. Collins’s life. Therefore, I commend you. This is the kind of thing thesponsors and I want people to remember when they think of the Speed Times Five Adventure Race. If you’re willing, my camera crew would like to interview you on the subject.”
    â€œWe’re not big on publicity,” Frank said.
    â€œWe did what we did because it was the right thing to do,” Joe added.
    Bennett nodded his understanding. “Yeah. Okay. I thought you might say something like that. If you change your minds, though, just let me know.”
    â€œWe will,” Frank said.
    â€œOn to other business, then,” Bennett said. “I was talking to your support crew last night, Jamal and . . .” He paused, trying to recall the name.
    â€œChet,” Joe said.
    â€œRight, Chester,” Bennett continued. “They tell me that you’re good at spotting trouble and that you’ve worked with law enforcement in the past. Now, I don’t want to say that I’m concerned about the race, but something feels a bit funny to me. I could definitely use a few more eyes down at ground level. You’d be surprised what you can miss from a helicopter, or even from our course cameras.”
    â€œAnd you want us to do what?” Frank asked.
    â€œJust keep an eye on things,” Bennett said. “Give me a ring on the emergency phones if you see anything funny going on. That way my people can get right on it.”
    â€œWe can do that,” Joe said.
    Bennett grinned. “Great. I appreciate it. Good luck in the race. And remember, play fair and stay safe.”
    â€œDon’t worry, we will,” Frank said.
    The brothers finished their trek to the officials’ tent and got their morning start times. Then they ate breakfast and prepared to go.
    Georges Clemenceau was first into the river that morning, followed by Kelly Hawk, and then Victoria Clemenceau and a few other top racers. Because he’d passed them the previous day, Michael Lupin started ahead of the