The Clue of the Hissing Serpent by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online

countryside.
    â€œI never had such a good time in my life!” Joe said enthusiastically. “Thanks a million for the ride.”
    â€œDon’t mention it.” Krassner’s face looked serene. “Ballooning takes you away from all the world’s troubles.”
    But the flight did not lull Frank’s mind. It kept working to find the missing links in the puzzle. Was the Ruby King contraband—perhaps stolen in China? Was that the reason Krassner had shunned the police?
    As they sailed on silently, the Hardys studied the uninhabited woodland carefully. It was not at all like the view from a fast-flying airplane. Suddenly Frank heard the radio crackle:
    â€œFrank, this is Chet. Do you read me?”
    â€œRoger. What a swell ride!”
    â€œListen. There’s another balloon.”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œAt three o’clock.”
    Frank turned around. “I see it.”
    â€œLook close,” Chet advised, and Frank asked Krassner for the glasses. He trained them on the third craft. It was the serpent balloon!
    Frank told Krassner, and his face again showed tension and fear.
    Chet’s voice sounded once more. “Keep an eye on the snake. It’s armed!”
    Frank focused the binoculars on the other gondola. Three men were in it and one had a rifle. There was a muzzle flash, then a bullet whistled over them.
    â€œThey’re firing at us!” Krassner screamed.
    â€œDuck!” Joe ordered, “and let’s land as fast as possible!”
    Frank radioed to Chet, “We’re descending. Better come with us.”
    â€œRoger.”
    Krassner had regained his composure, and Frank admired his airmanship. The man pulled open the vent and the craft sank rapidly. Three more shots sounded in the distance, but Krassner’s fast-moving balloon made a difficult target. However, two slugs ripped through the balloon.
    The wind freshened and the sinking balloon picked up speed. Frank saw that Krassner was heading for a small farm at the edge of the woods. There was a level, cleared area bordered on one side by a pond, on the other by an electric power line.
    Fearless and Chet were close behind, but the serpent balloon made no attempt to follow them down. As their attackers flew out of sight, Frank talked to Chet again.
    â€œDid you get a look at the snake’s license number?”
    â€œAffirmative. But Fearless says it’s a phony. And listen to this. The snake has a little propeller, probably battery driven. That’s how it caught up with us.”
    â€œThe police should be notified.”
    â€œI’ve already done that,” Chet said. “Called the pickup trucks and told them to phone the State Police.”
    â€œGood thinking. We’re landing now. See you later.”
    Krassner maneuvered the craft toward the middle of the field while the farm children ran out of the house to witness the descent. The electric wires seemed a safe distance to their left and the pond far enough to the right.
    â€œYou’re a great pilot, Mr. Krassner,” Joe said tersely.
    â€œWe’re not down yet—Oh, oh, trouble!”
    An errant gust hit the balloon, carrying it toward the power lines. Frank and Joe were gripped by a sickening feeling as the metal wires loomed ominously closer.
    â€œThe blast valve!” Krassner shouted. “It’s over your head, Joe. Pull it!”
    Joe reached up and grasped the lever, sending hissing flame into the envelope. Nothing happened.
    â€œIt’s not working!” Frank cried out.
    â€œIt will in time,” Krassner said. “At least I hope so!”
    Several seconds passed, then all at once the balloon lifted. The gondola cleared the power lines with two feet to spare!
    Krassner looked limp and Frank let out a sigh of relief.
    Joe shook his head. “We almost got fried!” he said.
    The balloon dropped down once more and landed beside the farmhouse.
    In their excitement the Hardys