The Mystery of the Hichcocke Inheritance by Mark Zahn Read Free Book Online

Pete
asked, only half serious.
    “Because someone needs to keep an eye on
Jebediah and the Fitchhorns,” Jupiter explained. “Someone has
beaten us to every clue – but we can’t be very far behind or they
wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of locking us in that secret
passage.”
    “Jupe’s right,” Bob agreed. “But let’s all
leave together. Then, once we’ve gotten far enough down the lane,
Pete and I can sneak back and watch the house. Maybe the thief will
make a move while he thinks we’re away.”
    “A good idea, Records,” said Jupiter. “Let’s
make a production out of the fact that we’re going into town to see
the sights and won’t be back for hours.”
    The boys left the projection room and
marched loudly downstairs, where they were met by Ben’s Aunt
Patricia.
    “I’ve been looking all over for you boys!”
she said. “Any luck with the puzzle?”
    “I’m afraid not,” Jupiter said loudly,
giving Patricia a knowing wink. “We’ve hit a dead end, so we’ve
decided to go into London to see some of the tourist
attractions.”
    Alphred Hichcocke’s daughter understood
immediately and returned Jupiter’s wink. “Gosh, that’s too bad,”
she said. “Well, maybe some fresh air will clear your head and
you’ll be able to make some progress on father’s riddle later.”
    The boys put on their jackets and headed out
the door. “We’re taking my car, Aunt Patty,” Ben called loudly over
his shoulder. “We’ll try to be back before dinner!”
    “Have a good time, boys!” she shouted after
them. “And mind the traffic, Benjamin!”
    Ben’s automobile was a sleek convertible
with four seats. Pete whistled as he ran his finger along the
glistening hood.
    “Are you sure Bob and I can’t come along,”
he begged.
    Jupiter grinned at his friend. “I’m afraid
not. But I promise Ben and I will have enough fun for the both of
you.”
    “Very funny!” said Pete, rolling his
eyes.
    “Try to remember that you’re on a case!”
added Bob as they climbed into the sportster.
    The car roared to life and the boys strapped
on their safety belts. “Here we go!” announced Ben.
    With a spray of gravel, the fine automobile
zipped down the long drive. When they had gotten well out of sight
of Hichcocke Manor, Ben eased the car to the side of the road and
parked.
    “There’s a horse trail through the woods
over there that hunter’s use during fox season,” he instructed Bob
and Pete as they climbed out from the back seat of the car. “Stay
to the right and it will lead you to the back of the house. From
there you can use the Abernathy’s servant entrance to sneak back
inside.”
    “One of you keep an eye on Jebediah while
the other watches the Fitchhorns,” advised Jupiter. “And be
careful,” he added.
    “And you fellows try not to have too much
fun,” said Pete dryly.
    With that the streamlined auto sped off,
leaving the two investigators by the side of the road.
    “Being First Investigator sure has its
perks,” complained Pete.
    Bob smiled at his friend and clapped him on
the back. “Come on,” he said, “let’s get hiking.”
    All was quiet at the house by the time Bob
and Pete returned. They carefully surveyed the back yard to make
sure the coast was clear.
    Pete hissed, “Look!”
    Jebediah O’Connell was lurking about the
grounds of the estate, poking his cane at some garden stones and
looking beneath them. The man with the wooly mustache and crumpled
tweed hat put his hand on a crumbling sundial and bent down to
examine something on the ground.
    “I wonder what he’s looking for?” whispered
Bob.
    “Why don’t you stay and find out,” said
Pete. “I’ll go find the Fitchhorns.”
    “It shouldn’t be too hard,” Bob grinned.
“Just follow the sound of fighting!”
    “Thanks for the tip,” said Pete under his
breath. “I’ll see you later.” The Second Investigator waited until
Jebediah’s back was turned and then sprinted toward the