The Secret of the Soldier's Gold by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online Page A

Frank felt the same way he felt: that Isabel Oliveira would be a tremendous asset and a great ally in helping them to recover Frau Rilke’s suitcase of gold bars.
    When the Hardy boys finished telling Frau Rilke’s story, Isabel seemed stunned by what she had just heard.
    â€œIt’s like a movie plot,” she finally said, then blushed. “Oh, I’m sorry. I know Frau Rilke’s familywent through terrible times during that war, and I shouldn’t . . .”
    â€œOh no, Isabel, you’re right—it really is just like a movie,” Frank said, “but in this case, this is reality and this woman needs our help.”
    Isabel stood up. “More Sumol ?” she said.
    â€œPlease!” Joe said.
    â€œIt’s really good,” Frank said. “I wish we could get this in Bayport.”
    â€œWell, I know it’s exported to the U.S.,” Isabel said, “but it may not be available everywhere.”
    â€œWe’ll ask our Portuguese friend Catarina about it when we get back to Bayport,” Joe said. “If she doesn’t know, then I’m sure someone in her family would.”
    When Isabel came back with refilled glasses, she said, “Unfortunately there are a lot of young fascists in this country now and people are starting to take them more seriously. I think we need to be very careful.”
    â€œAfter our visit to Senhora de Feira’s house and the encounter with her sons, I’d agree,” Joe said.
    â€œIsabel, we’re fairly certain that the man who broke into our room at the hotel is one of the de Feira brothers,” Frank added, “so we know they’re serious.”
    â€œI don’t even think we should tell my father about it yet,” Isabel said.
    That comment surprised the Hardy boys.
    â€œWhy?” Frank asked.
    â€œMy father is a very good policeman,” Isabel explained, “but sometimes he’s blind to the indiscretions of men and women on his side.”
    â€œWhat are you saying?” Joe asked. “That there are Lisbon police officers who are fascists?”
    Isabel nodded. “I’ve heard things about some of them,” she said. “Of course, there’s nothing that anyone can prove. They’re too smart for that. Anyway, it’s probably best if we keep this to ourselves for a while.”
    â€œOkay, if you think so,” Joe said.
    â€œI’m curious if there’s any talk on the streets about that suitcase with the gold bars,” Isabel said. “I can ask around a bit.”
    â€œDo you think the de Feiras would really go around talking about it?” Frank asked. “Wouldn’t they want to keep it quiet, so they wouldn’t have any competition?”
    â€œThat’s what I’d do,” Joe said.
    â€œThey might just brag about it without giving away too much information,” Frank said.
    â€œIt’s possible,” Isabel said. She hesitated for a minute. “What we don’t want is for word to get around Lisbon that a map exists, showing the exact location of that suitcase,” she continued. “If that happens, your lives could be in serious danger.”
    â€œWell, after the incident tonight at the hotel I’d say that is a definite possibility,” Joe said.
    â€œI agree with Joe, Isabel,” Frank added. “Those de Feira brothers seem dangerous.”
    â€œIt’s not the de Feira brothers I’m worried about. My father says they’re not really violent. They just try to intimidate,” Isabel said. “I’m worried about men who wouldn’t think twice about dumping your bodies off the Ponte 25 de Abril!”

7 The Fake Maps
----
    Frank and Joe were still in bed the next morning when the telephone rang.
    Frank picked up the receiver. “Hello,” he said sleepily.
    â€œFrank! It’s Isabel Oliveira,” Isabel said. “We’ve got