The Stone Idol by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online Page A

filed through,” he reported. “It snapped when Joe stepped on the brakes at the top of the hill!”
    â€œSomebody tried to kill us!” Joe exclaimed.
    â€œBut who would want to do that?” Gloria questioned.
    â€œJulio Santana, the man from Easter Island,” Frank replied, and described their adventures since their visit to the dig, and the reason they had come to Chile.
    â€œI’m sorry to hear you have such a dangerous assignment, Yates said. ”Why don’t you walk over to our supply tent? We’ve got spare connecting rods.”
    The boys accepted his offer and repaired their car.
    â€œWhy don’t you stay for some food?” Gloria invited when they were finished.
    Frank shook his head. “Thanks, but we can’t. We have to go back to Santiago as fast as possible.”
    â€œWe don’t want to let Santana’s trail grow cold,” Joe added.
    Soon afterward, the Hardys were on the road again. They reached Santiago, turned their car in at the renting office, and walked to South American Antiquities. Bertrand was in his office inspecting some Incan artifacts.
    â€œDid you catch Santana?” he asked eagerly.
    â€œWe caught up with him,” Frank replied. “But he got away again.”
    Bertrand stared at them in disappointment when they explained what happened.
    â€œWell, that leaves me no choice,” the antique dealer said finally. “I’ll have to call the police.”
    â€œMr. Kimberley didn’t want that,” Joe objected. “Why don’t you give us another chance to look for Santana in Santiago?”
    Bertrand was doubtful. “I’ll let you know tomorrow morning,” he said with a sigh. “It’s late now, and I want to go home.” Wearily, he escorted the Hardys to the door.
    The boys discussed the case in their hotel room that night. “All we have to go on is a name—Ernesto,” Joe said.
    Frank nodded. “We might be better off asking the police for help, as Bertrand suggested,” he said. “Kimberley didn’t want the authorities involved, but that was because he signed the release for the idol and would have been the prime suspect. Now we know he didn’t take it. And the police might have some idea who Ernesto is, or even have a record of Santana!”
    â€œYou’re right,” Joe admitted. “Let‘s—”
    Just then the telephone rang. Frank answered, and his face broke into a smile. “Hi, Dad,” he said. “What’s happening?”
    â€œYou tell me first,” Fenton Hardy replied, and the young detective explained their adventures in the Easter Island idol case.
    â€œYou did fine work,” his father commended him. “But as far as Santana is concerned, I’m afraid you’ll have to let the police handle him.”
    â€œWe were thinking of asking the authorities for help,” Frank admitted. “But we want to keep searching for him, too. We have the Ernesto clue.”
    â€œI know,” his father said. “But I’d like you to put the case on the back burner and help me for a while.”
    â€œWhy, Dad? Do you need us?”
    â€œI do. I’d like you to leave Santiago as soon as possible.”
    â€œWhere are we going?”
    â€œThe Antarctic!”

8 A New Plan
    Frank and Joe stared at one another. They could hear their father chuckling over the phone.
    â€œI thought that would interest you,” the detective said. “I can’t tell you any details at this point. Just catch a flight to Punta Arenas. It’s in Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. Belongs to Chile. There’s a plane out of Santiago tomorrow. I’ve already made reservations for you.”
    â€œWhat do we do after we land?” Frank wanted to know.
    â€œYou’ll find out when you get there. An advisor will meet you at the information booth. I have to go now. Bye.” With