The Yellow Feather Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon Read Free Book Online

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    â€œBesides,” Kurt went on, looking at Frank, “why would Tass want to frame you?”
    â€œThat’s something we’d like to find out,” Frank replied. “He seems to have gone out of his way to make things uncomfortable for us.”
    He explained about the near accident in the car the previous night, watching the man carefully to see if he would show any sign that he had been with Benny. But Kurt’s face remained expressionless.
    Then Frank gave details of the attack on him that morning.
    â€œOh, bosh!” Kurt exploded. “In no case are you sure that Tass was a guilty party. And I’m convinced he wasn’t. As far as hunting is concerned, I did give him permission, because he’s older and more responsible than the other boys here.”
    â€œThen have you any idea who planted my scarf in your office?” Frank asked.
    â€œWell, since you insist that you didn’t force your way in here, there’s only one answer. I believe it might have been the Yellow Feather. He attacked you and left the scarf to throw suspicion away from himself.”
    Kurt paused, then added, “And if he’s going to prowl around here at night, it might be smart to have you boys on hand to track him down.”
    â€œI agree,” Frank replied. “How about our starting tonight?”
    â€œVery good. Take the guest room Greg vacated.”
    The boys thanked Kurt and turned to leave. Nearing the door they exchanged knowing glances. Not fully trusting the man, Joe left the door open a crack in case he should want to go back and check up on Kurt’s movements.
    The boys did not mention their thoughts aloud. But when they reached a pay telephone booth on one side of the corridor Frank paused and said in a loud voice:
    â€œJoe, we’d better call Mother and tell her we’re staying overnight.”
    While Frank dialed the Hardys’ number, Joe stood outside, mulling over Kurt’s sudden proposal.
    â€œI wonder if he’s laying some sort of trap for us?” Joe asked himself.
    Walking back to the office, he could hear the headmaster moving noisily about inside. The door was still slightly ajar, affording him a view of the room without being seen himself.
    Kurt stood in front of a filing cabinet. He drew out a bunch of small keys and inserted one into the lock at the top. Then he pulled the bottom drawer open and took out a folded piece of white paper.
    After giving it a quick glance, the headmaster smiled, then put the paper in an inside pocket of his jacket and pushed the drawer shut.
    As he walked toward the door, Joe dashed back to the telephone booth.
    Frank had just hung up and was stepping from the booth when Kurt walked down the corridor and spied the boys.
    â€œHello! Not in your room yet?” he asked, evidently annoyed.
    â€œWe called home to report where we are,” Frank replied.
    This seemed to satisfy Kurt. He said good night and walked off.
    â€œWell, what do you make of him?” Frank whispered as they climbed the stairs.
    â€œEither Kurt’s on the level or he’s the biggest fraud alive,” Joe replied.
    When they reached the guest room, Joe told his brother of Kurt’s actions in the office.
    â€œWhat do you think was on that paper?”
    â€œI’ll bet it has something to do with the Woodson estate,” Frank replied. “Kurt wouldn’t be so sure he can get this school if he didn’t have some kind of proof. For some reason he doesn’t want to produce it yet, though.”
    â€œIt would be a big help if we could get a look at that paper,” Joe remarked as he lay down on one of the twin beds.
    â€œFat chance we have of checking Kurt’s pocket,” Frank replied as he pushed up the window and peered outdoors. “Wow, it’s sure cold tonight. Well, I guess we’re safe from attack here.” He laughed. “No roofs or trellises for anyone to