Free A Figure in Hiding by Franklin W. Dixon Page B

They both thought Malcolm Izmir looked healthy enough, although he seemed rather tense and jumpy.
    â€œI understand you fellows want to see me about a—a glass eye?”
    â€œThat’s right, sir,” Frank said. “Also about a man named Lambert—or Lemuel.”
    Izmir’s hooded eyes blinked. “Lambert? Lemuel? ... Who’s he? Does he have something to do with this—er—glass eye?”
    â€œWe’re not sure. We think the eye may belong to him.” Frank told briefly how he and Joe had found the eye aboard the Sea Spook and what had happened later when they tried to trace Lambert through the Bayview Motel.
    â€œThat’s interesting. Very interesting,” the auto dealer commented. “But what makes you think I might know anything about this fellow?”
    â€œWe know he called Izmir Motors from his motel three times,” Joe said. “But your sales manager knows nothing about him and says he’s not a customer or a prospect.”
    â€œStrange.” Izmir frowned. “I can’t imagine what his business with us would be—unless he knows someone who works for me. I’ll have Sykes check into it. Do you have this glass eye with you?”
    Frank shook his head. “No, sir. We left it back home for safekeeping. You see, the thieves who stole your car waylaid us the other night—and we think they were after the eye.”
    The Hardys watched Izmir’s reaction closely. Again his reptilian eyes blinked. He seemed disappointed. “Too bad,” he muttered. “I was hoping it might give us a clue—in fact, I had hoped you boys might even be able to help me.”
    Frank and Joe looked at each other.
    â€œHow do you mean, sir?” Frank asked.
    â€œNo doubt you were wondering about my watchdogs,” Izmir replied, “and the fact that no one answered your ring at the gate. Well, it’s because I’ve been receiving threats lately.”
    â€œWhat sort of threats?” Joe asked.
    â€œMessages threatening my life. They come unsigned—except for a drawing of a horrible-looking eye.” Izmir licked his lips. “That’s why I agreed to see you at once when I heard you’d mentioned a glass eye. I thought there might be some connection.”
    The Hardys were startled.
    â€œOur dad’s a private detective,” Frank said. “He’s going to look into all this as soon as he winds up another case. We’ll certainly let you know if we find out anything, Mr. Izmir.”
    The auto dealer nodded. “I appreciate that. But I won’t be here after tomorrow.”
    â€œYou’re going away?” Joe asked.
    â€œYes, on a long cruise.” Izmir stood up and began pacing about restlessly. “These threats have left my nerves all shot. I can’t eat or sleep. So my doctor has advised a complete rest and change of scene. I’m sailing from New York Monday on the ocean liner Cristobal.”
    The Hardys thanked him for his time, and the houseman escorted them back to the gate.
    â€œWhat do you make of Malcolm Izmir?” Joe asked his brother as they drove away.
    â€œHe must be scared of something, all right,” Frank mused, “or else he wouldn’t be holed up with those dogs guarding the place. Also, how did that car thief get past them? Anyhow, I’d like to know more about Izmir. Maybe Chief Collig can help us.”
    As soon as they reached Bayport, the boys drove to police headquarters. They told the chief what had happened at Ocean City and asked him if he knew Malcolm Izmir.
    â€œI’ve heard of him,” Collig replied. “He’s one of the biggest businessmen in Ocean City—and quite a community leader. Has all sorts of projects. Izmir Motors is just one.”
    Joe shot his brother a puzzled glance. “He doesn’t sound like the kind of person who would be mixed up in anything crooked.”
    Collig chuckled. “Not