Free The Mystery of the Chinese Junk by Franklin W. Dixon Page B

’em!” Frank muttered. “And I’ll bet they’re the ones who slugged Mike.”
    â€œI’ll ask the harbor patrol to look for them,” Hanley said.
    â€œIn the meantime, Joe and I will go aboard the Hai Hau and see what those fellows were up to.”
    A fresh shock awaited the Hardys when they went aboard. The cabin was in wild disorder, with bunk cushions pulled out and accessories strewn about the deck.
    â€œThose men must have been searching for something!” Frank said worriedly.
    A brief check indicated that no serious damage had been done to the junk and nothing was missing. Relieved but baffled, the boys restored order, all the while speculating on what the intruders had been looking for.
    â€œProbably contraband,” Frank guessed. “Wonder if they found any.”
    â€œI doubt it,” said Joe. “Every place they tore up we’d already examined.”
    Hanley and Darkle came aboard. They too were puzzled by the mysterious search.
    â€œYou fellows may as well go home,” Hanley told them. “The police will look after your junk from now on.”
    â€œSwell,” said Frank.
    He and Joe went to their car and at once turned on the short-wave radio. In a moment they were talking to Aunt Gertrude.
    When she heard that they planned to return home, she remarked, “Good! You’ll be much safer in your own beds! I’ll watch out the window for you.”
    As soon as they reached the house, the brothers used the second-floor extension to call first one, then another, of the co-owners of the Hai Hau to tell them what had happened. Tony was angry, Biff annoyed, Chet a little scared.
    Only Jim Foy seemed genuinely alarmed. “I do not like this,” he said. “The junk must be most carefully guarded. Some evil influence is at work.”
    â€œI sure agree,” said Joe, who was talking to him. “Well, see you in the morning.”
    The Chinese boy had just said good-by when the alarm buzzer sounded throughout the house.
    â€œOh—oh!” Joe exclaimed. “The prowler again?” He and Frank dashed downstairs to nab him. When the doorbell rang almost instantly, the boys relaxed. Evidently the caller was friendly.
    Aunt Gertrude was already answering the ring. She gasped as a huge Chinese towered in the doorway.
    â€œChin Gok!” Frank murmured, as he and Joe came down the steps.
    â€œWell, what is it you want?” Miss Hardy demanded, a trifle shakily.
    The Chinese bowed low. “I wish to speak to the young men,” he answered.
    â€œAunt Gertrude, this is Mr. Chin Gok,” Frank spoke up. Miss Hardy nodded.
    â€œI would not trouble you at this time, but it is a matter of the utmost importance,” Chin Gok went on. His voice was polite but insistent.
    â€œAll right. Step inside.” Frank held the door open and Chin Gok entered, ducking his melon-shaped head. The Hardys ushered him into the living room and they all sat down.
    â€œWhat have you come to see us about?” Joe opened the conversation.
    â€œAbout the junk which you purchased in New York. Once again I beg you most earnestly to sell it to my humble self. Name your own price!”
    The boys glanced at each other but remained silent. Chin Gok went on, “I will admit to you certain interests in Hong Kong are most anxious to obtain the Hai Hau.”
    â€œWhat interests?” Frank challenged.
    â€œA group of religious worshipers,” the huge Chinese replied. “You see, the Hai Hau is a sacred boat to my people. Once it was used to transport a large statue of Buddha from Singapore to Hong Kong. I repeat—we will pay any price you ask, within reason!”
    The Hardys were more mystified than ever. Also, they were tempted by the chance to realize a large profit. In view of all the difficulties they were having, it might be wiser to sell the junk. On the other hand, Frank and Joe hated the thought of giving up an