Free The Desert Thieves by Franklin W. Dixon Page B

hill overlooks it, so we could keep an eye on a larger area. We can take our sleeping bags and climbing gear in case we need it.”
    â€œI don’t like that idea, Joe,” Grish said, frowning. “It’s one thing to walk around in the desert during daylight hours, but it’s another to be up on a mountain at night where help can’t get to you quickly if you slip and fall. I’d hate to be responsible for something like that.”
    â€œBut—” Joe said.
    â€œThe answer is no,” Grish said firmly. “Remember that I’m in charge here. What I think you guys should do this evening is keep an eye on Perez to see if he and Kidwell get together again.”
    Joe looked to Frank and his father for help.
    â€œGrish, I don’t think you realize it,” Frank said, “but Joe and I are very experienced outdoorsmen and climbers.”
    â€œI’m sure you are,” Grish said. “But as I said, I’m concerned about your safety. That’s part of my job as head ranger. If we can find a solid connection between Perez and Kidwell, we’ll have solved our case.”
    â€œMy own opinion,” Fenton said, “is that my sons and I should get out of your hair and let you get some work done. We’ll get something to eat and check back with you in a little while about the next step in the investigation. Don’t you agree?” He gave Frank and Joe a stern, fatherly look.
    They took their cue and stood up. “See you later, Grish,” Joe said.
    â€œThanks, Fenton,” Grish said with a smile. “And thanks for your help, guys. I really do appreciate it. Keep an eye on Perez, and see if anything happens between him and Kidwell. That’s the best help you can give me.”
    Frank gave him a slight wave as he followed Fenton and Joe out the door. They got in the car and headed back to the campground.
    â€œDad,” Joe said as he drove, “you think the stakeout is a good idea, don’t you?”
    â€œI’m not sure,” Fenton said. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but we have some other strong leads as well. And Grish is probably right—there’s some danger involved. Necessary danger is one thing, but I don’t think this is necessary danger.”
    â€œLook at it this way, Dad,” Frank said. “We need to know if Townsend is involved, right? The thefts have been occurring pretty frequently, so it seems likely the thieves will hit again tonight. If Townsend is involved, he may hit the place where he was working today.”
    â€œHe must be home now,” Joe said as he pulled into the Hardys’ campsite and saw Townsend’s truck in his site.
    â€œLook at that!” Joe exclaimed. He pointed at the Hardys’ motor home. The door was slightly open, and the edges of it were dented, as if someone had pried it open. “That door was fine a little while ago.”
    Joe got out of the car, walked cautiously toward the motor home, and climbed the steps. Gently he pulled at the door. As it came open, he heard a noise. A menacing, deadly noise that made his skin crawl. Joe swung the door open and froze when he saw what was inside.

9 Straight Up for Trouble
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    Gathering his wits, Joe shoved the door closed. “There’s a rattlesnake in there!” he announced.
    â€œWhat?” Fenton came over, eased the door open a crack, and peeked in. “You’re right. It’s coiled up about two feet inside the door, ready to strike. Worse luck, the broom is inside. Frank, ask around and see if you can borrow a broom—or anything with a long handle.”
    While Frank went in search of a broom, Joe eased the door all the way open, careful to stand at arm’s length in case the snake struck. Beside the snake was a burlap sack. “It looks as if someone set a bag inside with the snake in it,” he said. “They left the end of the bag open so the snake could