Free The Twisted Claw by Franklin W. Dixon Page B

could mean real trouble.”
    Ellis stared at him in surprise. “What’s wrong?” he inquired. “It only says that I’m to contact the captain of the Black Parrot and arrange for a rendezvous with the ship tomorrow off Tambio Island.”
    â€œThat’s just it,” Frank muttered.

CHAPTER XII
    Swim to Freedom
    Nor without some misgivings on Frank’s part, the Hardys took Ellis into their confidence, telling him briefly about their adventure aboard the Black Parrot.
    The radioman was amazed. “This does mean trouble. We’re bound to be visited by some of the Black Parrot’s crew.”
    â€œMaybe we can hide somewhere during the rendezvous,” Joe suggested.
    â€œThat won’t work,” Ellis warned. “Any time we put into a port, or get close to a landfall, the captain double-checks to make sure all crew members are accounted for. You’d be missed immediately.”
    Frank began to pace the floor. “We’ve got to think of something. There must be a way out of this.”
    â€œYou’d better go back to your quarters,” the operator urged. “Meanwhile, I’ll get this message off to the Black Parrot. Meet me in an hour on the main deck, amidships on the portside. I should have more information by then.”
    The boys left and made their way forward.
    â€œWhat do you make of Ellis?” Frank asked.
    â€œFirst impressions can be misleading,” admitted Joe, “but I like the fellow and feel we can trust him. Anyhow, we haven’t much choice.”
    â€œI agree. But if he is on our side, why doesn’t he tell us more about himself?”
    â€œHe is frightened of something. I think he’s being forced to sail aboard this ship.”
    Time passed slowly for the Hardys. Finally an hour went by, and they headed amidships for their meeting with the radioman. He was already waiting when they arrived.
    â€œThe situation is worse than I thought,” Ellis announced in a low voice. “The Parrots are going to exchange a few crew members.”
    â€œGood grief!” Joe exclaimed. “We’re bound to be recognized.”
    â€œYour only chance is to get off this ship at Tambio Island.”
    â€œAnd be marooned?” Frank protested.
    â€œYou won’t be,” Ellis assured them. “I hear there’s a hermit, or some kind of nutty guy living on the far side of the island. He’s said to be friendly. I’m sure you could stay with him until you flag down a ship.”
    â€œThat would be taking a long chance,” Frank said.
    â€œYour chances are nil if you don’t get off this ship,” the radioman warned.
    â€œWhen does the meeting take place?” Frank inquired.
    â€œTomorrow night.”
    â€œOh, oh.” Joe sighed, eyeing his brother. “Something tells me we’re in for a swim.”
    â€œI don’t see any other way out,” Frank admitted.
    â€œGood,” Ellis put in. “I’ll meet you fellows here tomorrow night and help you get away. Make it about ten o’clock. That’s when we’re scheduled to arrive.”
    The Hardys were kept busy all the following day, and it was well after dark before they were released from duty.
    Ding! Ding! came a tinkling.
    â€œTwo bells,” Joe said. “It’s nine o’clock.
    â€œOnly an hour to go,” remarked Frank. “Let’s try to get a few minutes’ rest before we meet Ellis.”
    The boys were walking to their quarters when the first mate shouted to them. “Hey! You kids! Come here!”
    â€œI wonder what he wants,” Joe whispered apprehensively as they obeyed Rawlin’s command.
    â€œYou two are spending the night in the brig,” Rawlin growled.
    â€œWhy?” Joe demanded angrily. “What’ve we done?”
    â€œShut up!” He summoned four members of the crew. “Take them to the lockup.”
    The men escorted the Hardys