Free The Mummy Case by Franklin W. Dixon Page B

after a quick breakfast, Frank and Joe went to the Rubassa marina. Renting a sleek powerboat, they chugged out into the harbor, passed between two tall rocks standing like sentinels at its mouth, and reached the open sea.
    Frank was at the controls while his brother pored over a map spread out on the bow.
    â€œIf we turn south,” Joe announced, “and go along the Rubassa coast for five miles, we’ll reach a point where it’s a short run across the water to Cedura, the capital of Milbin. I suggest we take that route.”
    Frank nodded. Then he laughed. “You know, I feel a lot better as a pilot than I did as a plumber.”
    Joe made a face. “You’re right. We were closer to drowning in Reggie’s kitchen than we are out here!”
    They putt-putted along the coast, noticing that huge rocks were a hazard in the shallow water.
    â€œIf we hit one of those,” Frank said as he skillfully maneuvered around them, “we’ll go straight to the bottom. ”
    Suddenly they spotted another powerboat ahead. It moved away from the shore and sailed between the rocks toward the open sea.
    â€œLook out,” Joe cautioned. “They’re cutting straight across our bow. We’re on a collision course!
    â€œDon’t worry,” Frank responded. “They don’t seem to be watching, but I am. We won’t hit them. Say, somebody’s moved to the stern and is looking at us!”
    The figure was holding fast to the flagpole and stared at the Hardys who were coming up rapidly. Both parties recognized each other at the same time.
    â€œWell, if it isn’t Norma Jones!” Frank cried out in amazement.
    â€œIt’s the Hardys!” Norma exclaimed. “Which means a coast guard cutter might be right behind them! We’d better get out of here.”
    By now Frank and Joe had a clear view of the other boat. They recognized Michael Linos, Reggie Watson, and the rest of the gang. A number of big crates were piled near the stern.
    â€œThose must be the illegal arms!” Joe declared. “They’re trying to run them back to Milbin! We’ve got to head them off!”
    While Frank kept on course toward the gang, Joe went to the ship-to-shore radio and sent a message to the Rubassa Coast Guard. He was told a cutter would be on the scene as soon as possible.
    â€œHow soon will that be?” the boy inquired urgently.
    â€œI don’t know,” came the reply. “It’s patrolling further south. I’ll order it into your area at once.”
    Meanwhile, the rebels headed straight out from Rubassa in a desperate attempt to outrace the Hardys to Milbin Island. But Frank was too quick for Norma Jones and the gang. Revving up the motor, he made his powerboat skim over the surface of the Mediterranean at top speed. He zoomed in a wide arc that threw spray high in the air and managed to get between the other boat and the open sea.
    â€œIs this such a good idea?” Joe questioned his brother. “There are a lot more of them than of us.”
    â€œWhat else can we do?” Frank asked tensely.
    Joe shrugged. He began to rummage in a locker and found a couple of signal flags. Quickly he ran to the stern of their boat and held them high in the air for the expected coast guard cutter to see.
    Norma Jones had watched him closely. She called to her associates and her voice drifted back to the Hardys. “We’re not going to make it! They’re too fast for us and they’re signaling the coast guard, just as I thought. Let’s turn back before the cutter catches us.”
    Linos spun the wheel of his powerboat, which made a sharp curve as he reversed direction. Then the gang headed back toward Rubassa. The Hardys followed. Both boats roared along a winding course between the rocks, while Frank swiftly narrowed the distance between them.
    Desperately the rebels attacked one of the crates with hammers, ripped the boards off, and