The Clue of the Hissing Serpent by Franklin W. Dixon

splashed water on Henry’s face, but the man did not revive.
    Just then two policemen carrying a stretcher came down the narrow trail.
    â€œI’m Lieutenant Skillman,” one of them introduced himself. “And this is Officer Gray. What happened?”
    Frank told him quickly. “He’s still unconscious,” the young detective concluded.
    The officers carefully moved the man and put him on the stretcher. Then they carried him up the cliff, while Frank helped Joe, who was still shaky and hurting.
    A police ambulance stood at the Greenes’ house, and Gerard Henry was lifted into it. Joe noticed that one of his ladies’ shoes was missing.
    â€œThe wig got lost, too,” he commented wryly.
    Just then the “phony lady” came to. He rolled his eyes and sat up, looking ludicrous in his dress. He shook his head to clear the cobwebs.
    Lieutenant Skillman advised the man of his rights and began questioning him, but Henry’s jaw was set tight and he refused to say anything. Frank and Joe, who had already told what had happened, filled the officers in on Henry’s part in the jewelry racket.
    â€œWill you press charges for assault and battery?” Skillman asked the boys.
    â€œWith intent to kill!” Frank declared.
    â€œAll right. You’ll be called as witnesses.” Skillman handcuffed Gerard Henry and made him lie down in the ambulance.
    â€œWe only have a small jail in Ocean Bluffs,” he said, “but I think it’ll be adequate. As soon as you’re released from the hospital, that’s where you’ll go.”
    Mr. Greene shook his head in disbelief as they walked back toward the house. “You boys sure got into a lot of trouble on our account,” he said. “Why do you suppose those men were trying to throw you over the cliff?”
    â€œTo get us out of the way for some reason,” Joe said.
    â€œLet’s take a look at that telephone pole,” Frank said. When they reached the end of the drive he climbed partly up the base of the pole. It was covered with creosote and tar.
    â€œWhat a mess,” he grumbled as he climbed higher. At the junction he examined the wires and called down: “Here’s the tap, Joe. What’ll we do with it?”
    â€œListen, Frank, I’ve got an idea,” Joe called up. “Why don’t we leave it and tell Conrad to pass on false information as to how he would tackle different problems in chess? He can get in touch with his partners on a public telephone and clue them in.”
    â€œNot bad,” Frank agreed. “It would confuse his enemies.”
    When he came down, Mr. Greene chuckled. “Hey, this is like reading a detective story,” he said. “I’m sure Conrad will go along with your strategy.”
    It was early afternoon when the Hardys arrived home. They were met at the kitchen door by Aunt Gertrude. A look of horror crossed her face when she saw them.
    â€œOh, Frank, Joe!” she shrieked.

CHAPTER XII
    The King’s Curse
    FRANK felt the blood drain from his face. “What’s happened? Is Dad all right?”
    â€œNothing’s happened to your father,” Aunt Gertrude said tartly. “But look at you—you’re a mess! Filthy, and your face is scratched, and Joe’s clothes are torn and he’s bruised all over—”
    â€œIs that all?” Frank interrupted, heaving a sigh of relief. “We thought the sky had fallen in.”
    Hearing the commotion, Mrs. Hardy entered the kitchen. Worriedly she scrutinized the boys, then said, “You do look pretty bad. Are you sure you’re not hurt?”
    â€œFrank’s dirty because he climbed a telephone pole,” Joe said, “and I’m a little sore from fighting a lady that was no lady. But everything’s okay, Mother.”
    â€œHave crooks been chasing you?” Aunt Gertrude demanded. Without waiting for an answer, she said. “Of