Too Many Traitors by Franklin W. Dixon Page A

make out, Vladimir has an order from Inspector Melendez giving them access to our stuff. The head guard wants them to wait until Melendez verifies the order."
    The talking outside slowly turned to shouting. "Sounds like Vladimir doesn't care for that idea."
    "His authorization order is probably a forgery." Frank grinned. "I bet Vladimir's getting pretty nervous by now. Until he gets and destroys the information, his freedom's hanging by a thread." Outside, the voices rose.
    "Konstantin seems to be taking the whole thing in stride." Joe peeked out. "This argument may be our best chance to get out of here—if we make our move quick."
    "If we can de-electrify the fence, we can climb over it. They don't even have to see us," Frank said. He gazed around for a switch but saw nothing. "The control must be outside, at the guard post. That lets that out. We'd never get to it without being spotted."
    "Something's happening," said Joe. At the checkpoint one guard was picking up a phone and reaching for his revolver.
    Shaking his head, Konstantin held out his attache case. It flipped open, and a cloud of gas burst out to envelop the three guards. They staggered back, then fell to the ground. Vladimir and Konstantin were both holding pads over their noses and mouths.
    "Konstantin," came a voice outside the gate. The single word was punctuated by the telltale click of a bullet being jacked into the chamber of an automatic. Vladimir and Konstantin stiffened. They turned slowly.
    The Gray Man stood there with an automatic trained on them. "This is very foolish, my friend," Konstantin scolded. "After we worked so well together in Paris."
    "True, we'll always have Paris," the Gray Man replied. "But don't think we're friends. We're business associates, and we have problems to work out like civilized men."
    Vladimir angrily pointed at the Gray Man. "You had your chance to save your agent," he said. "You will not see him again."
    "Take it easy," the Gray Man said. "We can still work things out to everyone's satisfaction. Let's not abandon the swap over a silly misunderstanding."
    "Misunderstanding?" Vladimir repeated coldly. "I for one do not — "
    Konstantin raised a hand to silence him.
    "Always you are the soul of logic, and I agree completely," Konstantin told the Gray Man. "We must, however, have some sign of your good intentions. A hostage, perhaps."
    "I see three at your feet," the Gray Man said.
    "We need someone more personally involved," Konstantin replied without blinking. "One of the young men. Where are they?"
    "Right here," Frank said, throwing open the door behind the two Russians. "No hostages."
    Vladimir whipped around at the sound of Frank's voice. When he saw the Hardys, his lips formed a hard line. But other than that he showed only icy calm. "These two young fools have stolen the name. Turn them over to us."
    "Not true," the Gray Man said. "They've told me they didn't steal it, and I believe them. Someone else killed Martin. Your mole."
    "Lies. A Network smear tactic," Vladimir said latly. "You can prove nothing."
    "I think we can, right now," the Gray Man replied, and to the Hardys he said, "Over here." hey moved in a wide arc around the Russians. "Vladimir," the Gray Man said, "I think we can. Tell us what you found in your luggage, Frank." "Whatever Martin had, it wasn't there," Frank mumbled.
    Vladimir's voice cut like a knife. "Even now they lie. We must not let them leave." 'Silence.'" Konstantin barked. "Anyone can these are honorable men." He smiled at Frank, saying, "I bow to your honesty," and he did a deep, comic bow, his head going almost down way to his knees.
    Frank.'" the Gray Man warned. "Look out.'" was too late. From the bow Konstantin swept the guard's revolver, and as his hands touched round, he balanced on them and swung his around, catching his ankles in Frank's and tripping Frank off his feet. He rose a second later. But now Konstantin was behind Frank. His right arm wrapped tightly around Frank's