Read Online No Way Out by Franklin W. Dixon - Free Book Online

glances with Joe and knew that his brother was having the same thoughts. Although it was unlikely Alan was out there walking around, he could still be out there without wheels—and he might need help.
    Ray led them to the vehicle shed. He and Franktook one ATV, and Joe drove the other. Frank reported their plan to Penny and Kay, who were still making a painstaking tour of the enormous maze. Penny told him she’d put the gauntlet in the secret study trunk, and hadn’t seen it since.
    The Hardys and Ray first checked all the outbuildings, but they yielded nothing—nor did exploration of the stables, the stadium, or the medieval bazaar. The latter was already full of customers even though the vendors were just beginning to set up.
    The grounds of EagleSpy included hills, valleys, meadows, gardens, the shore along Golden Arm Lake, a waterfall and brook, and a small forest. As the boys raced across the property, Ray reached under the seat and pulled out a hunter’s horn. He periodically blew the Horton family distress call, but there was no answering call.
    â€œOh man, I’ve got to stop and walk for a few minutes,” Ray finally declared. He seemed really stressed. Frank knew exactly how it felt to be searching for a missing father. He and Joe had been there, and it wasn’t pleasant.
    Frank gestured to Joe, and they both stopped the ATVs near a small hill. Ray jumped out of the passenger side and just ran off without a word. Then he broke into a sprint and raced to a distant tree. He turned around and raced back, then started a second loop. Joe crouched a few times, did some calf stretches, and began running the same laps.
    Frank knew how the other boys felt. It was great to straighten his knees and get out of the cramped ATV. He took a few deep breaths and was surprised that he tasted salt in the air.
Golden Arm Lake must be nearby
, he reasoned, and started a steady trot in the direction his nose led him. He loped along about fifty yards to the hill, then turned and began circling around its base.
    The air was even more pungent on the other side of the hill, so he decided to keep going. After a few more yards, he noticed a strange sensation in his feet. At first he thought his ankles were giving way, but then he realized it was the ground: It seemed spongy and uneven, although it looked perfectly level.
    Frank slowed his trot to a walk. “The ground must be wet here,” he mumbled to no one. “Maybe it’s sandy or something. Like I’m close to the lakeshore or a bea … eee … no … nooooo!”
    In an instant, the ground beneath him gave way completely, and he plunged straight down into the earth.

8 Hack, You’re It
    â€œFrank!” Joe called, as he and Ray walked up the small hill. “Frank! Where are you?”
    It seemed like a crazy question, because the land was clear and open on the other side of the hill. There appeared to be no place for Frank to hide.
    â€œThe mine!” Ray yelled. “Frank! Frank!” He tried to blow the hunter’s horn, but nothing came out but sputters and spits.
    â€œWhat mine?” Joe called over to Ray. “What are you talking about?”
    â€œDon’t move,” Ray warned. “Just stand still for a minute.” Ray took a few tentative half steps, tapping his toe on the ground. “Frank? Can you hear me?”
    â€œYeah, I’m over here.” Frank’s voice sounded faraway and hollow. His words were repeated in a low echo.
    â€œHey man, you okay?” Joe called.
    â€œI think so,” Franks voice returned from a spot about twenty yards away. Joe could barely make out a large patch of fresh brown dirt in the middle of the bright green grass. “I fell into some kind of tunnel. I can see a little with the light from the opening I fell through. Just a minute, let me get my flashlight on.”
    There was silence for a minute or two, then Frank’s voice sounded again