The Mystery of the Chinese Junk

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Authors: Franklin W. Dixon
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enough,” his brother agreed.
    They said good-by to Aunt Gertrude, then hurried off in their convertible. Frank parked in front of Dr. Montrose’s downtown office. Entering, they found themselves in a comfortable waiting room. Apparently the doctor employed no receptionist.
    â€œHey, take a look at some of these,” Joe murmured in a low voice.
    He pointed to a number of framed letters hanging on the walls. They were glowing testimonials from former patients. An ornate diploma stated that Hubert Montrose had been awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Ardvor College.
    Frank grinned. “Mighty impressive!”
    The brothers seated themselves in two of the leather chairs. Presently Dr. Montrose came from a rear room. A look of surprise flickered across his face, but this was quickly replaced by a smooth professional smile.
    â€œAh, good morning!” He shook hands with his two visitors. “Tell me, how is your aunt?”
    â€œMuch better, thanks,” Frank said.
    Dr. Montrose did not invite the boys into his consulting room. He evidently had a patient inside. “Just what can I do for you?” he inquired.
    Frank explained about the robbery and asked if the physician had noticed anything unusual during his visit to the house.
    Dr. Montrose frowned thoughtfully. “Now that you mention it, I did hear a noise upstairs just as I was leaving,” he replied. “However, I assumed it was a maid or one of the family moving about.”
    â€œThat was the robber!” Frank cried.
    â€œOh, I’m sorry,” said Dr. Montrose. “But I’m afraid I can’t help any. And now, if you’ll excuse me—”
    The Hardys left and started for the pier. A block from the waterfront they saw Biff Hooper coming from a market, his arms loaded with cartons of fruit drink. They stopped and he hopped into the car.
    â€œHey, what kept you guys?” Biff asked. “We have a full load of passengers.”
    â€œSwell!” Joe told him.
    â€œSure is,” Frank added.
    The Hardys found a gay crowd gathered on the dock to watch the Hai Hau leave. The passengers were already aboard.
    â€œHow about that?” said Tony proudly as he came up and showed Frank and Joe the cash receipts. “Full the first trip!”
    Frank beamed, slapped his friend on the back, and climbed aboard. The Hai Hau’s owners took their places. Jim Foy cast off amid shouts and waves from the spectators. Biff revved the outboard and Frank steered out across Barmet Bay.
    It was a fine sunny morning, promising a most enjoyable voyage to Rocky Isle. Joe and Tony hoisted the sails to take advantage of the slight breeze. The passengers called out in delight as the junk rode the waves.
    Presently Frank noticed that the stern was riding low in the water. Setting the wheel, he went to open the afterdeck hatch, then gave a low cry of alarm. The shallow compartment below was awash with water!
    â€œHey, fellows! Come here!” When they arrived, he whispered hoarsely, “We’ve sprung a leak!”
    The boys’ faces filled with alarm. Could they possibly make the island safely with their boatload of passengers?

CHAPTER IX
    Wharf Chase
    â€œWE’RE shipping water too fast!” Joe said, peering into the compartment. “At this rate we’ll capsize before we get to Rocky Isle!”
    â€œWhat’ll we do?” Biff gasped.
    â€œWe’d better come about and try to make it back to Bayport,” Frank said. “I’ll start the bilge pump!”
    As the boys shifted sail and brought the junk around, the passengers plied them with anxious questions. Consternation spread when they learned the Hai Hau was leaking.
    â€œWe should have known better than to trust ourselves in a crazy boat like this!” a stout woman stormed.
    â€œYou’re right, dear,” agreed her husband, a very thin man in a flowered sports shirt. “We should’ve listened to

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