Read Online The Secret of the Soldier's Gold by Franklin W. Dixon - Free Book Online

we’ll have to figure out a way to get into the backyard—past the guards and the dogs.”
    â€œWe’ve overcome greater odds before,” Joe said. “Between now and tonight, I’m sure we’ll figure out something.”
    For the rest of the trip Frank and Joe enjoyed the scenery. On the walk back to the hotel they decided to buy another shovel and canvas bag at the camping-supply store.
    The same clerk waited on them. “If there’s something wrong with what you bought earlier, you may return it,” he said.
    â€œOh no, we just need another set,” Frank said.
    â€œWe’re letting somebody else use what we bought this morning,” Joe said.
    That story seemed to satisfy the clerk. He wrapped up the new shovel and canvas bag. At the last minute Joe added a small flashlight and paid for it with some Portuguese money.
    â€œWe need to call Isabel and tell her what happened,” Frank said as they left the camping-supply store.
    â€œRight,” Joe said. “It was silly to think she was somehow involved with those fascist groups.”
    When Frank and Joe got back to their hotel, they called their parents to let them know that they were all right.
    Mrs. Hardy asked them if they’d like to go to a movie that evening. “The concierge told us that there’s a theater just a couple of blocks away that plays American movies,” she said. “Aunt Gertrude would like to hear some English—she’s already feeling a little homesick!”
    â€œWe’re going to call Isabel to see if she wants to do something tonight,” Frank told their mother. “Thanks for the invitation, though.”
    â€œAll right . . . but if you change your mind, the movie starts at eight o’clock,” Mrs. Hardy said.
    â€œThanks, Mom,” Frank said.
    After Frank hung up Joe dialed Isabel’s number. She answered on the third ring. He told her what had taken place at the Jardim Agrícola Tropical.
    â€œOh, that was such a brilliant plan!” Isabel said.“No wonder Frank and Joe Hardy are known far and wide for solving mysteries.”
    â€œWe have another brilliant plan,” Joe told her. “And we hope you’ll want to be part of it.”
    â€œI trust you guys so much that I’ll say yes before you even tell me what it is,” Isabel said.
    â€œNow, that’s what I call having faith in someone!” Joe said.
    Isabel laughed.
    Joe told her their plan to find a way into Senhora Bragança’s backyard that night and to dig up the suitcase.
    For a few seconds Isabel didn’t say anything, and Joe wondered if she was having second thoughts about going with them. But then she said, “It’s not stealing because the gold belongs to Frau Rilke—and I’m sure we can talk our way out of any trespassing complaint.”
    â€œThat’s what we were thinking,” Joe said.
    â€œThe Portuguese courts would surely give us permission to dig, anyway—but then, getting that approval would probably take months and months, and I know that you don’t have that much time,” Isabel added.
    â€œNo, we don’t—and neither does Frau Rilke,” Joe said.
    â€œWe’re probably stretching the law here, but those were terrible times,” Isabel said, “and I knowthe Portuguese people would be on our side.”
    â€œWell, maybe not everybody, ” Joe said. “Those fascists would probably figure out a way to get that money instead of Frau Rilke.”
    â€œWhich, as far as I’m concerned, is a very strong argument for going to Senhora Bragança’s house tonight,” Isabel said.
    â€œCan you pick us up at the hotel in your car?” Joe said.
    â€œNo problem,” Isabel said. “What time?”
    Joe looked over at Frank. “What time should Isabel come by?” he asked.
    â€œTen o’clock,” Frank said. “We need to be there