Read Online The Secret Warning by Franklin W. Dixon - Free Book Online Page A

away.
    â€œAnd just where do you expect me to keep the creature?” Miss Hardy demanded. “Certainly not in the house.”
    â€œOh, don’t worry about that, Aunty,” Joe said, chuckling. “Tivoli can stay out in the yard or down in the cellar.”
    â€œWell, he’d better earn his board and keep,” Aunt Gertrude commented tartly.
    With that, she marched upstairs to the kitchen. Joe glanced at his brother and rolled his eyes expressively.
    â€œWell, let’s bring in our visitor,” Frank said, grinning.
    When the boys returned to the car, they found Tivoli comfortably lolling on the back seat, fast asleep. Joe jerked the ring on the end of his training collar. “Come on, boy. We’re going to introduce you to Aunt Gertrude.”
    Tivoli preferred not to be disturbed. Only the combined physical persuasion of Joe and Frank succeeded in dislodging him, and even then he proved skittish. Moments later, as they were hauling him in the door, the boys heard a shriek from their aunt.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Frank called out. Tivoli now lunged for the kitchen, tugging the boys behind him.
    â€œThat prowler—he’s back again!” Miss Hardy’s eyes widened in fright at the sight of the Great Dane, but she went on, “I heard a noise out back and saw a man dask across the yard!”
    â€œIt’s your big chance, Tivolil Go get him!” Joe commanded.
    The two boys and the dog dashed out the back door. But the prowler had vanished in the gathering dusk. Now Tivoli strained toward the house and the boys were forced to follow.
    â€œMaybe the fellow dropped something or left a clue, and Tivoli’s spotted it by scent!” Joe said hopefully.
    The real reason soon became evident as the Great Dane headed for the kitchen. Once inside, he strode toward the refrigerator and began sniffing at the door.
    Aunt Gertrude gave the boys a withering glance. “A fine watchdog he’ll make!” Resolutely she advanced on Tivoli. “Outside this instant!”
    The dog regarded her with its pale-yellow eyes. He made no move to obey, but a faint rumble sounded in his throat. Miss Hardy stood her ground. “Frank and Joe,” she said, “take this creature out of the housel Immediately!”
    Her nephews complied, and coaxed Tivoli into the back yard once more.
    Joe laughed. “He’s as iron-willed as Aunt Gertrude.”

    Aunt Gertrude’s eyes widened in fright at sight of the
Great Dane
    â€œTime will tell,” Frank said philosophically. He got a length of chain from the garage and secured one end to Tivoli’s collar and the other to a tree.
    Back in the kitchen, the boys had just fixed a snack for themselves and Aunt Gertrude when a mournful howl assailed their ears. They looked at each other, then glanced at Miss Hardy. Her face spoke volumes but she said nothing.
    Tivoli continued to bay at the rising moon. Aunt Gertrude winced. The baying persisted without letup. After several minutes she pursed her lips and got up from the table.
    â€œVery well. You’d better bring that so-called watchdog inside before the neighbors complain. But put him in the cellar, mind you!”
    Frank and Joe did so. As they came back upstairs, Aunt Gertrude gave an indignant sniff. “Now perhaps we’ll be able to get some rest. I, for one, am retiring.”
    She swept out of the room.
    The boys finished eating, then tried several times to reach their father. No luck. They were just about to go upstairs when Tivoli came trotting into the hallway!
    Joe burst out laughing. “He must be able to turn the doorknob with his jaws!”
    â€œOh, no, you don’t!” Frank said hastily. He caught Tivoli just in time to deter the huge dog from settling himself comfortably on a newly upholstered sofa in the living room.
    â€œYou know, I’m beginning to think Aunt Gertrade is right about this pooch! He may be more hindrance