Read Online The Alaskan Adventure by Franklin W. Dixon - Free Book Online Page A

must have my business card by now,” Curt retorted. “That’s what I print them up for—to give out to people.”
    Before either of the Hardys could think of a comeback to this, Curt added, “You boys will have to excuse me. I’ve got matters to attend to that are a lot more important than your wild accusations.”
    He walked away.
    After a moment Frank said, “ Somebody sent that basket of fruit.”
    â€œWe know who delivered it,” Joe pointed out. “Somebody who has a grudge against David. Maybe it carries over to David’s relatives.”
    â€œLet’s see what Jake has to say about it,” Frank suggested. “And while we’re there, I’d like to use Jake’s two-way radio to put in a call to Dad. He can look into the ThemeLife company for us.”
    â€œGreat idea!” Joe said.
    Fenton Hardy, Frank and Joe’s father, had retired years before from the New York City police department to become a leading private investigator.
    When Frank told Jake what they wanted, he led them to the back room and radioed Fairbanks. A minute later the link to Bayport went through. Jake handed the telephone receiver to Frank.
    Frank took it and waited with his palm over the microphone.
    Jake got the hint. “I’ll give you some privacy,” he said, and left the room.
    Frank and Joe took turns telling their father about Glitter and their dogsledding adventures on the Yukon River. They didn’t mention the fire or the other strange incidents. Anyone with a short wave set could be listening in on their call.
    At the end of the call Frank said, “Oh, and there’s a big campaign here by a company called ThemeLife to set up a theme park in the area. We’d sure like to know more about the company. It sounds very interesting—very. You don’t know anything about it, do you? ThemeLife?”
    â€œWhy, no,” Mr. Hardy replied. “But if you fellows think it’s interesting, I’m sure it is. Maybe I’ll ask around about it. I’m sure your mom and Aunt Gertrude would like to say hello, but they’re out shopping. Can you arrange to be at this number one hour from now?”
    Frank gave a sigh of relief. His father had understood. “No problem, Dad,” he said. “We’ll make a point of it.”
    After Frank hung up, he said softly to Joe, “He’ll look into it and call back in an hour. We’d better wait before we ask Jake about the fruit.”
    â€œUntil after we’ve heard from Dad, you mean?” Joe replied. “Right—or else something might go wrong with Jake’s radio.”
    Frank and Joe spent the next forty-five minutes trying to find Gregg. Several people said they had seen him that morning, but Frank and Joe never managed to catch up to him. They’d have to question him later. It was time to go back to Jake’s store for the call from their father.
    Frank took the call, which lasted less than a minute, during which he wrote down what he was hearing. When he got off, he showed Joe his notes, which read, “Sound reputation but desperate financial situation. Success of new projects crucial to company survival.”
    â€œI think we’re onto something here,” Frank said in an undertone.
    â€œÂ â€˜Survival,’ ” Joe quoted. “That’s a pretty powerful motive to do whatever it takes to swing the vote your way. Even if it means trying to poison your opponents.”
    Frank glanced at the open doorway, then murmured, “Curt says he never sent that basket.”
    â€œHe would, wouldn’t he?” Joe responded. “Let’s find out what Jake can tell us about it.”
    They went into the main room. Jake was behind the polished oak counter, making a pyramid of condensed milk cans. He looked up and said, “Your call go through all right, boys?”
    â€œYes, thanks,” Frank replied. “Oh, Jake? Did