Danger on Vampire Trail by Franklin W. Dixon Page A

proved to be fake.” A hard look came over his face. “When I get hold of that crook, he’s going to pay for it!”
    â€œYou’ll have to leave that up to the police,” Frank said. He pulled out Lasher’s photo. “Is this the man?”
    Burn studied it intently. “No.”
    â€œCan you describe the swindler?”
    â€œWell, his face was round, too. Like this fellow in the photograph. But his hairline was higher. He was dark-haired and not very tall.”
    â€œWhat was the name on the Magnacard?”
    â€œMinks. John Minks.”
    â€œBy the way,” Frank went on, “where do you buy your sapphires?”
    The man seemed startled by the question. He forced a smile and replied, “That’s my professional secret!”

CHAPTER XIV
    Death Warrant
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    On the way back to their camp Frank called out over the rushing wind, “What do you make of this, Biff?”
    â€œStrange that Burn wouldn’t tell us where he got the sapphire. Maybe he bought it from Fingers!”
    â€œI wonder where Fingers got those stones.”
    â€œSo do I. As far as Minks is concerned,” Biff said, “no doubt he’s one of Lasher’s gang.”
    They decided to stop at the state park grocery store to buy some bottles of soda. As they turned into the entrance, they saw Joe leaning against the Hardys’ car.
    Frank stopped. “What are you doing here?”
    â€œLooking for Chet and Sherlock,” Joe replied with a look of exasperation. He explained that they had driven the car into camp after Frank and Biff had not come back, thinking they might need some help.
    â€œWhat happened to you?” Joe asked. “We couldn’t find you anywhere.”
    Frank told about the latest developments, then added, “So now Chet’s lost?”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Biff said. “He must be around somewhere. Just ask the campers if they’ve seen a left tackle with a hound dog.”
    They followed Biff’s suggestion. Several people indicated that they had seen Chet near the psychedelic trailer! The trio walked up to it and Joe knocked on the door.
    â€œCome in,” Chet called out. They entered.
    There sat Chet in Prince Cuthbert’s chair. On his head was the jeweled helmet. Beside him on a velvet cushion lay Sherlock.
    â€œChet, are you out of your ever-loving skull?” Joe demanded.
    Chet grinned benignly. “Lower your voice when speaking to royalty,” he said with a wave of his hand.
    â€œWhat’s this all about?” Frank asked.
    â€œI’m minding the trailer while His Highness is out on an errand. And you know what he’s giving me for doing it?”
    â€œNo, what?”
    â€œHalf the city of London!”
    â€œYou’re in the money,” Joe quipped. “What are you going to do with half of London?”
    â€œQuit ribbing me. You know that old geezer doesn’t have all his marbles.”
    â€œI’m beginning to have my doubts about you, Chet,” Frank said. “What’s all this business with the fancy helmet?”
    â€œI was wondering what it feels like to be a descendant of King Arthur,” Chet replied.
    â€œAside from all that nonsense,” Joe said, “I don’t trust the prince.”
    â€œI think he’s harmless enough,” Frank put in.
    The Hardys and Biff left Chet and resumed their search for Whip Lasher, on the chance he had returned to the campsite. Two hours later they went back to Prince Cuthbert’s trailer. Chet was impatient.
    â€œHe said he’d be back soon,” the boy moaned, glancing at his watch. “I didn’t know he was going to abdicate!”
    Biff laughed. “In that case, that makes you the lord and master!”
    Just then the door handle turned and the prince entered. “Sorry—so sorry,” he said.
    â€œYou took a long time,” said Chet, removing the jeweled