Scene of the Crime by Franklin W. Dixon

locked his legs in Frank's. Joe released one hand, and when he was sure that his legs would hold, he let go of the other, to dangle above the glass case.
    "Here's the screwdriver," Frank said, handing it down. "I'm going to lower you down to the case. Remember, be careful not to break the invisible beam. Stay within the green lights. Once you've accomplished that, remove the screws on top of the case."
    Joe kept his arms close to his shoulders as Frank lowered him within the circle of green lights. He felt his legs stiffen as he balanced himself carefully against the glass and inserted the screwdriver into the first bolt. "One down, three to go," he whispered. Within five minutes, the cover was loose. "Okay, Joe." Frank's voice was tight. "Carefully lift it up and I'll put it in the sack. Remember, don't break the invisible beam." Joe handed Frank the pane of glass. The gems lay on a black velvet base. Their brilliant sparkle was nearly hypnotizing. Joe couldn't help but stare at them in admiration. At last he reached down, his gloved hand coming away with the first necklace.
    "He's got it," Driscoll said excitedly into his walkie-talkie. "He's got it!"
    One by one, Joe handed each gem up to Frank. Quickly Frank placed them in the sack.
    "Just one more," Joe said, grabbing a last gold watch and handing it up over his shoulder. "Okay, now how do I get out of this?"
    "I'll pull you up above the beam," Frank said. "Once you clear the green lights, swing up and grab hold of the rope."
    Slowly Joe rose back over the top of the glass case. Then, spreading out his arms, he heaved forward and whirled around, his legs releasing from Frank's. His right arm missed the rope, but just before he began the long fall to the floor below, his left hand clamped on.
    Frank led the way as they slid the pulley back safely to the landing.
    Driscoll was waiting for them as they climbed back over the rail.
    "Here are your jewels," Frank said, swinging the sack across. "Now we want Janet."
    "Jewels?" Driscoll actually seemed surprised. "You're the ones who stole them."
    Suddenly he shoved Joe. Frank caught him before he toppled over the balcony.
    The crook ran around the landing.
    "Come on," Frank cried. "We've been double-crossed!"
    Dashing around the bend, they closed in on Driscoll. But as Frank reached out to grab him, the saboteur pushed open a door and disappeared. Frank tried the handle. But the door was locked.
     
    ***
     
    "Hold it right there!"
    Frank and Joe froze. Joe closed his eyes. He didn't even bother to look.
    "Archie Fraser," he moaned, shaking his head.
    The heavyset chief of police puffed up the stairs, followed by about half his force. "Caught you red-handed," he proclaimed.
    "And this time you'll be going away for a long, long time!"

Chapter 15
    ARCHIE FRASER LEANED back in his rickety chair, rolling his eyes up at the ceiling. "We searched both mansions, like you asked," the chief said. "The only crooks we found were you two!"
    "They must have escaped before you got to them," Frank said. "After all, they made their way in without your men spotting them."
    "That's a really wonderful tale!" Fraser exclaimed. "Too bad you didn't stay in the movie business instead of becoming jewel thieves."
    Joe jumped up. "But it's all true!"
    "And we can verify it," Frank said. "Just call Sy Osserman. He'll back us up."
    "Oh, of course." Throughout the interview, Fraser had spoken in a mock-pleasant tone that indicated he found everything Frank and Joe said to be farfetched. Still, the chief dialed the director's number and told the Hardys' story. All Frank and Joe could do was watch as Archie Fraser grinned and nodded to Sy Osserman's responses.
    "I have the Harris brothers right here in my office," Fraser said at last. "I'll put you on the speaker phone so that they can hear you." He pushed a button, then Frank and Joe heard the director breathe heavily through the speaker box.
    "Mr. Osserman," the chief began. "Did you hire a Frank and Joe