Authors: Franklin W. Dixon

The Mystery of Cabin Island (16 page)

BOOK: The Mystery of Cabin Island

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Johnny gazed at the rosewood box he held tightly and smiled. “You're right.”

Frank rang the bell. When Mr. Jefferson answered, he stared at his grandson incredulously. “Johnny!” The old man's voice rang with joy.

The Hardys stood by beaming as they witnessed the happy reunion. It was not until they were seated that Mr. Jefferson became aware of the box Johnny carried.

Mr. Jefferson was so overcome with emotion that it was several moments before he could speak. He turned to Frank and Joe.

“How has all this happened?” he asked, taking the box and opening the lid.

As the young sleuths and Johnny rapidly recited the amazing events, Mr. Jefferson sat back in the crimson velvet chair, stroking the medals and looking affectionately at Johnny. “Wait until my detectives hear of your success, Frank and Joe. They'll be thunderstruck!”

Johnny said admiringly, “I'd sure like to learn from the Hardys how to solve mysteries!”

Mr. Jefferson eyed his grandson proudly. “I underestimated you, my boy. You've proved you can take care of yourself very well.”

Johnny beamed, then said worriedly, “You should see the cabin, Gramp. The storm did a lot of damage.”

“No matter,” replied the old man. “We'll start repairs and improvements this spring.” He turned to the Hardys. “I want you both to feel free to stay on the island any time you wish to. Johnny and I are going there as soon as possible together âthat is, if he'll take me along when he gets his new iceboat.”

“Gramp! Do you mean it?”

“Indeed I do! Since my ride in the
Sea
Gull, I've been looking forward to another spin on the ice.”

Frank and Joe exchanged smiles. Mr. Jefferson was not so old-fashioned after all! Their sleuthing had done something to change his attitude. The young detectives did not know that events were already occurring which would soon involve them in another challenging case,
The Great Airport Mystery.

Mr. Jefferson added, “I intend to present the Shah's medal to Yussef. But firstâ” He lifted two handsome pieces from the box and said to the Hardys, “I wish to give you each a remembrance, in gratitude.”

“Thank you, sir, but we can't accept,” Frank protested. “They're too valuable.”

“Besides, we've had our reward returning Johnny and the medals to you,” Joe added.

Mr. Jefferson smilingly insisted, “These are rightfully yours. Remember, their purpose is to reward exceptional merit and courage. No one ever earned them more than you Hardy boys!”