Authors: Franklin W. Dixon

The Hooded Hawk Mystery (17 page)

BOOK: The Hooded Hawk Mystery

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After the Indian youth had recounted his adventures, he motioned his countrymen aside and conversed in their native tongue. Rejoining the others, he explained that they were trying to decide on some fitting reward for the Hardys other than the usual fee for services, plus expenses which Mr. Hardy would be paid.

The entire family protested, but Tava turned to Mrs. Hardy and bowed. Then he took off his handsome ruby ring and presented it to her.

“Please accept this token of my deep gratitude,” he said with a gentle smile. “I give it to the mother of the two bravest boys I have ever known.”

Mrs. Hardy accepted the gift graciously. Later the whole group went to dinner in the hotel dining room. Even precise Aunt Gertrude enjoyed the victory celebration.

Early the next morning Chet Morton burst into his friends' room, demanding to hear the whole story. As they finished it, a cablegram was delivered to Frank and Joe.

“Listen to this,” Frank cried excitedly. “It's from Satish Nayyar!” He read aloud:

“âCannot thank you enough for aid to my son. Tava is to continue his schooling. When he returns home next summer, will you accompany him and bring the boy who helped you?' ”

“That's me!” cried Chet. “Wow, some reward!”

The three boys beamed. “We'll go!” Joe declared. “What a whale of an invitation!”

When the group gathered for breakfast, Frank and Joe told their parents about the cablegram. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy heartily approved of their sons accepting the invitation. Silently the boys wondered if the next mystery they would solve would be in India. But long before the following summer arrived, they became involved in
The Clue in the Embers.

After the excitement died down, Mr. Bhagnav said, “I must explain something to Frank and Joe. I understand my leaving in such a hurry after the bombing gave you cause to wonder about my motives.” He laughed. “My trip to New York was to meet another cousin of mine before he could be kidnapped!”

Frank and Joe smiled broadly. After a pause, Mr. Ghapur said:

“I have a gift of my own to offerâthe falcon. I want you boys to keep the noble, courageous bird.”

Frank and Joe accepted with alacrity, and added, “It would have been pretty hard to part with our hooded hawk.”

Chet grinned. “Well,” he said, “I guess the least I can do is treat you fellows to that dinner I promised. How about all of you coming out to the farm for a big celebration?”

Everyone accepted.

“And bring the falcon with you,” Chet urged.

Joe grinned. “We will, if you'll have a pound of raw beef ready for Miss Peregrine as her reward.”

Chet readily agreed. “But for all she did, the falcon deserves the best steak money can buy!”

“You're right,” Frank said. “Without her, we couldn't have solved the mystery.”

“Bravo, Miss Peregrine!” Joe said.

And Tava echoed,
“Shabash!
Bravo!”