Suddenly Frank had an idea. The thief who used wigs might be the late customer, coming on purpose at this hour to avoid meeting other people. Without a word to the others, he dashed through the doorway into the store and toward the front entrance.
He could vaguely see someone waiting to be admitted. But the stranger gave one look at the leaping, out-of-shape skeleton and disappeared in a flash. At the same moment Frank tripped and fell headlong.
Mr. Schwartz and Joe, hearing the crash, rushed out to see what had happened. Frank, hopelessly tangled in the skeleton attire, was helped to his feet. When he told the others why he had made his unsuccessful dash to the front door, they conceded he might have a point.
“But you sure scared him away in that outfit,” Joe said, laughing. “He won’t be back!”
The boys stayed for over half an hour helping Mr. Schwartz, then said good-by and went home.
“Monday we’ll tackle those other two wig shops,” said Frank.
The following morning the Hardy family attended church, then after dinner Frank and Joe told their parents they were going to ride out to see Chet Morton. “We’ve been invited to stay to supper,” Frank added. “But we promise not to get home late.”
The Hardys picked up Callie Shaw, who also had been invited. Gaily she perched on the seat behind Frank.
“Hold on, Callie,” Joe teased. “Frank’s a wild cyclist!”
The young people were greeted at the door of the Morton farmhouse by Chet’s younger sister Iola, dark-haired and pretty. Joe Hardy thought she was quite the nicest girl in Bayport High and dated her regularly.