Finally, when Jerry tossed the flat stick away and joined the others in their laughter, Chet managed to raise the window and escape.
"Can't see what you're all laughing at," he grumbled, as he sat down carefully on a near-by box. Then he rose hurriedly and rubbed the tender spot.
"He laughs best who laughs last," quoted Jerry Gilroy.
"Guess I've got to get home," announced Biff, a moment later, and soon he and the others were on their way, dodging through the rain.
Then Frank and Joe put the barn in order and went into the house. They felt particularly carefree and never dreamed of the news they were to hear or of how it was to affect them and their chums.
CHAPTER III
A Shady Trio
"I am sure my man is in Chicago. I know for a fact that he went West, and the Windy City would naturally be his hiding place."
Fenton Hardy tapped the library table reflectively with a pencil. Mrs. Hardy put aside the magazine she had been reading.