Thank you, Thomas Brewster said. I hope you are right.
The telephone rang.
Yes. Yes. I see. Thank you. The manager replaced the phone. The supervisor says the maid who takes care of that suite said Dr. Webers bed had not been slept in Monday night.
Biff looked from his father to Mr. Mahenili. Nothing was said for a moment. Then Mr. Brewster spoke.
Any more questions, Biff?
No, sir. Cant think of anything else, Dad. Not now.
Well, we have established the fact that Dr. Weber must have disappeared sometime on Monday, Mr. Brewster said.
That was the day he telephoned you, wasnt it, Dad? Biff asked.
Yes. I talked to him late in the afternoon. Here, that would have been around noon, Hawaii time. I know he was calling from this hotel. So, we can pinpoint his disappearance from sometime between noon Monday, to early Monday night. The doctor always retired early.
Thank you very much for your cooperation, Mr. Pierson, Mr. Mahenili said. With Biff and his father, he arose and left the managers office.
They walked out into the bright sunlight and across a broad patio, hedged in by flame-colored flowers. The beach of Waikiki was right in front of them. As they walked toward it to find Mrs. Brewster and the twins, the swarthy man with the camera who had been at the airport earlier, stepped from behind a palm tree and watched them go.
CHAPTER VI
The Letter
Hanale Mahenili had driven only a short distance from the Royal Poinciana when Monica, in the rear seat of the convertible, let out a howl.
Monica! Whatever in the world! her mother said.
My lei! My lei! I left it on the beach! Monica wailed.
Knew you would, her brother Ted said, in his I-told-you-so voice.
Mr. Mahenili turned to Tom Brewster and smiled. Thats easily taken care of. We can get them anywhere along here.
He pulled the car over to the curb in front of a charming hotel constructed of red and white coral. Just to the left of the entrance to the hotels palm-studded grounds, sat an old woman surrounded by flowers of every color and species. The woman was seated in a high-backed chair, made of coconut fronds, with her feet in a tub filled with pink, red, and yellow buds. A flame-red hibiscus was stabbed in her topknot. She was a plump Hawaiian woman, dressed in a flowered muumuu the island adaptation of the mother-hubbard dress introduced many years ago by New England missionaries.
The old womans brown, deeply lined face cracked into a smile as the Brewsters got out of the car.
Mr. Mahenili spoke to her in the musical words of the native Hawaiian. The old womans deft hands grasped a long, slender lei needle, and her hands seemed to fly as she swiftly threaded at least a hundred flowers into a beautiful garland.
This lei, Mr. Mahenili explained, is being made of the plumeria. You see, he picked up one of the flowers, it has five petals. Smell it.
Mrs. Brewster took the flower. My, thats lovely! It seems to me Ive been smelling this lovely scent ever since weve been here.
You have. This blossom is highly perfumed. It makes our island the sweetest smelling place in the world.
The old woman had finished. She arose and draped the newly made lei around Monicas neck. For the nani keiki, she said.
That means for the beautiful child.
Monica blushed, but her smile showed her pleasure.
Thank you, she said, dipping her head.
Mr. Mahenili handed the woman some money.
Mahalo, mahalo, she said.
And now shes saying, Thank you, to us, Hank Mahenili explained.
Half an hour later, following a thrilling ride up the twisting road running over the pali, the cliffs, of the Koolau Mountain range, they dropped swiftly down to sea level again on the north side of the island. A short run along broad, curving beaches, and they arrived at the Mahenilis beach-front home on Waimanalo Bay.
The warmth and gracious hospitality of the Mahenili family made the Brewsters feel at home immediately. The Mahenilis son, Likake, fifteen, and Biff were old friends within an hour of their meeting. Little Wikolia Mahenili was just Monica and Teds age, but quite a bit smaller. She considered the twins her personal property and showed them around with great pride.
There was only one cloud to mar the Brewsters sky-high happiness. Dr. Johann Weber was still missing.
Late in the second afternoon of the Brewsters stay in Honolulu, Biff and Likake were swimming when Biff saw his father come down to the beach and hail him.
Lets go, Li! Biff called, and the boys rode a breaker back to the shore.
Hi, Dad. You want me? Water dripped off Biffs tanned body. Likake, his round brown face with its usual eager expression, stood beside him.
I want you to get dressed, now, son. Id like you to come to the dinner and evening session of our meeting, Mr. Brewster said.
You bet, Dad. Wouldnt miss it for anything. This is the night you speak, isnt it?
Yes. Tom Brewster smiled. But that isnt the main reason for my wanting you there. Ill tell you about it later.
Okay, Dad. May Likake come along?
Surely. Mr. and Mrs. Mahenili are coming. The little ones will stay at home.
Likake had gone on ahead.
Whats it all about, Dad? Something to do with Dr. Weber? Biff asked.
Not exactly, Biff. But I think theres going to be a man at the dinner tonight I want you to get a look at. There could be a connection between him and Dr. Webers disappearance.
Is it that man, Perez Something-or-other the one you mentioned when you got that phone call at home?
Hes the man, Biff.
Biffs brows were knitted in thought.
Dad, theres something Ive been wanting to do, Biff interrupted. Is it all right if I do a little snooping after you speak? Youll be at the reception and dance. Ive got an idea. And Likake said hed help me.
Snooping, son? When trained detectives are on the job? This is a vacation, and I want you to enjoy it. But theres no reason why you and Likake cant nose about a bit. Dont do anything foolish, though.
The dinner was over. Biff had tried not to stare too hard nor too long at the husky, shifty-eyed man at the next table. Perez Soto! Biff sensed the sheer physical power of the man, and he shuddered involuntarily. This was no opponent to treat lightly. He couldnt help thinking: Biff Brewster, take warning!
The chairman rapped for order. Guests at the head table were introduced, then the chairman turned to Thomas Brewster.
We are very happy tonight, the chairman said, to have so distinguished a speaker with us. You all know him. You all know of the many contributions he has made in our field. I refer, of course, to the chief field engineer of the Ajax Mining Company, Mr. Thomas Brewster.
Mrs. Brewster smiled proudly at her husband.
Tom Brewster arose. His talk was short, direct, and crisply delivered. He received an ovation when he concluded.
Biff looked at Likake and winked. The two boys slipped away from the table unnoticed.
Outside the hotel, Biff asked, Which way?
The Poincianas just a short walk from here. Well go in the back way through the garden.
Youre sure its all right? This bellboy is a good friend of yours? Biff inquired.
Sure. I know Hale real well. His brother, Kioni, and I go to Kamehameha School. Thats a school only for boys and girls of Hawaiian ancestry. Were almost like blood brothers.
Youre sure its all right? This bellboy is a good friend of yours? Biff inquired.
Sure. I know Hale real well. His brother, Kioni, and I go to Kamehameha School. Thats a school only for boys and girls of Hawaiian ancestry. Were almost like blood brothers.
The night was moonlit. Palm leaves rustled under a gentle breeze. The steady murmur of the surf was clear in the night air.
Biff and Likake reached the garden of the Royal Poinciana.
Hale told me he would fix it so the deck door of Dr. Webers room would be open. Come on, Li said.
The boys walked boldly through the hotels garden. Biff knew better than to try to hide their presence. To do so would attract attention, and that was just what he didnt want to do.
They mounted the stairs to the hotels second floor, and walked along the deck until they reached Dr. Webers room.
Hale had done his job. The door was open. Biff entered the room. Likake, his heart pounding, was right on his heels.
The room was faintly lighted by the moonlight from outside. Biff paused in the middle of the room to allow his eyes to become accustomed to the dim light.
Then he started his search. Ever since the call to Indianapolis, Biff had wondered about the letter mentioned during the conversation. His father had said, Forget it, but Biff hadnt been able to. The letter had to mean something. Where would a man like Dr. Weber hide a letter? Biff asked himself. He felt certain that Dr. Weber had been kidnaped, but he didnt think the abductors had the letter. If they did, then why were they holding the doctor?
Course, I could be all wrong, Biff told himself. But he didnt think he was.
Likake. Li. Come here, Biff whispered and was startled to hear Lis voice right back of him.
I am here. Right with you. Li sounded scared, Biff thought.
Okay. You take the bathroom. Its a letter were looking for. Ill take the bedroom, then well both search this room.
The boys made a swift, but thorough search. Nothing in the bathroom. Nothing in the bedroom.
Now where do we look? Li asked.
You take that side of the room. Ill start by the hall door.
Biffs search started at the telephone table. Nothing in the drawers. But there wouldnt be, Biff told himself. Too obvious a place. He started to leave the table, and, glancing down, saw that the table must have been left in the same condition it had been in on the day of the call. Crumbs of tobacco were scattered on the tabletop. Several burned matches were in an ash-tray. The doctors tobacco pouch lay at the base of the lamp. Biff picked it up idly, looking about the room for the next spot to search.
Standing there, swinging the pouch by its draw-string, he thought he heard paper crackle. He stood motionless, halting the swing of the pouch. He strained his ears. Nothing. He tossed the pouch back on the table. Again he heard the slight sound of paper crinkling.
Biff snatched the pouch up again. He opened the pouch. His hand darted in it and dug deeply in the tobacco. Paper! His fingers werent wrong. He withdrew the paper and held it close to his eyes. It was a letter, all right.
Biff! Biff! Look out! Li shouted.
Biff turned just in time to see a figure leap at him.
CHAPTER VII
An Important Find
Biff sidestepped quickly. His attackers charge struck him a glancing blow, spinning him around. He stumbled backward, almost losing his footing.
In the dim light, Biff saw the man turn and crouch, ready to charge again. This time, Biff met charge with charge. The man came at him low. Biff hurled his body at the attacker even lower. He threw a bone-crushing football block at the mans knees. The attacker was upended, his head striking the floor, his legs flying upward as if he were diving.
Biff leaped to his feet.
Come on, Biff! Li called from the open doorway.
Biff sprang for the door, hurdling over his attacker lying on the floor. He felt sure he had cleared him when a hand snaked up and grabbed Biff by one ankle. Biff crashed to the floor, stretched out, his head pointing toward Li, who was standing in the doorway in dismay.
Rising on one knee, Biff tried to jerk his ankle free. The man held on with a viselike grip. Biff thought fast.
Here, Li! Catch! He tossed Dr. Webers tobacco pouch to his friend. It fell at Lis feet. Grab it, Li! Grab it, and scram. Ill be all right.
Li bent over and snatched up the tobacco pouch. He stood in the doorway, hesitating.
Dont wait! Biff called fiercely. Get out of here fast.
Li, shocked by the sudden violence, was confused. He felt he should stay and help his friend. But Biff had ordered him out. Apparently the important thing was to escape with the tobacco pouch. He turned, shot through the door, and ran swiftly, silently, along the porch.
Biff now turned his full attention to freeing himself. He knew he would have to make his getaway fast. Someone in the hotel was certain to have heard the sounds of violence coming from the room. This was no time for an investigation. Biff knew that he was as much of a prowler as his attacker.
The attacker changed his tactics. Now he wanted to get free of Biff.
Oh, no, you dont, Biff muttered, and threw his arms around the mans legs. He knew that Li was now the attackers prey. Li and the tobacco pouch.
Biff held on. The man, struggling to remain upright, struck down savagely at the base of Biffs skull. Biff rolled, avoiding the paralyzing blow.
The attacker, freed of Biffs grasp, leaped for the door. Biff was on his feet, right behind him. Reaching the door, Biff saw the man dash for the steps. Instead of following immediately, Biff decided to wait a moment. Surely Li had gotten clear. Li knew the grounds of the hotel well. Hed be able to avoid capture, make a clean getaway with the pouch and its valuable letter.
When the attacker was out of sight, down the stairs, Biff stepped out onto the porch. He straightened his jacket. He wanted to look like a guest of the hotel if anyone stopped him. From behind he heard the sounds of someone banging on the corridor door.
The time has come, he said to himself, for me to make my departure from this charming hostelry. He walked unhurriedly toward the stairs. Once there, though, he dashed down them, taking three steps at a time. In moments, he was concealed behind a spreading poinciana shrub.
Biff stood silently. He strained his ears for any sound, the sound of either Li or his attacker. Only the soft rustling of palm fronds came to his ears. He decided to move out. Taking great care to remain in the cover of trees and shrubs the moonlight was brilliant Biff moved cautiously through the garden. He decided against returning the same way he and Li had come. He felt sure that his attacker had followed them from the hotel where his father had spoken. The man might figure the boys would return to the hotel. Hed be waiting for them there, Biff reasoned.
Sure hope Li figures it the way I have, Biff told himself.
Biff walked in the opposite direction. He came to the edge of the garden. The street was only a few feet away. A few feet, but those few feet were open space, no cover, unprotected from the view of others.
Ill just have to chance it, Biff said softly. He planned to dash across the opening, run down the street, and hope to find a cruising taxicab.
Biff tensed. He thought he heard a noise behind him. It sounded like a small twig snapping. He turned his head slowly. He didnt want a second attack from behind that night. Now he felt positive that someone was moving in the shrubbery nearby.