THE MIDNIGHT RALLY

Wynn, Lonny, Inky, and Nancy-Rae are hired by a

movie company to do the stunt work in a racing
film. Before they leave New York with the motionpicture crew, a mysterious stranger asks them to take
a small box to their destination in California for him.
The boys smell a fish and refuse. From then on
strange things begin to happen.
While shooting on location in different states they
discover they are being followed. Their camper is
ransacked; their stunts are sabotaged; and they are
almost killed. A disembodied voice warns them to
leave the movie company.
Who is behind these evil schemes? Wynn, Lonny,
and their friends stay with the company and
investigate in their spare time, finally exposing a
cunning and dangerous gang of criminals.

WYNN AND LONNY RACING SERIES

The Mexicali 1000
Road Race of Champions
GT Challenge
Gold Cup Rookies
Dead Heat at Le Mans
The Midnight Rally

Wynn and Lonny Racing Series

THE MIDNIGHT
RALLY
BY
ERIC SPEED

NEW YORK

GROSSET & DUNLAP

PUBLISHERS

COPYRIGHT 1978 BY STRATEMEYER SYNDICATE.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

PUBLISHED SIMULTANEOUSLY IN CANADA

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOG CARD NUMBER: 77-89962
ISBN: 0-448-14558-8

Printed in the United States of America

CONTENTS
CHAPTER

PAGE

I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI
XVII
XVIII

1
15
29
40
51
59
69
78
87
96
105
114
122
134
145
155
166
179

A DARING STUNT
TUNNEL TRAP
HANKS CHALLENGE
BILLBOARD BUMP
PIN THE TAIL ON THE DONKEY
HOT POPS FIREWORKS
C. B. CLUE
PANHANDLE STORM
A TREACHEROUS FALL
FOLLOWED!
A MYSTERIOUS BOX
DAYTONA DISASTER
CUTLASS CRIMINAL
THRILL-SHOW THRILLS
THE CANNON ROLL-OVER
WRAP-PARTY RIP-OFF
THE GOLDEN SIX-SHOOTER
SCARFACES SCHEME

THE MIDNIGHT RALLY

CHAPTER I

A Daring Stunt

Oh, Lonny, I cant believe it! Wynn Redford

exclaimed. Its just like the movies!
It is the movies, his friend Lonny Morris
corrected him. And were going to stand in for
stars.
The two young race-car drivers stood bundled in
their parkas to ward off the December wind and
watched the cameramen set up their equipment.
Shooting for a film called Midnight Rally was about
to begin in New York City.
The tall, lanky Wynn walked up to a bespectacled
man who adjusted his tripod. Wouldnt it be easier
to paint a set like New York and film it in
Hollywood? he asked.
Not really, the man replied. Location shooting,
with all the hassles, is a fraction of the cost of set
construction.
1

A large crowd had gathered, and cars and

pedestrians ignored the film companys road blocks,
bullying their way into the area. One driver came so
close he almost hit Wynn.
Watch out! Lonny yelled, pulling his friend out
of the way as the car thundered by.
Thanks, Wynn said, a bit embarrassed. I
should have looked.
Thats okay, Lonny said. I just want to make
sure we dont lose our jobs here before we even
start.
Wed better not. Nancy-Rae would be furious,
Wynn said with a chuckle. After all, she found out
about this deal.
Nancy-Rae Eubanks, a red-headed motorcycle
champion and long-time friend of the boys had seen
the ad for stunt drivers in a racing magazine. When
Wynn and Lonny returned to their home in North
Carolina after the last race the previous fall, she
presented it to them.
Good idea, huh? she asked. This would keep
us from twiddling our thumbs until the season began
again in the spring.
The three had applied and were promptly hired.
They had arrived in New York the night before, and
reported with other crew members and the cast for a
briefing in the hotel lobby that morning.
A tall, nervous man of about forty introduced
2

himself as Emerson Nailer, the director. The film,

he declared, is based on a real race, run each year
without the consent of the local police authorities.
We, of course, have the cooperation of every cop in
every state from here to our final destination.
Where exactly are we going? someone asked.
To Long Beach Harbor in California.
And how long will it take?
The director smiled. All I can tell you is that I
hope we make it in record time!
The crew laughed and he continued, You can see
from your scripts that the movie is a comedy. A
group of racers drive various vehicles and dodge the
police along the way. You get a call sheet for each
day. If you have any questions, ask me later. Right
now wed better get started.
Smiling, the crew followed him into the street.
Wynn, Lonny said. Were not on today. But I
got the schedule for tomorrow. You and I are codriving a Daytona Ferrari through Manhattan at a
hundred and twenty miles an hour.
Fantastic, Wynn cried out. Shall we flip a coin
to decide who gets behind the wheel?
Youre on.
Wynn reached into his pocket and slapped a
quarter on his wrist. Call it.
Wynn won the toss, but Lonny was unperturbed.
He hit his partner on the back. That means I get the
3

mountain stretch in Arizona. Thats more in my line

anyway. Lonny, a broad-shouldered farm boy from
Wilkes County had spent his early years practicing
on the twisting Appalachian roads. Besides, he
added, have you figured out how many blocks it
will take to stop a car going at that speed once
youre out of camera range?
Wynn laughed. Nope. I wonder if the director
thought of that. Then he noticed that Lonnys
attention was drawn to something in the crowd.
Whats the matter? he asked.
That mousy little guy, the one with the coat
thats too big for him. Every time I look up I see him
about twenty feet away from us.
Wynn turned. What mousy man?
He disappeared into the crowd again. Wonder
who he could be?
Beats me, Wynn replied. We dont know
anyone in New York besides the movie people.
Maybe hes just curious about the filming.
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival
of three large haulers. On board were the cars to be
used in the movie, 427 Cobras, Ferraris, Rolls
Royces. The boys watched as the equipment was
unloaded and moved into the rented storage area.
What beautiful cars, Lonny said. And two of
each. An automotive Noahs Ark.
When the cars were stowed away, the crowd was
4

moved back by the security force and hushed by the

assistant director as three cameras focused on a
warehouse. According to the call sheet, the first
scene to be shot would show contestant Number 1, a
mad motor cyclist, leaving the warehouse and
heading toward the open road.
A police car would be lying in wait outside, ready
to nab the speeder, who would ride right over it. The
cameras began to whir, and all eyes turned to the
warehouse door. It burst open, and Nancy-Rae
Eubanks roared out. The petite, leather-clad girl was
standing in for an actor named Anderson. She had
tucked her red hair inside her helmet and was just a
blur as she aimed toward the squad car. She roared
up and over it, the motorcycle wheels banging
across its roof. The crowd gasped and backed away
as she landed on the other side.
Wow! Wynn exclaimed. That was some
beginning!
Bud should have seen that stunt, Lonny said.
He would have been proud of his little girl. The
boys had known Nancy-Raes father, Bud Eubanks,
from the time they were old enough to watch him
work in his garage. A former stock-car racer
himself, he had objected to his daughters chosen
vocation at first, but when Nancy-Rae gained fame
in the Mexicali 1000, he had relented.
The redhead now slid her bike to a stop and
5

walked up to the director, who was pleased with the

stunt. Print it! he shouted. That was beautiful!
The girl grinned and the fake mustache on her
upper lip stretched wide. She pulled off her helmet
and shook out her hair.
Wow! she said. Thats the kind of stunt Im
glad to do only once.
The companys first-aid man ran up to her. Miss
Eubanks, do you need treatment? I noticed a limp

Nancy-Rae shook her head. Dont worry about

that. Just worry if I stop limping.
The girl had suffered a childhood injury in an
auto crash that had killed her mother, but the bad
leg had never hindered her in motor-racing sports.
Wynn and Lonny walked up to her. You
definitely earned your lunch today, Wynn said.
The girl laughed. Now that you remind me, I am
hungry!
The three went to the long picnic tables set up by
the crew. Wynn and Lonny took chairs, and NancyRae said, Hold a couple of seats for me. Ill be right
back with a surprise!
The boys looked at each other. Shes invited
someone to lunch, Wynn guessed. I wonder who it
is.
He glanced in the direction Nancy-Rae had
disappeared in and suddenly his face broke out in a
6

big smile. Lonny, look! Look whos coming!

Nancy-Rae was returning with a pretty blond girl
of medium height. She had a small tilted nose and a
lower lip that tended to stick out when she was
angry, but now she grinned.
Hi, fellows. Nice to see you again, she greeted
the boys.
Wynn and Lonny jumped up and hugged her.
Inky! How did you get here?
Nancy-Rae told me over the phone that youd be
in New York. I arrived a few days ago to visit my
aunt. Then I heard that shooting was starting today
so I came over for a look-see.
Ingrid Larsson had driven a Dodge Colt with
Nancy-Rae in GT Challenge and both girls had
timed many races for Wynn and Lonny. Now they
sat next to the boys and Inky said, Youre lucky to
land this job. If they need another driver, let me
know. Will you?
I thought you were visiting your aunt, Lonny
commented.
I am, but I dont have to stay forever!
The young people exchanged stories about their
recent adventures over a quick meal and coffee, then
returned to the set. Nancy-Rae rushed to change for
the next scene, where she had to double for the
passenger in a black Porsche.
Now the second and third contestants were
7

entering the racea van with an oversized gas tank

and the Porsche, which was driven by the only other
female stunt-driver on the set.
Inky studied the woman, then turned to the boys.
Do you know who she is?
Cheryl Simmons, Lonny said. Shes the stunt
coordinators girl friend. I saw her this morning,
trying to parallel park their rental car and she banged
the bumpers on both ends. Some driver.
The crowd hushed as the cameras began to roll.
The warehouse door opened again, and the van
blasted out just as the policeman was crawling out of
his car to examine the damage done by Nancy-Raes
motorcycle in the previous scene. As he opened his
door, the van approached and lifted it right off the
hinges!
The scene was cut as the crowd laughed loudly
another good take. Well dub the sound later, the
director said to Joe Ulmer, the sound coordinator.
Because theres no way to contain a crowd of this
size.
Now the cameras focused on the girls in the
Porsche and the slate appeared to designate the
scene and take number.
As the black car drove past the young people,
Lonny whispered to Inky, Listen to the damage
Cheryls doing to the clutch. Im glad Im not her
mechanic.
8

Shes going too fast, Inky replied softly.

Thats a rear-engined car and she should have held
the throttle until she had the wheels set in the turn

Watch out! Shes lost control! Wynn screamed

and shoved his friends to safety behind the camera
truck. They braced themselves for the crash and a
second later the Porsche hit the truck with a crunch.
The cameras fell over like dominoes and the
black car stopped against the curb with a crushed
camera under its nose. People screamed and tried to
get closer, but the police motioned them back from
the scene, attempting to clear the area.
Wynn, Lonny, and Inky breathed a sigh of relief
when Nancy-Rae jumped out of the disabled car,
obviously unhurt. Cheryl Simmons followed.
Luckily, she was not injured either. She stormed
over to Al Bonham, the stunt coordinator, and
shouted furiously, Whats wrong with that stupid
car? Tell those lame-brain mechanics that I want it
set up to turn instantly. That piece of junk has a foot
of slack in the wheel.
Bonham, a thick-shouldered burly man, cowered
under the fury of the outraged woman. He looked
worried as he tested the steering. It feels okay to
me, Cheryl, he said sheepishly. Maybe you just
overcooked it a little.
The director, who had hurried over, snorted. A
9

little! To the tune of about ten thousand dollars

worth of cameras. Get this mess straightened out,
Bonham. And dont get your heart in front of your
head when youre hiring people for my movie. The
script does not call for putting our heroine out of the
race in the first hundred yards. And you, Miss
Simmons, are fired!
Cheryl turned in anger, slapping Bonham in the
face. Then she stomped off the set and headed for
the hotel. The cameramen assured the director they
would be ready to roll again in thirty minutes and
began to reassemble their battered equipment.
Thats good, Nailer moaned. But first we need
a replacement for Cheryl. Well be at least a day
late!
Nancy-Rae, who overheard the remark, said, Mr.
Nailer, I know how we can avoid a delay in
shooting. My friend, Inky Larsson, could have done
that simple stunt blindfolded. She waved frantically
for Inky to come forward.
Thats right, Mr. Nailer, Wynn echoed. Inkys
a top racer!
Inky flushed, then gained her usual composure.
Let me have a shot at it, Mr. Nailer. I promise you
squealing wheels instead of squealing cameramen.
Nailer was taken aback by the young peoples
show of confidence. Well, I guess I can give you a
try. If youre anything like the red-headed dynamo
10

here He thought a moment and called the

wardrobe lady. Sally, get her an outfit and a black
wig. And, meanwhile, someone replace the
Porsches bent front wheels!
Fifteen minutes later Inky reappeared, properly
attired. She had a short conference with the director,
then coolly climbed into the repaired Porsche.
Nancy-Rae slid in next to her. Now I feel a lot
safer, the redhead said with a chuckle. Go ahead,
partner.
Dont worry, this is easy enough, Inky said and
turned the car at speed within inches of the chalk
mark the director had put on the pavement. The
scene was quickly run through, and Nailer beamed.
Wrap it up! he called out. When the girls
climbed out of the Porsche, he told them that the
shot would make a print.
Miss Larsson, are you free to work for us? he
asked Inky.
Ill be glad to, she replied, with a coy smile.
Good. Report to the production office at the
Holiday Inn and fill out the proper forms. Youre
hired as of fifteen minutes ago.
Some time later, as the four young people walked
to the hotel, the production manager caught up with
them. He had a message for the boys.
What is it? Wynn asked, surprised.
A large man with a deep scar on his left cheek
11

has been asking for you. Said he had a package to

deliver, but refused to leave it in the production
office.
So he just went away? Wynn asked. Well, I
told him youd be back at the hotel later.
Wynn thanked the man and turned to Lonny and
the girls, who were as puzzled as he was. When they
stepped into the revolving door of the Holiday Inn,
Lonny had another surprise. The same mousy little
man he had seen earlier stood across the street and
was watching the hotel!
Lonny pulled Wynn behind a large potted plant
and pointed to the spy. This time Wynn got a good
look.
You know, theres no filming for him to see
now, Lonny said.
This is starting to seem suspicious, Wynn
agreed. He has to be a plant. And what about the
man with the package?
Lonny shrugged and absent-mindedly watched
the girls disappear into the elevator. Come on, lets
get our key, he said and they went to the desk. The
clerk pointed to a man with his back to them.
That fellow has been waiting for you all
afternoon, he said.
The man had a shoe box, taped shut with black
electrical tape, under his arm. As the boys
approached him, he suddenly turned around. A long,
12

deep scar went from his left eye to his chin. He held
on to his package tightly.
Can we go to your room and talk privately? he
asked abruptly.
Sure, Wynn replied.
Scarface said nothing and they walked to the
elevator. Wynn glanced at Lonny and both felt
uncomfortable in the silent mans presence.
Upstairs, they asked him into their room and turned
to face him.
Before Wynn could speak, the stranger said, I
have a job for you. I want you to transport this box
to California. Your final destination is Long Beach,
where I have arranged for a pickup.
Now wait a minute, Wynn said. You want us
to take a box? Itll be weeks before we get to the
West Coast. Besides, whats in it that cant be sent
through the mail?
Oh, dont get me wrong, the man replied
defensively. It can travel by mail. I just dont trust
the post office. You see, I have no exact address.
Itll have to be picked up, and a package marked
General Delivery could easily be stolen. He
stammered a moment and added, You were highly
recommended to me.
By whom? Lonny questioned.
Never mind, the man said impatiently. Do you
want the job or not? Im busy and Ive waited long
13

enough. Its worth a hundred dollars each for you.

Wynn and Lonny exchanged confused glances.
The man hesitated, then added, An extra twentyfive apiece, but thats as high as I can go.
It isnt the money, Lonny said flatly. Why
should we be paid that well for carrying a box?
Whats the rub?
Wynn nodded. Actually, it is the money. Why
would you pay two hundred and fifty dollars to
transport something that could be mailed for less
than ten?
Lonny had a hunch. Open the box, he
suggested. Then well tell you if well carry it.
Scarface reluctantly unwrapped the box and held
out the contents. It was a small, insignificant pottery
figurea girl in a blue dress with a pink parasol!
Wynn shook his head. I dont know about you,
Lon, but I want no part of this.
Im with you. The whole thing smells like a
fish.
Scarface flushed with anger and clenched his
fists. You made me open the box when you had no
intention of accepting my offer!
Before they could ask him to leave, he advanced
toward the slighter Wynn, tossing the pottery figure
carelessly in a chair. His shoulders towered over the
boy as he reached inside his coat with one hand!
14

CHAPTER II

Tunnel Trap

Quickly Lonny stepped between Wynn and the

stranger. When faced with both boys, the man
removed his hand from his coat, turned abruptly,
and headed toward the door. Halfway there he
stopped, went back to retrieve the pottery figure,
then swung around to look at them one last time.
You will be very sorry that you forced me to
show you the contents of this box and then refused
my offer, he hissed. I strongly suggestif you
wish to remain in good healththat you never
mention our meeting to anyone!
He walked out and slammed the door. Wynn
checked the hall a few minutes later, but it was
empty.
Wow! Now that was one mean character, the
boy said. He seemed to be a lot more interested in
clobbering us than in protecting his statue. What do
15

you suppose we did to deserve him?

I have no idea, Lonny replied, but it wasnt a
friend who recommended us to a guy like that. You
know, we didnt even get his name.
I, for one, wont forget him, Wynn answered.
And Im no art expert, but that china doll didnt
come from King Tuts tomb.
Agreed. It looked more like the Five and Ten.
Maybe something more valuable was inside?
Who knows. Ill flip you for the first shower,
Wynn said, slapping the coin on his arm.
Early the next morning at the warehouse location,
the boys eagerly awaited their opportunity to drive
the beautiful sports cars that had been unloaded
from the haulers the day before. As the shooting got
under way, Wynn and Lonny raced a Cobra, a
Ferrari, and a Mercedes out the warehouse door.
They wore a collection of wigs and shirts as they
stood in for different actors.
Oh, Lonny, Wynn exclaimed, Ive never seen
so many exotic cars in one place before.
And were hopping in and out of them as if they
were musical chairs, Lonny added happily.
Hey, I see Cheryl over there. Obviously Nailer
didnt mean it when he said she was fired.
Maybe Bonham put in a good word for her,
Lonny surmised.
Soon it was time for the high-speed Ferrari
16

scenethe moment the boys had been waiting for.

After a careful road block was set up, they were to
drive through Manhattan in the bright-red car.
Lonny jumped in and breathed deeply. Smell that
leather. This is the ultimate. Sixty thousand dollars
worth of wheels.
Nailer gave Wynn instructions as the boys
buckled up. I dont want to use speeded-up film.
The action stuff should be absolutely real. No
fakery. Wynn nodded as Nailer added, Get into
position and wait for the hand mark before taking
off.
As they drove to the starting point, Wynn
chuckled. No fakery. Thats easy to say when
youre standing safely behind the cameras.
True. But you know what one of the prop men
told me this morning? Emerson Nailer was one of
the finest stunt men in the business. He once rolled a
car eleven times for a gangster film by setting off a
cannon of dynamite under the chassis.
Wow. Then I guess he knows what hes talking
about.
Lonny nodded. Hey, theres the mark.
A tall blond man had stepped in front of the
cameras, holding the slate that indicated which
scene was to be filmed. On the slate was a bar that
he slapped shut with a loud noise. The noise would
synchronize the sound with the visual action.
17

Wynn gunned the throttle, and the car burst to life

with twelve humming cylinders. The store
mannequins and pedestrians became mere blurs as
the boys sped past the cameras.
Wynn reached fifth gear, and the speedometer
needle hovered just under a hundred and twenty.
Lonny clapped his hands, indicating to Wynn over
the roar of the engine that they were to start slowing
down.
Wynn jammed on the brakes. Then he saw a
yellow taxi pulling around the road block ahead of
them. It grew larger and larger!
Look at that idiot! Wynn screamed, as he
released the locked brakes and reapplied. Suddenly
he grabbed the handbrake and the Ferrari spun three
hundred and sixty degrees to a stop. Wynn and
Lonny rocked in their seats, bumping against the
headrests, but the safety belts held firmly.
The cab lumbered by, and its elderly female
passenger shook her finger at what she thought were
dangerous speeders.
Boy, am I glad you havent forgotten that old
bootlegger technique. Lonny whistled through his
teeth as the smoking tires finally stopped turning.
The director ran up to them. Good work, Wynn.
Only lets run through it again. I want to experiment
with some different lenses and camera angles. He
signaled to the crew. Take two, and have the police
18

arrest the next guy who ignores that road block!

Oh, great! Wynn muttered when Nailer had
returned to the cameras.
Lets go, buddy. Remember this isnt like auto
racing, where you only get one shot at the checkered
flag.
Calling over his bullhorn the assistant director
instructed the security force to tighten up the road
block while the boys prepared for the second run.
When it was completed without incident, Nailers
spirits rose considerably.
Good scene, boys. You can take your lunch
break now.
Wynn and Lonny were starved. The tension of the
sporadic high-speed work was different from the
racing they were accustomed to. I hope they dont
mind if I take two portions, Wynn said as they
waited in line. I need to build up my lost adrenalin
supply.
No kidding, Lonny said. Now I understand the
feelings of the fellow at the circus who gets shot out
of the cannon. Getting shot out isnt half as bad as
waiting for it to go off!
Wynn laughed, then his attention focused on Al
Bonham. He was shouting at a little boy who had
been looking at one of the Cobras parked nearby
with its hood open. Als getting pretty rough with
that kid, Wynn remarked.
19

Bonham snatched the small figure off the ground

and shook it. Just then a strangely deep voice came
from the tiny person. Hey, take it easy, mister. I
wasnt hurting your car. This is the first time Ive
ever seen one of these four-two-sevens except in a
picture.
Thats no kid, Lonny noted. Thats a midget.
They walked over to Bonham.
Please, mister, the midget called to Lonny. I
know youre one of the stunt men. Tell this guy I
dont mean any harm. I built a model of a four-twoseven when I was a kid and it was a real thrill
You get your thrills elsewhere, freak. These
arent toys! When Bonham shoved the midget to
the ground, the small man retaliated by stamping his
foot on the stunt coordinators toe before running
behind Lonny.
The young man frowned at Bonham, who rubbed
his sore toe. Theres no harm in letting him look,
Al. Ill keep an eye on him if you feel its
necessary.
Bonham snorted and headed for the lunch line.
Dont forget whos running this show, Morris. If
anything happens to one of those cars, Im holding
you personally responsible!
Thanks, mister, the midget said cheerfully to
Lonny. Do you think you could hold me up for a
better look at the engine?
20

Lonny smiled and lifted the fellow, who seemed

like a child except for his deep voice and solid
muscular body. He looked about twenty years old.
Wow, this is the original high-rise manifold, like
Shelby used in the competition models, he said,
impressed.
Lonny set him down. You know a lot about
these cars, dont you?
Im a mechanic, and cars are my love in life,
the midget replied. My name is Hank Fairfax. He
held his small hand out to the boys for a brisk
handshake.
Wynn and Lonny introduced themselves and Inky
and Nancy-Rae, who ran up at that moment. Hey
fellows, Nancy-Rae called out, youd better get
something to eat before the chuck wagon shuts
down. Your next Ferrari scene in the traffic circle is
the first one to be filmed after the break.
Right, Wynn replied. Well see you later,
Hank. Stick around if you like, but I suggest you
stay out of Bonhams path.
The boys walked off, leaving Hank and the girls
talking to one another. Later in the day, Wynn and
Lonny went to warm up in the stunt trailer. The girls
joined them and held their hands in front of the
heater.
Hank Fairfax bounced up the steps. May I come
in? I see Grumpy isnt here.
21

Before they could reply, the midget sat down next

to Inky, his feet inches from the floor.
Are you part of the movie crew? Nancy-Rae
asked him.
No. I tried to get a job, but was told they needed
no extra help. But I want to stick around Hanks
voice trailed off.
Why? Wynn inquired.
If I told you, youd think I were crazy.
Try us, Wynn encouraged him.
I got a strange phone call, Hank began. A
woman advised me to accompany the Midnight
Rally film crew to California. She told me its
location in Manhattan.
And you have no idea who the woman was?
Lonny asked.
No. But she said it would be worth my while
because I might find out about a mystery involving
my mother.
Why? Is your mother part of the crew? Inky
asked.
No. My mothers dead.
Now Hank Wynn began, but the midget
interrupted him.
Let me tell you the whole story. You see, my
mother was a famous actress. I spent my early years
living out of a trunk, as they say in the business. He
gestured at the wardrobe trunks. Well, actually my
22

mom would have liked to keep me in a suitcase.

What do you mean by that? Nancy-Rae
interjected.
Oh, you know, he said without bitterness, it
doesnt do much for ones glamorous image to have
a boy who could never play any part bigger than
Shirley Temples kid brother. Mom wasnt unkind. I
dont mean that. She was just under a lot of pressure
to live up to the picture the studio painted of her.
Moms stage name was Dawn Shelly.
Dawn Shelly! Nancy-Rae exclaimed. My pop
thought she was the most gorgeous creature ever to
grace the silver screen. She sent him an autographed
photo that he kept on the mantel for years.
While the group discussed the pictures they had
seen featuring the beautiful Dawn Shelly, Hank
beamed with pride.
Then Inky broke their reverie. Her death was so
tragic, she said.
Yes, Hank said sadly. A boating accident. It
was ironic since she loved the water. From his
wallet, he took a photograph of himself and Dawn
Shelly in a canoe. My father took this. He died last
year, and I found out that he gambled away what
little my mother had left me. I promised my mother
Id never join the circus, although at times Ive been
tempted. Im a decent mechanic. Worked in a
foreign-car shop for three years when I was in
23

boarding school.
You could check the want ads, Hank. People
often want their cars driven to California, Inky
suggested.
One look at me, Inky, and theyd make some
crack about my not being able to reach the pedals.
When Inky tried to hide her embarrassment, Hank
merely smiled. Hey, dont worry about it. At least I
wont bump my head on a door.
Lonny, who liked the young man, said, I think
they underestimated how much trouble they would
have with this collection of delicate machinery.
Maybe we can talk them into hiring you if we
mention it to the production manager.
Hank was overjoyed at the suggestion.
But tell us about your mystery, Lonny said.
We didnt really get to the bottom of it.
You know as much as I do, Hank confessed.
Mom led a fascinating life, but I dont have a scrap
of information besides her monthly letter to me
while I was in school in New England. Actually, I
found out more by reading movie magazines.
The group was interrupted by a knock on the
door. The script girl said that Wynn and Lonny were
up next with a high-speed dodge through a
construction road-block.
Wynn got up and stretched. All in a days
work, he said. See you later.
24

Lonny took the drivers seat in a specially

constructed white Corvette. The car was designed to
break in half when the proper controls were
activated. The frame had been pre-sawed behind the
doors, and coil springs were compressed inside it.
Nailer gave Lonny last-minute instructions. He
pointed to a lever that removed a set of pins,
releasing the spring tension to pop the car in half.
Make sure you hit it at the right moment, the
director said. Ready?
Okay.
Nailer moved back and the white Corvette roared
from the warehouse.
Just dont hit that lever at the wrong time,
Wynn said. Dont pay me back for scaring the
daylights out of you in the Ferrari.
The Corvette headed toward a small, relatively
empty side street, where it was to meet its early
demise in an open manhole. As Lonny slid into the
construction scene, he said, This is it. Hold on,
buddy!
He activated the trick break-away lever.
Crash! The boys pulled their heads down
between their shoulders as the rear quarter of the car
tore off with a deafening noise.
Good grief, what a ride! Wynn muttered as they
slid along the pavement with nothing behind their
seats.
25

For comic relief, an actor ran up to them and

yelled, Hey, fella. There was a hole back there.
Didnt you see the hole?
The entire crew chuckled while the cameras
filmed the end of the sequence, a tow truck
removing the remains of the car.
I never thought I could laugh at seeing such a
nice piece of Detroit iron heading toward the dump,
Wynn said to Lonny.
I know what you mean, his friend agreed.
Theres the production manager. Lets ask him
about taking on Hank.
The production manager was unenthusiastic. He
was not convinced that the midget would be strong
enough for the job. Wynn and Lonny broke the bad
news to Hank, and took his phone number at the
YMCA in case the production manager should
change his mind. Hank, obviously used to
disappointments, shrugged. Thanks anyway, he
said. Youve been very helpful and kind to me.
The cast and crew were ordered to retire early,
since shooting would resume at 3:00 A.M. The
director had lined up the temporary use of the
Lincoln Tunnel before morning traffic would make
filming impossible.
Lonny was to drive a Cobra, equipped with a
nose camera, behind the red Ferrari as it wove in and
out of staged traffic.
26

In the early-morning darkness, the boys climbed

into their respective cars. After a long wait, the
camera was securely attached, and Wynn roared
away with Lonny close behind.
The tunnel walls flashed by as the two speeding
sports cars reeled in the other traffic as if it were
standing still. The New York police would allow
only one try at the scene, delaying the seemingly
sparse traffic that would soon back up into a jam.
Suddenly Wynns Ferrari sputtered to a stop.
Lonny parked behind him, shutting the camera
down. He leaped from the Cobra, ran to the Ferrari,
and lifted its hood.
Must have been electrics, Wynn called as he
climbed out. It shut off with no warning and no
indication on the gauges.
Oh, brother, Lonny wheezed as he looked
under the hood. This thing looks like an explosion
in a spaghetti factory. He went to work with his
pocket screwdriver, looking for a bad connection.
Then their troubles escalated. The camera crew
squealed to a stop beside the Cobra, blocking both
lanes of the tunnel.
Get that thing moving quick! the head
cameraman called. The road block has been let
down because youre supposed to be out of here by
now. You have about twenty seconds before youre
faced with a bunch of irritated drivers. He looked
27

over his shoulder. Here they come!

The camera truck went on and Wynn waved the
traffic to a stop. Instantly horns began to blare and
the noise rose to a deafening intensity. Carbon
monoxide burned Wynns and Lonnys noses and
throats.
Lonny bent over the twelve-cyclinder engine, his
hands going deftly over the parts. He pressed close
to the fender as impatient drivers swerved around
the sports cars. Suddenly Wynn cried, Lonny! Look
out!

28

CHAPTER III

Hanks Chance

Lonny glanced up from under the hood at Wynns

frantic call. A bus was bearing down on him, leaving
no room for him to stand beside the stalled car!
Quickly he leaped across the fender and into the
engine compartment while the bus rumbled past.
Wow! These arent what Id call ideal working
conditions, Lonny exclaimed as he extricated
himself and turned back to the motor, coughing as
he breathed the poisoned air in the tunnel.
Crank it over once, he called to Wynn.
Wynn slid back into the drivers seat without
opening the door and turned the starter. The engine
misfired twice, then sputtered to life, blowing out a
dense blue cloud.
Its running pretty rough, Lonny said, but it
should be enough to get us out of this jam. Later Ill
give the engine a thorough going over. He jumped
29

into his Cobra, turned the camera back on, and they
began to pick their way through the now real traffic.
Might as well get Nailer a bit of genuine
footage, Lonny thought. This is what traffic in
New York really looks like, sixty-thousand-dollar
Ferrari or Checker Cab.
At the end of the tunnel, the boys pulled into the
designated area and waited for the rest of the crew to
assemble. Nailer arrived on one of the boom trucks
and hopped down beside the Ferrari. He examined
the camera on Lonnys car.
I turned it off, Lonny offered, until we were
on the move again. I think I got some good stuff.
Good thinking. I was afraid you might have
forgotten to shut it down in the confusion and run
out of film on the way out. That was some levelheaded work in there, Lonny.
As Nailer walked off, Al Bonham came up to the
boys with a disgruntled expression on his face.
Okay, stunts. Youre not getting paid for being
grease monkeys. Lets get this show back on the
road. I have some ideas about the work this
afternoon and I want to see it done right. Get your
make-up on for the next scene. This work costs
twenty-five thousand a day.
The company moved to a tollgate for the next
segment of the filming, in which an actor would
miss his toss with a quarter and would search for the
30

lost coin under the car.

As Lonny disappeared into the make-up trailer,
Wynn asked Nailer if he had a moment.
Whats on your mind? the director asked.
Lonny and I discussed an idea last night, Mr.
Nailer. We believe that after two or three days work
with the actors on a race track, we could have them
doing all their own close-up work. That would add
to the authenticity and cut out the time lost making
up the stunt men to double. The stunt men could do
the dangerous driving and the high-speed chases,
where their identities cant be determined anyway.
A camera mounted on the front of the cars facing the
actors should capture the feeling of the race.
On a race track? Where are you going to find a
race track in New York City?
One of the best little road-racing facilities in the
country is in Lime Rock, Connecticut, just over an
hour from here.
Is that so? Well, Ill think about it, Nailer
mused.
Both Lonny and I have our instructor licenses
and we can guarantee driving improvement for
anyone willing to try.
During the lunch break the director tapped Wynn
on the shoulder. Ive discussed your idea with the
actors. Youre on, Wynn. Check with the bus driver
about a pick-up point for tomorrow. The production
31

manager will take care of the track rental.

Okay. Wed like to take along a mechanic we
know. Otherwise we have to do our own work,
which will cut down on the instruction time.
Go ahead.
Wynn and Lonny were excited about the idea. All
the actors had agreed to participate and the movie
cars would be delivered to Lime Rock early the next
day.
That evening Wynn called Hank Fairfax. We
have a job for you. Its only temporary, but its a
beginning. What do you say?
Wynn, Ill do anything. Thanks a million!
Next morning Hank arrived with a small tool box
in his right hand and a duffle bag under his left arm.
When they reached the track, they were surprised to
see Emerson Nailer.
I sent the second unit out to do the shooting this
morning, the director explained, so I could take a
look at your schooling. Who knows, maybe Ill learn
something.
The cars were unloaded, with Hank running from
one to the other and making a quick check of each
engine. Nailer chuckled as he watched the midget
taking a stool from his tool chest and unfolding it so
he could stand on it while he worked. When the
Cobra was rolled up, Nailers chuckle became a loud
guffaw as Hank climbed into the engine
32

compartment and sat on the radiator while he

checked the spark plugs. At first Wynn and Lonny
feared the midget might be hurt by the laughter, but
they found that Hank was something of a clown at
heart and enjoyed the attention.
Finally all the cars roared to life, and the actors
climbed in. One group followed Wynn, another went
with Lonny. The young instructors showed them the
proper lines through various turns, while Hank was
stationed on a difficult corner to signal how close to
the markers each driver could place his wheels.
After a few laps they returned to the pit area for a
brief lecture session.
As you can see, Wynn said, it is easier to
choose the proper line, or quickest way through a
turn, when youre not worried about traffic from the
other direction. This is how the race track differs
from the public road. But the same technique can be
modified for fast and efficient highway driving.
There is more space than the width of a car between
the center line and the edge of the road, and all of it
should be utilized.
The boys took the actors for a hair-raising run,
one at a time.
I now have a healthy respect for racing drivers,
Sam Dunning, the lead actor, said as he climbed out
of Wynns Ferrari with wobbling knees. They have
to think fast all the time, not just in an emergency.
33

As they prepared for the next run, Hank walked

up, wearing a helmet. The director laughed again.
Im sorry, Hank, he said. But I cant help myself.
With that helmet on
I look like a lollipop! Hank said cheerfully.
Right, thats it.
Wynn turned to Lonny and whispered, Hank
really tickles Nailers fancy. Maybe its like having
your own court jester.
Lonny nodded. And it doesnt bother Hank at
all, knowing hes amusing people. It cant hurt to
put in a good word for him now. Hes a little
dynamo when it comes to servicing cars.
The boys walked over to Nailer and spoke out of
Hanks earshot as the midget checked the tire
pressures before the next run.
Mr. Nailer, Wynn said, couldnt we take Hank
to California with us? Hes a crackerjack mechanic
and our experience in the tunnel was a sign these
cars need more preventive maintenance.
Nailer looked thoughtful for a moment, then
chuckled again. Good idea. Ill even use him in the
film, with his folding stool, working on an engine.
Hed make a great comic. Tell him to report to the
location on Monday.
Sure, and thanks.
Okay. Now Id better get back to New York. See
you later.
34

When Nailer had left, Wynn told Hank the good

news. I hope it wont bother you if Nailer wants to
use you in the movie, he concluded.
Not at all, Hank grinned. You have to
remember I didnt shrink up yesterday. If youre tall,
you learn to use your height. Same thing if youre a
shortie. Im grateful to you for giving me a chance
to come along. He paused a moment. Maybe I can
find out about my mother now.
In the hotel lounge that evening, the actors talked
excitedly about their adventures on the race track.
The noise was fantastic and the vibration
unbelievable, Sam Dunning reported.
Actually, I was scared, admitted Abigale
Lennon, the female star.
Sam laughed. Youll get used to it, Abby. And I
have to admit, you looked stunning in that Cobra.
Abigales eight-year-old son, Roddy, pouted.
Why couldnt I come? I wanted to race too!
Hey, this was serious driving out there, Sam
told him. No kid stuff.
Roddy stuck out his tongue at Sam, and Abigale
frowned. Time for you to go to bed, Roddy. Hurry
up!
Still pouting, the boy slunk off just as Nancy-Rae
and Inky arrived to pick up the boys to go to dinner.
At the table, Inky unfolded a newspaper.
I found an interesting item here, she
35

announced. A camper needs to be driven to the

West Coast. You fellows could sleep in it and save
your motel money for next summers racing.
Great idea! Wynn said enthusiastically. Lets
find out if theyll give us the job.
I already called, Nancy-Rae revealed. The
owner has been transferred and has to fly out right
away. His wife is expecting and doesnt want to
make the long road trip.
Do you think Nailer would object? Lonny
asked.
Well have to talk to him, Wynn said. But I
dont see why he should mind. Lots of people have
their own trailers and this will just be one more in
the caravan.
The director gave his permission, and the boys
picked up the camper on Monday morning before
the company started for the new location in southern
Ohio. The film convoy consisted of fifteen vehicles,
including make-up wagons, dressing rooms, car
haulers, and busloads of actors and workers.
With Hank in the camper with them, the four
friends bade the congested city good-by and headed
out into the countryside. By late evening the convoy
was inching along the road to its destination, a large
farm in a rural area of Ohio state. The roadside was
spotted with buggies and wagons of Mennonite
farmers, who still used only horse-drawn vehicles.
36

Lonny wheeled the camper into a large field.

We can resume our drivers training here, he
said to Wynn. Do you recognize the landscape?
Sure do. The Mid-Ohio track is only a few miles
from here.
Thats one of my favorite racing courses, Inky
spoke up. Remember all the fun we had there?
The boys nodded and she went on, I hope you
enjoy the camper. Well have to go to a motel with
the rest of the crew. See you later!
As the girls jumped out of the camper, two
trailers pulled alongside. One belonged to Joe
Ulmer, the sound mixer, and the other to the still
photographer, Harry Remsen.
Remsen had a darkroom aboard, and after they
chatted with him for a while, he showed them his
facility.
Very neat, Lonny commented. But what are
the still photos for?
For advertising. We need a good deal of still
work when the film is released, the man replied.
When they stepped out of Remsens trailer, Joe
Ulmer called, The bus will come for us at seven
and take us to the motel in Mansfield, where the rest
of the people are staying. Well be treated to dinner
by the company!
That sounds good, Wynn said. Whats the
occasion?
37

The first rushes have arrived from Hollywood

all the film shot in New York. Tonight you can see
yourselves on screen.
Later that evening, the group sat down in the
small viewing room. The rushes began with blinding
action in total silence. Ulmer explained that the
sound would be recorded separately and dubbed.
Often we have twenty different sound tracks
overlaid at once, he said. It will be carefully
controlled with background music.
The action was fast and furious, so that none of
the stunt drivers doubling for the actors could be
recognized. Nancy-Rae got the biggest hand for her
motorcycle act.
Good work! Harry Remsen said. Im going to
make sure from now on that I dont get in your way
while you have a set of wheels under you.
Early the next morning, when the vehicles were
being prepared for the days shooting, the large van
developed an engine miss. Hank unfolded his stool
and climbed up to look into the compartment. As he
was checking the wiring, a loud blast from the horn
caused him to lift his head and bang it on the engine
cover.
Hank regained his balance and looked through the
crack into the drivers seat. The culprit was Roddy
Lennon, who giggled loudly. Hank looked around
and noticed that people seemed to be amused by the
38

prank.
That little demon, Hank muttered, then called
out loudly, Somebody please get that child out of
there. If he accidentally turns on the switch, I could
get a terrible jolt.
Too late Hank realized that he should not have
given the mischievous boy any ideas. Ohhhh! he
screamed, his right hand stinging from the electric
shock.
Hank stepped down, only to find that his stool
had been removed. He fell to the ground, while his
toolbox spilled over.
Abigale Lennon ran from her dressing room and
swung the van door open.
Honey, now get down, she scolded Roddy.
This van isnt a plaything.
She dragged the kicking boy from the vehicle and
walked toward the front of the van. Roddy, I want
you to apologize to the man
Just then Abigale saw Hanks inert body, face
down, with his tools scattered around on the ground,
and let out a terrified scream!

39

CHAPTER IV

Billboard Bump

Roddy, look what youve done to the poor thing!

Abigale wailed.
Hank was completely still, his breathing hardly
detectable. Roddy looked frightened and reached
down to touch the midget. Instantly Hank sprang to
life! Roddy jerked back and bumped his head on the
radiator.
To the amazement of onlookers, Hank merely
gathered his tools cheerfully and went on about his
work. Roddy had a temper tantrum, then
disappeared, sobbing, into his mothers dressing
room.
Inky shook her head in disgust. We have a
spoiled brat in our midst. He should at least have
been scolded for that stunt.
The lovely leading lady, however, ignored her
sons antics. She was already concentrating on her
40

image in a mirror while the hairdresser added the

finishing touches to her beautiful long hair.
The cast gathered around the camera to watch the
rehearsal of a close-up scene starring Abigale. She
played the leader of the girl racing team whose
Porsche had developed car trouble along the way,
but she knew nothing about the mechanics of an
automobile.
She was supposed to open the trunk and stare in
helpless confusion at the various tools.
She lifted the lid, but instead of looking confused,
she let out a piercing scream! A small figure in a
genie costume sprang out of the trunk!
Wynn poked Lonny in the ribs and chuckled.
Hank! He thought of a trick to get even!
Hank bowed graciously to the startled actress and
recited in a clear voice, Teeny weeny genie at your
service, madam! He held a wrench in one hand and
a screw driver in the other.
With a grin, he burst into song:
I am a teeny weeny genie.
Folks call me little two-by-two.
Im just a pocket-sized Houdini,
Ill take your wish and make it come true.
Everyone enjoyed Hanks stunt and clapped
loudly. To the boys surprise, the director was not at
41

all annoyed by this interruption of the rehearsal.

Print it! he shouted.
The cameraman laughed. We didnt have a
camera on it.
Why not? Why not? Nailer repeated, confused.
He had been so caught up in Hanks performance,
he had forgotten this was not a take.
Can we have an official rerun, Hank? A
mechanical genie. Fantastic. The girls have a secret
weapon.
Wynn punched Lonny in the arm. Our pal just
started his acting career.
As the scene was replayed for the camera, Inky
said to Nancy-Rae, I dont recall that a pout was in
Abigales acting instructions.
Youre so right. Nancy-Rae giggled. Our
femme fatale doesnt like being upstaged!
After the lunch break, the crew moved to a
location on a highway outside Mansfield. During the
morning shooting, a carpentry crew had constructed
a special billboard reading: Next time, take the train.
A large locomotive was painted in the center. This
was to be the scene of Nancy-Raes next stunt.
Heres the setup, the director explained. Our
mad motorcyclist has ridden into a swarm of bugs.
The goo completely coats his visor and he veers off
the road, blinded.
The actor that Nancy-Rae doubled for was towed
42

on a cycle mounted behind the camera car. To all

appearances he was riding under his own steam
when the special-effects crew released a blast of
yellow paper butterflies from a cannon on the back
of their truck. His helmet visor, pre-coated with
petroleum jelly, instantly sealed over with bugs. The
cameras stopped and Nailer pointed to Nancy-Rae.
Heres where you come in. Explain it to her,
Bonham, while I talk to Tom over there. Nailer
walked off to confer with the cameraman.
Bonham showed Nancy-Rae the drawings of the
proposed stunt. The billboard was designed with a
breakaway area, he said. Directly behind the
headlight on the painted locomotive is a thin spot in
the wood. If your cycle hits precisely at that point,
itll crash through easily.
Nancy-Rae looked doubtful, and he went on,
Now you may be wondering how you get up that
high.
The girl nodded, and Rob Sardo, the oldest of the
stunt men and a former Grand Prix driver spoke up.
She may be wondering how shell avoid breaking
her neck!
Just what do you mean? Bonham retorted.
That little girl hasnt got enough weight to break
through that board. This setup might work for a two
hundred pound man on a six hundred pound bike.
Sounds like our used-up racer is bucking for
43

another stretch in the unemployment line, Bonham

snapped.
Sardo shook his head in disgust, and Nancy-Rae
began to look worried.
Okay, she said, what gets me up there?
You leave the main road, Bonham went on,
and head down the dirt here at exactly thirty miles
an hour. You pass a pickup truck that belongs to two
workers who are painting the sign. They will be
played by Wynn and Lonny, and their truck will
have a ramp made of two wooden planks. You hit
the ramp, go up over the truck, into the air, and
through the board. Simple as that.
Nancy-Rae gulped audibly.
Come on, Al, quit acting like such a he-man,
another crew member inserted. Tell her about the
cable. She isnt a kamikaze pilot.
Oh, yes, the cable. Bonham retrieved a leather
strap from the wardrobe man, equipped with a giant
silver hook. Put this under your leathers, he told
Nancy-Rae. The actions too fast for the hook on
your backside to be seen. The cable will keep your
body from hitting the billboard. Its length is
measured exactly so it will yank you from the bike
inches before your body would smash into the
wood.
Inky was visibly worried about her friend. I have
a bad feeling about this, she said to Nancy-Rae.
44

Its something I wouldnt be eager to do.

Wynn nodded as he and Lonny, clad in white
overalls, put their ladders in place. They were
standing so that the cyclist would smash into the
sign between them, then they would run to his aid.
Heres hoping you fellows will be just acting
when you climb down to check my condition,
Nancy-Rae remarked bravely, but her friends
noticed a slight tremor in her voice.
She leaped on her Kawasaki road bike, one of
seven carried by the company. Because of the
excessive danger of the stunts, more motorcycles
were needed than cars. The heavy bike performed
well on the highway, but the light girl immediately
felt the difficulty of holding her speed on the uneven
dirt as she warmed up the motor.
Look at that thing fishtail, Lonny said to Wynn.
Those slick highway tires were never meant to hold
to rough surfaces.
Nancy-Rae made several practice runs, checking
her speedometer to see that she went precisely thirty
miles an hour. Each time she raced toward the
makeshift ramp, Inky resisted the impulse to cover
her eyes.
Finally Nancy-Rae raised her hand, signaling to
the director that she was ready. He waved back, then
instructed the cameramen to begin the take.
The engine responded under her hand throttle,
45

and Nancy-Rae felt her body stiffen. She reached

behind her one last time to make sure that the
snatch-away cable was properly attached to her back
hook. I feel like a puppet on a string, she thought.
She shook her arms and legs until they relaxed
properly for her takeoff. Dropping the bike in gear,
she charged down the dirt road. Just before she
reached the ramp, she glanced one last time at the
speed. Thirty miles an hour. She hit the ramp, and
seconds later flew into the air. The engine roared as
the bike lost contact with the ramp. Then the front
wheel hit the sign with a loud splintering sound.
Nancy-Rae felt a jolt from behind as the body
cable stretched taut. The onlookers saw her hands
leave the handlebars before she fell to the ground
below into a softened dirt-covered pit, cushioned
with cardboard boxes. The girl cried out when a
sharp pain pierced her neck, then everything went
dark!
The ladders fell on cue, dropping Wynn and
Lonny to the ground. They scrambled over to the
fallen rider as planned.
Hey mister, are you okay? Wynn called.
Cut! Print it. Perfect, Nailer called. The
bystanders clapped. But something was wrong.
Nancy-Rae did not move!
Get a doctor. Quick! Wynn screamed.
The first-aid man arrived on the scene and
46

stooped beside the fallen girl. However, before he

had a chance to open his bag, Nancy-Rae slowly sat
up. She rubbed the back of her neck and undid her
heavy helmet, pulling it off slowly.
Oh, thank heavens, Inky blurted when she saw
her friend peeling off her black mustache. The
others crowded around her and Rob Sardo cried out,
I hope youre satisfied, Bonham!
What are you talking about? the stunt
coordinator retorted. Everything went perfectly.
I mean the extra jolt when she hit the board. She
was supposed to be on her way off before that! And
look at the thickness of this wood! Sardo held up a
piece of the broken plank. A breakaway board
should be paper thin!
Enough, enough, Nailer inserted. You guys
take your argument elsewhere. Im more than
satisfied with the results. Lets pack up and leave for
the next location.
Bonham shrugged at Sardo, and Nailer walked
off. Meanwhile, Wynn and Lonny helped NancyRae to her feet. She moaned in pain.
Well, what do you have to say about it,
Bonham? Wynn insisted. Why was the billboard
built so heavy?
Look, Redford, and all of you so-called stunt
men. If you havent got the guts, then get out now.
Stunt work is tough and you take a lot of falls that
47

hurt. Every man in this business has broken bones.

And they bellyache every time they get a scratch.
Just take it from me, Nancy-Rae is lucky. This is
just the beginning!
That night Nancy-Raes friends bought her a
well-earned steak. I should be paying for the
dinner, she declared. Mr. Nailer gave me a twohundred-dollar bump.
A bump? Hank asked. Youve got one
alreadyon your head!
Nancy-Rae laughed. Thats the stunt term for a
bonus given for an extra-dangerous feat.
You know, Inky said, weve been so caught
up in the film-making that we havent had any time
to devote to Hanks mystery.
Thats right, Wynn said. Hank, have you had
any clues since youve been with the film company
what the strange caller could have meant?
Hank shook his head. None.
And theres another unexplained event, Lonny
spoke up. We still dont know why Scarface
wanted us to transport his package! He told Hank
about the pottery figure.
Maybe theres a connection, Inky offered,
between Scarfaces package and Hanks strange
phone call.
I wish we could do something, Nancy-Rae said.
Something that would bring the mystery out into
48

the open.
Everyone was silent for a while, then Inky said,
Hank, do you object to peoples knowing that
Dawn Shelly was your mother?
Hank shrugged. No. Why should I?
Then lets spread the word around. Maybe we
can get a reaction of some kind, or a clue.
Next day, when the cast and crew sat down for
lunch, Inky said, Youll never believe what I found
out last night.
Everyone at the table perked up. What? Cheryl
Simmons asked, looking at Inky suspiciously. She
disliked the blond stunt driver.
Our friend Hank, Inky went on, is no
newcomer to the movies.
No kidding. Al Bonham sneered. What films
has he appeared in?
Hes not an actor. Hes the son of one of the
most famous leading ladies in Hollywood.
Who? Come on, Inky, tell us, Abigale Lennon
pleaded, handing her cup to Cheryl, who was
pouring coffee.
Dawn Shelly! Inky said.
The next moment Abigale screamed. Cheryl had
dropped the coffee pot right in front of her! Abigale
scrambled to her feet, dripping wet.
IIm sorry, Cheryl stammered. It slipped out
of my hand.
49

Ill go change, Abigale said angrily and left the

table. Luckily the coffee was not very hot and did
not burn her.
Inky and her friends watched everyone closely.
People at the table were astonished, and looked
doubtfully at Hank. Only Joe Ulmer, the sound man,
sat motionless, his face unusually pale. He stared
intently in the direction of his trailer.

50

CHAPTER V

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

I thought you might be surprised, Inky said,

looking at Cheryl and Ulmer. What was it that
shocked you so, the mention of Dawn Shellys
name?
Cheryl had regained her composure. The
surprise was that she had a son. Dawn never
mentioned one, much less a midget son. Are you
sure hes telling the truth?
Inky ignored her question. So you knew Dawn?
Of course I did. Almost everyone in Hollywood
knew her. I stood in for her in westerns. She was
terrified of horses.
Thats true, Hank agreed. My mother never
got over a fear of horses after a runaway threw her
as a child. She cut her forehead on a fence post and
thought she might be disfigured for life.
Cheryl looked puzzled. Maybe he really is her
51

son. Dawn had a scar on her forehead and insisted

that her hair be styled to cover it.
What about you, Joe? Lonny asked Ulmer.
Did Dawn ever tell you about her son?
I didnt say I knew Dawn, Ulmer snapped. I
saw her on camera a few times, but she never had
the time of day for me. She didnt bother with
anyone but the stars.
Later, in the camper, the young people reviewed
the results of Inkys name dropping. Im not sure
what weve proven, she sighed, except that Cheryl
overreacted and Ulmer seemed shocked by the
announcement.
What do you think, Hank? Nancy-Rae
questioned.
Something struck me as strange, Hank replied.
Joe Ulmer indicated that Mom was unkind to the
crew. But she had a reputation for being one of the
friendliest, down-to-earth actresses in Hollywood. It
was reported that she never started a days work
without saying a few words to every worker, no
matter how insignificant his job.
Maybe Ulmer is a hard man to be nice to, Inky
said. But he never seemed like a grump before, not
until we mentioned your mom.
After two sessions on the Mid-Ohio track netted
the hoped-for results, the film company was on the
road again. The actors felt comfortable at high
52

speed, indicating that they would be able to handle

close-up dialogue scenes while driving. But Wynn
and Lonny noticed that Bonham grew increasingly
irritable when his stunt crew remained idle.
So you cut Cheryl out of a job, and now youre
after mine, he hissed at Lonny. But you wont
succeed! He walked off quickly before Lonny had
a chance to comment.
The next location was a gas station in Springfield,
Illinois, where a large crowd had gathered to watch
Abigale Lennon do a close-up take. Her make-up
carefully done, the young mother was quite beautiful
in the drivers seat of the open car. Her partner for
the trip, a small brunette, looked plain in
comparison.
The hairdresser made an adjustment on Abigales
already perfect coiffure, and Nancy-Rae quipped,
After traveling over a thousand miles in an open
car, she, of course, shouldnt have a strand of hair
out of place.
Okay, the director said impatiently. This is a
race, Abigale, not a fashion show. Smash a bug on
her face and lets get this scene shot.
A frown appeared on her beautiful face as the
make-up man quickly attached an imitation beetle to
her cheek.
Roll it! Nailer directed as the make-up man
backed away.
53

Abigale began her dialogue with the gas-station

attendant in a clear, high-pitched voice.
Sir, please hurry, she fluttered. Im being
pursued by a tall, ugly man with a mustache and I
must
She stopped abruptly when a balloon fluttered in
front of her face, painted to look like her co-star,
Sam Dunning, who was the evil man with the
mustache she had mentioned.
Cut it! Throw it away! Nailer called angrily.
And get that thing out of here. Whose brilliant idea
of a joke is this?
Dunning jumped up from his chair and took the
captured balloon from the script girl. From the
corner of his eye he noticed a small figure dodging
behind the gas pump.
Grab him! he shouted. Theres the culprit!
The attendant appeared with a kicking, screaming
boyRoddy.
So this is your art work? Dunning snorted.
Then he realized that the entire crew was amused by
the prank; even Nailer had started to laugh.
I thought this was a serious business, Dunning
said, slightly miffed.
Whats the matter, Sam? Abigale chuckled.
Cant you take a little comic relief? Then she
chased Roddy away as Nailer directed the crew to
move back into their original positions. Well run
54

through this once again from the start, he said, but

everyone was still laughing.
Mr. Nailers the tiger in Abigales tank, Hank
joked.
Nailer realized that everyone was looking at his
back side. He reached around to feel a tail that had
been secretly attached to his slacks. When he pulled
it off, there was a loud tearing noise. He had
inadvertently ripped the bottom of his pants!
Everyone roared, and the furious director quickly
sat down in his chair, ordering the wardrobe lady to
bring him an overcoat.
Finally the laughter subsided and Abigale asked
Wynn and Lonny to watch Roddy until her scene
was finished. The shooting resumed while the boys
held the mischievous child captive in the stunt
trailer.
After a while, his mother appeared at the door.
You are going back to the motel room! She
scolded the still-pouting Roddy. And you are
staying there until you learn to behave like a
gentleman. If Id known you would act like this, I
would have left you in military school!
No, no! Roddy screamed, and for a moment,
Wynn and Lonny felt sorry for the seemingly
unwanted child.
Abigale thanked the boys for their help and they
excused themselves to prepare for the next scene.
55

This would be the most elaborate crash sequence in

the script. The special-effects crew had been
working at a used-car lot near the station all
morning, setting up a series of collapsing poles and
special glass windows, with Al Bonham directing
the construction work.
When the company arrived at the site, Bonham
called a meeting. The scene would require the most
difficult group coordination of the film, involving
the entire male stunt crew. One of the movie
characters, a young man called Jos, was delivering
a Rolls Royce from New York to the West Coast.
He was racing in the Midnight Rally unbeknownst to
the cars owner.
Joss girl friend, terrified of his erratic driving,
would grab him in a traffic jam, causing him to lose
control of the Rolls, which would result in comic
destruction in the used-car lot. Only the Rolls Royce
would escape undamaged.
All the stunt men were in position. Lonny sat in a
garbage truck. He had to dodge a broken light pole,
which was carefully constructed with hinges at
strategic places. Wynn was ready in a station wagon.
He would crash into another pole, especially rigged
to crush the entire roof of the dealership.
Okay, Bonham told Wynn, leaning into the
wagons window. This pole has to be hit dead
center for the structure to collapse. Sardo over there
56

plays a salesman demonstrating a Mustang. When

he crashes through the dealership window, start your
run for the post. And hit it hard!
The cameras were focused from five different
points as the Rolls approached. The scene was a
one-shot sequence, destroying seven cars on the lot
in less than a minute, and no mistakes could be
tolerated.
Wynn watched the bedlam as the Rolls entered
the lot. Lonny jumped into the back of his garbage
truck, a Volkswagen hit the lightpole, and it went
over on unseen hinges while the Rolls slipped by
underneath. The pole hit the garbage truck, shoving
it into three cars, that, in turn, skidded out onto the
sidewalk.
Sardo threw his Mustang into reverse when the
Rolls passed, crashing into a new car inside the
glass-enclosed showroom. Wynn heard the tinkle of
glass and moved his heavy station wagon. He revved
the engine, popped it into drive, and bore down on
the post. He hit dead center and the pole swung out
of place. Wynn dived in front of the seat, as planned,
to escape the falling roof.
He lay curled up for what seemed an eternity.
What was wrong? Why was there no noise? He
glanced up and saw that the roof was still intact.
Oh, no. I blew it! he said aloud.
Bonhams angry face appeared at the window.
57

Youre not kidding you blew it! Look at that pole!

Confused, Wynn sat up in the seat. The post he
had hit had swung back into place and the roof had
not collapsed.
But I hit it, dead center, as you instructed!
Wynn said and climbed out of the car.
Nailer rushed over, furious. I dont believe it!
he shouted. The most dramatic scene of the movie
and it turns into a dud!
Bonham jumped between Wynn and the director.
I gave him the proper instructions. He completely
missed one of the posts.
One of the posts! You told me to hit the one at
the end! Wynn defended himself.
You idiot! Do you think that removal of one
lousy post would be enough? Bonham snorted.
Nailers temper exploded. I dont care! he
screamed. One post, two posts. Look at this mess.
Seven wrecked cars to film this scene, seven cars!
And its a write-off. This thirty-second production
cost Waller Motion Pictures twenty thousand
dollars, Redford, and you ruined it!

58

CHAPTER VI

Hot Pops Fireworks

Nailer walked away, shaking his head in disgust.

Come on Bonham, Wynn insisted angrily.
You know you said to hit one post. Theres nothing
wrong with my ears!
Theres something wrong with your throttle foot.
You just didnt hit it hard enough. You chickened
out and let up!
Wynn turned to the other stunt men to verify that
Bonham had given incorrect instructions, but
realized they had already been in position when the
stunt coordinator had spoken to him.
The head cameraman walked up to Bonham. I
can salvage this mess. He opened his script to the
scene page. Well cut to the interior of the
dealership, then back to the outside shot. We can
easily have the editors splice a rerun of the final
scene.
59

You mean it can be saved? Wynn questioned

hopefully.
Sure. All we have to do is change the camera
locations. Well film the undented side of your car
and let you take another run at the posts.
Hmph! Bonham grumbled. This time it better
be good!
Within minutes the scene was ready for restaging.
Wynn revved the engine as before, and concentrated
on the two designated supports. When given the
signal, he aimed for both poles with his station
wagon. After impact he hit the floor, then heard the
crash of the dealership roof on his car. Wynn
breathed a sigh of relief. He stayed in his position
through an eternity of crunching wood and metal,
listening for the word cut. Suddenly there was loud
applause and laughter from the crowd. When Wynn
peered out, he saw Nailers face at the window.
Its a print! the director confirmed.
Wynn crawled out of the wagon to survey the
wreckage. Wow! he exclaimed, looking at the
twisted metal. I did all this!
What a mess, Nailer said. What a beautiful
mess! He slapped Wynn on the back. Pack it up,
and were on our way to the Ozarks.
Early next morning, the four friends and Hank
started on the trek to Missouri and Arkansas ahead
of the film company. They wanted to get a leisurely
60

look at the beautiful mountains and clear lakes that

would serve as a background for the next segment of
the movie.
At noon they stopped and had a picnic lunch, then
took a short walk through the woods. The
hardwoods still clung to a few orange leaves, while
the forest floor was a map of color. The day was
sunny, melting icicles that hung on the roadside
rocks.
Lets listen to the C.B. Hank brought along
before we get into the high mountains, Inky,
Nancy-Rae suggested when they returned to their
camper, and see if theres going to be ice up ahead.
We may have to let down the tires a bit for traction.
Turn to channel eleven, Hank instructed and
jumped up beside the girl. AFD-three-seven-twofive, Tiny Tim calling Snow Goose, he said into the
microphone.
When Snow Goose had acknowledged the call,
Hank instructed Inky to switch to Channel 10.
Eleven is only used for making contact, he
explained. Then you have to go on ten to talk so
eleven can be kept open for emergency calls.
Again he spoke into the microphone. What is the
ten-thirteen for Route seven?
A voice sputtered in reply, Whats your tentwenty, Tiny Tim?
Hank looked at the road map in Inkys lap. Forty
61

miles north of Jasper on Route sixty-five.

Ten-thirteen clear and forty degrees, was the
reply.
Ten-four, Snow Goose, eighty-eights, Hank
said.
Inky started to turn off the C.B., but Hank
grabbed her arm. Hold on, I just heard something
strange.
Inky turned up the volume. Through the
interference, a few words broadcast by a man with a
high-pitched voice were discernible: Take two and
roll emfollow in plain brown wrappershut the
door The rest was static.
Take two and roll em is movie language,
Inky said, puzzled.
Hank nodded. And plain brown wrapper and
shut the door is C.B. lingo, indicating that hes
bottled up by an unmarked car.
Do you think someone is watching the movie
company? Wynn asked.
Quite possible, Hank replied. You see, many
people listen in to C.B. conversations. If the man
who was talking and his partner have something to
hide, they might have devised a code for themselves
that is unintelligible to an outsider.
Now weve got three mysteries on our hands,
Wynn declared. Maybe someone is watching a
particular person. But who?
62

Lets leave the C.B. on whenever we are in the

camper and have a chance to listen, Inky suggested.
Maybe we can pick up some more.
Hank nodded. Good idea.
But no more was broadcast. They arrived at Fort
Smith, where the film company had bought a small
building marked Hot Pops Fireworks. One by one,
the trailers and buses drove up and gathered around
the building, which was to be destroyed in the next
scene.
Neighboring shopkeepers were nervously wetting
their outside walls with hoses, although Nailer had
assured them that there was no danger.
The director addressed the crew. As you know
from the script, the van with the oversized gas tank
will be destroyed in this building. A stray muffler
coupled with a carelessly tossed cigar will puncture
the tank and ignite the spilling fuel, leaving the van
with a flaming tail.
Whos driving the van? Inky whispered to
Nancy-Rae. I dont have my call sheet.
Bonham himself, Nancy-Rae replied.
The van will go out of control, Nailer
continued, and crash into the fireworks stand.
Thatll be quite a scene, Wynn said with a
chuckle.
Right, Nailer agreed. And its to be shot in
sequence. We will cut after the crash and then wire
63

the explosives. The building will contain buckets of

gasoline in addition to the fireworks that will be
detonated electrically by the special-effects crew. To
all appearances, the fireworks will have gone off on
impact.
Thats where you and Lonny come in, Al
Bonham said to Wynn. Ill crash the van, but I
want you two inside the building when the fireworks
go off. Make a run for it at the last possible
moment.
It figures, Lonny muttered to Wynn. Al took
the fun part and left the danger to us.
After Bonham successfully drove the van through
the front of the building, leaving only the rear
quarter exposed, the special-effects men began to set
up the fireworks and gasoline. They explained the
apparatus to the boys and showed them the wiring
connecting the gasoline to their electrical detonator.
Then Wynn and Lonny went inside for a practice
run. They dashed out of the building and past the
cameras.
Okay, thats fine, Nailer called out. Now lets
see if your speed picks up with your coattails on
fire.
They returned to the building for the take, setting
a stopwatch coordinated with that of the specialeffects crew. As they waited, surrounded by
fireworks and gasoline, Wynn asked, Did you ever
64

feel like you were sitting on a powder keg? He

looked nervously at the stopwatch that was ticking
down the final seconds before their run to safety.
Lonny nodded. Thirty seconds to go. Suddenly
he stiffened. Wynn! Look at that wire. It wasnt
there during rehearsal! An extra piece of wire had
been attached to the gasoline buckets. It led out the
back of the building, in the opposite direction from
the special-effects setup.
Simultaneously the boys dived under the wrecked
van. Press your palms to your ears and hide your
eyes. Wynn grunted.
The next instant they heard the explosives go off.
The ground shook under their bodies, and dirt broke
away from underneath the van as the noise reached a
deafening level. Lonny opened his eyes to see the
gasoline flames starting to lap at the inside wall of
the wooden structure.
Lets get out of here fast! In another minute the
heat will fry us alive!
Yeah, and this van still has some gas left in its
tank!
The two boys moved on their stomachs, inching
along under the protective cover of the van. Finally
they saw daylight through the large hole the vehicle
had broken through the building. They leaped to
their feet and ran, ducking behind the cameras, but
even there the heat from the flames was intense.
65

Boy, are we glad to see you, the script girl

whispered. Nailer was still enthralled with the
exploding building. Bits of burning wood flew
through the air and drove the onlookers farther back.
The fire department was becoming impatient,
waiting for the director to signal that the scene was
finished so they could douse the now out-of-control
flames.
Cut. Print it, Nailer finally called. Immediately
the firemen rushed in, turning their hoses on the
inferno. The surrounding shopkeepers were
wringing their hands as the blaze leaped high into
the sky.
Wynn instinctively searched for Bonhams face.
Had he intentionally placed the extra wire on the
gasoline, getting a henchman to detonate it early?
Was he trying to kill them and make it look like an
accident?
Finally he saw the stunt coordinator. He was
directing the fire crew. No use in accusing him,
Wynn said to Lonny. The evidence is burned up.
Lets not even mention it, Lonny agreed. Hell
just say were making excuses and didnt run fast
enough.
Wynn and Lonny, their faces still flushed from
exposure to the flames, went to the location meeting
point and sat down near their camper with their
dinner plates. Night shooting was on tap so the
66

company planned to work after dark with the

promise that the crew could sleep late the next
morning.
The boys opened their styrofoam-covered dishes
in the crisp, clear evening air. Hank had built a small
campfire, and he and the girls listened as the boys
told them about the extra wire.
That is terrifying if you ask me, Hank said.
You could have been blown up in that place and no
one would ever have known it wasnt just your own
carelessness. Personally Im glad Im not on the
daredevil side of this business. Id grow white
feathers real quick!
Huh? Nancy-Rae asked the midget.
Chicken feathers, Hank added with a laugh.
Wynn sniffed the air. Smells like somebody is
having a cookout. Couldnt be this stew, he said as
he forked his soggy potatoes.
Smells more like a chemical fire to me, Lonny
remarked. Or gasoline. Suddenly he jumped up.
Its the camper! he screamed.
The others now saw the smoke, too. It billowed
through the side window of their camper. They all
ran toward it and caught up with Lonny, who
hesitated in front of the door.
A deep angry voice was coming from the clouded
interior. You get out of here! You hear me? Get out
of here or else!
67

Wynn searched around the door for the

extinguisher, his eyes burning and watering.
Suddenly a high, blood-curdling scream cut through
the dense smoke!

68

CHAPTER VII

C. B. Clue

Wynn yanked down the door curtain and wrapped it

around his head.
Ill get the extinguisher from Ulmer, Lonny
yelled before Wynn dived into the camper. Groping
in the dense smoke, he grabbed the kitchen
extinguisher from the wall rack. By the time Lonny
returned, Wynn had the fire under control with the
dry chemical.
Ulmers trailer is locked, Lonny reported. Are
you okay, Wynn? He stepped back as Wynn kicked
a smoking object out the door.
Im fine, Lonny. Luckily it was more smoke
than flame.
Thats a relief, Lonny declared. Now lets get
those guys who decided to have a fight in our
camper. They must have passed out from smoke
inhalation.
69

They cranked open the louvered windows. As the

air cleaned, they looked around in confusion. The
camper was empty!
No one here? Wynn asked, puzzled. But I
heard a man speaking!
I did, too, Lonny agreed. And theres only one
way outthrough the door.
He couldnt have gone through the windows,
Hank added. Even I wouldnt fit through them.
The fire doesnt seem to have done any
damage, Wynn observed. Lets find out what
started this mess.
While the girls looked around outside, the boys
searched the floor for the cause of the incident.
Suddenly Lonny stopped short. Look at this! he
exclaimed. A timer from a smoke grenade. So this
was intentional!
Inky and Nancy-Rae called from the door, Hey
fellows, heres your smoke bomb.
Hank took the remains of the bomb and held it
between two sticks. Wynn had kicked it out earlier,
not realizing what it was. Appears to be a surplus
explosive from the Hot Pops episode, Hank
remarked.
By now a crowd had gathered outside the camper
and was peering in curiously.
But why was it planted in our camper? Wynn
asked.
70

To scare the daylights out of us, Lonny

reasoned, which seems to be as good a motive as
any for some people we know.
But the voice, Lonny. Where did it come from?
I have no idea.
Wynn, Nancy-Rae said, perhaps that bomb
was already in the camper when we left New York?
Not a chance, Wynn replied. This is a twentyfour hour timer.
Maybe you have ghosts, said a voice from the
door. It was Joe Ulmer, and he seemed to be only
half joking.
Where were you? Lonny asked. I banged on
your door a few minutes ago and there was no
answer.
I was asleep, the soundman replied.
Their conversation was interrupted by the horn of
the company bus, arriving to deliver them to the
night location. During the evening there was a series
of racing shots, in which the stunt crew drove
through the curving mountain roads with cameras
mounted on the fronts of their cars. All went well,
and at eleven oclock the group met to pick up the
next days call sheets from the assistant director.
Nothings scheduled for us until noon, NancyRae pointed out. Thats great, we can sleep late.
Inky nodded. And Im glad were going to a
motel. Id get no rest in that camper, knowing I
71

heard that scream and that voice and not knowing

where they came from.
Dont worry, Wynn said with a laugh. The
only voice Ill have to contend with tonight is
Lonnys, talking in his sleep.
Or Hanks, snoring, Lonny kidded their friend.
The boys waved good-by to Inky and Nancy-Rae
and retired to the camper. They left the door and
windows open because the smoky smell still
permeated the small interior. Lonny and Hank fell
asleep immediately, but Wynn watched the stars
through the window and listened to the crackle and
rustle of wild animals outside. He was thinking of
his mountain home in North Carolina, when the door
of another camper was shut and the last light in the
area was turned off.
Suddenly Wynn heard a strange noise. Then an
eerie voice said, This is an ill-fated journey. Escape
while you still can!
There was a wailing sound, then silence.
Wynn sat bolt upright in his bed, banging his
head on the ceiling. Lonny, Hank, wake up!
Listen!
If you stay, you will die! the voice continued,
then changed to a whisper before fading into an evil
chuckle.
Lonny! Wynn urged. The voice. Where did it
come from?
72

Huh, what? His friend, sleeping soundly in the

lower bunk, finally awoke. He sat up on the edge of
his bed. What are you talking about?
The voice. Didnt you hear it? It was loud at first
then it faded to a whisper.
Lonny grumbled and rubbed his eyes. I didnt
hear anything. What did it say?
Wynn told him, then turned to Hank. Hank, what
about you?
The only reply was a soft snore from the pallet on
the table.
Maybe I do talk in my sleep, Lonny offered.
No. It wasnt you, Wynn said. It seemed to be
the man we heard when the camper was smoking.
The boys sat in silence for a while, then Lonny
said, I think you had a nightmare, Wynn.
I wasnt even asleep! Wynn climbed down
from the upper bunk and went to the C.B. Maybe
someone was broadcasting. He played with the
tuner, and suddenly the camper was filled with loud
static. Then a man said, Film split. Night racing.
Get them next time.
Lonny leaped from his bunk and hurried to the
radio. He was wide awake now. Hank also joined
them and adjusted the tuner to eliminate the static.
I cant get a clear signal, he said. Thats the
best I can do.
They listened several minutes, then heard the
73

following words, barely audible above the static.

Just like on the road . . . film . . . keep close. . . .
There was interference again.
Ill bet theyre talking about the film company!
Wynn said.
Right! Lonny agreed. Here they come again.
Listen!
Camper blue. . . . More static, while the young
people listened attentively, hardly daring to breathe.
. . . red hot. . . .
Camper blue, red hot, Hank whispered. Maybe
theyre talking about something having to do with
the fireworks today.
We have a blue camper, Wynn blurted. Could
be someone is red hot on our trail!
They waited for more conversation; there was
nothing but a persistent crackling noise. Just as they
were about to give up, another sentence fragment
could be heard: . . . kids and Scarface. . . .
Then the signal faded and soon there was nothing
but silence.
Scarface! Hank exclaimed. They must have
been talking about the man who visited you in New
York!
Right, Wynn muttered. I thought we left him
far behind us.
Obviously our C.B. buddies think were in
cahoots with Scarface, Lonny reasoned. Perhaps
74

they believe we took his box and are now following

us!
Wynn pounded his forehead. Im too tired to
think straight, he said. Lets try to get some
sleep.
The three boys finally dozed off until the sunlight
awoke them. They went outside, where the air was
filled with the scent of frying bacon, and joined the
truck drivers sitting in front of their camping stove
for breakfast.
Sure is peaceful around here at night, one of
them remarked. Makes me sorry I have to go back
to the city eventually.
Wynn glanced at Lonny, then at Hank. All three
were thinking of their restless night, but they
realized it was best not to mention it.
The bus arrived just before noon to deliver the
campers to town. At lunch Bonham animatedly
talked about various stunt techniques.
When we do a head-on collision, he boasted,
we have this wire on the throttle. You get the two
cars up to speed, see, sixty or seventy miles an hour,
heading straight for each other. When theres about
fifty yards left, you flip over into the back seat,
guiding the car with one hand and keeping the gas
on with the cable. Just before impact, you duck
down and brace against a mattress in the back seat.
Wham! he threw his burly body down, causing the
75

men to jump as he finished his story. Nothing like

it. The impact is incredible.
I thought the script called for a near head-on,
Sardo noted.
Yeah. Yeah. Candy from a baby, Bonham
grunted. Now if this were a real action movie
Just then the cars were brought from the hauler
for the afternoons shooting, the bright-red Ferrari
and a police car with Oklahoma emblems on the
side. Wynn was tapped to drive the Ferrari. Bonham
would be in the police car.
Remember playing chicken in high school? the
stunt coordinator said to Wynn as they walked to
their vehicles.
Nope. Not with cars, anyway.
What kind of high school did you go to? Some
sissy prep school?
Before Wynn could answer, Nailer signaled that
the camera crew was ready. They climbed into the
automobiles and drove to opposing positions.
Lonny watched as three cameras were set up to
record the near accident from all angles. Overhead a
helicopter hovered to film the aerial view of the
perfectly lined-up cars.
The signal was given for the charge to begin, and
Wynn aimed his Ferrari for the wide front of
Bonhams sedan. He put the racer smoothly through
the gears as he neared the police car. Suddenly a
76

chilling thought crossed his mind. What if Bonham

missed his veering point? If he tried to kill them in
the explosion, he might try again!
Wynn broke out in a cold sweat as they charged
at each other like bulls in a battle. Bonham bore
straight down at him!
Drops of perspiration formed on his brow and he
bit into his lower lip. That guy must be crazy!
Wynn thought and reached for the brake. They were
going to crash head on!

77

CHAPTER VIII

Panhandle Storm

Just as Wynn touched the brake, Bonham swerved in

the police car, missing him by a whisker. Wynn
pulled his foot back and held the Ferrari on course,
his knuckles white as he gripped the wheel.
Whew! Lonny breathed a sigh of relief. He said
to Inky and Nancy-Rae, I guarantee that scene will
thrill the audience. I knew they were supposed to
miss each other and it still scared the stuffing out of
me.
And rightly so, said Rob Sardo. The veteran, a
victim of many ill-fated stunts, limped toward the
sedan from which Bonham emerged.
Whats the big idea, cutting it that close? he
shouted, waving his finger at the stunt coordinator.
One little slick spot on the pavement and it would
have been curtains for Wynn!
Aw, come on, Sardo, Bonham replied irritably.
78

Quit showing your age. If we dont give movie fans

what they paid for, theyll stay home and watch
television.
You dont have to endanger someones life to
please the fans! Sardo said sharply.
Hey, listen! Bonham snapped back. One more
complaint from you and youll be watching TV
yourself, in the daytime! Stunt men are a dime a
dozen. Plenty of young fellows would like to jump
in your place.
Just then Nailer rushed over, waving his arms.
Fantastic! Theyll love that one in Hollywood!
Wynn drove up and climbed out of the Ferrari.
Lonny gathered from his solemn expression that the
stunt had been as frightening to him as to the
onlookers.
Nailer slapped Wynn on the back as he passed.
Great work, Redford! Then he turned to Bonham.
I cant tell you how pleased I am with the stunt
work so far. If the acting is half as good, were up
for an academy award.
By that time half the crew might be dead!
Sardo muttered, but Nailer was oblivious to the
danger. He motioned to Inky and congratulated her
on the work she had done. The rushes will be in for
everyone to see tonight, he announced, but the
executives have already seen them. Their
commentfirst class!
79

When only the four friends were left, with Hank

looking on, Wynn asked Lonny, Was that as close
as I thought it was?
You bet! Lonny assured him.
Id say he was out to get me, Wynn reasoned,
if I didnt know he would have been on the other
side of the crash.
Right, Lonny agreed. Big car or not, that
would have been a horrendous impact. And sure to
get him fired. Maybe he just intended to scare you.
He must like to hear my knees knocking, Wynn
grumbled. Im glad the rest of the day is scheduled
for travel.
The next location was a spot in the Texas desert
dotted with high golden dunes. On the way, the wind
swept across the wide-open space and rattled the
metal sides of the camper.
Inky and Nancy-Rae had been taking turns
listening to the C.B., trying to pick up the
mysterious voices again. Finally they heard a few
scattered words.
Here they are, Inky said. Listen!
But this time the speakers just conversed about
the weather. At one point one of them mentioned the
word movie, or moving.
Nothing very sinister, Inky said after they had
signed off.
Nothing sinister, Nancy-Rae agreed, except
80

that theyre still with us and watching us!

Hank stood at the small back window and looked
out of the van. Speaking of watching, he said, I
just realized something. Theres a red Cutlass that
has been weaving in and out of the convoy since we
started. I saw him pass us once, but now hes back
there again.
He could be just a curious onlooker, Lonny
said. It isnt every day people get to see a film
company in Texas.
Hank shook his head. I doubt that. I noticed him
this morning, too. He drove by twice when the nearcollision scene was shot.
Lonny and the girls went to the window for a
closer look, while Wynn watched in the rearview
mirror. But it seemed almost as if the driver of the
Cutlass sensed their curiosity, because he slowed
and allowed Remsens trailer to pull around him.
Too bad, Lonny said. I didnt get a good look
at the driver.
The sun was shining on his windshield, Inky
added. It was hard to discern his features.
Wed better keep an eye on that car from now
on, Wynn said as the convoy slowed. I think were
at our destination. Lets see if the red Cutlass stops,
too.
But they did not see the mystery car again.
He must have stopped for gas or pulled off
81

several miles back, Lonny reasoned. Well look

for him again later.
Soon all hard feelings about the morning episode
were put aside as the stunt crew watched the arrival
of the gear for the next scene. The youngsters stood
in awe of the massive amount of preparation that
was needed to generate weather conditions for the
short scene.
Boy, theyd probably seed the clouds if they
wanted a thunderstorm, Wynn noted.
You bet, Lonny added. So it should come as
no surprise that they have a sandstorm machine!
The scene in question called for Jos, one of the
rally contestants, to meet with disaster in the Rolls
Royce he was to hand over to its meticulous owner
in Long Beach. The nervous lad and his
impressionable girl friend had already left a trail of
destruction in the used-car-lot crash filmed earlier.
He had been remorseful over every nick or bug
spatter, only to find that now he was caught in the
middle of a Texas-Panhandle dust storm.
The boys watched the special-effects crew line up
the sandstorm apparatus, three large propeller-driven
airplane engines that would stir up a genuine dust
cloud. Wynn would drive the luxury car into the
storm and out again, with Inky at his side, while
close-ups of the frantic actors would be spliced into
the footage. The mechanics brought up the Rolls and
82

Wynn was shocked at its appearance.

It looks as if the storm had already hit it, he
said, examining the peppered paint and glass on one
side of the car.
We took it in to the sandblasters this morning,
the mechanic explained. Theyll shoot you from the
good side going in, and the bad side coming out, so
it will appear to the viewer that our little storm
stripped the car clean.
Finally Nailer decided enough dust was rolling
across the pavement and Wynn got ready for his
dash into the sand cloud.
When you come out the other side, lay it on
thick, Nailer told him. Make it look as if you dont
know which end is up.
Okay, Wynn said as he received the final
touches on his black curly wig from the hairdresser.
Hold on, Inky, here we go!
Wynn took the signal to charge and put his foot
on the gas. Seconds later the car was totally
surrounded by yellow sand. Though Wynn could see
nothing, front or rear, he was traveling at a high rate
of speed. He held the steering wheel carefully,
making certain not to let it veer from the straight
road he had examined before the storm was created.
A slight drift off course could put them into one of
the service vehicles, or worse yet, into the humming
blades of the storm machine!
83

Inky looked scared. This is a whirling inferno!

she said. I hope we get out of it soon.
After a while, the yellow storm lightened. Wynn
and Inky saw the first patch of blue in the sky, and
finally the black top of the road appeared beneath
them. According to Nailers instructions, Wynn now
swerved the car frantically, letting the wheels squeal
so it would look on camera as if he had lost control
in the sand storm and was trying to recover it.
He wobbled down the road until he was sure he
was out of camera range before bringing the Rolls to
a stop. His arms and face were covered with a fine
layer of sand that made him sneeze violently.
Bless you, Inky whispered. Can I open my
eyes now?
Wynn laughed. Go ahead. Its safe. He wheeled
around and drove up beside the director. Then he
and Inky hopped out.
Youll be pleased to learn that it was a print,
Nailer said with a smile.
You bet Im pleased, Wynn exclaimed. That
terrified look on my face when I came out of the
storm was not due to acting. This has been a day to
remember. Or to forget!
The company packed up and headed to Amarillo,
checking the roomers into a motel and parking the
campers in a trailer park next to it. After they had
cleaned up, the young people met the rest of the
84

crew in the motel game room and relaxed with a

Ping-Pong tournament. Hank showed his
competence in yet another area, playing with more
than average skill.
Hank, Wynn said after his defeat, you must
have been number one on your prep schools Ping
Pong team.
I was, Hank admitted with a grin, as Wynn
handed the paddle to the next challenger.
Nancy-Rae and Inky decided to turn in, and the
boys headed toward their camper a little later.
Suddenly Lonny halted, holding up his arm and
signaling that Hank and Wynn stop. The windows of
the vehicle glowed blue, and an eerie blue light
flickered on the surrounding trees!
What now, Wynn? Lonny asked, aghast.
Could it be a gas fire from the stove?
The boys ran to the door and quickly threw it
open. The blue light came from the dashboard,
where a tiny blue bulb had been substituted for the
cigarette lighter. A slight breeze had started the
overhead fan turning, which caused the light to
flicker.
Lonny took his handkerchief and removed the
bulb. It was already hot to the touch. What do you
make of this? he asked his companions.
I have no idea, Wynn replied. A harmless
prank. But why?
85

This camper is haunted, Hank declared, only

half kidding. I think Ill sleep in the motel tonight.
Dont worry, Lonny consoled him. Were all
in this together. Whatever it is.
The boys undressed and crawled into their bunks,
while Hank climbed onto the small pallet on the
table.
Again Wynn was unable to sleep, rolling the blue
bulb in his fingers, searching his tired brain for a
clue. Moonlight filtered into the camper and the
objects were almost as clear as day. The fan still
turned sporadically, making moving shadows on the
walls.
Suddenly it got dark. A cloud over the moon,
Wynn thought, and sat up slowly as the shadow
spread. He cried out, Lonny! Hank! Wake up!
Peering in the louvered window and gazing over
Hanks sleeping body was the monstrous and
ghastly face of a gorilla!

86

CHAPTER IX

A Treacherous Fall

Hank and Lonny leaped from their beds, but the

animal was gone, and bright moonlight shone
through the window once again. Lonny looked out
but no one was visible.
I suppose youre going to say I had another
nightmare, Wynn said dejectedly.
Oh, no, Lonny said. I saw it, too.
What next? Now we have monsters after us.
A gorilla? Maybe if we were on location in the
jungle, Lonny replied.
Hank began to snicker. Since gorillas dont run
wild in America, I think its safe to say that this
ones traveling with us.
What do you mean? Lonny questioned.
You remember when Nailer decided on the
genie bit for me? Well, that replaced another role he
had in the original script, using a gorilla costume. I
87

saw it hanging in the wardrobe van.

And somebody took it and decided to use it to
frighten us! Lonny declared. Now all we have to
do is catch the prankster.
After discussing their plan of attack, the three
boys dressed quickly and left the camper. Wynn
walked to the back.
It isnt here, he said loudly, with a trembling
voice. Dont leave me alone, please. I dont want
that big black ugly gorilla to get me.
There must be a zoo or circus around, Hank
called out. And their man-eating gorilla escaped. I
sure hope they fed it tonight.
Ill search the woods! Lonny said. If you hear
me scream, come after me!
Wait, youd better take the flashlight, Wynn
told him, and the three went back into the camper
for a few moments. They chuckled, sure that the
prankster had taken the bait and would run into the
woods to lie in wait for Lonny.
Lonny took the flashlight and he and Wynn left
the camper again. Lonny walked straight toward the
woods, his flashlight shining. Wynn, meanwhile,
sneaked toward the trees in a roundabout route.
When he had reached cover, he let out a strange
moan.
Ohhhh! Aieeeee! he intoned. Suddenly there
was a squeal of terror as the prankster darted out
88

from among the trees. It was easy for the two young
racers to catch the gorilla, whose plastic head had
rolled to the ground.
Okay, Roddy, whats the big idea? Wynn
scolded the boy.
Roddy kicked and screamed until the others
began to wake up and run outside. Soon his mother
appeared from the motel. She had discovered his
empty bed and was frantic with worry. When Roddy
saw her, he cried hysterically, accusing Wynn of
rough-handling him.
It was just a little joke, Abigale said angrily,
looking embarrassed as the rest of the company
viewed her with her hair in curlers.
Some little joke, Wynn said grumpily. I hope
some day you wake up with a gorilla at the foot of
your bed!
Abigale tossed her head, and pulled the crying
Roddy to her side. Come on, darling, she said
defiantly. Mommy will read you a story to calm
your nerves.
His nerves! Hank quipped when Roddy and
Abigale were gone. That brat hasnt a nerve in his
whole body!
After everything quieted down, the boys wearily
returned to bed. As soon as they had settled into
their bunks, static started to come from the C.B.
radio. Hank jumped up and flicked on the dashlight.
89

At the same time he grabbed his notebook, waiting

for the message to decipher the code.
Give me your twenty and Ill send you some
wallpaper, the radio sputtered.
Wallpaper? Lonny questioned.
Shh Hank cautioned. Theyre just making
contact. Wallpaper is a postcard acknowledging a
two-way signal.
Peanut butter in your ears
This means hes had trouble getting in touch,
Hank interpreted. They must be farther apart than
before.
. . . bleeding. . . .
Bleeding! Wynn repeated, confused.
Dont worry, Hank whispered. That means
theyre getting interference.
The word eyeball filtered through the static.
They want to get together for a meeting, Hank
said.
The next phrase they caught was two Mutts and a
Jeff.
What does that mean? Wynn asked.
Hanks face became tense. Two tails and a short.
Theyre talking about us, no doubt about it!
The signal faded and the static disappeared.
Worried, the tired boys turned in for a few hours of
sleep before dawn.
They had hardly opened their eyes and stumbled
90

out of bed, however, when the eerie ghost threatened

them again!
Your lives are in grave danger! intoned the
disembodied voice. Go back to New York before
something terrible happens.
Who are you? Lonny quipped. Why dont you
tell us something new for a change?
The reply was a mournful moan. Then the ghost
stopped talking.
Im getting used to him by now, Wynn said. I
just wish I knew who was doing it, and how.
Hank shuddered. He gives me the creeps.
When the cast met to start the days shooting, the
boys told the girls about their night of adventure.
Nancy-Rae suggested they call Nailer aside to tell
him about the mysterious messages, and the boys
agreed.
But the director did not seem to worry about it.
Sounds like some kids gotten on a C.B. He
shrugged. Well talk about it later. Ive got a lot of
work today, because were falling behind schedule.
The company rode up the mountains toward
Taos, New Mexico. The C.B. was filled with the
usual trucker chatter with no references to the movie
people. Also, no red Cutlass was to be seen on their
trail.
When they arrived, the stunt crew set up for the
days actiona daring mountain leap for Nancy91

Rae on her motorcycle. The setup was a simulated

crash where Nancy-Rae would hit ice, lose control
of her bike, and then fly through the air to a tree-top
some sixty feet above the ground.
In the final sequence she would fall from the tree
with the motorcycle crashing behind. The film
would be darkened in processing and used for a
night scene so the protective crane and cable would
not be visible.
Well, hows the female Evel Knievel? Hank
joked.
Nancy-Rae, always openly calm before her
dangerous ventures, shrugged. Evel never had the
benefit of a crane and cable to pluck him out of the
air in case he missed his target.
After the ice slide was shot, the redhead prepared
to make her leap. Al, Ill take your word for it, she
said to the stunt coordinator. It will work.
Sure, itll work, kid. Its just like a parachute
opening up. Gun the cycle and head toward that tree
out there. He pointed to a Ponderosa pine down the
mountainside.
The group looked at the treacherous drop. It
would be certain death for Nancy-Rae if the cable
failed. Lonny said quietly to the girl, Not to make
you nervous, but I could think of people Id rather
have packing my parachute than Bonham.
Nancy-Rae smiled and gunned her Kawasaki.
92

Dont worry. If something happens to me, hell

have to do my stunts.
She waved as she turned and rode back for her
approach. As the signal was given, she took the
charge.
Inky felt her heart tighten as she saw her friend
heading off the cliff. The motorcycle screamed, just
as it had in the billboard jump, and dipped over the
side. But as Bonham had promised, the cable
worked and Nancy-Rae landed with considerable
force in the top of the Ponderosa pine.
Cut. Print it, Nailer said. Now lets have a
second take.
After the bike and Nancy-Rae were rescued, the
director asked the cyclist to repeat the scene.
Sure, she said sarcastically. That was too
much fun to be a one-shot deal.
Wynn and Lonny shook their heads, but watched
with more confidence as Nancy-Rae took her second
run.
After she landed safely, the actor was substituted
for Nancy-Rae for a closeup shot. He was carried to
the treetop in a chair hooked to the crane. The crew
waited patiently while he tied himself to the top limb
with a rope.
Look at that guy tremble. Nancy-Rae laughed.
He told me at breakfast he was terrified of heights.
I bet he hopes his next job will be a musical.
93

As the scene was shot, Nancy-Rae went into the

wardrobe trailer and took off her leathers. When she
emerged clad in jeans, Inky asked, I thought you
had a high fall to make.
Bonham is taking that over, Nancy-Rae replied.
He said he needed the bump pay, and I wasnt
eager to fall out of a tree anyway. I did that often
enough by accident back home in North Carolina.
The camera focused on the tree, where the actor
struggled into the chair to be taken down. The
onlookers moved in to get a better look as the stunt
coordinator was transported to the treetop in the
chair. He appeared calm from his perch, waiting for
his signal.
Good thing this is a night scene, Lonny
observed. Both Al and the actor are twice as big as
Nancy-Rae.
Roll em! Nailer called.
Bonham started his fall. The crowd watched in
awestruck silence as his black-clad body tumbled
limply between the branches of the tall pine.
I have to admit, Wynn whispered, Im
impressed.
Suddenly Bonhams head struck a branch, and he
seemed suspended in midair for a moment. He let
out a scream that echoed through the mountainside,
and the crowd gasped. Then he was falling again,
but without his earlier grace.
94

I think hes unconscious! Nancy-Rae wailed.

Bonhams limp body continued to tumble through
the tree, snagged by tree limbs.
Youre right, Lonny cried. His fall is out of
control.
Stop the guys on top who are letting the
motorcycle go, Wynn yelled.
But it was too late. The crew had counted on a
first take and had released the bike. Bonham fell
hard beneath the tree, his long plunge finally ended.
Above him the heavy cycle crashed through the
branches toward his immobile body!
Hell be crushed! Nancy-Rae screamed. That
bike weighs four hundred pounds and its falling at
full force!

95

CHAPTER X

Followed!

The tree limbs splintered beneath the force of the

motorcycle, barely slowing its descent as it tumbled
down. It thudded to the ground inches from the
fallen Bonham!
Whew! That was a close one, Wynn gasped.
Lets get over there and see if we can get him up to
the first-aid truck.
Wynn and Lonny scrambled down the
mountainside. Above them the crew assembled a
stretcher that could be hooked to the crane cable. By
the time the boys reached Bonham, he was already
sitting up and rubbing his head.
Oh, brother. What hit me? he asked.
Its what didnt hit you, Lonny told him.
Youre lucky to be alive.
Bonham glanced at the battered motorcycle
beside him. I see what you mean. I didnt ruin the
96

take, did I? The burly man looked concerned and

humblea strange expression for Bonham.
Not a chance. That was a terrific fall, Lonny
assured him.
Youre telling me, Bonham moaned, bending
over to show them the lump and skinned part on top
of his head. Sometimes I wonder if its worth it,
you know? Just to give the fans their realism and
vicarious experience.
The boys nodded and helped the still dizzy man
onto the crane stretcher. Then they climbed on
themselves. When they emerged at the roadside,
Bonham immediately became the center of attention,
but for once did not seem to enjoy the adulation.
When he went into the stunt-mens trailer with
the first-aid man for a checkup, Wynn turned to
Lonny, puzzled. I dont get it. I thought he had
reserved all the close calls for us.
Lonny nodded. That lump on his head is real,
he said. Bonham could have been killed. I must
admit I doubt he did that intentionally.
During the lunch break, to their surprise, Nailer
joined them with his tray. Now whats this about a
stowaway in our convoy? he asked.
The boys explained the series of strange signals
on the C.B. radio plus the smoke bomb and the blue
light in their camper.
Could be just a prankster. Have you asked
97

Roddy about all this?

Roddy might have been able to install the blue
light, Wynn replied, but he could not have
assembled that smoke bomb. That was a
professional job and it was made from the same type
of explosive that was used in the fireworks stand
scene.
Hm. That material was put under lock and key
right after the shooting. Someone must have stolen
the smoke bomb from the scene.
Lonny nodded. And whoever took it, could have
taken something more dangerous, too!
Mr. Nailer, would you give us permission to
make a search? Hank asked.
I suppose so, if people cooperate. You realize, of
course, that I cant force them to let you into their
trailers. That would be a job for the police, and
theyd need a warrant. And Id rather keep the
authorities out of this, you understand.
Sure, Wynn said. Well see what we can do on
our own.
He decided to ask the crew if they would agree to
be searched. When they were finished with their
lunch, he approached Ulmer. To the boys surprise,
the sound man was very cordial. Go right ahead,
he said, pointing to his door.
Remember how he didnt open up after the
smoke-bomb incident? Wynn whispered to Lonny.
98

Maybe he was telling the truth and was asleep.

They searched quickly and efficiently, but
nothing unusual turned up in any of the crews
trailers. None refused the search, and the boys were
discouraged when they finished their hunt for clues.
As they reached the last trailer, they met Remsen,
the still photographer, outside.
No dice on a search right now, he told them. I
have some important darkroom work going on and
cant take a chance on spoiling it. I havent time for
your little detective games. Come back later if you
want.
Only partially satisfied with Remsens
explanation, the boys returned to work. They felt a
bit foolish to have inconvenienced the entire
company to no avail.
The afternoon stunt work was elaborate and
involved both Wynn and Lonny. A special
construction crew had been working for hours on the
apparatus. When the boys arrived on location, Nailer
pointed out a barn to them.
Thats your target, Wynn. Now this scene is for
comic relief. A hapless policemanwhich is you
is chasing the Ferrari. He loses control and goes
through the barn. Just as he emerges from the other
side, the barn collapses.
Wynn looked at the structure, trying to determine
how the stunt would work.
99

Notice the cables, Nailer explained with a

chuckle. Theyre hooked to an off-set bulldozer
that will pull the barn down on cue. Beautiful!
Beautiful!
Neat trick, Wynn noted, if its timed correctly.
What about Lonny?
Well, since Lonny has a farm background, I
figured it was time to give him a couple of rural
costars. Nailer pointed to a man who approached
with a cage.
This gentleman is a representative of the Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, he said.
He is required by law to be present whenever
animals are used in a scene. And those chickens he
has with him are for Lonny.
Lonny grimaced. No kidding.
Youll be in the loft of the barn, Nailer told
him, with a chicken under each arm, standing right
next to the little door that opens to the outside.
When the barn collapses, youll jump to the
ground.
Oh, brother, Lonny said as he gripped the
chickens firmly around the legs. Im glad my dad
cant see me now. He thinks Im on my way to
Hollywood stardom, and I end up toting a couple of
hens!
The boys moved into their positions. Lonny and
his chickens were lifted to the top of the barn on a
100

camera seat. When he was in place in the loft, he

noticed that Bonham was sporting a large white
patch on his head. He directed the timing of the stunt
and revealed a shiner when he looked up.
Lonny waited while Wynn drove into position,
but his hens were not so patient. They squirmed and
scratched his arms. He pressed their wings against
his body, trying to restrain them until the impact.
Finally Wynn approached in the police car,
crashing through the barn door. As he disappeared
inside, Lonny counted to three, then jumped from
the loft. He hit the ground hard, rolling over in the
grass. Behind him, the chickens squawked and
fluttered away. The barn crashed down in a
shambles.
Then Lonny heard the familiar word, Cut! and
scrambled to his feet. He peered around the
wreckage for his partners whereabouts. Wynn
waved to him from his car, then turned and drove
back toward the cameras. Lonny followed.
Nailer smiled broadly as the equipment was
packed up. Meanwhile, Roddy was running around,
gleefully chasing the chickens. The crew could not
help laughing at the SPCA man, who breathlessly
tried to capture his charges. He did not succeed in
retrieving them until Roddy became tired of the
game and quit.
Bonham walked up to the boys. Nice work, he
101

complimented them.
They nodded their thanks and when he was out of
earshot, Lonny remarked, Now Im thoroughly
confused. That stunt was perfectly coordinated. If
Bonham had wanted to, he could have gotten both
you and me with one falling barn!
Maybe that would have been too obvious,
Wynn said. I still dont trust him.
The convoy packed up and got ready to move on
to Arizona, where it was possible to shoot scenes
against backgrounds so different that they could be
represented as several states.
Youll see, Nailer explained to the cast, that
the mountains surrounding Flagstaff and Prescott
could easily be West Virginia, Ohio, or even
Colorado, while the open plains look like the area
west of the Mississippi. We have found the Arizona
Highway Patrol to be most cooperative in the past,
so this area can furnish the backdrop for the
remainder of our shooting prior to the California
finish line.
Might be nice to stay somewhere long enough to
call it home, Nancy-Rae said as they climbed
aboard the camper with their luggage.
Soon they were on their way across the flat red
lands of New Mexico. When Lonny went to the
back window of the camper to let in some fresh air,
he called out, Hey, that red Cutlass is tailing us
102

again!
Hank crawled beside him on the seat and glanced
out, too. Oh, oh, he said, I think hes got a buddy
with him.
What do you mean? Wynn asked.
Theres a bronze Hornet behind him. I noticed it
yesterday when we were on the mountain location to
do Nancy-Raes stunt, but I didnt connect it with
the Cutlass then. Now theyre driving together and it
seems fishy to me!
The old auto-shadow trick, Lonny put in.
Switching from one car to the other so as not to
look suspicious.
I have an idea, Wynn spoke up. We thought
the signals on the C.B. were from the Cutlass to the
convoy. Perhaps it was the drivers of the Cutlass and
the Hornet talking to each other!
And maybe it was one of them who planted the
smoke bomb in our camper, Hank added. We
were looking for clues in the company, but might
have found something if we could have searched
those cars instead!
Lonny picked up his camera and attached a 135
lens to shoot out of the rear window. He focused and
snapped the shutter.
Slow down a little, Wynn, he said.
Wynn eased up on the throttle, forcing the Cutlass
to move closer.
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Ah, there. Thats a good one.

The Cutlass driver, apparently angered by the low
speed of the camper, started to pass. Lonny ran to
the side window and got another shot. Then the
Hornet began to move around, too.
Speed up, Wynn, Lonny directed, and hold
him back there so I can get a closer shot. He
focused again, then put down the camera with a
disappointed moan. Oh, no! Im out of film!
I have a camera, Hank offered. Wait till I get
it. Seconds later he was ready. He photographed
the Hornet several times. Its driver had snapped his
head sideways after Wynn speeded up, and Hank
saw his angry face clearly as he clicked the shutter.
Lonny, who was watching over Hanks shoulder,
made an astonishing discovery. Wynn! I dont
believe it!
What is it? Wynn asked, surprised.
Remember the mousy looking guy who was
tailing us in New York? Im sure hes the driver of
the Hornet!

104

CHAPTER XI

A Mysterious Box

Boy, I cant wait to get these photos developed,

Lonny said. I think we may have gotten our first
real evidence on the identity of our spies.
Right, Wynn agreed. It cant be just
coincidence that the mouse who was on our trail in
New York is here in Arizona.
But why you? Inky looked worried. Why
would someone you dont even know follow you for
two thousand miles?
Because they must think were in cahoots with
Scarface, Wynn said.
I still have my doubts about Remsen, Lonny
spoke up. He wouldnt let us in his trailer, and his
darkroom excuse wasnt too solid.
I have an idea, Wynn suggested. Why dont
we give Remsen Hanks roll of film for
development and have Lonnys developed
105

somewhere else?
I get it, Hank exclaimed. If Remsens on the
level, well get the pictures. If not, something
mysterious might happen to our evidence.
With the Cutlass and the Hornet leaving the
convoy far behind, the young people relaxed and
enjoyed the scenery. The red mesas soon thinned,
and scattered evergreens appeared in Arizona.
They reached Flagstaff by dark. The C.B. had
been quiet the whole time. Nancy-Rae and Inky
picked up their room keys, then joined the boys
around a campfire for a hotdog supper.
When Lonny saw Remsen step outside for a
cigarette, he took the opportunity to ask him if he
would develop a film for him.
Sure. Ill be working tonight. Why the rush?
I think we might have some solid evidence on
the men we suspect have been following the
company, Lonny answered.
I see, he replied. Yes, Ill take care of it right
away.
Lonny handed him Hanks roll of film and
returned to the campfire. He took the bait, the boy
said. Now lets see what happens.
Early next morning the camera crew set up at a
local restaurant. In this scene the leading man, Sam
Dunning, would stop for a quick lunch and discover
he was in the same place as Abigale Lennon, his
106

female competitor in the race.

While the boys were enjoying doughnuts and
coffee with the rest of the cast, they heard a cry of
surprise from the wardrobe van.
Maybe Roddy has gotten back into his monkey
costume, Wynn exclaimed.
Or hes working out of costume, Hank
reasoned. Lets go check.
The wardrobe mistress appeared at the door of
her trailer. In her hands she held a shoe carton that
was similar to the one Scarface had asked the boys
to take to California. It, too, was sealed with black
electrical tape.
All these crazy goings on, the wardrobe
mistress complained. I found it with my shoe
supplies. Do you think its a bomb?
I doubt it, Wynn said and took the box. This is
just like the one we saw in New York, he told
Lonny and began to open the package.
Lonny looked at it closely. No it isnt! he
declared. The other one had our names written on
it. This is differentbe careful!
But Wynn had already pried the tape loose, and
he took off the lid.
A gun! Lonny exclaimed.
A group of onlookers had assembled and now
moved back in fear.
Its a gun all right, Hank said, lifting out the
107

revolver. But not a serviceable one. My father had

one of these in his collection. Its an old Colt fortyfive Buntline Special. Notice how the barrel is
rusted. He fingered the ten-inch barrel.
This thing hasnt been fired in years, he
observed as he handed it to Wynn.
Hey, theres a piece of paper attached to the
butt, Wynn stated.
Hank detached the note by untying two strings
that held it in place. He spread it out and stared at
the message, which contained a single word: Gold.
Gold? Harry Remsen questioned. What does it
mean?
Oh, brother. This sheds about as much light on
the mystery as that sandstorm, Wynn replied. Got
any guesses?
Nope, Lonny said. Gold on a cowboy gun?
Maybe its another one of Roddys tricks.
Think again, Lonny. How would he have known
about the box we saw in New York? It cant just be
a coincidence that the gun is in a similar carton and
with the identical tape as the pottery figure.
What pottery figure? Abigale asked.
Wynn realized his mistake as he observed the
curious faces around him. How much should he let
them know?
How did the box get in the trailer? Hank asked
quickly.
108

The group turned to the confused wardrobe lady.

I havent the slightest idea, she said. All I know
is that it wasnt there yesterday. I restacked those
shoes before we left New Mexico.
Wynn asked her if he could take the gun and
found her more than willing to see it go. They took
the box to their camper and Wynn hid it in a secret
compartment.
Our only clue, he said, is that it was placed
there today or last night.
Yeah, and that we saw our mysterious spies
today, Lonny put in.
But gold and a cowboy gun? Wynn said,
feeling frustrated. We have some sort of coded
message that puts us no closer to an answer than
before.
A bullhorn interrupted their thoughts. Nailer, who
had become impatient with the delays, called the
crew together to start filming. Lonny checked the
call sheet. There was nothing for the stunt men until
the afternoon. The morning would be devoted to
close-ups of the male and female leads.
Lets go over and watch, Lonny suggested, and
the friends went to the restaurant, where the cameras
were rolling. The handsome Sam Dunning, who had
ordered a plate of spaghetti, watched Abigale, who
was gulping down a milkshake, eager to finish her
lunch and return to the race. Dunning grinned at his
109

frantic competitor, pulled a cigar from his pocket,

and lit it.
Bang! The cigar exploded in his face, with sparks
flying into his hair and mustache. Abigale quickly
grabbed her water glass and poured it over his head.
The fire in his hair went out with a feeble sizzle, and
smoke filled the air around his face.
Nailer dropped his head in his hands, then jumped
to his feet, shaking his fist. The script did not call
for comedy! he yelled furiously. What is the
meaning of this?
No one answered. The make-up man rushed
forward with a mirror, which he held up in front of
Dunnings face. He removed the soot with a napkin
dipped in cold cream.
Watching Sams smudged face come clean,
Abigale started to giggle. Dunning slammed his fist
on the table.
This is the last straw! Your brat tries to blow my
face off and all you can do is laugh. I think I see
how you raised such a charmer.
Oh, Sam, dear, youre a spoilsport, she
snickered. So you got a little smut on your pretty
face.
Dunning could bear no more. He rose from his
seat, lifted his plate of spaghetti with one hand, and
dumped it over Abigales head. The plate perched
like a hat, then rolled to the floor with a clatter. Her
110

perfect coiffure had collapsed, and noodles dribbled

down her face and onto her chest.
Abigale wailed. Obviously she did not like to be
on the receiving end of a joke. Then she burst into
tears, smearing her make-up.
Nailer threw his script on the ground and stomped
away to his trailer. When you juveniles think you
can control yourselves, we will get back to the film,
he announced from the steps. Call me when youre
ready.
Abigale wiped the noodles from her face, then
rushed into the crowd, looking for her son. Before
Roddy could get away, she grabbed him with
unusual strength, and sat down in Nailers chair, the
squirming Roddy thrown over her knees. He was
relentlessly spanked, publicly and harshly, until his
bare legs were red. When he was finally released, he
ran behind the trailers, crying uncontrollably.
Hank jumped up and followed the child. He
stooped beside the small figure, who was balled up
behind a wheel, and tried to calm him.
All I wanted was to have a little fun, Roddy
sobbed, his words spurting out. She wouldnt listen
to me this morning when I told her about the coyote
I heard last night. She told me to go away and read a
book and quit bothering her. She doesnt care about
me!
Sure she cares, Roddy, Hank said. I had a
111

mother in show business, too. Sometimes they are

just so busy, they forget about everyone but
themselves. They really dont mean any harm by it.
Roddy blinked at Hank. Where is your mother?
Shes dead.
This made Roddy cry even harder, but eventually
Hank calmed the child with stories about Dawn
Shelly.
Meanwhile, Sam and Abigale cleaned up and
Nailer was called from his trailer. The scene was
reshot, the former combatants behaving like the
flirtatious lovers they were to portray.
Now, thats acting, Wynn observed.
Roddy, his eyes still shiny with tears, watched
from a wall with Hank.
During the lunch break, Wynn and Lonny looked
for Remsen, who had been missing from the set that
morning.
Maybe hes been working in his darkroom,
Lonny said as they approached the still
photographers trailer and knocked. They heard
Remsens voice but had to wait several minutes
before the door was opened. When the man finally
emerged, they noticed a strange look on his face as
he squinted into the light.
Sorry to be so slow, he apologized. But I
didnt want another accident like this mornings.
What happened? Wynn asked.
112

While I was working on your film, among other

things, some idiot opened the door without knocking
and ruined everything!

113

CHAPTER XII

Daytona Disaster

Oh, no! Lonny exclaimed.

Sorry, fellows. I dont know how I could have
forgotten to lock the door. Whoever it was ran for it
before I got a look at him. Probably that brat
Roddy.
He was with Hank, Wynn said. Remsen stared
at them in silence.
There goes our first piece of evidence, Lonny
said, dejected.
Here, take these, Remsen added, handing them
a carton with six fresh rolls of film. Take some
more pictures.
Thanks a lot, Lonny answered glumly and the
boys left Remsen. They went to their camper, where
they met Hank. They told him the news, and he
shook his head. That confirms our suspicion of
Remsen, he said. It seems hes in with our
114

enemies.
You bet he is, Lonny said, but he doesnt
know that we still have my pictures of the Cutlass
driver to develop. Lets take them to a photo lab.
Good idea, Wynn agreed. Lonny borrowed a
motorcycle and headed for the nearest town. He
found that for a five-dollar tip, he could get the film
developed while he waited. The results were what he
had hoped for. Out of various shots, two were
crystal clear.
Good enough to qualify for mug shots, he said
after he got back to the camper. I think its time to
start taking some positive action against our shadow.
Lets get these off to Bud Eubanks and give him a
call to explain our problem.
Bud Eubanks, Nancy-Raes father, was a good
friend and sometime boss of the young racers. After
mailing the photos by special delivery, the group
crowded into a phone booth to talk with him.
Nancy-Rae dialed her home number. Hi, Dad,
she said, guess where we are?
On the moon? Bud laughed.
No. Arizona.
A little closer than I figured. Whats up? he
asked.
We need a favor. Nancy-Rae briefly explained
their problem. Could you have the Wilkes County
sheriff check out the photos with the FBI as soon as
115

they arrive? she asked, and see if you can get any
information on a Harry Remsen, who works for
Waller Motion Pictures as a still photographer.
Bud assured her that he would, then told NancyRae that a package had arrived for Wynn and
Lonny.
A package? They havent ordered anything, the
girl said, puzzled.
Looks like a box of tennis shoes, Bud said.
Tennis shoes? Is the box sealed with black
tape?
Thats the one. Bud answered. So you know
about it.
Hold on a second. Nancy-Rae told the boys
about it and then said to Bud, Would you please
open the box?
Impatiently the young people waited as they
heard the tape being pulled away on the other end of
the line.
Strange little thing, Bud finally commented.
Looks like some kind of pottery, a girl in a blue
dress with an umbrella. Only her head is broken off.
Here it ishold on. I found a note.
What does it say? Nancy-Rae asked eagerly.
Gentlemen, this package with your names on it
was found near your room in our hotel behind the
cigarette urn. Although the figure is broken, we felt
we should ship it to you in case you wish to have it
116

repaired. Bud set down the box, then said, Its

signed by the manager of the Holiday Inn in New
York.
The young people thanked Bud for his help,
assuring him they would keep him posted. After
hanging up, they sat down on a curb to discuss this
new development.
There is only one way that the box could have
gotten behind the urn, Lonny recalled. Scarface
must have hidden it there when he left our hotel
room.
That proves the statue had no value, Wynn put
in. Remember how he almost forgot to take it with
him?
Are you thinking what Im thinking, Wynn? It
must have been a dummy box!
Sure. Ill bet it was designed as camouflage for
the carton found in the wardrobe trailer with the gun
in it!
So Scarface couldnt get you to carry the box as
decoy. But who stowed away the other one? And
why? Nancy-Rae asked.
Wynn stood up and kicked a stone. And why the
word gold? Im baffled.
After a few more minutes of thought, Nancy-Rae
was the first to speak. Lets put this on the back
burner. I dont think we have enough pieces of the
puzzle to see the picture.
117

That evening the company stopped at the bottom

of a mountain between Flagstaff and Prescott. After
the highway patrol set up a roadblock, the cars were
prepared for the racing sequence.
Wynn and Inky would be needed for the stunt,
while Nancy-Rae and Lonny had promised to help
set up some props. Hank had been delegated to keep
an eye on Harry Remsen.
I have a better idea, he suggested. Ill have
Roddy take care of Harry, while I make sure the
Mouse isnt around.
Roddy? Wynn said in surprise. Youre
kidding!
No, Im not, Hank replied. Hes okay. And
something constructive to do will keep him out of
mischief.
Wynn and Lonny looked at each other, then
shrugged. If you think so, Wynn said. Hank left to
get the boy.
Roddy was excited about his role as detective.
Dont worry, Wynn, he promised. Ill watch Mr.
Remsen every minute youre out there working!
Fine, Wynn said. Well count on you!
Wynn stood in for Sam Dunning in the Ferrari
and was supposed to pursue Inky, who wore an
Abigale Lennon wig.
Say, honey, Hank kidded the girl, how about a
date tonight? Or do you like your men tall, dark, and
118

handsome? I can only furnish the latter.

Inky smiled as the hairdresser adjusted one of her
curls. Right now Ive got to concentrate on my
job, she said. Mountain roads were never my
specialty.
The race was only one state from the finish line at
Long Beach, California, so the chase was to be fast
and furious. The crew checked the mounts on
Wynns camera, which was firmly attached to the
front of the Ferrari.
This has a special lens, Nailer explained. Its
German-made and one of a kind. It would cost
twenty-five-thousand dollars to replace this setup, so
drive carefully! Then he laughed and added, But
dont drive slowly.
Inky took off up the mountain in the black
Porsche and Wynn stayed close behind her. The
camera was switched on to record the chase, as the
Porsche slid into the first turn. Its tires were still
cold and the engine backfired with an orange flash.
Soon Inky was on the power and Wynn had to step
up his pace. The headlights made eerie patterns on
the rocks as the cars moved through the switch-back
turns.
The front-engined Ferrari out-accelerated the
little Porsche as it climbed the hill, but Inky was
able to make sharp gains in the turns. Soon Wynn
found himself enjoying their race, forgetting about
119

the camera and thinking only about beating the car

ahead of him to the finish line.
He shifted down and braked, watching carefully
for the curve signs. They had made two daylight
runs to familiarize themselves with the road, but
after dark, the turns seemed to come at a faster rate.
As Wynn climbed the steep grade, he felt the cold
air hit his face in the open car. He took one hand off
the wheel and tightened the scarf around his neck,
his fingers stiffening from the cold.
Lucky girl, he thought. Shes in a closed car.
This is no night for a convertible.
The Ferrari mounted the crest of the hill and the
large camera blocked Wynns view of the road for a
moment. He bent his neck out the window, trying to
keep the edge of the road in view. Suddenly he saw
the flash of Inkys brake lights. Why? There was no
curve for a hundred feet. Maybe a wild animal had
crossed the road?
The nimble Porsche made a quick dart into the
other lane. Wynn, his view of the blacktop
obstructed by the camera, attempted to follow suit.
Too late! The tires of the heavy Ferrari had
broken away. Wynn fought to regain control but all
four wheels had lost contact at once.
Inky had avoided a shiny patch in the road at the
last minute. Now she looked into her mirror to see
what she had feared. Wynn had not had enough
120

warning. His headlights snapped to the right, then to

the left. As Inky braked to a stop on the shoulder,
the lights behind her went out. When she shut down
the engine, she heard the terrible crunch of the
Ferrari.
Wynn had crashed into the guardrail at the edge
of the cliff!

121

CHAPTER XIII

Cutlass Criminal

Inky reached in the glove compartment and took out

a two-way radio. Nailer had instructed her to call the
movie camp when the take was complete.
SOS. SOS. Accident at crest of mountain. SOS,
she broadcast. A sputtered reply reached her so she
snapped off the radio and rushed to Wynns aid.
The left headlight of the Ferrari was making a
rocking pattern on the treetops below the cliff, and a
closer look confirmed to Inky what she had feared.
The car was perched on the edge of the precipice,
still bobbing from the impact. The right headlight
was broken and both taillights were out.
Wynn, are you okay? Inky called.
A moan from the cockpit was the answer.
Get out very carefully, Inky urged. Dont
make any fast moves. It wont take much to tip the
car over the side!
122

Wynn edged away from the door on his hands

and knees. Inky held out her hand and tugged her
friend to safety. Oh brother, she said, rubbing her
head and looking at the smashed Ferrari. Now
were really in trouble!
The crew arrived on the scene to assess the
damage and the first-aid man ran up with his
doctors bag.
Im okay, Wynn told him, but stick around.
Nailer will probably split my skull when he sees this
mess.
The heavy camera truck was backed up to the
disabled sports car and two men attached a hook to
the bumper of the Ferrari. As the head mechanic
wrapped a security chain around the bumper, Wynn
breathed a sigh of relief that the entire car would not
be lost down the mountainside.
He watched as it was pulled away from the
guardrail. Gasoline poured from the ruptured fuel
tank and Inky went to get an extinguisher. When
Wynn walked around to the front, his worst fears
were verified. The camera was ruined. The head
cameraman moaned when he saw the damage. Then
he unbolted the remaining equipment and removed it
from the car.
How could I do something like this, Inky?
Wynn cried out. This is the most awful thing Ive
ever done.
123

Just as Wynn stooped beside the wreckage to help

untangle the camera, Nailer arrived. He surveyed the
extensive damage and wrung his hands in despair.
Wynn braced for the expected barrage.
How am I going to explain this, Redford? That
car was rented from a collector. You have destroyed
the prize of his collection!
I dont know what to say, Mr. Nail
You dont know what to say? I do. Youre
fired!
Wynn winced when he heard the words, but he
had expected them. I understand your distress, sir.
It is a terrible mess. But I hit a slick spot on the road
and it was all over before I knew what hit me.
Is that the way you handle your race cars?
Bonham put in. I thought you guys were supposed
to have superhuman reflexes.
One note of hope came from behind as the head
cameraman retrieved the film cartridge. At least the
film can be saved, he called as he held up the
unbroken container.
Nailer grumbled and walked back to his car.
Thatll be the most expensive stretch of footage in
my career as a director.
Lonny, Nancy-Rae, and Hank arrived with Rob
Sardo and immediately ran to Wynns side.
You okay? Hank asked, grabbing Wynns arm.
Yeah, Im okay. But I was fired.
124

Oh, you know Nailer doesnt mean it, Hank

said.
Sardo inspected the damage to the Ferrari. How
did you manage that in just a routine chase scene?
he asked.
Wynn dropped his head. I dont know. It all
happened so fast. I saw Inky swerve, and there was
this spot on the pavement. But it was too late for me
to avoid it.
Hes right, Inky defended. There was a patch
of ice or something.
Sardo shook his head. I dont know. Maybe you
kids are a liability. I cant see an experienced stunt
man ending up like this. He walked over to
Bonham and discussed the accident.
Insult to injury, Wynn wheezed. I guess I was
hoping he would understand.
Nailer called the boys to him. The shooting is
obviously over for tonight. The Ferrari will have to
be repaired. Meanwhile, well have to use the
backup car. I want you and Lonny to rush this
cartridge to the airport and get it out of here
tonight.
Yes, sir.
Nailer handed them the keys to one of the rental
cars and said sarcastically, See if you can at least
do that right. Lonny, you drive!
After their trip to the airport, Wynn and Lonny
125

returned to the motel. They left the borrowed car in

the parking lot and walked toward their camper. A
figure darted out the door and past them.
Instantly they took up the pursuit. But the
stranger ducked between the other trailers and soon
disappeared into the night.
Panting, the boys gave up. Too bad its so dark,
Wynn said. In the daytime we would have had a
better chance to catch him.
Lets see if he got anything, Lonny suggested
as they went to the camper. He opened the door and
stopped short. Oh, what a mess!
All the drawers had been opened and the contents
were scattered on the floor. This guy was searching
for something, Lonny declared.
He went to the glove compartment. It was open,
but his camera was still there.
He must have been looking for that shoe box,
Lonny said. Where did you hide it, Wynn?
Theres a secret compartment behind the left
bench over there, Wynn said. I found it
accidentally when I cleaned up one day. Just pull out
the back rest.
Lonny did, and to their great relief the carton was
still there.
Wynn, who had been checking for other things,
finally concluded that nothing was missing.
Just then Hank and Roddy came in to report on
126

their surveillance.
Good grief! Hank exclaimed when he saw the
mess. This is terrible! What happened?
After he was brought up-to-date, he said, Maybe
Roddy and I werent as efficient as we should have
been.
What do you mean?
Well, Roddy put in, first I couldnt find Mr.
Remsen anywhere. I didnt see him until you guys
were already on the road. Then I spied him eating
dinner with some of the truckers. After that he went
into his camper and never came out again. He turned
the lights off a while ago and must have gone to
sleep.
And I looked for the mouse to no avail, Hank
reported. Didnt see the Hornet or the Cutlass,
either. But the mouse could have hidden and gone
into your camper when I came to the scene of the
accident. I suppose I shouldnt have left. But I was
sure they werent around and I was worried
Look, Hank, dont give it another thought. You
two did exactly what you were supposed to do. And
thanks for helping us.
Can I help you again? Roddy inquired. I love
to play detective.
Sure, Wynn said. Just keep an eye on Mr.
Remsen from now on and tell us if he does anything
suspicious. But dont let him notice you.
127

I wont, Roddy promised, and left with a happy

smile on his face.
Hank asked, Who do you think broke into the
camper?
Lonny shrugged. It was so dark that we couldnt
recognize his face. It could have been anybody.
I dont think it was Harry Remsen, Wynn spoke
up. He would have taken the cameras. He knew we
had photographed some evidence, and there was
film in both the cameras, which could have
contained additional clues. I believe Roddy was
right when he said Harry was in his camper.
Lonny nodded. But if it was the mouse, where
did he leave his car? Hank didnt find either the
Hornet or the Cutlass.
And I looked all over, Hank put in. If it was
the mouse, he must have parked far away and
sneaked up on foot.
The boys got ready for bed and Wynn said,
Another thing bothers me. I want to see what made
me lose control of the car tonight. Lets go up there
tomorrow morning and see if it was ice before the
sun has a chance to melt it.
Wynn and Lonny rose at dawn, leaving Hank
sleeping soundly. They drove up to the mountain in
the rental car, and when they reached the scene of
the accident, Lonny pulled over to the side. They got
out and walked to the dark spot on the pavement.
128

Wynn stooped beside it and touched it.

The sun wont melt this, he announced and
smelled his finger. This is oil, fresh oil from a
can!
Lonny frowned as he examined the spot. There
are your tire treads running right through the slick.
Inky cleared it completely to the left. He stood up
and added, I guess its a small satisfaction to know
you didnt lose the car.
Thats true, Wynn agreed. But its not so nice
to know that someone wants us out of the way and
keeps trying!
You think it was the mouse?
Wynn shrugged. I wish I knew.
The boys returned to the location camp just as the
others were getting up. Wynn mentioned their find
to the director, and Nailer dispatched the clean-up
crew to carry some oil dry to the spot and soak up
the slick before someone else got in trouble. Then he
told Wynn he could stay on. But instead of
discussing why the accident had occurred and who
might be behind it, he ordered the crew in place for
the days shooting.
Strange, Lonny remarked. He has such a onetrack mind. I would wonder whether my movie
people were under attack if I were in his position.
Wynn nodded. He doesnt take these things
seriously. Probably thinks the oil got there by
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accident.
The camera crew set up in the city square of
Prescott, Arizona, around a department-store
window. The movie company had obtained
permission to crash through the display for a small
fee plus restoration of the glass.
A special-effects team had taken out the plate
glass and replaced it with a formula substance made
of sugar-based material. Nancy-Rae, who was
scheduled to break the window with her Kawasaki,
explained to her friends, The pane shatters but
wont cut me when I ride through it. It looks almost
like glass, but its translucent instead of
transparent.
I sure hope it wont hurt you, Inky said, looking
doubtfully at the large pane. We dont want to cart
you off to the hospital when youre finished.
Nancy-Rae laughed and prepared for her crash by
doing wheelies down the sidewalk, while the
workmen put the finishing touches on the window
display. Inside stood a mannequin wearing the latest
fashions, with a picture hat dangling from one
finger.
After she had warmed up sufficiently, Nancy-Rae
sat at idle until she heard the familiar command,
Roll em. She accelerated and drove straight at the
window. Seconds later she ripped through the pane,
and emerged on the other side, unhurt and
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unscratched.
The mannequin had landed over Nancy-Raes left
shoulder, and the picture hat was perched atop her
helmet. She did not dare move because Nailer kept
the cameras rolling beyond the take. Finally he
chuckled. Print it!
Then he turned to Nancy-Rae. Good work, kid. I
couldnt have done that if I had tried.
She smiled shyly, taking off the hat, whose pink
streamers hung in front of her eyes.
The boys watched Nailers mood improve as he
got caught up in the days shooting.
I guess we should face facts, Wynn observed.
All he cares about is the movie. Mysteries and
problems other than those in front of the camera
dont exist for him.
He doesnt see any danger in anything, either,
Lonny agreed. It never occurs to him that people
can get hurt seriously in the stunts.
Next, the company moved to a nearby service
station, where the motorcycle rider was to stop and
fall off the bike, half-frozen from his ride through
the mountains. After an afternoon of lessons from
Nancy-Rae, the actor Ralph Anderson was
convinced that he could do his act at the pump.
Fine, fine, Nailer said. Then we can use a
closer angle. You take the bike up to the pump,
well cut, and let Nancy-Rae do the frozen tumble
131

for you.
Ralph nodded, and at the signal, roared into the
station. Hes going too fast, Nancy-Rae
whispered, wringing her hands. With a great clatter
he fell over the oil rack and dumped his cycle to the
pavement.
Cut, Nailer called. Are you okay, Ralph?
The actor stood up, with Nancy-Rae already at his
side to switch off the fallen bike.
Yeah. Yeah, I think so, Ralph croaked.
Trying to steal my job, Nancy-Rae joked.
Thatll be the day, he said, rubbing his sore
limbs.
During the lunch break Nailer got a call via
radiophone from Hollywood. He came back to the
picnic table with the news that the film taken the
evening before had been saved.
He turned to Wynn. Suit up for work this
afternoon. The report states that there was a shiny
spot on the pavement, reflecting moonlight, just
before the camera was jerked out of position and
everything came to a halt.
Im glad there is proof that the accident was not
my fault, Wynn said. And I still maintain someone
spilled the oil deliberately.
Nailer looked uncomfortable for a moment.
Well, try to avoid problems from now on, he said,
and check everything out ahead of time. The flick
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is terrific, but the costs are getting to be outrageous.

While the crew finished lunch, Lonny went to a
public phone booth. He called Bud Eubankss
sheriff friend in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Good to hear from you, Lonny, Sheriff Bennett
said cheerfully. We checked out Harry Remsen, but
he seems clean. However, I think we have some
information on the photos you sent Bud. Hold on a
minute.
Sure. Lonny could barely contain his
excitement while the sheriff went to check on the
matter.
Soon the man returned to the phone. We
transmitted the shots electronically from the
Winston-Salem FBI office to Washington and got a
make, Sheriff Bennett said. It appears that the guy
driving the red Cutlass is a known gangster named
Franco Varese!

133

CHAPTER XIV

Thrill-Show Thrills

Lonny rushed back to the location. Excited, he

motioned his friends out of earshot of the others.
You look like youve seen the light at the end of
the tunnel, Inky commented as Lonny led the way
into the empty stunt trailer. She sat down beside
Nancy-Rae and poured everyone a soda.
No big answers, but at least we know were
dealing with a big-time mystery, Lonny replied.
Sheriff Bennett checked the mug shot and were
being tailed by a known gangster, Franco Varese.
Wow! Nancy-Rae leaned back. I was starting
to hope the whole thing was our imagination.
Afraid not, Lonny said.
Hank, Wynn asked suddenly, was your mother
ever threatened by gangsters?
Good grief! Hanks voice shook. I hope not.
She never told me about it, nor my father, as far as I
134

know.
I dont think Varese has anything to do with
Hanks mystery, Lonny spoke up. His surveillance
has to do with that shoe box!
How can you be sure? Inky asked.
Well, we have already established that the
pottery figure Scarface wanted us to take to
California was camouflage for something else,
right?
Right, Wynn said. Are you trying to say that
Scarface knew Varese was following him and
wanted to mislead him with the phony box?
Lonny nodded. Either the mouse or Varese must
have been watching Scarface coming into our hotel
with the box, talking to us in the lobby, and then
getting in the elevator with us. When he left the
hotel, he did not have the box, because he hid it
behind the cigarette urn.
I get it, Inky said. Scarface did not want to
come out of the hotel with the box. He wanted his
shadow to think he left it with us.
Terrific deduction, Nancy-Rae had to admit.
But whom was the real box for? And what do the
word gold and the gun signify?
I dont know, Lonny said. But I suspect that
Varese and the mouse are tailing us because they
think we have it.
We do, Inky said. But we have no idea what
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its for!
I wouldnt be surprised if those guys were
behind the attempts to kill us, Wynn declared.
Maybe they hired Harry Remsen to work with
them! Lonny said. Even though the sheriff told me
he had nothing on Remsen.
I always suspected Al Bonham, Nancy-Rae
said.
I think Wynns theory is correct, Hank spoke
up. Bonham doesnt like you because of Cheryl,
but that wouldnt make him want to kill Wynn and
Lonny.
Well have to find answers to all these
questions, Lonny said. And what about Hank? We
still dont know why he was told to go on this trip.
Theres only one week of shooting left, Inky
pointed out.
Hank nodded. And all we know about the
mystery involving my mother is that the mention of
her name sent Cheryl Simmons and Joe Ulmer into a
tailspin.
So we need to try a second mention, Inky
suggested.
Nailer stuck his head into the trailer. Wynn,
come here a moment!
Wynn jumped up and joined the director outside.
The men have the wrecked Ferrari loaded on a
trailer ready to go to a repair shop in town, Nailer
136

told him. Youve dealt with wrecks before?

Yes, sir, lots of times. I mean, uh, I dont wreck
lots of cars, Wynn stammered, but when youre in
racing, that sort of thing does happen.
Nailer grunted. Never mind. You just tell them
how to fix it. I want it perfect, so perfect that there is
no indication that the accident ever happened.
Ill be glad to.
Wynn and Lonny left quickly and headed for the
car shop in Phoenix. They were pleased and
surprised to find that it was one of the largest
dealerships in the west. In the lot were many
damaged Ferraris, some far worse than theirs. The
owner assured them the work would be handled
properly.
When they asked if they could look around, he
replied, Certainly. In fact, Ill give you a guided
tour.
Whats
your
preference,
Ferraris,
Lamborghinis, Maseratis? Luxury cars, or race
cars?
Race cars! both boys replied in unison.
They were shown into the area reserved for the
owners private collection. There was a sports car
used in the twenty-four-hour race of Le Mans, and
beside it a special treasure, World Champion Niki
Laudas Formula 1, 312B Ferrari.
Thats what well have some day, old buddy,
Wynn said dreamily to his friend, thinking of their
137

racing plans for the future.

You bet we will! Lonny said, already crawling
around on the floor, looking under the car. The
owner obliged by removing the nose section,
looking on proudly while Lonny admired his prized
possession.
The boys forgot the unpleasant circumstances of
their visit, but finally Wynn looked at his watch.
Wow, he said. Wed better get going before
were in trouble again!
They thanked the owner for his kindness, and
arranged to have the Ferrari picked up when it was
ready.
They arrived at the set during the afternoon
coffee break. Inky and Nancy-Rae settled under a
tree, where Cheryl was chatting with Joe Ulmer. The
two ceased talking as soon as the girls sat down and
the boys and Hank joined them.
I think it was Dawn Shelly, Inky spoke up.
Not Ava Gardner. I distinctly remember the scene
where she slapped Cleve Atkins while standing on
the step of her carriage.
I think youre wrong, Nancy-Rae argued.
Cheryl, do you remember that scene in Alone no
More?
Cheryl shook her head, and Nancy-Rae went on,
We had another argument about Dawn that you
might be able to settle. There were rumors, from
138

what Ive heard, that Dawns death might not have

been an accident. Is that true?
Accident? Cheryl stammered, looking for
words. Of course it was an accident.
The girls turned to Joe Ulmer. He merely
shrugged. I never even saw any of her movies. All I
know is what I read in the papers.
Cheryl, who had recovered from her initial
surprise, became angry. Why the morbid interest in
Dawn Shelly? She has been dead a long time and I
dont want to think about it any more. I considered it
a great personal loss when she drowned. She stood
up and started to walk to the coffee machine before
adding, For heavens sake, please stop dredging up
such a sick, unhappy subject.
Ulmer got up, too, and walked away.
Well, about all that tells me is that Cheryl is still
upset about Dawns death, Inky stated.
Right, but we have no clue as to why, Wynn
put in. I cant imagine that Cheryl Simmons would
have any real attachment to someone who was more
beautiful and more talented than she is.
Wynn and Lonny noticed that everyone was
rushing to leave and cars were loaded up on haulers.
Whats happening? Lonny asked.
Were going to the speedway rented by Waller
Motion Pictures to put on a free auto-thrill show,
Inky told him. Remember, Nailer gave us
139

instructions a couple of days ago?

Oh, I completely forgot it was today, Lonny
said. The director had explained that a crowd was
needed for a particular scene. The cost for so many
extras would be formidable, he had told them, so
we offer a free show with lots of door prizes. And
we get a free audience.
Very clever, Wynn had chuckled. And fun,
too!
The young people piled into one of the buses and
the boys sat down behind Nancy-Rae and Inky.
Hank climbed up the stairs with Roddy in his tow
and they took seats in back of the young racers.
Roddy pulled Lonnys sleeve and leaned forward.
Ive been watching Mr. Remsen, he whispered.
But he hasnt done anything suspicious so far.
Good work, Roddy, Lonny replied. Keep it
up!
When the crew arrived at the speedway,
thousands of people had gathered already. Nailer
went down in front of the eager crowd with a
bullhorn.
How would you all like to be in the movies? he
shouted.
The crowd cheered and he held up his right hand.
Great. Great. Now when I give the signal, I want
you to cheer with all your might.
The young people watched as the director coaxed
140

the people to applaud and ohh and ahh and leap

from their seats while the cameras recorded the
action.
He looks like a college cheerleader, Hank
observed.
After the mass scene was filmed, the cameras
were turned to face the show. A series of ramps had
been erected, and special thrill-show drivers circled
around the oval track. By running one side of a car
up on the ramp, they could hold the vehicle perched
on two wheels as they continued.
Im glad Nailer didnt turn this job over to us,
Lonny said. Its harder than the stunts we have to
do.
Wynn agreed. These guys are absolutely
fantastic! Fascinated, he watched as the thrill
drivers began a hair-raising in-and-out game of
dodge-the-competition.
After various tricks and breath-taking stunts, the
thrill men prepared for the final sequence. Rob
Sardo was to steer a junk car up a ramp, crashing on
top of three other automobiles, which had already
been wrecked in earlier melees.
Wynn rubbed his arms. I know theyre just
junkers, but I still get chills when I see cars
intentionally destroyed.
Sardo charged up the ramp and dropped onto the
junked cars. The terrible crunching and snapping of
141

metal caused the crowd to emit horrified squeals.

I hope Joe Ulmer got that for his sound tapes,
Wynn remarked to Lonny. That was real fright we
heard.
Real fright is right, Lonny yelled, heading
down the bleachers. Before Wynn could ask any
questions, he saw the cause of alarm. One of the gas
tanks on the bottom junker had popped open, and
the orange liquid poured out into the dirt.
Lonny leaped over the fence onto the track. Rob,
get out of there fast! he yelled.
Too late. With a great sucking sound, the gasoline
fumes ignited on a spark from Sardos engine, and
the wreckage was engulfed in flames. Lonny jumped
on top of the vehicle, smashing the windshield with
a tire iron he had grabbed from the open trunk.
Wynn helped him drag Sardo through the broken
glass and they lowered him to the ground some
distance away.
Fire trucks soon appeared, but they would have
been too late to save Rob Sardo. The older stunt man
looked at the wreckage, watching the upholstery
burn out of control as the firemen covered the
flames with dry chemicals.
When the blaze was finally smothered, a
sickening-smelling cloud spread over the track.
Though the crowd was coughing because of the
fumes, it broke into a loud round of applause for the
142

young heroes.
Dont say anything. Nailer smiled nervously.
They think it was part of the act.
Sardo shook his head and wiped his eyes on his
right sleeve. I have to admit that I didnt intend for
the scene to be quite so exciting. He turned to the
boys. Thanks a lot, guys.
Thats okay, Wynn said, still a little shaky.
I dont even want to ask who forgot to drain the
tank, Sardo added bitterly.
Nailer, his hands trembling, lifted up his bullhorn.
Hows that for real excitement, folks. Lets hear it
for our young heroes.
A great cheer rose in the arena.
I wonder how he plans to top that one, Sardo
muttered. In case you kids havent noticed, the
closer his stunt men come to getting killed, the
better he likes it.
That evening, while the young people relaxed and
played gin rummy, they resumed their discussion of
the Dawn Shelly mystery.
Maybe we can get hold of some old movie
magazines with features on Dawn and see if there is
a clue we havent thought of, Inky suggested.
Hank didnt spend a great deal of time with her, so
there may be stories he never heard.
Speak of the devil, a voice said cheerily, and
Hank came through the door. Deal me in.
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Well be glad to. Nancy-Rae grinned, and Hank

climbed up beside her. Where did you leave your
little buddy?
He had to go to bed. Really, hes a good kid,
Hank said. All he needed was someone to pay
attention to him.
Everyone was quiet for a moment, then NancyRae said, We havent really tried to find an
explanation for those strange voices in our camper.
She stacked the cards and went on, I wish I
Ouch! said the cards while Nancy-Rae shuffled
them. She dropped the deck in surprise.
Hank broke into laughter at the shocked faces of
his friends. Neat trick, huh? I picked that up when I
was traveling with my mother. I always hoped she
would find a job for me as a ventriloquist.
Wynns eyes widened. Hanks clowning had
given him an idea. He ran out of the camper,
grabbing a flashlight on the way. The surprised
group followed and gathered around the vehicle as
Wynn crawled underneath.
Suddenly he yelled, Hey, I found the answer!

144

CHAPTER XV

The Cannon Roll-Over

What answer? Lonny asked, perplexed.

Wynn reappeared from underneath the camper,
his face smudged but smiling. This may be of
interest to you, he said proudly, holding up two
items.
What is it? Inky asked.
This little collection of sound equipment was
attached with electrical tape to the bottom of the
camper. In one hand Wynn held a tiny FM
transistor radio with an alnico magnet attached.
The magnet kept the radio in place, he
explained, and the tape prevented it from bouncing
around when we were moving.
Lonny whistled. Very clever. And whats this?
he pointed to a cylinder about the size of a ping
pong ball.
A sound reproducer, Wynn replied. It fit into
145

the radios earphone jack and was screwed into

place. He stood up, putting his Swiss army knife
back into his pocket, and handed the compact
equipment to Lonny.
So thats where the haunting voice was coming
from? Hank asked.
No doubt about it, Wynn replied. Whoever
planted the gadgets there could broadcast over a
transmitter. His signal would be picked up by the
radio and the sound output would come up through
the floor of the camper.
And whoever did it may also have planted the
smoke bomb and the blue light, Lonny added.
Hank took the gadgets and studied them closely.
Now we know what, he mused, but we still dont
know why.
During the evening break, before rushes were
shown, Wynn and Lonny went to the mechanics
truck to watch preparations for the most dangerous
stunt of the moviea cannon roll-over that was to
be performed by Rob Sardo or Al Bonham the next
day. Since both were eager to do the stunt and earn a
thousand dollars in bump pay, they would flip a
coin.
You see, the mechanic said to the boys, this is
the cannon. He pointed to a tube mounted behind
the drivers seat of a car standing next to the truck.
Inside it well put eight ounces of gun powder. The
146

fuse is connected to this button on the dash. When

the driver reaches the proper speed, he presses the
button and sets it off electrically. The charge
explodes under the drivers side of the car, pushing
out a log about three feet long. It throws the car into
the air on one side and the natural result is a rollover.
Wow! Wynn said. I dont think they could pay
me enough for all the lumps and bruises that stunt
would give me.
I agree, the mechanic confided. The driver is
well padded with football equipment and foam on
his knees and elbows. But hes strapped in there as
tight as hell go, and theres no way to take a ride
like that without remembering it for a few days.
Oh, my aching body, Lonny groaned. How
many times will it roll?
The mechanic shrugged. Cant tell. Three, four,
maybe even seven. Depends on how fast hes
traveling when he hits the charge. When he crawls
out, I bet he wont know how many times he went
over.
The next morning, Rob Sardo won the toss.
Wynn asked if hed ever done a roll-over before.
Yep. The veteran laughed. Two on purpose,
one by accident.
As time for the stunt drew near, Sardos cheerful
manner subsided and he took on the serious look of
147

a professional concentrating on the job at hand. He

put in earplugs and strapped on his helmet, then
climbed into the car and started it with a roar.
Everyone gathered to watch him rumble by,
tension mounting in the movie crew. Wynn and
Lonny sensed when the car was at speed and could
imagine what it would be like to be in it, pressing
that button.
Boom! The gunpowder exploded, scattering the
debris off the road as the log jammed down, lifting
the car into the air like a toy. It flipped over and
over, spiraling down the road. Cameras rolled from
five directions to record all the action, which could
not be repeated.
When the car finally stopped, fire crews gathered
around the rocking wreck. After Nailer gave the
completion signal, Bonham ran up and reached in to
release Sardos belts. The onlookers sighed with
relief as the stunt man climbed through the window
of the battered vehicle, apparently unharmed.
Not a scratch, he said to the group. But dont
anyone drop a pin near me tonight. Ive already got
a whale of a headache.
The crowd watched him limp to the stunt trailer.
All in a days work, Al Bonham said casually.
Wynn and Lonny looked at him, but he walked
away before they caught his glance.
Thats easy to say when your feet are on the
148

ground, Lonny observed, and his friend nodded in

agreement.
The company packed up again and started on the
last leg of the journey. A stop for filming was
scheduled in Los Angeles before the finish-line
festivities at Long Beach.
The young people kept an eye out for Varese, but
neither the Cutlass nor the Hornet were to be seen,
and the C.B. transmitted no unusual conversation.
Roddy and I have been observing Harry Remsen
as much as we could, Hank reported. But hes
been acting perfectly normal and hasnt done
anything out of the ordinary.
Do you think he may have ruined the photos by
accident? Inky asked.
I doubt that, Lonny put in. Lets keep
watching him.
The following day the convoy moved slowly
down an unfinished section of freeway in Southern
California near Los Angeles, following a police
escort. The freeway would be used as a location set
for several scenes in which the contestants would be
caught in traffic before the end of the race.
After they had stopped and the crew prepared the
cameras, a number of cars arrived and were directed
into position.
These are the extras, Bonham explained to the
young people. They were hired locally to simulate
149

a traffic jam.
Nailer took Nancy-Rae by the arm and explained
her stunt. You are almost certain to suffer some bad
bruises from this, so we will do our best to get it on
the first take, he promised.
Oh, great, the redhead exclaimed. At least
youre not keeping me in suspense.
Nailer laughed and patted her on the back. Dont
worry, youll do just fine. Now, our mad cycle rider
has gotten trapped in a traffic jam. Suddenly he
spots an opening; he will dodge between the stalled
cars. Only one problem. Just as he arrives in the
vicinity of our closeup cameras, one impatient
motorist decides to get out of his car.
And he opens his door, she finished.
Right. And whammo!
Whammo, me and my motorcycle, eh? Whats
the trick to keep me from breaking my neck?
No trick, Bonham put in wryly. The door will
stop the bike and you will keep going. Aim for the
trunk of the car in the other lane.
Is it padded? she laughed nervously.
Nailer shook his head. Thats where you might
get some bruises, as I told you already. But youll
have a padded outfit.
I think I should have a padded cell for doing
this, Nancy-Rae said, shaking her head. Then she
went to put on her suit. When she returned, she
150

headed for her bike, cranking it over to warm the

engine.
The scene unfolded with Nancy-Raes friends
watching with bated breath as the fiery redhead
charged through the traffic. The door opened on cue,
and they heard an ugly crunch as Nancy-Rae
destroyed the fifth motorcycle in that movie. Her
tiny body was thrown through the air before she slid
to a stop on the trunk of a blue Chevy, her elbows
resting on the back window.
Cut, Nailer called. A-okay, Nancy-Rae.
She climbed off the trunk and rubbed her knees
and elbows. Surprisingly enough, the stunt had been
painless.
Ive always been afraid that something like this
might happen accidentally some day, she said. I
cant believe I did it on purpose.
Since only Wynn and Lonny were needed for the
afternoons shooting, the rest of the cast was
released for sightseeing in Los Angeles.
Lets go to Disneyland, Inky proposed.
Nancy-Rae was thoughtful. You and Hank go,
she suggested. Ill stay around and watch the
camper. With everyone off, our enemies have a
good opportunity for another one of their tricks.
Besides, I dont feel like walking. My left knee hurts
a little from my stunt this morning.
Roddy, who was constantly at Hanks side lately,
151

tugged on his sleeve. Can I go with you?

Sure. Ask your mothers permission, Hank
said, and the boy ran off.
I cant believe how much hes improved since
you started spending some time with him, Inky
declared. Abigale ought to pay you a psychiatrists
fee.
Oh, I didnt do much, Hank replied modestly.
Just answered his questions. I remember what it
was like to have a mother who was always too busy
for me. His eyes followed Roddy. The boy had run
over to Abigale and was pulling her arm while she
continued her conversation with Sam Dunning.
That afternoon the boys were filmed in the
Porsche and the Ferrari as they drove down the
paved, almost-dry Los Angeles riverbed, which was
dotted with puddles of water. The two front runners
in the Midnight Rally had followed the channel to
escape the freeway traffic jam, and they were racing
merrily through the puddles. Overhead a helicopter
camera recorded their movement as they sent rooster
tails of water into the air. The bright-red Ferrari and
black Porsche roared along, colorful blurs to the
helicopter pilot, who watched his speed rise to over
a hundred miles an hour as he tried to keep them in
view.
After the shooting was complete, the boys pulled
the racers up beside Joe Ulmers sound truck. He
152

was to wire the cars to record gear-shift noises and

squealing tires to be dubbed into the film later.
Wynn took the Ferrari for the first run, returning
to have the equipment checked. Ulmer played back a
section of the tape, listening to the sound quality of
the shifting gears. Then he made a few adjustments
and said, Okay, take it for another run. I made
some improvements. I want all five gears, and hold
the car at a hundred. This will be your New York
City soundtrack.
Wynn nodded and buckled himself into the
Ferrari again. He took the leather shift knob in his
right hand and placed the car in first, revved it up,
and popped the clutch. The transmission shifted
smoothly into second. He watched the tachometer,
then the road, and shifted precisely when the car
approached the red line in the lower gears.
Third, fourthhe was at ninety miles an hour.
The white concrete riverbed flashed in front of his
wheels, with an occasional swish of spraying water
as he rode through a puddle. The sides of the bed
were blurred as he rounded the turn under an
overpass, holding the speedometer needle at a
hundred miles an hour.
Then he looked up from the gauges and felt his
hands tighten on the leather wheel.
Directly ahead of him was a construction barrier!
But this was the same route he had driven only
153

minutes earlier! The orange barrels had appeared out

of nowhere, and he was bearing down on them at
high speed!
Wynn shifted down frantically, popping the
clutch with each gear and pumping the brakes. But
seconds later he realized that he would not be able to
stop the Ferrari in time!

154

CHAPTER XVI

Wrap-Party Rip-Off

Faced with the impossibility of slowing the car

before reaching the concrete-filled barrels, Wynn
resorted again to the old trick Bud Eubanks had
taught him, the bootleg turn.
He grabbed the emergency brake and pulled it as
hard as he could. It locked all four wheels, causing
the car to spin. The Ferrari snapped around, the
sudden change in direction rubbing the tires flat. It
stopped inches from the barrier, the tires smoking,
and the smell of burning rubber permeating the
cockpit.
Lonny heard the screeching sound. Instantly he
leaped into the camera truck and speeded to the
scene. When he arrived, Wynn was still stunned by
the abrupt stop.
Good heavens! Lonny exclaimed when he saw
the barrels. Are you okay, Wynn? And what idiot
155

put these up?

Wynn slowly climbed out of the car. He looked at
the black skid marks on the riverbed and said in a
shaky voice, Your guess is as good as mine. We
should have been filming White-Lightning Road and
playing a bunch of moonshiners with a Ferrari. Ill
bet Ive treated this car to the only two bootleg turns
of its lifetime.
The boys saw a workman run down the concrete
buttress under the overpass. What are these barrels
doing way down here? he asked, scratching his
head.
Thats what I would like to know, Wynn
snapped. I almost got killed and nearly wrecked a
sixty-thousand-dollar car.
Slightly miffed by Wynns tone, the workman
retorted, I could ask you, buddy, what a sports car
is doing in the Los Angeles riverbed.
Its for a movie, Lonny explained. We have
permission from the city.
No kidding, mister. These barrels were up on the
bridge this morning. We were working a block away
and when we got back, they were gone. He looked
puzzled. Maybe some kid did this?
No, Wynn said thoughtfully. I think were
dealing with grown-ups schemes, not kids.
The workman shook his head and climbed back
up to the construction site. Wynn turned to Lonny.
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The way I read it, thats the third attempt to do

away with usor mein this case.
Lonny frowned. They must think we know too
much, when, in fact, we know too little.
Joe Ulmer arrived, smiling. Lets play back the
recording, okay? He ignored the strange position of
the Ferrari and went straight to his machine, turning
it on loudly for the boys to hear. Great stuff, he
commented while Wynn and Lonny shook their
heads in resignation.
Early that evening, after an exciting trip to
Disneyland, Hank and Roddy fell asleep in their
chairs after dinner. Inky had left them in the
amusement park while she searched through the
Anaheim Public Library.
I think Ive uncovered something in the
newspaper files, she reported. Listen to this: At
the gala Waller Motion Pictures wrap party in
Burbank after filming the movie Shadows, a daring
jewel robbery took place. The police report that
numerous valuable gems were taken from the
glamorous stars in attendance, including a diamondand-sapphire necklace from the movies leading
lady, Dawn Shelly.
The boys looked at Hank, who snapped awake at
the mention of his mothers name.
Hank, did you hear about that theft? Inky
asked, repeating the contents of the clipping.
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Yeah, I vaguely remember it. It was only eleven

or so at the time, so I dont recall the details except
that Mom was very upset. She hadnt bothered to
insure the necklace, and it was never recovered. She
was careless about such things.
Do you think this could have anything to do with
your mystery? Nancy-Rae questioned.
Could be. I never thought about it. I was so
young at the time, no older than Roddy here.
They never recovered the loot, but did they catch
the thieves? Lonny asked Inky.
No, and thats the interesting part. They were
chased but got away in the maze of movie sets on
the company lot. Dawn Shelly gave a vague
description of the man who snatched her necklace.
He wore a stocking over his head, but she pulled
half of it off and saw a scar across his face.
Scarface! Wynn exclaimed. Now I can see
He was interrupted by Abigale Lennon, who
came to take her sleeping son. She informed the
group that the bus was outside to drive them to the
Long Beach pier for the final shooting.
Oh, my, Nancy-Rae groaned. At least the
water is softer than that car trunk was.
They laughed and Lonny slapped the courageous
redhead on the back. After this movie, theres
nothing you cant do on wheels, he said.
In the final comic night-scene the ill-fated
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motorcycle rider would arrive at the finish line at the

Queen Mary dock only to discover that the throttle
was stuck wide open. The cycle would roar into the
water, barely missing the luxury ocean liner.
Nancy-Rae was preparing for the stunt in the
dock parking lot, when Bonham ran up to her. I
forgot to tell you, he said frantically. Dont do the
scene until you put this on.
Put what on? Nancy-Rae asked, already
mounted on Kawasaki number six.
This wet suit has to go under your leathers.
Oh, dont worry, she said. Im not afraid of
the water.
No, no, you dont understand. Itll be dark out
there. There will be four of us in a boat, Rob Sardo,
Wynn, Lonny, and me. Well be jumping in for you.
But in case the impact stuns you, the wet suit will
keep you afloat until we reach you.
Nancy-Rae shut down the cycle and ducked in the
dressing room to change, while Bonham reassured
the impatient Nailer that this was a necessary
precaution.
Okay, okay, just hurry her up. We have a
reporter here from the Los Angeles Times who
wants to do a story on our motorcycle stunt girl.
Nancy-Rae ran down the steps and jumped on her
bike, appearing only slightly heavier than she did
before putting on the wet suit under her leathers.
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The stunt unfolded with the intended drama. A

squeal went up from the crew as the bike and rider
shot up the hidden ramp and into the air. They
separated in midflight. The heavy cycle fell into the
water first with the small girl splashing to the side.
Hurry up! Wynn fretted, waiting for Nailer to
call cut so they could paddle out to retrieve NancyRae. Finally the signal was given, and they moved
toward her. Wynn was ready with a snorkel in case
she was below the surface. He scanned the dark
waters.
Oh, no! he cried. Hurry over there. She isnt
moving.
He and Al Bonham leaped over the side of the
boat and swam quickly to the unconscious girl,
grabbing her and pushing her toward the boat Rob
Sardo had paddled alongside.
At least she landed face up, Lonny said
nervously as he pulled Nancy-Rae inside. By the
time Wynn and Bonham climbed back in, they heard
the limp girl moan. Then Nancy-Rae sat up.
Boy, am I glad that was the last scene, she said
weakly.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when she
continued talking. Thanks for the wet suit, Al. I
dont know if Im a floater or a sinker, but that is not
the way Id like to find out.
The stunt crew paddled back to the pier and the
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onlookers pushed close to get a look at Nancy-Rae

and congratulate her. Standing beside Nailer was the
reporter Rhoda Parnot, who had witnessed the
frightening act. She followed Nancy-Rae into her
dressing room, where they waited for Inky to return
with three cups of hot coffee.
Nancy-Rae took off the heavy leathers and rubber
suit, toweled herself dry and put on levis and a
sweater. I feel fifty pounds lighter, she said with a
smile and handed the wet garments to the wardrobe
mistress. Maybe theyll be dry in time to use for
your next movie.
Will you be in it? the reporter asked.
Nancy-Rae laughed. No, Ive had enough stunt
work for a while.
Tell me about it, Rhoda Parnot urged, and
Nancy-Rae described the different motorcycle acts
she had performed.
After the interview, Inky had an idea. Mrs.
Parnot, she said, youve been in this business for
quite a while, havent you?
Longer than Id like to admit, the middle-aged
woman replied.
Do you remember Dawn Shelly?
Oh, heavens, yes. She was a bit scatter-brained,
but had a good heart. A lovely girl.
Was there ever a mystery around her?
No, not that I recall. That was a terrible tragedy,
161

her drowning. I did notice her understudy is listed

on the stunt cast for this movie. Its just as well that
Cheryl gave up acting for good.
Then you know Cheryl Simmons? Nancy-Rae
asked.
As well as I want to know her. Shes an
unpleasant person. Mrs. Parnot paused, then said,
Ill tell you a mystery about Dawn Shelly. The
mystery is why she didnt break Cheryl Simmonss
neck. Of all the dirty, humiliating tricks that Ive
ever seen anyone play, Cheryl pulled them. Constant
harassment. For instance, once she made a phone
call to tell Dawn her child was sick, so Dawn would
be late for shooting.
You knew she had a child? Inky put in.
We didnt until then. She confessed with some
embarrassment that she had a deformed son, and
asked us not to use that information for his sake. We
honored her wish.
But why did Cheryl harass her? Nancy-Rae
wanted to know.
She thought she had a chance to get the title role
with Dawn out of the way. So she engineered all
kinds of accidents. Sets would fall over, a coffee pot
was dumped on Dawns foot, and so on. Then poor
Dawn drowned and the part was assigned to another
actress. No one gave Cheryls bid a second thought,
and all her bad play was for nothing.
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You dont think Cheryl had anything to do with

Dawns death, do you? Inky asked, her eyes wide.
Oh, no. Dont get me wrong. I dont think
Cheryl is capable of that. Shes a small-timer.
Scores of people saw Dawn fall out of the boat. The
current was swift, so she couldnt be reached in
time.
The girls thanked the reporter before she left to
write her story for the morning paper. Then they ran
to tell Wynn and Lonny the latest news.
That explains why Cheryl acted the way she did
when we mentioned Dawns name, Lonny said.
But what about Joe Ulmer? Wynn put in.
Lonny shrugged. I have no idea. And the filming
is completed now. All we have to do is go to the
wrap party at the studio tomorrow night.
Everyone involved in the movie will be there,
Inky said. Well have to do whatever sleuthing we
can.
The following evening, shortly after the party
began, Inky and Nancy-Rae cornered Cheryl at the
hors doeuvres table. We understand that you knew
all along that Dawn Shelly had a son, Nancy-Rae
said bluntly.
Cheryl dropped her meatball into the hot sauce.
Oh, rats, look what youve made me do. She
fished for the lost tidbit with a toothpick. I dont
know what youre talking about.
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Inky took a spoon and retrieved the meatball,

handing it to Cheryl. Thats not what we hear from
Rhoda Parnot.
What does she know? Shes nothing but a name
dropper. No time for anyone but the big wheels.
Cheryl said with ill-concealed nervousness.
What about Dawns child? Inky prodded.
Okay, so what if I knew she had a son? She told
me about the kid, even showed me a picture. I knew
her and understudied her.
And tormented her.
Cheryl looked defiant. She deserved it. She was
vain and arrogant. Then her face softened. But I
really felt bad when she drowned. I mean it. Maybe
I was so shocked when you mentioned her name
because Ill always feel guilty about trying to take
her part. II never wanted her to be really hurt.
So your reaction to the mention of Dawns name
was due to a guilty conscience, Nancy-Rae stated.
Cheryl nodded, her confidence gone. I was
touched when she trusted me enough to tell me
about Hank. Then I abused her trust and used it
against her. I was sorry at the end of it all.
I believe you, Cheryl, Nancy-Rae said.
Cheryl smiled faintly and walked away to join Al
Bonham.
I guess they deserve each other, Inky said.
Meanwhile, Wynn and Lonny wandered around,
164

observing the guests. Suddenly Wynn pulled

Lonnys arm and motioned toward a glass door
leading outside.
Whats the matter?
I saw a guy go out there. The way he looked
back over his shoulder seemed suspicious, Wynn
said. Lets see where he went.
The boys slipped outside, but the man was not to
be seen.
Now where could he have gone? Wynn said.
Nothing here but the sets.
Lets look at them, Lonny suggested. The boys
walked around until they came to a section where an
old western set was scheduled for demolition soon,
since the movie company had converted almost
totally to location shooting.
Wynn glanced down the dirt-covered street. See
that ancient Packard over there, gathering dust? he
said. Ill bet they chased a lot of gangsters down
this street. Its pretty real, isnt it?
Sure isWynn!
A man had caught Lonnys eye as he ducked
behind an A-Model convertible in front of the
saloon. Maybe thats the fellow you noticed
before!
It is, Wynn confirmed. I saw him too just now,
and I think its Scarface!
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CHAPTER XVII

The Golden Six-Shooter

Wynn and Lonny raced after the man, who darted

into an alley between two buildings.
Circle around, Lonny panted. Maybe we can
head him off!
Wynn ran behind the wall of the set and stopped
to listen. All was quiet. Then he heard a clatter
nearby. Excited, the boy ran toward the spot.
Cool it, Wynn. Its me. Lonny emerged from
between two garbage cans. It looks as though we
lost him.
Yeah, Wynn muttered and they walked back
into the street, which was illuminated by moonlight.
Suppose we hide and wait until he surfaces
again? Lonny suggested.
There are too many ways out, Wynn said. Ill
bet hes gone already. What rotten luck! Disgusted,
the boy kicked a stone out of his way. It hit the front
166

of a shop that had the word Repair written on it in

faded letters. A sign over the door showing a gold
six-shooter swung lightly in the evening breeze.
Wynn stopped short. Lonny, come here and look
at this!
Its a gun-repair shop, Lonny concluded. What
about it?
The gun in the shoe box wasnt gold, but had the
word gold written on its tag.
I get it! You think theres a connection?
Maybe its a clue to something in this place.
Lets search.
Lonny approached the door and tugged it. The
entire store began to wobble.
Careful, Wynn warned. Dont pull it over on
top of you. These are only fronts with no sides.
The boys looked around the corner and examined
the complicated arrangement of braces and beams
that held the store up.
Got a flashlight? Lonny asked.
Yes. I always carry my pencil flash with me.
Wynn pulled it out and handed it to Lonny, who
examined the back of the set, and then the battered
store front.
Hey, Lonny, see that loose board beneath the
sign bracket? Wynn pointed. Maybe theres
something behind it.
Lonny nodded and jumped onto a bench that
167

stood next to the front door. He grasped the edge of

the board and tugged while Wynn guided him with
the flashlight. The plank ripped away easily.
Here, hold this, Lonny said to his friend, then
stood on his toes and peered into the space behind
the board. Theres a cavity here. Let me see if I can
reach inwait a minute!
Lonnys hands touched something cold. It felt
like small stones. He grabbed them and when he
withdraw his hand, Wynn shone the light on them.
Wow! both boys exclaimed and stared at
Lonnys find in utter amazement. He held a handful
of jewelry, including a beautiful necklace consisting
of blue stones encircled with diamonds!
Itit must be the loot taken in the robbery Inky
was telling us about! Wynn exclaimed.
Lonny nodded in awe. And this must be Dawn
Shelbys necklace. Can you imagine? It was hidden
here all these years and no one had any idea that the
crooks didnt take it with them!
Youre right, kid! growled a rough voice
behind them. Thanks for finding it for us, and hand
it over!
Scarface! Wynn and Lonny backed up against the
wall and Lonny stuffed the jewelry in his pocket.
They stared at Scarface and noticed another man
behind him, who held a gun.
Now you boys dont want to get hurt, do you?
168

the man with the gun spoke. Why fight for

something that doesnt even belong to you? Give me
the jewelry, and you can go on your merry way.
Not on your life! Wynn said defiantly. It
doesnt belong to you either! In a split-second
decision, he swung the board he still held, knocking
the gun out of the mans hand and sending it
spinning into the darkness. The stranger grabbed his
aching hand and cried out in pain, while Lonny
dived toward the weapon, kicking it under the gunrepair store.
As he did so, the jewelry fell from his pockets.
Scarface lunged for the treasure before it hit the
ground, but Wynn sailed onto his back. Lonny
seized the other man, picking him up and throwing
him backward. He sprawled beneath the gun sign
and grabbed the leg of the bench, slinging it at the
charging Lonny.
The bench knocked the boys feet out from under
him, causing him to fall heavily. As Lonny struggled
to get up, he saw Scarfaces crouched figure, the
loose board in his hand. He lumbered toward Wynn,
who lay on the ground, stunned. Menacingly,
Scarface raised the plank, displaying long ragged
nails that had rusted over the years.
This wont feel good, smart boy, when I drive
the nails into your head! he snarled and lifted the
board up high!
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Hold it!
Scarface turned and faced Al Bonham. At the
same instant, Wynn drove his fist into the crooks
stomach. Scarface gasped, clutching his middle, and
the board clattered to the ground. Then Wynn saw
Hank Fairfax behind Bonham. Hank, who was
pulling his belt off, called out, Sit on him, Wynn,
and Ill tie him up.
While Wynn and Hank struggled to put the belt
on Scarface, Bonham and Lonny wrestled his
companion under control.
But Scarface seemed to possess superhuman
strength. He rose and pulled his hands out of Hanks
grasp, managing to shake Wynn at the same time.
Then suddenly he fell to the ground with a thud and
a moan. Someone had clobbered him with the fallen
board!
I got him for you, Hank, a small voice said
proudly. It was Roddy Lennon, who had followed
his friend from the party.
Thanks, kid. Youve been a great help! Hank
said appreciatively, buckling the belt around the
hands of the stunned criminal. Roddy beamed. He
was still holding the board when a studio watchman
arrived on the scene.
The gray-haired man rode up on a bicycle and
asked, Whats the problem? This area is off limits
to visitors!
170

Wynn quickly identified himself and explained

that the two men were thieves. The guard cuffed the
two prisoners together. Who belongs to this? he
asked, holding out Hanks belt.
Its mine, Hank said sheepishly, his pants
slipping down his hips.
Bonham pulled Scarface and his companion to
their feet. Who are these thieves? he questioned.
Lonny picked up the jewelry. They crashed a
party eight years ago and this is the loot!
What! Bonham stared at the sparkling treasure
in amazement, and the watchman scratched his head
in disbelief. You mean this is from the robbery at
the Shadows party?
Wynn told him that the jewelry had been stashed
behind a loose board in the gun-repair shop ever
since.
Why, Ive ridden my bike past that spot a
hundred times and never knew it was there!
Which was just what these fellows figured,
Lonny put in.
The old man thought for a moment. I think I
know why those crooks wanted to retrieve the gems
now. The Western set is scheduled for demolition
this month. Well, let me call the police.
He drove off and returned a few minutes later.
Detectives will be here in no time flat, he
announced. He had barely finished the sentence,
171

when a squad car arrived. A plainclothesman got

out, followed by two officers in uniform. To
everyones utter astonishment, they pulled a
handcuffed prisoner out of the car!

172

CHAPTER XVIII

Scarfaces Scheme

The man in handcuffs pointed to Scarface and his

companion. Officer, theyre the ones I was telling
you about. This fellow with the scar is Dorpman; the
other is Goff.
Okay, Mr. Newsome, the plainclothesman
replied. Im glad you could identify them.
You traitor! Scarface yelled. You wont get
away with this!
Who is this man? Wynn asked the detective.
He flew in from New York this morning to
finger these two crooks, the officer replied. He
was involved with them eight years ago when the
three pulled off a jewel heist.
While the two uniformed policemen pushed
Dorpman and Goff into the back of the patrol car,
the detective continued, After the robbery,
Newsome was handed the gems and the other two
173

got away in the opposite direction. He panicked and

stashed the loot in one of the sets. Now all we have
to do is find it.
Its right here, the guard spoke up. These
young men located it for you!
The detective scrutinized the jewels, comparing
them with a list he had in his notebook. Appears
that theyre all here. Good work, fellows!
I cant figure out how these characters got past
security, the old guard said. We try to run a tight
ship here with all the curiosity seekers trying to get
on the movie lot.
I know, Roddy piped up. I saw them getting
out of Mr. Ulmers sound truck just before the party.
They must have ridden in with him!
Scarface gave the boy a deadly look, and the
guard whistled. Joe Ulmer? Hes a trusted studio
employee!
I think he fooled us all, Wynn said.
The detective turned to the two policemen. You
take these guys and the jewels to headquarters. Ill
bring Ulmer in for questioning.
The squad car roared off with the three prisoners,
and the others walked back to the studio.
Dont alarm Ulmer, the detective warned. I
want to surprise him so he wont have a chance to
get away in the crowd.
Well be careful, Wynn promised, and they
174

stationed themselves some distance away, watching

Ulmer being arrested right on the dance floor.
Inky and Nancy-Rae joined the group. Seems we
missed all the excitement, Inky complained. What
is going on?
We had no idea what would happen when we
saw Scarface slipping through the glass door over
there, Wynn said. Meanwhile, we found the
jewels, and the cops got the thieves. Come down to
headquarters with us and lets see if we can piece
together the whole story.
Okay. But how do we get there?
Ill take one of the studio station wagons, Al
Bonham offered. But wed better leave Roddy with
Abigale or shell worry about him.
Ill take care of that, Hank said and brought the
reluctant boy to his mother. Hes been a great help,
Abby, Hank said as he rumpled the childs hair.
Clobbered one of the crooks and saved Wynn and
me from getting seriously hurt. Hes a brave young
fellow!
When Abigale questioned Roddy, the boy
proudly told her of the nights events and Hank left
to join the others, who piled into the station wagon
Al had borrowed.
At headquarters, the detective began to piece
together the mystery with the cooperation of
Newsome.
175

I knew I should not have gotten involved in that

robbery, the man said regretfully. But I was young
and broke, and Dorpman told me it would be a
breeze. That these Hollywood types actually would
enjoy a robbery to put some excitement into their
lives. He said the stars had so much money and
insurance that they wouldnt even bother to pursue
us.
All my mother ever insured, Hank said, were
her legs. She wasnt a practical woman. Who could
have stolen her legs?
So you stashed the loot and skipped town? the
detective said to Newsome. But you figured youd
come back someday for your prize.
Skipped town, yes. Planned to come back, no. I
wanted no more of that sort of thing. I found out that
night that I didnt like running. I hopped a freight to
New York because people at the party had seen me
and I knew the Los Angeles cops were hot on my
trail. I never wanted to see Dorpman or Goff again.
Then why are you here tonight? Wynn asked.
You were clear of them for eight years, werent
you?
Youre never clear of the likes of Dorpman and
Goff. I was married, settled down, and got a job as
an electrician. I was doing fine until one day I found
out that a mousy little guy named Fennec, whom I
had noticed watching me for days, had tipped off
176

Dorpman to my whereabouts.
The mouse! Lonny exclaimed. He was on our
trail in New York. But why us?
He wasnt following you, Newsome explained.
He was following Dorpman, who was following
you. You see, Dorpman and Fennec did time
together.
You mean Dorpman was caught?
Not for this burglary, another one. Anyway, he
told Fennec the whole story. Fennec was due for
parole and Dorpman paid him to find me.
And he did, Inky concluded.
Newsome nodded. Dorpman was released a
couple of months later.
Then he came to your house?
Right. Threatened me. But what he didnt know
was that Fennec had also told Goff about my
whereaboutsfor a fee.
Inky shook her head. So you had both of them to
contend with?
Yes. And at the same time. Goff called me from
the West Coast while Dorpman was at my house.
Told me I had twenty-four hours to spill where I had
stashed the loot, or else. My wife was terrified.
What did you do? Al Bonham asked.
I couldnt even think straight. Besides, Goff and
Dorpman didnt trust each other. But my wife kept
her head and devised a scheme to get rid of them.
177

How? Nancy-Rae wanted to know.

She said she would give each of them a clue.
Both clues together would lead them to the cache.
Im surprised they accepted this.
They did, because they didnt trust each other.
Besides, they told me if it didnt work out, Id be
dead, and so would my family. And I believed
them!
What clues did you give them?
My wife told Goff on the phone that his clue
consisted of the words Western movie set.
Meanwhile I took Dorpman into the bedroom. From
the closet I got the gun I used in the robbery and
hadnt looked at since. I put a tab on it with the word
gold.
What happened then?
Dorpman was afraid he might be watched by the
police, since he was fresh out of prison after a
robbery with unrecovered loot. He arranged with Joe
Ulmer to hide out in his trailer and get a ride to
California without being seen.
He knew Ulmer? Lonny questioned.
Right. Joe was an underworld bugging expert
during Dorpmans California days.
He was probably the one who bugged our
camper, Wynn interjected. Obviously to scare us.
But we searched Ulmers camper once and there
was no one in it!
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Wait a minute, Lonny said. I remember now

that he was standing close by during lunch when we
discussed our plans with Mr. Nailer. He must have
overheard us and warned Dorpman to get out.
Dorpman probably hid in the wardrobe trailer,
which stood behind Ulmers and left his box with
the clue in it!
Sure, Inky said, excited. And the wardrobe
trailer has a big window in back. When you came
out of the sound trailer he climbed through the
window and sneaked back into Ulmers while you
entered in the front!
Lonny chuckled. And then the wardrobe
mistress found the box with the clue in it. As we
suspected, the pottery figure Dorpman tried to stick
us with was a red herring.
Pardon me for saying it, Mr. Morris, the
detective interjected, But it seems you and Mr.
Redford were the real red herrings.
What do you mean?
Well, Mr. Newsome told me that Fennec was on
Dorpmans trail and Dorpman knew it. He bought
the pottery figure and took it to your hotel. He made
sure Fennec heard him when he asked for you. He
wanted Fennec to think you were carrying his clue
and he, Dorpman, was staying in New York.
But why us?
He thought you were young and easy to con.
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That was his big mistake.

Well, actually he did fool Fennec, who followed
the movie company because he thought we had the
clue, Wynn put in.
But who made the attempts to kill us? Lonny
inquired.
When the scare tactics didnt work, Dorpman
and Ulmer tried to hurt you, the detective replied.
You see, when Dorpman found out that you were
working not only on the mystery, but that Hank
Fairfax was with you as well, he wanted to get rid of
you in the worst way.
It must have been Dorpman who searched our
van at night for the clue, Inky put in. No doubt
word got around that the wardrobe mistress had
given it to us.
Nancy-Rae nodded. And all this time we
suspected Harry Remsen, she said. Obviously he
had nothing to do with it. He ruined our photos
unintentionally.
Their conversation was interrupted by a police
officer who brought in two more prisoners.
Varese! Hank shouted. And the other one
must be Fennec. How did you catch them?
We found them at the wrap party, pretending to
be guests, the officer reported. No one knows how
they sneaked in. They left their cars, a Cutlass and a
Hornet, in a parking lot in town.
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You see, the detective explained, after we

brought Dorpman, Goff, and Ulmer here and talked
to them, we sent two men back to the party. We
figured Fennec and Varese would be around
somewhere. But how come you knew who they
were?
We saw Fennec tailing us in New York, Wynn
explained, and we photographed Varese when he
followed the convoy. Later we obtained his identity
from the FBI. How did he get into the act, anyway?
Hes a buddy of Fennecs. Fennec decided to go
after the loot himself. He thought Dorpman had
given you the clue and decided to follow the film
company. He realized he would reduce his chances
of detection if he took Varese as reinforcement. Two
cars would make the spying less obvious.
Except that we overheard some of their C.B.
conversations and knew what they were up to!
Hank said with a grin.
What happened when we arrived? Wynn asked.
Did they realize that Dorpman was here, too?
No. They thought they had to deal only with you
and Goff, who would get the loot and split it with
Dorpman later. Meanwhile, Dorpman and Goff got
together and almost retrieved the jewels. Obviously,
Fennec and Varese did not see them get in Ulmers
truck. So they followed you to the party, thinking
you would lead them to Goff. They didnt arrive in
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time to realize Dorpman and Goff were there, or you

would have had to fight off two more crooks!
I have a question, Hank said. Someone knew
about all this and called me up. A woman. She told
me to join the movie outfit because it might solve a
mystery involving my mother. Who was she?
That was my wife, Newsome revealed. You
see, after Dorpman left our house, I was too afraid to
go to the police and I begged her not to call the
authorities. So she phoned you and gave you that tip.
But the whole thing bothered both of us so much
that we finally couldnt stand it any more. Thats
why I flew out here and told the police all I knew.
You did the right thing, Wynn said.
Newsome looked depressed. It got me into a lot
of trouble, but I wanted a clean conscience.
The detective slapped him on the back. Youre
in less trouble now than youve been in at any time
in the last eight years. All the jewelry can be
returned, and Im sure the judge will be lenient with
you.
After a preliminary identification check of
Dawns jewelry by an expert, it was given to the
rightful heir, Hank Fairfax. He decided to sell it and
use the money to buy a car-repair shop.
The other items were returned to their owners,
and the boys and girls were thanked for their
detective work. They decided to stay a few days at
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the home of their old friend from their sprint-car

racing days, D. H. Crawford, before heading back to
North Carolina.
While they were sitting around his swimming
pool in a Los Angeles suburb, the phone rang.
Its the police department, Crawford said,
handing the phone to Wynn.
Wynn listened intently, and Lonny watched a big
smile spread over his face.
No kidding, Wynn said. Really? Finally he
hung up. Lonny could stand the suspense no longer.
Whats up, Wynn?
You know all that jewelry we found? Well, the
rewards posted amount to a nifty ten thousand
dollars!
Wowee! Lonny cried out. Thats enough to
put down on a new car for the next racing season!

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