The Red Trailer Mystery

heavy-shouldered man, looked as though he were going to knock him down any minute. "You’d better watch who you call a numbskull around here," Jeff said evenly. "And in case you’re interested, I’m getting fed up with your giving all the orders. This is a fifty-fifty racket, see?"
    A sneer twisted Al’s sharp features. "Fifty-fifty! That’s what you think! I’m the brains of this outfit, and I thought up the idea. I’ve also taken most of the risk. You’re lucky I’m going to give you a third just to keep that big mouth of yours shut."
    Dull red spots mottled Jeff’s high cheekbones. "Why, you—" he sputtered. "You double-crossing rat! I’ve taken the big risks all along. Who forged those references so we could get jobs at the trailer camp? Do you think they’d have given you that classy uniform without those big-shot signatures I copied on the letters of recommendation?"
    "That’s just the point," A1 said coolly. "You have a prison record; I haven’t. All I have to do to get rid of you is to drop a small hint to the Autoville manager that it might be a good idea to have your fingerprints checked."
    Jeff laughed. "You wouldn’t dare. I’d sing a little song that would land you in stir so quick you’d never know what hit you." His expression slowly changed to one of deep suspicion. "So, you’ve been double-crossing me all along, huh? It was you who nabbed that red trailer all the radio ballyhoo is about. Got it hidden somewhere so you can make a quick getaway with all the loot sometime when I’m back there sweating in the kitchen." He took a threatening step toward the bushy-haired man. "Painted it a nice shiny blue by now, eh, with new license plates? All set to go, leaving me to take the rap when the cops close in and things get too hot, huh?"
    "Don’t be a complete fool," A1 hissed. "Whoever stole the Robin ruined us, and you know it! Since that happened there are more state troopers on the road than there are cars. As long as the other trailers were found right away, nobody kicked too much. Their owners were all heavily insured, so as long as they got their little traveling homes back, they were satisfied. But the amateur who made off with the Robin hasn’t got brains enough to abandon the thing and give the troopers a rest." He whistled through his teeth in exasperation. "The sooner they catch that guy the better."
    Trixie could tell from the frown on Jeff's ugly face that he still suspected Al. "No amateur swiped that red trailer," he growled. "Only a smart guy like you could pull one like that without being picked up before he changed into high gear."
    Al reached into his pocket and produced a cigarette. He tapped it on his thumbnail and stuck it in one corner of his mouth without lighting it. Then he said, hardly moving his lips, "I’ve stood enough of your yap. As soon as you’ve changed that tire, well load up the van, and I’ll get going for the coast. I’ll send you your share when I’ve sold the stuff. Or, if you don’t trust me, I’ll give you a grand now and call it quits."
    "A grand!" Jeff chuckled evilly. "Big boy, it’ll cost you exactly five thousand dollars to get that tire changed."
    For the first time since they had scrambled in fright to the old hayloft, Trixie stole a quick look at Honey. She was lying flat on the floor, peering intently through another crack. She didn’t look the least bit frightened now; in fact, it was obvious that she was thoroughly enjoying herself, as though she were safe in a theater, watching an exciting moving picture.
    Trixie smiled inwardly. Slowly but surely Honey was conquering her fear and timidity. When the girls had first met, Trixie had thought Honey was a sissy, but during the adventures connected with the old Mansion, Honey had proved over and over again that she was anything but that.
    "She’s a swell sport," Trixie thought, proud of her friend. "A couple of weeks ago she would have fainted dead away without even trying to climb up that rickety ladder." And then she thought about Miss Trask. It was growing late. How long would the men stay down there arguing?
    "You’ll change that tire for nothing," Al was saying tensely. "If you don’t, I’ll beat you so your own mother will never recognize you." He clenched one big fist. "We’ve wasted too much time already. That guy may come to any minute. The van’s parked too close to his car to be healthy," he finished. "Whatever made you leave the jack in the barn?"
    Jeff moved