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 motion-

picture 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 A DARING STUNT 1

II TUNNEL TRAP 15

III HANKS CHALLENGE 29 IV BILLBOARD BUMP 40

V PIN THE TAIL ON THE DONKEY 51

VI HOT POPS FIREWORKS 59 VII C. B. CLUE 69

VIII PANHANDLE STORM 78

IX A TREACHEROUS FALL 87

X FOLLOWED! 96

XI A MYSTERIOUS BOX 105

XII DAYTONA DISASTER 114

XIII CUTLASS CRIMINAL 122

XIV THRILL-SHOW THRILLS 134

XV THE CANNON ROLL-OVER 145

XVI WRAP-PARTY RIP-OFF 155

XVII THE GOLDEN SIX-SHOOTER 166

XVIII SCARFACES SCHEME 179

THE MIDNIGHT RALLY

1

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.

2

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

3

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 co-

driving 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

4

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

5

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

6

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 Nancy-

Rae 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

7

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

8

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 loudlyanother 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.

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

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,

13

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

14

enough. Its worth a hundred dollars each for you. Wynn and Lonny exchanged confused glances.

The man hesitated, then added, An extra twenty-five 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!

15

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

16

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

17

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.

18

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

19

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.

20

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-two-seven 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?

21

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.

22

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

23

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

24

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.

25

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.

26

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.

27

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

28

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!

29

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

30

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 level-

headed 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

31

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

32

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

33

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.

34

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.

35

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

36

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.

37

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?

38

The first rushes have arrived from Hollywoodall 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

39

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!

40

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

41

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

42

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

43

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

44

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.

45

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,

46

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

47

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 Nancy-

Rae 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

48

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 two-hundred-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

49

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.

50

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.

51

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

52

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

53

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.

54

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

55

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.

56

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

57

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.

58

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!

59

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.

60

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

61

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-two-five, 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 ten-twenty, Tiny Tim?

Hank looked at the road map in Inkys lap. Forty

62

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?

63

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

64

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 special-

effects crew. As they waited, surrounded by

fireworks and gasoline, Wynn asked, Did you ever

65

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.

66

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

67

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!

68

Wynn searched around the door for the

extinguisher, his eyes burning and watering.

Suddenly a high, blood-curdling scream cut through

the dense smoke!

69

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.

70

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.

71

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 twenty-

four 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, Nancy-Rae 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

72

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 con