When the excitement died down, Prince Bhagnav said, "I must explain something to you Hardy boys. I understand my leaving in such a hurry that morning after the bombing gave you cause to wonder about my motives." He laughed. "My trip to New York was to meet another cousin of mine before he could be kidnapped!"

Frank and Joe smiled broadly. After a pause, Mr. Ghapur said: "I have a gift of my own to offer-the falcon. I want you boys to keep the n.o.ble, courageous bird."

Frank and Joe accepted with alacrity, and added, "It would have been pretty hard to part with our hooded hawk."

Suddenly Chet grinned. "Well," he said, "I guess the least I can do is treat you fellows to that dinner I promised. How about all of you coming out to the farm for a big celebration?"

Everyone accepted.

"And bring the falcon with you," Chet urged.

Joe grinned. "We will, if you'll have a pound of raw beef ready for Miss Peregrine as her reward."

Chet readily agreed. "But for all she did, the falcon deserves a sirloin steak!"

"You're right," Frank said. "Without her, we couldn't have solved the mystery."

"Bravo, Miss Peregrine!" Joe said.

And Prince Tava echoed, "Shabas.h.!.+ "Shabas.h.!.+ Bravo!" Bravo!"

THE END.