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Hunting for Hidden Gold · Chapter

A Call for Help explained

While skating on the lake during a fierce blizzard, Frank and Joe Hardy, along with Chet Morton and Jerry Gilroy, take shelter by a cliff.

What happens

While skating on the lake during a fierce blizzard, Frank and Joe Hardy, along with Chet Morton and Jerry Gilroy, take shelter by a cliff. They hear a mysterious crash and are buried by an avalanche of snow. After freeing themselves, they hear a cry for help and discover a small cottage buried in the snow.

Themes in this chapter

  • Adventure and Excitement

    The boys reflect on past adventures and are thrust into a new perilous situation.

  • Perseverance and Determination

    The boys fight through the blizzard and avalanche to reach the source of the cry for help.

Characters to notice

  • Frank Hardy

    Leads the group, hears the cry for help, and spots the cottage.

  • Joe Hardy

    Struggles through the blizzard and helps free himself from the avalanche.

  • Chet Morton

    Complains about the cold and worries about his mother's reaction.

  • Jerry Gilroy

    Accompanies the boys and comments on the storm.

Key passages

  • “This is the first bit of excitement we’ve had since we left Blacksnake Island,” declared Chet. “I thought we were never going to have any adventures again.”

    Chet remarks that they haven't had any excitement since their last adventure on Blacksnake Island.

    Shows the boys' desire for adventure.

  • “I heard someone call,” Frank shouted. “Listen.”

    Frank tells the others to be quiet because he heard a voice calling for help.

    Frank's keen hearing leads them to the cottage.