Hunting for Hidden Gold · Chapter
Con Riley Under Fire explained
After the blizzard, the Hardy boys and their friends transport the injured Jadbury Wilson to their home, where Mrs.
What happens
After the blizzard, the Hardy boys and their friends transport the injured Jadbury Wilson to their home, where Mrs. Hardy insists he stay until he recovers. The next day, a school closure due to storm damage leads to a snowball fight that targets Officer Con Riley, who had tried to stop their bobsledding.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Vigilantism
The youths take justice into their own hands by tricking and humiliating Officer Riley for his unfair enforcement of an outdated ordinance.
Family and Loyalty
The Hardy family shows loyalty by taking in the injured Jadbury Wilson and caring for him.
Characters to notice
- Frank Hardy
Helps transport Jadbury Wilson and participates in the snowball fight against Con Riley.
- Joe Hardy
Grumbles about returning to school but celebrates the snow day; joins the snowball fight.
- Chet Morton
Leads the snowball fight, lures Officer Riley into a trap, and quotes a victory phrase.
- Jadbury Wilson
Injured and brought to the Hardy home, where he is cared for by Mrs. Hardy and Aunt Gertrude.
- Con Riley
Attempts to enforce an obsolete bobsledding ordinance but is ambushed and pelted with snowballs by the youths.
- Jerry Gilroy
Helps transport Wilson and joins the snowball fight.
Key passages
““We have met the enemy and they are ours!””
Chet Morton declares victory over Officer Riley after the snowball ambush.
Chet quotes a famous line to celebrate the group's triumph over the officer.
““Back to school tomorrow!” grumbled Joe, at supper that night.”
Joe complains about returning to school, but Mrs. Hardy reveals the school is closed due to storm damage.
Joe's grumbling sets up the surprise of a snow day.