# A Promise of Trouble explained — The Great Airport Mystery

> Chapter companion for The Great Airport Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon.

## What happens

After the airplane crash, Frank and Joe Hardy are confronted by the pilot, Giles Ducroy, who blames them for the accident. A farmer, Jim Perrin, witnesses the event and offers to testify on the boys' behalf, noting Ducroy's intoxication. The boys return home and inform their father, Fenton Hardy, who promises to use his connections in the postal department to clear their names.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Vindication

The Hardy boys seek to clear their names after being falsely accused by Ducroy, with the help of a witness and their father.

### Deception and Evidence

Ducroy attempts to shift blame despite his intoxication, while Jim Perrin provides honest testimony as evidence.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Hardy

Defends himself against Ducroy's accusations and seeks his father's help.

### Joe Hardy

Supports Frank and expresses concern about Ducroy's threats.

### Giles Ducroy

Accuses the boys of causing the crash and threatens them with trouble.

### Fenton Hardy

Promises to intervene with postal officials to protect his sons.

## Key lines

> I’ll land my plane wherever I please,” raged the pilot.

Ducroy angrily insists he has the right to land anywhere.

_Shows Ducroy's arrogance and refusal to accept responsibility._

> I saw the whole thing from the top of the hill,” he said slowly. “If I was you, Mr. Airplane Man, I wouldn’t try to collect no damages from these lads.”

Jim Perrin, a witness, advises Ducroy not to blame the boys, as he saw the accident clearly.

_Introduces a key witness who supports the Hardy boys._

> I’ll go and see what can be done about it right away.”

Fenton Hardy promises to take immediate action to help his sons.

_Highlights the father's determination to protect his family._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_great_airport_mystery_se/chapters/iii-a-promise-of-trouble
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_great_airport_mystery_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_great_airport_mystery_se/chapters