The Great Airport Mystery · Chapter
XXI: West of Bacon Hill explained
The Hardy boys, hidden in Ducroy's plane, overhear the trio's plan to rob another aircraft.
What happens
The Hardy boys, hidden in Ducroy's plane, overhear the trio's plan to rob another aircraft. During the flight, Joe's sleeve gets caught in the steering gear, nearly causing a crash. After freeing himself, they witness the holdup of a mail plane, which crashes. The boys disable their own plane's engine to prevent escape and confront the criminals.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Bravery
The Hardy boys risk their lives by stowing away on a criminal's plane and later confront armed robbers.
Deception and Evidence
The boys secretly gather evidence of the planned robbery while hidden in the plane.
Adventure and Risk-Taking
The dangerous flight and the high-stakes confrontation highlight the adventurous spirit of the boys.
Characters to notice
- Frank Hardy
Uses a flashlight to help free Joe's sleeve and prepares to intervene in the holdup.
- Joe Hardy
Gets his sleeve caught in the steering gear, nearly causing a crash, and later disables the plane's engine.
- Giles Ducroy
Pilots the plane, plans the holdup, and orders the crew to rob the mail pilot.
- Newt Pipps
Expresses fear about the mission but participates in the holdup.
- Ollie Jacobs
Assists in the holdup and helps carry out the robbery.
Key passages
“I wish the weather was better,” Newt Pipps complained. “I’m afraid something will happen.””
Newt Pipps expressed worry about the poor weather, fearing an accident.
Shows the tension among the criminals before the flight.
“I know every foot of his route,” returned Ducroy. “He’ll come right over the two church steeples in Jasonville, then strike west of the light on Bacon Hill.””
Ducroy claimed to know the mail plane's exact route, mentioning landmarks like Jasonville and Bacon Hill.
Reveals the planned interception point.
“Steering gear jammed!” answered Ducroy sourly. “We’ll be killed!””
Ducroy angrily reported that the steering gear was jammed, causing panic.
Highlights the danger when Joe's sleeve gets caught.
“If we get through this trip all right we’ll be set for life.””
Ollie Jacobs remarked that a successful robbery would make them wealthy.
Shows the criminals' motivation.
“Let’s fix it so they can’t.””
Joe suggested disabling the plane to prevent the criminals from escaping.
Demonstrates Joe's quick thinking and mechanical skill.