The House on the Cliff · Chapter
The Cap on the Peg explained
The Hardy boys and their friends set out to search for their missing father near the Polucca house.
What happens
The Hardy boys and their friends set out to search for their missing father near the Polucca house. They discover the house is now occupied by a hostile group of strangers. During the confrontation, Frank spots a gray cap hanging on a peg inside the kitchen, suggesting their father may have been there.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Perseverance
The boys persist in their search despite the intimidating new occupants and the eerie reputation of the Polucca house.
Mystery and Detection
Frank's keen observation of the gray cap on the peg provides a crucial clue in the investigation of Fenton Hardy's disappearance.
Characters to notice
- Frank Hardy
Leads the search party, devises the plan to approach the house quietly, and spots the gray cap on the peg.
- Joe Hardy
Participates in the search, expresses puzzlement at the changed appearance of the Polucca house.
- Chet Morton
Joins the search party on his motorcycle, expresses determination to find Mr. Hardy.
- Biff Hooper
Part of the search party, accompanies Joe on the left side of the lane.
- Phil Cohen
Rides with Frank, provides background on Felix Polucca's solitary life.
- Tony Prito
Part of the search party, approves Frank's plan to approach the house.
Key passages
“It will take a mighty lively ghost to scare us away this time.”
Chet declares that they will not be frightened off by any supernatural occurrences.
Shows the boys' renewed determination after their previous scare.
“He used to drive into the city about once a week in a rattly old buggy, with a horse that must have come out of the Ark.”
Phil describes Polucca's ancient horse and buggy, emphasizing the miser's eccentric and isolated lifestyle.
Provides background on Felix Polucca and the house's history.
“But Frank, who had edged close to the open door during the course of the conversation, had glanced into the kitchen and something had caught his eye. It was a gray cap, hanging on a peg!”
Frank notices a gray cap inside the kitchen, a key piece of evidence linking the occupants to his father's disappearance.
Critical plot point that advances the mystery.