# The Cap on the Peg explained — The House on the Cliff

> Chapter companion for The House on the Cliff by Franklin W. Dixon.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_on_the_cliff_se/chapters/xi-the-cap-on-the-peg
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_on_the_cliff_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_on_the_cliff_se/chapters