# A Plan of Attack explained — The House on the Cliff

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

## What happens

The boys discuss the mysterious events at the Polucca house and decide to involve the police. Chief Collig and Detective Smuff reluctantly investigate but return with nothing. Frank deduces a connection between Snackley, the Polucca farm, and the smuggling operation, proposing to explore the cliff base by boat.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mystery and Detection

The boys analyze clues and deduce a connection between the Polucca farm and the smuggling ring.

### Courage and Perseverance

Despite police inaction, the boys persist in their investigation and plan a new approach.

### Deception and Appearances

The redheaded man's explanation about the cap is doubted, and the police's superficial investigation hides the truth.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Hardy

Leads the discussion and deduces the smuggling connection to the Polucca farm.

### Joe Hardy

Participates in the debate and sarcastically questions the police's haste.

### Chet Morton

Points out the suspicious behavior of the redheaded man and criticizes the police.

### Phil Cohen

Suggests turning the cap over to Chief Collig.

### Chief Collig

Reluctantly investigates the Polucca place but returns with no new information.

### Detective Smuff

Accompanies Chief Collig and is equally reluctant to investigate.

## Key lines

> “I’m sure he knows more about it than he cares to tell,” declared Frank.

Frank expressed certainty that the redheaded man was hiding information.

_Frank's suspicion of the redheaded man's story._

> “We ought to turn it over to Chief Collig,” suggested Phil.

Phil proposed giving the cap to the police chief.

_Phil's suggestion to involve the police._

> “Do you mean you think there is a secret harbor in there?”

Joe asked if Frank believed a hidden harbor existed beneath the cliff.

_Joe's question about a possible secret harbor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_on_the_cliff_se/chapters/xiii-a-plan-of-attack
- 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