The House on the Cliff · Chapter
XX: Dire Threats explained
Snackley and his gang recapture the Hardy boys and Fenton Hardy, discussing their fate.
What happens
Snackley and his gang recapture the Hardy boys and Fenton Hardy, discussing their fate. After considering murder, they decide to turn the prisoners over to the Chinese smuggler Li Chang, who is set to sail in the morning. The Hardys are bound and guarded by Malloy, facing a grim future.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Perseverance
Fenton Hardy refuses to plead for his own safety, and the boys resolve to stick with their father despite the hopeless situation.
Good vs. Evil
The smugglers debate murder versus handing prisoners to Li Chang, highlighting the moral depravity of the villains.
Deception and Appearances
Snackley's earlier pretense of a deal is discarded; the true ruthless nature of the gang is fully revealed.
Characters to notice
- Fenton Hardy
Recaptured and bound; refuses to plead for his own safety but asks for his sons' release.
- Frank Hardy
Bound to a chair, despairing; tries to reassure Joe but sees no hope.
- Joe Hardy
Bound and downhearted; expresses fear of being sent to China.
- Snackley
Chief smuggler; tears up the document, decides to hand the Hardys over to Li Chang.
- Redhead Blount
Advocates killing the prisoners; supports turning them over to Li Chang.
- Malloy
Left as guard; surly and threatening, with a revolver.
Key passages
“We won’t need this. You’ve lost your chance, Hardy. If you had signed it you would have been free by now. But you’ll never be free—not with three of you knowing our secret.”
Snackley tears up the document and tells Fenton Hardy that his opportunity for freedom is gone because now three people know the secret.
Snackley's final rejection of any deal, sealing the Hardys' fate.
“We’ll stick with you, dad,” said Frank quickly. “We sure will!” added Joe.”
Frank and Joe immediately declare they will stay with their father rather than seek their own safety.
Shows the boys' loyalty and courage in the face of danger.
“Turn ’em over to Li Chang. He’s sailing back to China in the morning. Have ’em put on board his ship.”
One smuggler suggests handing the prisoners to Li Chang, who is departing for China at dawn.
The plan to dispose of the Hardys by sending them with a dangerous smuggler.