Missing explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Adventure and Detective Work

  The Hardy boys organize a search party, demonstrating detective-like planning and resourcefulness.

• Family and Parental Guidance

  Mrs. Hardy permits the search after Aunt Gertrude's arrival, showing family support and concern.

• Perseverance and Determination

  Despite no news for three days, the boys persist in organizing a search for their missing friends.

Characters to notice

• Frank Hardy

  Organizes the search party for Chet and Biff, discusses plans with Joe and Iola.

• Joe Hardy

  Supports Frank's plan, expresses worry about Chet and Biff, and helps prepare for the search.

• Chet Morton

  Missing; no word received for three days, presumed lost.

• Biff Hooper

  Missing; no word received for three days, presumed lost.

• Iola Morton

  Expresses fear that Chet and Biff were wrecked in the storm; encourages the Hardy boys to search.

• Aunt Gertrude

  Arrives unexpectedly early, bossing the boys and arguing with the taxi driver.

Key passages

• “No word came from Chet Morton or Biff Hooper the following day.”

  Chet and Biff did not send any message the next day.

  Highlights the beginning of the missing persons situation.

• “They were wrecked in that storm, I know it!”

  I am certain they were shipwrecked in the storm.

  Iola expresses her fear about the boys' fate.

• “It's time we were getting busy.”

  We need to start taking action now.

  Frank decides to organize a search party.

• “Thank goodness we'll be away from here before Aunt Gertrude arrives.”

  We are lucky to leave before Aunt Gertrude gets here.

  Frank's relief at avoiding Aunt Gertrude's arrival.

• “Aunt Gertrude must have had some premonition of the truth. She advanced the time of her arrival by a good two hours.”

  Aunt Gertrude seemed to sense their plan and arrived two hours early.

  Aunt Gertrude's early arrival foils the boys' escape.