The Mystery of Cabin Island · Chapter
XXV: Elroy Jefferson Is Pleased explained
After the storm subsides, the boys return to Bayport with the injured Hanleigh, who quickly leaves town.
What happens
After the storm subsides, the boys return to Bayport with the injured Hanleigh, who quickly leaves town. They visit Mr. Jefferson and return his stolen stamp collection, which they found hidden in the cabin's chimney. Overjoyed, Mr. Jefferson rewards each boy with a check—$200 for the Hardy boys and $100 for Chet and Biff—and offers them free use of Cabin Island in the future.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Reward
The boys' perseverance and detective work are justly rewarded with monetary gifts and the continued use of Cabin Island.
Friendship and Loyalty
Chet and Biff's loyalty is shown as they try to deflect credit to the Hardy boys, while the group celebrates their shared success.
Secrecy and Hidden Treasure
The stamp collection, hidden for years in the cabin's chimney, is finally uncovered and returned to its rightful owner.
Characters to notice
- Frank Hardy
Acts as spokesman, presents the rosewood box to Mr. Jefferson, and explains their adventures.
- Joe Hardy
Supports Frank, expresses that the adventure was fun, and receives a $200 reward.
- Chet Morton
Humbly tries to refuse the $100 reward, feeling he did little, but is delighted when persuaded to accept.
- Biff Hooper
Also reluctant to accept the reward, but cheers enthusiastically when Mr. Jefferson offers free use of Cabin Island.
- Elroy Jefferson
Overjoyed at the return of his stamp collection, rewards the boys generously, and grants them future use of Cabin Island.
- Mr. Hanleigh
Injured and defeated, he leaves Bayport by train and is never seen again.
Key passages
“The storm died down early that afternoon, and the chums left the island and set out for Bayport, with the injured Hanleigh wrapped in blankets on one of the iceboats.”
By early afternoon the storm had passed, and the friends departed Cabin Island for Bayport, transporting the wounded Hanleigh on an iceboat under blankets.
Describes the group's departure after the storm.
“Frank produced the rosewood box. 'Do you recognize this, sir?' Elroy Jefferson gazed at the box incredulously. 'My stamps!' he exclaimed. 'My precious stamp collection!'”
Frank showed Mr. Jefferson the rosewood box, and the old man, astonished, immediately recognized it as his long-lost stamp collection.
The moment of recognition and joy.
“I can’t do very much to express my appreciation,' he said, 'but I want you boys to accept a little reward.'”
Mr. Jefferson insisted on giving the boys a reward as a token of his gratitude.
Mr. Jefferson's offer of a reward.
“Furthermore,' continued Elroy Jefferson, 'I want you boys to understand that Cabin Island is at your disposal at any time.'”
Mr. Jefferson also told the boys they could use Cabin Island whenever they wished.
The generous offer of future use of the island.