# Concerning Todham Todd explained — The Secret of the Caves

> Chapter companion for The Secret of the Caves by Franklin W. Dixon.

## What happens

Miss Todd recovers and stays with the Hardys. Fenton Hardy takes the case and departs for the college town to investigate. The boys learn peculiar identifying details about the missing professor, including his habit of leaving shoelaces untied and his exclamation 'by jing!' Meanwhile, Chet Morton and friends present the Hardy boys with mock medals for rescuing Miss Todd.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mystery and Adventure

The chapter deepens the mystery of Todham Todd's disappearance as the boys learn identifying clues and Fenton Hardy begins his investigation.

### Brotherhood and Friendship

Chet and the other chums honor Frank and Joe with mock medals, showing the strong bond and pride among the group.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Hardy

Discusses the missing professor's habits with Joe; receives a mock medal from Chet.

### Joe Hardy

Joins Frank in discussing Todham Todd's peculiarities; also receives a mock medal.

### Chet Morton

Leads a group of chums in presenting mock medals to the Hardy boys for the rescue.

### Miss Evangeline Todd

Recovers and provides details about her brother's habits; stays as a guest at the Hardy home.

### Fenton Hardy

Accepts Miss Todd's case and departs for the college town to investigate.

### Mrs. Hardy

Insists Miss Todd stay as a guest; keeps her from being disturbed to aid recovery.

## Key lines

> He forgets to tie his shoelaces and he says 'by jing!'

Joe notes the professor's absentmindedness and distinctive phrase as key identifying traits.

_The boys discuss the clues Miss Todd provided about her brother._

> It should be easy enough to pick him out with a description like that. It's strange he hasn't turned up long ago.

Joe expresses surprise that such distinctive habits haven't led to the professor's discovery.

_Reflects the boys' initial confidence in the clues._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_caves_se/chapters/iv-concerning-todham-todd
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_caves_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_of_the_caves_se/chapters