The Last of Captain Royal explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Brotherhood and Friendship

  The Hardy boys and their chums share a celebratory banquet, highlighting their bond and mutual support.

• Persistence and Determination

  The boys' persistent efforts lead to Todham Todd's recovery and the resolution of the mystery.

• Justice and Crime

  The capture of Lieutenant Patwick and his confession bring closure to the murder of Barton Bixby.

Characters to notice

• Frank Hardy

  Refuses reward, gives a speech at the banquet, receives a motion picture camera.

• Joe Hardy

  Refuses reward, receives a motion picture camera alongside Frank.

• Chet Morton

  Receives a gold watch and chain, gives a bashful speech at the banquet.

• Biff Hooper

  Receives a gold watch and chain at the banquet.

• Miss Evangeline Todd

  Grateful for her brother's return, hosts a banquet and gives gifts to the boys.

• Todham Todd

  Recovers memory, unaware of his Captain Royal identity, presides at the banquet.

Key passages

• ““We must never let him know,” said Evangeline Todd to the boys that evening. “You may rely on us, Miss Todd,” they assured her.”

  Evangeline Todd asks the boys to keep his past as Captain Royal a secret, and they agree.

  The boys promise to protect Todham Todd from the painful truth.

• ““Our greatest reward is in seeing your brother with you again, with his memory restored,” declared Frank. “We want nothing more than that.””

  Frank says their true reward is seeing Todham Todd reunited with his sister.

  The boys refuse a monetary reward, valuing the reunion above all.

• ““I’m not a very good orator,” he said. “You’re a better detective,” shouted one of the lads at the table.”

  Frank modestly claims he is not a good speaker, but a friend calls him a better detective.

  The boys acknowledge Frank's detective skills during his speech.