The Secret of the Old Mill · Chapter
XIV: Con Riley Guards a Package explained
Officer Con Riley, enjoying a peaceful day, is flattered by Chet Morton and the Hardy boys who praise his role in capturing Paul Blum.
What happens
Officer Con Riley, enjoying a peaceful day, is flattered by Chet Morton and the Hardy boys who praise his role in capturing Paul Blum. Chet tricks Riley into guarding a package containing an alarm clock, which rings loudly in public, causing Riley to be humiliated as he is chased by a crowd. The chapter ends with Fenton Hardy revealing that Paul Blum has escaped from jail.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Trust
Chet deceives Riley by flattering him and tricking him into guarding a package containing an alarm clock, exploiting Riley's trust and vanity.
Friendship and Loyalty
The Hardy boys and their friends work together in the prank, showing their camaraderie and shared sense of humor.
Characters to notice
- Con Riley
Officer Riley is the central figure, initially content and flattered by the boys, then humiliated by Chet's alarm clock prank.
- Chet Morton
Chet orchestrates the prank, flattering Riley and giving him a package containing an alarm clock, then watches the ensuing chaos.
- Frank Hardy
Frank asks about Paul Blum and participates in the flattery of Riley, later learns of Blum's escape.
- Joe Hardy
Joe joins in praising Riley's role in capturing Blum and is present when the news of Blum's escape arrives.
- Fenton Hardy
Fenton appears at the end to inform the boys that Paul Blum has escaped from jail.
Key passages
“Officer Con Riley was at peace with the world. His heart was full of contentment and his stomach was full of pie.”
Officer Riley felt completely satisfied, both emotionally and physically, after a good meal.
Sets the scene for Riley's complacency before the prank.
“Chet turned to his companions. 'Can you imagine that!' he exclaimed. 'There’s the police force for you. They keep a solid, brainy man like Riley here on the beat and let fellows like Collig be chief. It’s wrong, I tell you. It’s wrong.'”
Chet pretends to be outraged that Riley is not promoted, flattering him to gain his trust.
Shows Chet's manipulative flattery as part of the prank.
“Suddenly the shrill jangle of an alarm clock sounded. Riley started violently, straightened up, blinked, and looked behind him.”
An alarm clock suddenly rang, startling Riley and drawing attention to the package.
The climax of the prank, revealing the trick.
“With a mutter of wrath he flung the tinkling package into the nearest alley.”
Angrily, Riley threw the ringing package into an alley to escape the embarrassment.
Riley's attempt to end the humiliation.
“I just had a telephone message from the police station. What’s the matter? Paul Blum has escaped from jail.”
Fenton Hardy announces that Paul Blum has escaped from prison.
The chapter's twist ending, shifting focus from the prank to a serious development.