The Tower Treasure · Chapter
The Search of the Tower explained
Frank and Joe Hardy visit Tower Mansion to search the old tower for stolen jewels and bonds, based on a clue from the dying thief Red Jackley.
What happens
Frank and Joe Hardy visit Tower Mansion to search the old tower for stolen jewels and bonds, based on a clue from the dying thief Red Jackley. They face skepticism from Hurd Applegate and his sister Adelia, who reluctantly allow the search. After thoroughly examining the dusty, abandoned tower and finding no footprints or hiding places, the boys conclude the loot is not there. They consider searching the new tower instead, but the Applegates are dismissive and mock their failure.
Themes in this chapter
Perseverance and Resilience
The Hardy boys persist in their search despite mockery and a fruitless outcome, immediately planning to investigate the new tower.
Youth vs. Authority
The Applegates dismiss the boys' efforts and treat them as nuisances, highlighting the tension between youthful initiative and adult skepticism.
Characters to notice
- Frank Hardy
Leads the search of the old tower, remains optimistic despite the Applegates' skepticism.
- Joe Hardy
Assists Frank in the search and suggests the loot might be in the new tower.
- Hurd Applegate
Reluctantly allows the search, is dismissive and mocks the boys when they find nothing.
- Adelia Applegate
Suspicious and scornful, she cackles at the boys' failure and refuses permission to search the new tower.
Key passages
““We have evidence that leads us to believe the jewels and bonds were hidden in the tower by the thief.””
Frank explains they have a clue suggesting the thief hid the stolen items in the tower.
Frank presents their case to Hurd Applegate to gain permission for the search.
““There you are. Those stairs lead up into the tower. Search away. You won’t find anything.””
Hurd Applegate points out the stairs and dismisses the search as futile.
Applegate's skepticism is evident as he allows the search but predicts failure.
““We were fooled, I guess,” Frank admitted. “There hasn’t been anyone in this tower for years. I knew it as soon as I saw there were no footprints.””
Frank concedes the search was unsuccessful, noting the lack of footprints indicated the tower had been undisturbed.
Frank acknowledges the failure and reflects on the evidence that should have warned them.