# The Search of the Tower explained — The Tower Treasure

> Chapter companion for The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> “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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tower_treasure_se/chapters/xvii-the-search-of-the-tower
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tower_treasure_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tower_treasure_se/chapters