# XX: The Flash in the Tower explained — The Tower Treasure

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

## What happens

Despite Fenton Hardy's efforts, Mr. Robinson is arrested again for the Tower Mansion robbery. The Hardy boys, feeling responsible, resolve to find the hidden loot to clear his name. While scouting Tower Mansion, they spot Adelia Applegate searching the old tower with a flashlight, confirming their suspicion that the treasure is still hidden somewhere.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Wrongful Accusation

Mr. Robinson is arrested again despite his innocence, and the boys grapple with the injustice of a ruined reputation even if he is cleared.

### Perseverance and Resilience

Frank and Joe refuse to give up, vowing to find the loot despite the seemingly hopeless situation.

### Family and Loyalty

Perry Robinson's loyalty to his father drives him to plead for help, and the Hardy boys feel a duty to the Robinson family.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Hardy

Frank expresses disgust at their detective work and resolves to find the loot to clear Mr. Robinson.

### Joe Hardy

Joe spots the flash of light in the tower and identifies Adelia Applegate searching with a flashlight.

### Fenton Hardy

Mr. Hardy tells Perry Robinson that the case is hopeless unless the loot is found, and later reiterates this to the boys.

### Perry Robinson

Perry visits the Hardy home, pleading for continued help, and leaves dejected after Mr. Hardy explains the situation.

### Callie Shaw

Callie informs the Hardy boys that Mr. Robinson has been arrested again by Chief Collig.

### Iola Morton

Iola confirms the news of Mr. Robinson's re-arrest and expresses indignation at the suspicion against him.

## Key lines

> “There’s nothing to be done,” said the detective. “Robinson has been arrested, and while he might be cleared by a skilful lawyer, he hasn’t any money to spend on his defence. Whether he is cleared or not, his reputation is ruined.”

Fenton Hardy explains that without funds for a lawyer, Mr. Robinson's reputation is ruined regardless of the trial outcome.

_Highlights the theme of social class and the unfairness of the justice system._

> “What a fine pair of detectives we are!” exclaimed Frank, in sudden disgust. “If we had been any good at all we could have got those clues soon enough for Dad to have caught Jackley in time.”

Frank berates himself and Joe for not finding clues sooner to prevent the current crisis.

_Shows Frank's self-blame and determination to make amends._

> “We’ve got to find that loot!” declared Frank emphatically. “No matter where that tower treasure is, we’ve got to find it!”

Frank insists they must recover the stolen treasure to clear Mr. Robinson's name.

_Reinforces the theme of perseverance and the boys' renewed commitment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tower_treasure_se/chapters/xx-the-flash-in-the-tower
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tower_treasure_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_tower_treasure_se/chapters