Book 1, Ch. 18

The Tower Treasure

Chapter 18: An Unexpected Surprise

Instantly, the boys throw themselves to the ground until the spotlight moves away. What should they do now? At that moment, Herd Applegate and his new guard dog show up. Applegate informs them it was his sister shining the flashlight around, looking for prowlers, and he curtly asks the boys to phone if they come over again. Disappointed, Frank and Joe head for home. The boys are up again early the next morning, determined not to quit. This time they head out to the Bayport railroad. They question the flagmen in hopes that one of them will remember Red Jackley and provide a new clue. Sure enough, Jake the stationmaster directs them to the crossing at Cherryville, where Jackley worked. Frank and Joe settle down to eat their lunch at the tracks, in view of an old, weather-beaten water tower. Beside it stands a brand-new red metal tower. Tower? The boys look at each other. Could it be that this is the tower Jackley meant? They must find out!

Book 1, Ch. 17

The Tower Treasure

Chapter 17: An Unexpected Find

Eager to uncover the treasure, the Hardys hold their breaths as the box is opened. But it is nothing but a box of --- flower bulbs! What? Hurd Applegate suddenly appears and grumpily informs them that Mr. Robinson had a habit of burying bulbs and seeds around the place. Sure enough, when the boys discover a second buried chest, it is a box of flower seeds! Meanwhile, Chief Collig has arrested Mr. Robinson again, accusing him of being an accomplice of Red Jackley! Alarmed, Frank and Joe head once more to the Tower Mansion after school. Creeping around after night as fallen, they hear footsteps, then suddenly a spotlight shines from the tower window—directly on them!

Book 1, Ch. 16

The Tower Treasure

Chapter 16: A Surprise

Frank and Joe look carefully through every inch of the new tower but do not find a trace of the jewels. Not only Hurd Applegate and his sister Adelia, but also the “detective” Smuff express their disappointment and even glee at the Hardys’ failure! However, Mr. Hardy is determined to search again. He and the boys tap every floor and wall of both towers –- nothing! Will Mr. Robinson be implicated after all? Mr. Hardy insists that they search the grounds the next morning. As Frank pushes his spade into a freshly planted bed, he cries with delight as he unearths a buried chest!