Book 2, Ch. 5

The House on the Cliff

Chapter 5: Pretzel Pete

 

 

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Hardy finally convince the eager detectives to quickly eat their supper before going to question Jones. Meanwhile Mr. Hardy receives a call that another drug shipment has arrived at a warehouse in Indiana with half the shipment stolen! The package passed through Bayport but nothing was suspected until it was opened at the warehouse. However, one of Mr. Hardy’s food vendor contacts down on the waterfront, aptly named Pretzel Pete, reports that Snattman has been in the area. Mr. Hardy also goes on to explain to Frank and Joe that the nephew who is heir to the Pollitt place is actually a wanted criminal himself! Chances are he will not turn up to claim the house. Even more anxious to question Jones, the brothers set off with their father for the Kane farmhouse. It is completely dark! Alarmed, the three venture into the house, only to find the kitchen wrecked, and the Kanes sitting in the living room --- bound and gagged! They are soon free. The angry farmer and his wife report that Jones has been kidnapped!

Book 2, Ch. 4

The House on the Cliff

Chapter 4: The Rescue

Quickly the four boys dash to the rescue! Joe and Biff plunge into the surf to swim to the drowning man, while Frank and Chet commandeer an old rowboat. In a desperate effort, Joe dives for the victim, and at last he is pulled into the boat! Quickly rowing back to shore, the four detectives carry him to a nearby farmhouse, where he is revived by friendly Farmer Kane and his wife. The patient wakes up for a moment, only to announce that he does not want the police called, and that his name is Bill Jones!

Out in the living room, the boys gobble up Mrs. Kane’s delightful lemon pie, as they discuss the fact that Bill Jones is obviously a false name. Mr. Kane reveals that he knew Felix Pollitt, the owner of the old Pollitt place. Pollitt had a nephew who should inherit the dilapidated mansion. Mrs. Kane adds that recent visitors have reported moans and groans coming from the old house. She believes it’s all a prank! As the Hardy brothers finally return home, dropping off their tired friends, they agree that they will check out the mysterious Pollitt noises once again. Mr. Hardy is impressed by their hard work and wonders if “Jones” is a smuggler who was being chased by another smuggler. The boys excitedly jump from their chairs, eager to go and question Jones before he gets away!