Tuesday, August 21, 2012

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!