The House on the Cliff
Chapter 13: A Startling Discovery
Peeking
out from behind the crates, the Hardys are horrified to hear the two smugglers
discussing taking the very bolt of silk which conceals them! At the last
minute, however, the criminals pick up only a package of drugs and depart.
Leaving the cave, Frank and Joe cautiously trek down the dark corridor and up
another flight of stairs, across a landing, and up still more endless stone
steps. Finally another closed door appears. On the other side, they can hear
voices and footsteps. A distant door slams, and several men pass behind the
door. Ears pressed to the door, the boys make out a cruel voice taunting an
apparent prisoner. The man, evidently the group’s leader, threatens him with
starvation unless he writes a note immediately. The captive says no. Could it
be their father? Or Jones, or another hostage? Suddenly, they hear the leader
shout, “Write that note, Hardy, or you’ll be sorry!”
