Book 2, Ch. 15

The House on the Cliff

Chapter 15: Dire Threats

 

 

 

 

Snattman, elated with his catch, debates coldly with his henchmen about how to dispose of the Hardys. Red evilly suggests getting rid of them at once, but the other smugglers have second thoughts. Finally, one gangster proposes turning them over to a friend of Ali Singh’s for a one-way trip into the ocean. Snattman likes the idea! He takes his gang upstairs to load up another shipment of loot, leaving a smuggler named Malloy to guard the Hardys. The discouraged detectives try to distract the guard by talking, but he snaps at them, “Shut up!” There seems to be no way to escape!

Book 2, Ch. 14

The House on the Cliff

Chapter 14: Captured

 

 

 

As Frank and Joe continue to listen from their hiding place, they realize it is Snattman threatening their father! The ruthless criminal vows to starve Mr. Hardy to death unless the detective writes a note telling his boys and the police to get off the case. Mr. Hardy vows that he will die first! He declares to Snattman that the police will soon catch his entire gang. Frustrated, Snattman leaves in disgust. Quickly Frank and Joe speed down the hall and into the room where Mr. Hardy is lying bound hand and foot. They hack at the thick rope as the exhausted detective gulps down a candy bar Joe finds in his pocket. Just as Mr. Hardy is freed, they hear footsteps! Barely able to stand, Mr. Hardy struggles to walk -- as the door opens and the light is snapped on! Bolting down the back stairway, the three are stopped at the bottom by the smuggler and his two henchmen. The fight seems to be going their way when suddenly more members of the gang appear. Before they know what is happening, the three detectives are captured and tied up -- in the same room where Mr. Hardy was, moments ago, set free!