The House on the Cliff
Chapter 20: The Smuggler's Request
The
Hardys silently creep forward and attack Snattman from behind, knocking his gun
out of the window! They catch him in a tight grip as the Coast Guard and police
take over the house. All the remaining smugglers march out with their hands up!
In a few moments, Chet and all the boys have joined the Hardys, along with
Officers Bertram, Brown and Ryder.
Suddenly
Frank and Joe add up that the man Jones whom they had rescued at sea is
actually an undercover Coastguardsman, now being held prisoner on Captain
Foster’s boat. While a search is made for Jones, whose real name is Ayres,
Snattman admits he is Old Man Pollitt’s nephew. He thought the house would be
perfect for a smuggling operation, but he confesses a change of heart. He
announces that he will now ask if he may use the old place as a home for
troubled boys instead!
As
news of Ayres being found reaches the Hardys, the last unexplained detail is
also cleared up. Mr. Hardy explains he was kidnapped when he tried to shake a
shadower and instead walked into Snattman’s men on the road. Mr. Hardy thanks
the boys and all their friends for solving the case and saving his life. Little
does he know how soon Frank and Joe will again be entangled in another amazing mystery!
