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!

Book 2, Ch. 3

The House on the Cliff

Chapter 3: Landslide!

Thanks to the tools Chet pulls out of his pocket, the boys are soon able to get the motorcycle running again. Still no clue to the thief! Heading for home, they are ready for a break from the excitement, but it is not to be. Just as Joe rounds a curve on the rocky hillside, he hears an ominous noise behind him. Look out! A landslide is pouring down the hillside onto Frank and Chet! The two riders emerge shaken and bruised from their dusty bath. Getting back on the bikes, the tired detectives are distracted yet again – in the distance across the ocean to their left, they spot two racing speedboats. To their astonishment, the man in the second boat hurls something into the boat in front. Seconds later, the first boat blows up, hurling the occupant into the water! As the second boat races away, the stranded swimmer struggles to stay afloat!

Book 2, Ch. 2

The House on the Cliff

Chapter 2: Thief at Work

Sliding through a library window, the four boys quickly search the dilapidated house. No one! But behind a door in a bedroom closet are hidden stairs to the attic. All four rush to the attic, only to find it empty – and themselves locked in! With a heave-ho, they break down the door and race back to the telescope, wondering if someone meant to trap them and steal it. The telescope is still there! But oddly enough, both eyepieces have been removed! Angrily the boys search the house one more time, but turn up nothing. As they prepare to give up in disappointment, they hear ghostly laughter from somewhere below the cliff top. Again they see nothing. Chet is more than ready to leave this scary scene, and soon they are on their way home on the motorcycles. But the day isn’t over yet! Frank’s motorcycle splutters to a stop. Both he and Joe have toolboxes along for emergencies, but when they open the boxes, the tools are .  . . gone!!

Book 2, Ch. 1

The House on the Cliff

Chapter 1: Spying by Telescope

Frank and Joe are eager for another mystery, and their dad does not disappoint them. Their next assignment is to look for Felix Snattman and his gang of notorious smugglers. Mr. Hardy believes that Snattman may be stealing valuable drug shipments enroute from India, as they reach the East Coast. Before long, Frank and Joe are on their motorcycles with Biff Hooper and Chet Morton hanging on behind. The foursome set up their telescope high above the ocean, in front of the old Pollitt place, which has been deserted since Felix Pollitt died there a month ago. To their delight, it is only a moment until they spot a boat out on the waves. As they watch in astonishment, a man climbs over the side of the boat and down into a smaller boat below. Suddenly they hear screams from the house on the cliff behind them. Leaving the telescope, they rush toward the house. Who is in trouble?!?

Book 1 Slideshow

It has been a lot of fun putting together these pictures of the first Hardy Boys adventure. For the grand finale, enjoy all the pictures in order for The Tower Treasure!