As they trudged homeward, Joe remarked, “This seems to be our day for exciting events that fizzle out like wet fireworks.”
“Yes. Nothing to show for all our work.”
At supper both Mr. and Mrs. Hardy laughed at the boys’ story of their encounter with the dog. Then they became serious when Frank asked his father if he thought there was a chance that the Applegates might be guilty of falsely reporting a robbery.
“It’s possible, of course,” the detective answered. “But the Applegates are so well-to-do I can’t see any point in their trying such a thing. I believe it’s best for us to stick to the original idea -that someone really did take jewels and securities from the safe, and that the person was Jackley.”
As the boys were going to bed that night, Frank remarked to his brother, “Tomorrow is Saturday and we have the whole day free. I vote we set ourselves the goal of solving the mystery before night.”
“A big order, but I’m with you,” Joe replied with a grin.
They were up early and began to discuss what course of sleuthing they should follow.
“I think we ought to start off on a completely new tack,” Joe suggested.
“In which direction?” Frank asked him.
“In the direction of the railroad.”