He opened the sack and handed Joe the bundle of securities, which the boy jammed into his pocket. Frank stuffed the sack containing the jewelry into his own side pocket. Then they hopped onto their motorcycles, stepped on the starters, and roared down the road toward Bay-port. It was not until they were several miles from the old water tower that the Hardys relaxed. Grins spread over their faces.
“I don’t know who’s going to be the most surprised-Hurd or Adelia Applegate, or Chief Collig or-“
“I have another guess-Dad!” said Frank.
“I guess you’re right,” Joe agreed. “And the most disappointed person is going to be one Oscar Smuff!”
“What clue do you suppose he wanted us to follow?”
“It’s my idea he didn’t have any. He just wanted to hook on to us and then claim the glory if we found the treasure, so Collig would give him a job on the force.”
“Where do you think we ought to take these valuables?” Joe asked presently.
The boys discussed this as they covered nearly a mile of ground and finally came to the conclusion that since Hurd Applegate had given their father the job of finding the stolen property, the detective should be the one to return it to the owners.
Half an hour later the brothers pulled into the Hardy driveway and soon were overwhelming their parents with the good news.
“It’s wonderful! Simply wonderful!” Mrs. Hardy cried out, hugging each of her sons.