Their father’s face wore a broad grin. “I’m certainly proud of you,” he said, and slapped Frank and Joe on the back. “You boys shall have the honor of making the announcement to the Apple-gates.”
“How about Chief Collig?” Frank asked. “And we’ll report Hobo Johnny to him.”
“And we’ll invite the Robinsons to hear the announcement,” Joe added.
The detective said he thought there should be a grand meeting at the Applegates’ home of everyone involved with the tower mystery. He suggested that when the boys called up, they try to arrange such a meeting for that very evening.
Frank was selected to make the report to Hurd Applegate; the others could hear the elderly man exclaim in amazement. “I didn’t think you’d do it!” he said over and over again.
Shouting for his sister, he relayed the message, then said, “Adelia wants me to tell you she’s the most relieved woman in all of Bayport. She never did like any of this business.”
The Applegates readily agreed to a meeting at their home early that evening and insisted that Mr. Robinson be there. Mr. Hardy was to see to it that Chief Collig released the man at once.
“This is going to be a lot of fun,” Frank declared at supper. “Mother, I think you should come along? Will you?”
“I’d love to,” Mrs. Hardy replied. “I’d like to hear what the Applegates and Mr. Robinson and Chief Collig are going to say.”
“And Chet should be there too,” Joe said. “After all, it was his stolen car that gave us the clue to Red Jackley.” Chet was called and gave a whoop of delight. He agreed to meet the Hardy family at the Tower Mansion.