The Hardy boys looked at each other in amazement. “I might have guessed,” said Frank.
Their father smiled. “Not an hour after I was called in on the case I had a full description of all those jewels in every pawnshop in the city. More than that, the description has been sent to jewelry firms and pawnshops in other cities near here, and also the New York police. Here’s a duplicate list if you want it, but you’ll just be wasting time calling at the shops. All the dealers are on the lookout for the jewels.”
Mechanically, Frank took the list. “And I thought it was such a bright idea!”
“It is a bright idea. But it has been used before. Most jewel robberies are solved in just this manner-by tracing the thief when he tries to get rid of the gems.”
“Well,” said Joe gloomily, “I guess that plan is all shot to pieces. Come on, Frank. We’ll think of something else.”
“Out for the reward?” asked Mr. Hardy, chuckling.
“Yes. And we’ll get it, too!”
“I hope you do. But you can’t ask me to help you any more than I’ve done. It’s my case, too, remember. So from now on, you boys and I are rivals I”
“It’s a go!”
“More power to you!” Mr. Hardy smiled and returned to his desk.