Even the Applegates, for whom the Hardy boys had solved the mystery of the tower treasure, had their word of commendation.
"As brave as the knights of old," said Miss Adelia.
"If I had my say, I'd print a stamp in their honor," said Hurd Applegate, who was an expert on stamp collecting.
The new roadster became famous in Bayport as the car that had lured the auto thieves to their downfall. Motorists in general were able to breathe easier when they learned that the gang had been rounded up. A little to their embarrassment and much to their delight, at a banquet of the Automobile Club, Frank and Joe were the guests of honor.
"I am sure," said the president of the club, in a speech, "that the automobile owners of the city are grateful to these two boys for the courage and ingenuity they displayed in running down the gang when even the organized police had failed. They ran grave risks, for they were dealing with desperate and experienced criminals. If the hiding place had not been discovered, it seems likely that the thefts might have continued for some time and it is certain that none of the cars would have been recovered. As it is, all the automobiles have been located and returned to their owners, as well as all the stolen goods. As you all know, various rewards were offered by this association and by a number of the car owners, and to these rewards the Hardy boys are justly entitled. I have great pleasure, then, in presenting them with the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, comprising the three separate rewards of five hundred dollars each."
Amid cheers, two checks for $750 were presented to Frank and Joe.
Mr. Hardy, who was present at the banquet, beamed with pleasure. But when he returned home with the lads he invited them into his study and closed the door.
Wondering what was coming, the boys faced their father.
"I think you've had enough congratulations for one week," he said to his sons. "Don't let it turn your heads."
"We won't, Dad," they promised.