They hurried into the house, eager to find out more about the robbery, and in the hallway they met Fenton Hardy, who had just seen Mr. Applegate to the door.
"I hear the Tower Mansion was robbed," said Joe.
Mr. Hardy nodded.
"Yes—Mr. Applegate was just here. He wants me to handle the case."
"How much was taken?"
"Quite curious, aren't you?" remarked Mr. Hardy, with a smile. "Well, I don't suppose it will do any harm to tell you. The safe in the Applegate library was opened. The loss will be about forty thousand dollars, I believe."
"We heard it was over a hundred thousand!" exclaimed Joe.
"Rumors always exaggerate. Forty thousand dollars is the figure Mr. Applegate puts it at. And it's quite enough, too. All in securities and jewels."
"Whew!" exclaimed Frank. "Quite a haul! When did it happen?"
"Either last night or this morning. He did not get up until after ten o'clock this morning and he did not go into the library until nearly noon. Then he discovered the theft."