Two brothers, Frank and Joe Hardy, aspire to follow in their father's footsteps as detectives. While running an errand, they encounter a reckless driver who nearly runs them off the road. Later, they learn that their friend Chet Morton's roadster has been stolen. The boys deduce that the thief may be connected to a recent car wreck they witnessed. They investigate the wreck and find clues that lead them to suspect a redheaded man, who they believe is the thief. Their investigation leads them to the Tower Mansion, where a robbery has occurred, resulting in the theft of valuable jewels and bonds. The caretaker, Henry Robinson, is wrongfully accused of the crime, and the boys are determined to clear his name. They discover that the thief, Red Jackley, has a history of crime and is known for wearing a red wig. After tracking Jackley down, they learn he has confessed to the robbery but dies before revealing the location of the stolen goods. Despite their efforts, the boys initially fail to find the treasure in the old tower of the mansion. However, they later realize that Jackley may have meant the old water tower near the railway tracks instead. They search the water tower and successfully recover the stolen jewels and bonds, proving Robinson's innocence. The boys present the recovered treasure to Hurd Applegate, the mansion's owner, and receive a reward for their detective work. The case concludes with Robinson being reinstated as the caretaker, and the Hardy boys gain recognition for their skills, setting the stage for future adventures.
By Franklin W. Dixon · First published 1927 · Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Young Adult · 24 chapters