“We can’t expect to get a reward for every case we work on—and we can’t expect to solve ’em all, either,” Frank pointed out.
“We can’t expect to get many cases to try our hand at. We’re not professionals just yet.”
“No, but we will be, someday.”
This conversation took place as the Hardy boys were on their way up to Tower Mansion about a week later. Adelia Applegate, who had taken a great fancy to the lads, in violent contrast to her dislike of them on the day they had gone to make a search of the old tower, had invited them up to the Tower Mansion for supper.
She had also asked them to invite a number of their chums. So Slim Robinson, Chet Morton, Biff Hooper, Jerry Gilroy, Phil Cohen and Tony Prito had all been invited by the brothers to attend.
When the Hardy boys reached the Mansion they found that the others had already arrived.
“We’re waiting for you,” shrilled Miss Applegate, who was decked out in an ancient yellow gown with remarkable trimmings of black and red. “Everybody’s hungry.”
She soon led the way to the dining room, where a long table had been prepared for the boys. They gasped when they saw that array, and Miss Applegate beamed.
“I know you don’t want an old woman like me watching you while you eat,” she cried. “So go right ahead—and put your elbows on the table if you wish.”
There was a scramble for places, as a servant came in with the soup, but Frank Hardy sprang to his feet.