Miss Applegate sniffed again and viewed the boys with frank suspicion.

“As if any thief would be fool enough to hide them right in the house he robbed!”

“These are Mr. Hardy’s boys,” explained Hurd Applegate. “He is the big detective, you know.”

“All detectives,” said Miss Applegate, “are nosey. Always pryin’ into other people’s affairs.”

“We’re just trying to help you,” put in Joe politely.

“Go ahead, then. Go ahead,” said Miss Applegate, with a sigh. “Come around at this hour of morning, disturbing honest folks. Go ahead, and tear the old tower to pieces if you like. But I’ll be bound you won’t find anything. It’s all foolishness. You won’t find anything.”