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.”