The Secret of the Old Mill
1927
The Secret of the Old Mill
1927
Published in 1927, this is the book that helped launch one of the most successful children's book series in publishing history. The Hardy Boys, sixteen-year-old Frank and fourteen-year-old Joe, are teenage sleuths with an appetite for danger. When a charming stranger at the Bayport station passes them a counterfeit five-dollar bill, the brothers find themselves tangled in a counterfeiting ring with ties to a reopened old mill. Their investigation uncovers suspicious characters, dangerous secrets, and a threat of sabotage that reaches closer to home than they ever imagined. Their father, Detective Hardy, is working a confidential case, but can the boys solve the mystery before the mill's operators silence them permanently? Leslie McFarlane writes with the kinetic energy of 1920s pulp, crafting a story where two ordinary boys match wits with hardened criminals using nothing but nerve and resourcefulness. This is adventure fiction at its most elemental: a reminder that courage and cleverness can overcome any obstacle, no matter how threatening.
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“Get a load of his tactics now!” Joe laughed. “He’s trying to change his appearance.””
— Franklin W. Dixon
“The group picked up the picnic hamper from the Queen and strolled down a narrow path through the woods leading to Willow River. “Here’s a good spot.” Callie pointed to a shaded level area along the bank. “We haven’t been in this section before.” Soon everyone was enjoying the delicious lunch the girls had prepared: chicken sandwiches, potato salad, chocolate cake, and lemonade. While they were eating, the girls were the targets of good-natured kidding. “Boy!” Joe exclaimed as he finished his piece of cake. “This is almost as good as my mother and Aunt Gertrude make.” “That’s a compliment!” Chet said emphatically. Callie’s eyes twinkled. “I know it is. Joe’s mother and aunt are the best cooks ever!” Iola sniffed. “I don’t know about this compliment stuff. There’s something on your mind, Joe Hardy!” Joe grinned. “How are you on apple pie and cream puffs and”
— Franklin W. Dixon
“A few minutes later the boys were in the jalopy and driving down a country road bordered by woods. A half mile farther, Chet stopped and turned off the Queen’s engine. The sound of rushing water could be heard. “This is the spot,” Chet announced, and they started off through the woods. The boys soon came to a clear running stream and spotted Mr. Morton seated contentedly on the bank. He was leaning against a tree, holding his rod lightly between his knees and steadying it with his hands. Just as the boys called a greeting to him, the line began to jerk and almost immediately the rod bent till the tip was close to the water. Mr. Morton leaped to his feet and shouted, “Just a minute, fellows! I’ve hooked a lulu!””
— Franklin W. Dixon
“The boys walked to Chet’s jalopy, nicknamed Queen, parked in the station lot. The Queen had been painted a brilliant yellow, and “souped up” by Chet during one of the periods when engines were his hobby. It was a familiar and amusing sight around the streets of Bayport. “She’s not fancy, but she gets around pretty quick,” Chet often maintained stoutly. “I wouldn’t trade her for all the fancy cars in the showrooms.” “Some adjustment!” Joe grimaced. “Think we’ll get to town in one piece?” “Huh!” Chet snorted. “You don’t appreciate great mechanical genius when you see it!” In the business center of Bayport, the boys found traffic heavy. Fortunately, Chet found a parking spot across the street from the Scientific Specialties Store and swung the car neatly into the space. “See what I mean?” he asked. “Good old Queen. And boy, I can’t wait to start working with that microscope!” Chet exclaimed as the three boys got out and walked to the corner. “All bugs beware.” Joe grinned. “You ought to be a whiz in science class next year,” Frank said while they waited for the light to change.””
— Franklin W. Dixon
“Oh, no!” she exploded. “Only on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays!””
— Franklin W. Dixon
