The Great Airport Mystery · Chapter
Under Arrest explained
The Hardy boys, along with Chet and Biff, are at Amos Grice's store after being caught in a storm.
What happens
The Hardy boys, along with Chet and Biff, are at Amos Grice's store after being caught in a storm. They learn of a second airport mail robbery and receive a urgent call from their father to return home. Upon arriving in Bayport, they are met by Detective Smuff and taken to Chief Collig, who arrests them for the airport robbery.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when the Hardy boys, who have been actively investigating the mail robbery, are sudd…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Justice and Vindication
The Hardy boys are falsely accused and arrested, setting up a struggle to prove their innocence.
- Family and Loyalty
Fenton Hardy's urgent call shows his concern for his sons, and the boys' loyalty to their father is evident.
- Deception and Evidence
The boys are arrested based on suspicion, highlighting the theme of evidence and false accusations.
Characters to notice
- Frank Hardy
Surprised by the news of the second robbery and the urgent summons home; arrested by Chief Collig.
- Joe Hardy
Calls home to reassure his mother; speculates about the robbery; arrested alongside Frank.
- Fenton Hardy
Urgently calls his sons to return home, hinting at trouble connected to the airport robbery.
- Chet Morton
Accompanies the Hardys; jokes about the arrest but is unaware of the seriousness.
- Biff Hooper
With the group; makes light of the situation, suggesting the chief wants to hire them.
- Mr. Smuff
Delivers the chief's summons and later brings the boys to headquarters.
- Chief Collig
Arrests the Hardy boys on orders from the postal authorities.
- Amos Grice
Hosts the boys after the storm and informs them of the second robbery.
Key passages
“What’s that?” demanded the storekeeper abruptly, in response to Frank Hardy’s inadvertent exclamation.”
The storekeeper asked sharply what Frank had exclaimed about.
Frank's surprise at hearing about the robbery.
““Well, I’m glad you’re all right. Now listen. I want you and Joe to come home at once.””
Fenton Hardy expresses relief but insists they return home immediately.
The urgency in their father's voice.
““You’re wanted by the postal authorities. I have orders to place you under arrest.””
Chief Collig informs the boys they are being arrested on orders from the postal authorities.
The shocking arrest.
