The Secret Panel Quotes

“Hey,” Chet said, rolling his eyes, “that reminds me. What say we meet in the new drugstore downtown for some chow? I’m starved.” “Okay,” the Hardys agreed, and started toward their convertible. “I’ll take the girls and meet you in a little while,” Chet called, heading for his jalopy. About fifteen minutes later they walked toward the sandwich counter in the drugstore. “Chet will treat you all to a full-course dinner,” Joe announced with a wink when they sat down. “Are you kidding?” Chet protested. “I spent most of my money on rides.” “You’re safe, Chet.” Helen laughed. “We’re not hungry, anyway. Had too many hamburgers at the fair.” “I’m thirsty, though,” Iola said, a twinkle in her eye. In the end all the girls decided to have sodas, and the boys ordered sandwiches.”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel

“The boys hurried to the convertible and sped away. Soon the outlines of a Ferris wheel came in sight. “Quite a show,” Joe remarked as he and Frank got out of the car. Just inside the entrance gate a man standing on a platform was announcing loudly: “Ten dollars, I said! Ten dollars ! Easiest way in the world to earn ten dollars! All you have to be is smart!” The barker held up a large padlock. “You just have to open this. Sure, it’s a trick lock. But it’ll cost you only a dime to try. Step this way, gentlemen!” Frank nudged Joe. The first customer to ascend the stairs was Chet Morton! The crowd roared with laughter as Chet struggled with the padlock. He seemed determined to win the ten dollars. “Hey! You better quit before you bust,” cried one of the bystanders. Chet was bent double and was very red in the face. “It’ll cost you more than ten dollars for a doctor!” another man shouted. Frank and Joe were grinning from ear to ear. They knew their friend thought he could open the padlock because he had heard so much about locks and keys lately. But Chet finally gave up and turned away to buy some peanuts.”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel

“They got into their convertible and headed for the Morton farm. As Joe had predicted, the midday meal was about to be served. Chet’s sister Iola was glad to see them, especially Joe. She told Frank to go into the living room. “Surprise!” she said with a broad smile. Frank found Callie Shaw there, watching television. The brown-eyed, vivacious girl was his favorite date. “Oh, hi, Frank!” Callie said, beaming. “I had a hunch you might be coming.” “You did?” “A little bird was on the news just a minute ago. He said so!” Frank laughed. “No kidding. Is that why you decided to stay for lunch?” Callie blushed. She got even with him when Mrs. Morton came in. “Frank and Joe have eaten already and won’t join us for lunch,” she said with a wink. “I’m so sorry,” Mrs. Morton said, taking her cue from Callie. “We’re having barbecued spare-ribs and biscuits.” Then, seeing Frank’s hungry expression, she laughed good-naturedly and said she would set two more places at the table at once, and asked Frank to call Chet. “He’s out spraying the apple trees.”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel

“The boys drove to the Morton farm. Frank and Joe went inside with their chum and Mrs. Morton served milk and apple pie.”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel

“The boys enjoyed a hearty meal of roast chicken, potatoes, and asparagus. While eating, they related the day’s events. Then Frank announced that they were going out to do a little more sleuthing after dinner. “I declare,” Aunt Gertrude said, sniffing. “I don’t know what’s happening to this generation. Never get proper sleep. They’ll all be nervous wrecks before they’re thirty.”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel

“In another five minutes they reached a tiny village which consisted of a general store, a garage, a church, and a few homes. Frank parked the car. “Peaceful-looking place,” he remarked. “I wonder if we’ll find a clue here.”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel

“A sign advertising lunches and dinners swung from a post in front of a small white cottage. Flowered curtains hung at the windows and rose-bushes were in bloom along the walk. “Doesn’t look like a hideout for thieves,” said Joe, disappointed. Frank pointed out that the attractive front might be only a cover for some sinister doings inside. He insisted they find out, adding: “Guess we all could eat, anyway. Let’s go in. I’ll telephone and tell Mother we won’t be home for lunch.” The woman who owned the restaurant prepared a delicious meal for the boys, while they looked around. They saw the entire cottage, even the basement, for the owner proudly showed them her preserve closet. There was nothing the least bit suspicious about the house.”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel

“The Hardys started down the street. They had gone only three blocks when their chubby friend Chet Morton jumped out of a yellow sedan which stopped briefly and then went on. He was munching an apple. “Hi, fellows,” he greeted them. “I was on my way to your house. Phil gave me a ride. Going anywhere special?” “Well, sort of,” Joe replied. “Why?” “Put it off,” Chet insisted importantly. “I’ve got something to show you.”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel

“They drove around to the north shore, and presently came upon two large stone pillars covered with vines. The name MEAD was carved on one. As they turned into the driveway, Joe said, “The place looks deserted to me.” A short distance ahead of them was a clump of trees, around which the driveway wound to the stone mansion. The imposing house at the end of the deeply rutted and overgrown road stood about two hundred feet from the water, commanding an unobstructed view of Barmet Bay.”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel

“At police headquarters they found Chief Collig at the teletype machine, scanning the latest reports. “Hi, fellows,” he greeted them, sitting back in his chair. He was a vigorous, middle-aged man with iron-gray hair, who worked closely with the Hardys on their various cases. “What’s up?”
― Franklin W. Dixon, The Secret Panel