Difficult assignments are nothing new to the Hardy boys, and this one that takes them to the deep South is particularly challenging. Their mission: to vindicate a long-dead Confederate general, disgraced during the Civil War because he was accused of stealing hidden gold belonging to a bank. In a museum exhibiting relics of the Civil War, the brother sleuths find a puzzling clue that may help to clear the general's name and pinpoint the location of the hidden gold. But a dangerous criminal and his cohorts are out to steal the treasure and constantly harass Frank and Joe and their pal Chet Morton. Skillfully avoiding booby-traps and flying bullets, the boys persevere in their perilous quest. The arduous search is full of surprises that will thrill all fans of the Hardy boys. - Flyleaf.