k this work need cost you young men a copper," said he. His
voice was soft as a June zephyr. His neat business suit, calm, gray eyes
and hair just tinged with gray, made him appear a great deal more like a
successful salesman of some kind than a detective--than such ideas of
detectives as the boys had hitherto had, at least.

"Not a copper cent," said Bob Rack, looking up from the card index. "And
how would you like to be reimbursed for your trouble and expense?"

These were quite the most pleasant words that had fallen upon David's or
Philip's ears for some time. In substance they said as much.

"I do not doubt the Torpedo you picked up is one we have long wanted to
get trace of. The insurance people offer four hundred dollars for the
recovery of the car. For the arrest and conviction of the thieves they
will give five hundred dollars more. So then, if your party--four of you
in all, are there?--wish simply to turn over the Torpedo you may do so.
I'll tell you who is to be notified. There's one hundred dollars each
for you. Or if you'd like my office to help you, both with the Torpedo
and your own car, I'll make this proposition: to go myself, or send a
good man with you on this case, and whatever the expenses and whatever
the receipts may amount to they all shall be shared equally."

"Bob, you're a brick!" cried Mr. Cape, who had been an interested
listener. Then he said good-bye, assuring the boys that their problem
was in the best of hands. Heartily they thanked him.

"But there's some doubt about that car in Griffin being the one stolen
at Harkville, isn't there?" reasoned Phil Way as the facts in hand were
further discussed with Mr. Rack. "Why did that man Kull never answer our
telegram?"

"Ah, that is a thing to remember! I asked myself the same question the
moment you said the telegram was not answered, a little time ago,"
smiled the detective. "It would be a dreadful thing, I am sure, for a
man to show no interest in the recovery of his stolen car, simply
because he had received the price of it in insurance." The boys could
see Mr. Rack meant something more than he said. They thought they knew
the thought he entertained. But he went on at once, more seriously:
"There is a great deal more to this matter than simply getting your
machine for you or restoring the Torpedo, or I am badly mistaken."

Phil's eyes glistened. Davy sat very still and I am afraid his mouth was
open without reason other than for his w