onder and interest.

"So," concluded Mr. Robert Rack, very calmly and gently, as he had
spoken all along, "suppose you leave the whole matter with me for the
present. You better stay in town until to-night or maybe to-morrow, in
case I should want you. Just now I wish you to do only one other thing,
but that is very important. Telegraph or telephone your friends in
Griffin to hold the Torpedo. Don't let it get out of their hands under
any circumstances. If they ride out in it, they should not leave the car
unattended anywhere for one moment."

As if treading on air, such was their elation, the two boys were leaving
the office. "Oh, just a moment!" called Mr. Rack quietly. "Was the name
'Fielderson Brothers' on the cans of paint found in the car you picked
up, do you remember?"

"Yes, but they are the manufacturers. Their paint can be bought
anywhere," Phil replied.

"Yes," the detective answered, apparently the least bit amused.

With eager interest and pleasure Phil and Dave composed a telegram to
Billy and Paul. After many efforts the following is the message they
completed and sent:

"Don't let Torpedo leave Creek's garage for any purpose. Expect
to find Six soon. Must stay here until to-morrow. Wire care of
Auto club."

With the telegram safely dispatched, the boys found a pleasant,
inexpensive hotel where they engaged a room. They went to a restaurant
for dinner, then resolved to write some letters, first to the folks at
home, assuring them of the hopeful outlook, then to Billy and Paul who
would be keen to learn all that had taken place. A letter would reach
them the following morning.

"I would rather have telephoned," said Phil. "They'll be wild for more
news after getting our telegram, but we've spent so much money on long
distance calls and railroad fare, to boot, the last two days!"

And in addition to Phil's remark I am able to state, in confidence, that
the funds of the Auto Boys would soon need replenishing if many more
railroad tickets must be bought or other considerable bills paid.

For it will be remembered there were four lusty appetites to be provided
for, to say nothing of the extra expenses they were meeting. The
possessors of two of the "vast voids" (one of Paul's names for the four
appetites) found meal-time less pleasant now, however, than when Phil
and Dave were with them. Indeed, Paul accused Worth of being absolutely
"grumpy," whatever that may be, as they sat at break