le, New York."

"By thunder! _We_ called him Pickem!" cried Paul, in amazement. "How did
_he_ get here?"

"I think he ran out in his Torpedo. The car stands by the roadside, just
above," said Mr. Rack, pleasantly.

CHAPTER IX

THE DETECTIVE'S STRANGE STORY

Detective Bob Rack and his prisoner, with Phil to drive, went to Griffin
in the Torpedo while Paul, Billy, Dave and Mr. Peek rode in the Six. For
Mr. Rack would hardly consent to the old gentleman spending the
remainder of the night alone. So, in due time, was he given a room at
the American House. Mr. Pickem, otherwise Smith, otherwise Kull, was
assigned to very narrow and also strong, quarters in the village prison
with Chief Fobes personally mounting guard over both him and Coster. Two
big revolvers the officer had and there was no sign of sleep in his
usually languid eyes.

The capture of the chief's prisoner was, vastly to his satisfaction,
effected by himself and the village night watchman. On the advice of Bob
Rack they had watched the railroad yards closely. Coster was seized just
as he darted from some hiding-place and tried to board an out-bound
freight.

Deeply interested in the exciting occurrences of the evening, Landlord
Wagg had not gone to bed, as proved quite fortunate for the Auto Boys
and the detective. When Mr. Peek had been given every attention, he
announced that a little supper for five was ready to serve whenever
wanted.

"I rarely venture an opinion without having facts to support it," said
Mr. Rack, smiling, "but on this occasion I will say that I think all of
us are ready to show our appreciation of such an invitation in a very
thorough manner, provided you will join us, Mr. Wagg. Also I've promised
the boys a little history of the case that brought us together. Perhaps
you may be interested."

A large part of the story told by Mr. Bob Rack as the party sat long
over a supper of cold meats, bread and butter, coffee and fruit, is
familiar to the reader. Without quoting his language then,--and the
pleasing modulations of his voice could not be shown in print, in any
event,--the narrative was substantially as follows:

When the theft of Adam Kull's car, at Harkville, was reported to the
authorities two months earlier, Mr. Rack had been asked by the insurance
company, in which a policy covering theft was held, to assist in the
search.

Not a trace of the car was found. There seemed to be no clue to go upon.
An odd circum