"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 wonder 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.