But no, the old gentleman would not go. He was not much hurt, he said, and would feel perfectly safe to remain alone. "Safer than I have really been for many a day, I don't doubt," he added. "But if he had struck the temple, as he surely tried to, he would have killed me," shuddered the aged farmer. "Lord, I have suffered as I have deserved!" The latter words were low, as if spoken in prayer. Then quite aloud again, "Take him with you. You might drop in to-morrow. Maybe my boys will be out this way." The latter words were accompanied by a smile. "You and your automobile did good work to-night, boys! However you happened along, I can't think! And this gentleman with you?" "It's quite a story, Mr. Peek. I'll tell you all about it when you've rested some," said Way, holding a lamp, while Billy tied a soft, clean handkerchief over the wound. Worth was gentle and clever as a woman at such things. "Thunder and lightning! It's _Pickem!_ I thought----" Paul's violent exclamation caused all the boys to look at once to the man on the ground. The dull glow of the lamp had suddenly fallen upon the fellow's face. "So did I! I thought----" "That it was Coster," broke in Bob Rack gently. "But it is neither he nor any other than Mr. Adam W. Kull, of Harkville, 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.