The dinner went on, the talk being divided among the boys on one side, and Mr. Hamilton and his brother-in-law on the other, with occasional interchanges. Then the millionaire and Mr. Larabee went to the library to talk over some business, and the three chums went out to the garage to look over the new car, and see how it had stood the journey. "It seems all right," said Dick. "Of course we didn't put much strain on it. When we get out West, trying to cross deserts, ford streams and climb mountains, then we'll see how she stands up. Jove! but I'm anxious to start. "Say, can't you fellows get your folks on the long distance telephone, and see when you can go?" Dick was always planning how to make short cuts. "It's too late to call 'em up now," said Paul. "They'd think something had happened. We'll write." "Then do it now," urged Dick. "You'll get an answer so much quicker. Explain everything and tell 'em you simply must go! It will do you good." "Oh, we'll go, all right!" declared Innis, and they went back into the house to write the letters. Dick got out a big map and began to figure on a tentative route. Not much preparation would be necessary, at least on this side of the Rockies, for he knew he could buy supplies of food and gasoline almost anywhere. Time was no object, so they could go along leisurely, and he made his plans accordingly. The route would have to be decided on as they went from State to State, for Dick realized that local conditions might vary, and a stream that would be fordable at one time might not be at another. "It will be a great trip!" he remarked to himself. "But if I could only do something for Mr. Wardell I'd feel better. It doesn't seem fair, the way Uncle Ezra acted, though maybe it's all right according to law. And it doesn't seem right that Mr. Wardell should lose his fortune when he can save it, if he only knew how. I wonder if it would be wrong to act on the information I overheard by accident? I'm going to ask dad." Mr. Larabee retired early that night, as he always did, and he piled some chairs against his locked door. "I'm not going to have that pesky bulldog getting in!" he declared. "Drat him! I wish he'd run away." "Dad!" exclaimed Dick a little later, "I want a little talk with you." "Want another auto, Dick?" asked Mr. Hamilton, with a smile. "No, the _Last Word_ suits me right down to the ground. It's about Mr. Wardell and Uncle Ezra." "What do you know about them, Dick?" asked the millionaire, quickly. "Well, I overheard something to-night," and Dick related it. "Do you know this Mr. Wardell?" he went on. "I bought the car from him, you remember." "Yes. Well, I don't know that I can say I know him. I used to know his father, and a fine man he was, though he had rather queer notions of business. He was strictly honest, though, and perhaps if he had taken advantage of every legal trick he might have left more money." "Tricks like Uncle Ezra's?"