“Wasn’t it locked?”

“That’s the strange part of it. The car was locked, although the garage door was open. I can’t see how he got away with it.”

“A professional job,” commented Frank. “These auto thieves always carry scores of keys with them. But we’re losing time here. The only thing is to set out in pursuit and to notify the police. The hired man didn’t see which way the fellow went, did he?”

“No.”

“There is only the one road, and we didn’t meet him, so he must have taken the turning to the right at the end of the lane.”

“We’ll chase him,” said Joe. “Climb onto my bike, Chet. We’ll get the thief yet.”

“Wait a minute,” cried Frank suddenly. “I have an idea! Joe, do you remember that car we saw wrecked in the bushes?”