As it was a rural telephone line, he had to explain to the Hardy boys the proper number of rings necessary to arouse Central.
It took Frank some little time to get Central, as calls at that hour were infrequent out the Shore Road. The boys waited impatiently, but at last a sleepy voice answered the ring, and Frank hurriedly demanded the Bayport police headquarters.
He was soon in touch with the desk sergeant. He outlined the situation quickly.
"The gang were all up in the gully hauling a car out of the mud when we left. They'll be clearing out as soon as they discover their man in the cave, so you'll have to hurry," said Frank.
"I'll put every man available on it right away," the sergeant promised. "I'll call up Chief Collig at his house and tell him, too."
"Fine! Will you notify the state troopers? It's outside the city limits, you know."
"I'll call them up."
"You'll need a strong force of men, for this crowd are armed, and they'll have a hundred hiding places in the woods and along that beach. We'll keep a watch on the gully roads until you get here, and we'll wait for you."
"Good work! Are you sure it's the gang we've been after?"
"Certain. We found most of the stolen cars."