Chet Morton and the Hardy lads said good-bye to their chum and rode out of the farmyard.
"No use chasing Mr. Fussy's car now," decided Joe.
"Gone but not forgotten," Chet said. "We might as well go home."
So, leaving Jack Dodd standing disconsolately in the yard, the three headed their motorcycles back toward Bayport.
CHAPTER IV
Out On Bail
On the following Monday, Frank and Joe Hardy noticed that Jack Dodd was not at school. They had heard no more about the case, although the disappearance of Isaac Fussy's automobile had increased public interest in the car thefts and the local newspapers were making much of the failure of the police to bring the thieves to justice.
The Bayport Automobile Club had already taken action by offering a reward of $500 for information leading to the recovery of any of the stolen cars and the arrest of those responsible. Three of the victims had also posted rewards of varying amounts, comprising another $500 all told, for the return of their automobiles. The affairs had mystified Bayport, because of the fact that not a trace of any of the cars had been found, save in the case of Martin's Packard, and motorists were apprehensive. No one knew whose turn would come next.
As the Hardy boys were on their way to school on Tuesday morning Frank pointed out one of the Automobile Club posters in a window.