"Couldn't raise it," he said. "They've gotta stay in the coop."
"Even if they may be found innocent later on!" exclaimed Chet.
"That's the law," said Riley imperturbably. "If they can dig up five thousand dollars bail they'll be free until the case comes up."
"Five thousand! They'll never be able to raise that much money!"
"Then," said Officer Riley, as he stalked away, "they'll stay in the coop."
Frank and Joe Hardy went home thoughtfully. At lunch, their father noticed their pre-occupation and asked what the matter was. They told him the whole story, of the discovery of the automobile on the farm, the finding of the rod, Jack's repeated declarations of innocence.
"I'm sure he didn't do it," Frank declared. "He's just not that sort of fellow. And his father is as honest as—as you are."
"Thanks for the compliment," laughed Fenton Hardy. "And you say they're being held on five thousand dollars bail."
Joe nodded. "They'll never raise it. I wonder, Dad, if we could—if you'd help us fix it up."
The boys looked at their father hopefully.