Frank smiled. "We won't turn them down if we happen to run into the auto thieves," he said. "A thousand dollars is a lot of money."
"Not to you," said Biff. "What do you two want with money after landing a fat reward in that gold case out West?"
He was referring to a case centering about some missing gold, in which the boys had gone all the way to Montana from their home on the Atlantic coast in order to help their father, who had fallen ill while tracking down the criminals.
Their good work in this case had netted them a handsome sum of money and they had the satisfaction of seeing their friend Jadbury Wilson, an old-time prospector who had come to Bayport to live, relieved from poverty. He had been one of the original owners of the gold and, following its disappearance, had fallen upon evil days.
"One can always use more money, you know," said Frank. "It'll come in handy if ever we go to college."
"I'll tell the world!" declared Chet. "Your father won't have to worry much about that. I wish my dad could say the same."
They had now reached the Hardy home and Frank and Joe said good-bye to their chums. When they went into the house they found that supper was almost ready. Aunt Gertrude sniffed, as they appeared, and expressed her amazement that they had managed to get home before mealtime. "For a wonder!" she said grimly.
Fenton Hardy emerged from his study. His face was serious.
"Well," he said, "I suppose you've heard the latest development?"
The boys looked at him blankly.