"Hello, Mr. Smuff," Frank called.
The detective nodded ponderously.
"More amatoors," he sighed. "What chance has a regular officer on a case like this when everybody else in town is puttin' their oar in?"
"Working on the car thefts?" asked Joe.
"I am." Smuff turned to Jack Dodd. "Just where were you, night before last, young man?"
"At home," replied Jack shortly. "There's no use asking me any more questions, Mr. Smuff. Chief Collig was out here yesterday morning and Dad and I were able to satisfy him that we hadn't been out of the house all evening."
"Oh," said Smuff, evidently disappointed. "The Chief was here, was he?"
"Yes."
"Well, I guess there ain't any use of me askin' questions, then," returned the detective.
"No sign of any of the cars, officer?" Frank asked.