Paul’s violent exclamation caused all the boys to look at once to the man on the ground. The dull glow of the lamp had suddenly fallen upon the fellow’s face.
“So did I! I thought——”
“That it was Coster,” broke in Bob Rack gently. “But it is neither he nor any other than Mr. Adam W. Kull, of Harkville, New York.”
“By thunder! We called him Pickem!” cried Paul, in amazement. “How did he get here?”
“I think he ran out in his Torpedo. The car stands by the roadside, just above,” said Mr. Rack, pleasantly.
CHAPTER IX
THE DETECTIVE’S STRANGE STORY
Detective Bob Rack and his prisoner, with Phil to drive, went to Griffin in the Torpedo while Paul, Billy, Dave and Mr. Peek rode in the Six. For Mr. Rack would hardly consent to the old gentleman spending the remainder of the night alone. So, in due time, was he given a room at the American House. Mr. Pickem, otherwise Smith, otherwise Kull, was assigned to very narrow and also strong, quarters in the village prison with Chief Fobes personally mounting guard over both him and Coster. Two big revolvers the officer had and there was no sign of sleep in his usually languid eyes.
The capture of the chief’s prisoner was, vastly to his satisfaction, effected by himself and the village night watchman. On the advice of Bob Rack they had watched the railroad yards closely. Coster was seized just as he darted from some hiding-place and tried to board an out-bound freight.