“Then let’s see one of the cells and if he’s got one like it it’ll go a good ways toward corroborating your story.”
“That’s all we ask,” Bob declared as he pulled the cell out beneath his saddle. “Here’s the one I’m using and the one he stole is exactly like it.”
A brief search disclosed the missing cell in one of the rear pockets of the car and Bob pulled it out with an exclamation of satisfaction.
“What have you to say now?” the officer asked King.
“Nothing except that it’s a plant. I never saw the thing before.”
“I’m afraid it won’t wash,” the officer shook his head. “I’m satisfied that you’re all right and have told the truth,” he added turning to Bob. “But I’ll have to ask you to go into town with me.”
“That’s all right,” Bob assured him. “We’re going that way anyhow.”
“Wonder what’s the matter with his car?” the officer said as he bent over the hood.
While they had been talking several cars had passed and one or two had half stopped, but the officer had waved them ahead.
“Maybe we can locate the trouble,” Bob said as he got into the car and pressed the starter.