"Well, we've lost out, I guess," remarked Frank bitterly. "If we ever do get back to Bayport it won't be until the auto thieves have all cleared out of here with the cars."
"It doesn't look very bright," sighed Joe.
Suddenly, Frank sat up.
"Say!" he exclaimed. "Did they take your revolver?"
"No. I guess they didn't know I had one."
"They took mine and missed yours. You still have it?"
"Right in my pocket."
"Good!"
"What good is it when I can't get at it?"
"If you can, we have only this chap Joe to deal with." The flame of the candle caught Frank's eye. He had an inspiration. "If only I could just get these ropes off my wrists!" he said.
Frank edged over toward the candle. Then, with his back to the flame, he lowered his arms until the cord that bound his wrists was within an inch of the wick.
A candle does not throw out much heat, but that little flame seared Frank's wrists and he had to clench his teeth to keep from crying out with the pain.
He could hold the rope in the flame for a few moments only, and then he withdrew it. When the scorching pain had somewhat subsided, he
