told him the story of the day's doings. When they told of the difference of opinion as to the color of the man's hair he did not laugh with them, as they had expected, over the argument between Harrity and Mr. Brown. On the contrary, he knitted his brows and his face wore a serious expression.
"It wasn't any ordinary auto thief you were dealing with," he said slowly. "I've no doubt the man who tried to rob the ticket office and the man who almost ran you down on the shore road were one and the same. And the same man stole Chet Morton's car."
"But how about the color of his hair? There must have been two men," said Joe.
"Think so? I have my own theories. But then—the average witness is very unreliable. For instance, I'll give you a test. You have each seen Superintendent Norton of Bayport high school—well, how often?"
"About two or three thousand times, I guess," answered Frank.
"Over a period of three years. Well, what color is his hair?"
Frank looked blankly at Joe.
"Why, it's—it's—"
Joe scratched his head.
"Brown, isn't it?"
"I think's it's black."
"You see?" said Mr. Hardy, smiling. "Your
