ave were making themselves
known in the Automobile club of Syracuse, Billy and Paul were planning a
careful inspection of Mr. Creek's garage and its surroundings, as they
sat at breakfast.

CHAPTER VI

A LITTLE KINDNESS AND WHAT CAME OF IT

Paul and Billy received letters from home in the morning mail. They were
glad to have them,--would have been sorry indeed had their respective
households neglected for one day to send solicitous inquiries--but they
were so very "busy," they assured themselves, that--well, if they could
just get the time, they'd write in return that afternoon. Whereupon they
set forth for Willie Creek's establishment.

Mr. Creek was looking over a newspaper. He said he was waiting for a
possible customer for a car whom he was to take out for a demonstration.

The boys said they were going to take the Torpedo out for a little good
fresh air. Mr. Creek said, "Sure! She's your car, so far as I can see,
though you are out some on the trade you made." This with a friendly
smile.

"We'll just drive back when Willie has had time to get away and we will
look his place over. Not that I think we will find anything, but--"
Billy paused.

"Dandy good scheme," Paul assented. "That boy of his--we don't need mind
him at all."

"Better not go far. Let's just wait at the hotel," Worth suggested. They
halted the Torpedo in front of the American House accordingly.

From their favorite chairs at the large, screened windows the two lads
watched the occasional passerby, also the clock.

"He'll be miles away by this time. We better hike over to the garage,"
proposed Paul when half an hour had passed.

"Well, _sir!_" exclaimed Billy, at the same moment. "There's Mr. Peek.
Let's say how do you do!"

Even as he was speaking, Worth hastened out to the sidewalk. The old
gentleman, the tragic story of whose life was written in his stooping
figure and melancholy face, recognized the boy at once. He was pleased
to be so cordially greeted.

"It's the first time I've been to town for 'most a year," said he, as he
also shook hands with Paul. "I don't seem to know any of the young
folks, any more, and not many of the older ones I meet."

As Mr. Peek said he was just starting for home and that he was on foot,
Billy spoke up: "Our car's right here. We will take you home, Mr. Peek."

"We have something on hand, you know. Shall we let it go?" Paul
whispered.

Worth nodded and the visible pleasure of the aged fa