Replaced Tach Cable - Where did the old one go?

I just replaced my tach cable because the tach wasn't working. Turned it on and YAY the tach works!

Then I looked at the old cable and noticed the inner wire that is turned by the engine and makes the tach work was no where to be found. what the hell? There's no way it....got sucked into the engine. right? the part that connected it to the engine was a little loose. So it probably fell off on the old owner and that inner piece fell out right? It has to be...please?

Let me know if you need pictures.