"Would you really like to make a bid on that boat Tom?" he asked.

"Would I, dad? Well--" The youth did not finish, but his father
knew what he meant.

"I suppose a motor-boat would be a nice thing to have on Lake
Carlopa," went on Mr. Swift musingly. "You and I could take
frequent trips in it. It isn't like a motor-cycle, only useful
for one. What do you suppose the boat will go for, Tom?"

"I hardly know. Not a high price, I believe, for motor-boats are
so new on our lake that few persons will take a chance on them.
But if Mr. Hastings is getting another, he will not be so
particular about insisting on a high price for the old one. Then,
too, the fact that it is damaged will help to keep the price down,
though I know I can easily put it in good shape. I would like to
make a bid, if you think it's all right."

Well, I guess you may, Tom, if you really want it. You have money
of your own and a motor-boat is not a bad investment. What do you
think ought to be the limit?"

"Would you consider a hundred and fifty dollars too high?"

Mr. Swift looked at Tom critically. He was plainly going over
several matters in his mind, and not the least of them was the
pluck his son had shown in getting back some valuable papers and a
model from a gang of thieves. The lad certainly was entitled to
some reward, and to allow him to get a boat might properly be part