of it.

"I think you could safely go as high as two hundred dollars, Tom,"
said Mr. Swift at length. "That would be my limit on a damaged
boat for it might be better to pay a little more and get a new
one. However, use your own judgment, but don't go over two
hundred. So the thieves who made so much trouble for me stole
that boat from Mr. Hastings, eh?"

"Yes, and they didn't take much care of it either. They damaged
the engine, but the hull is in good shape. I'm ever so glad
you'll let me bid on it. I'll start right off. The auction is at
ten o'clock and I haven't more than time to get there."

"Now be careful how you bid. Don't raise your own figures, as
I've sometimes seen women, and men too, do in their excitement.
Somebody may go over your head; and if he does, let them. If you
get the boat I'll be very glad on your account. But don't bring
any of Anson Morse's gang back in it with you. I've seen enough
of them."

"I'll not dad!" cried Tom as he trundled his motor-cycle out of
the gate and into the country road that led to the village of
Shopton, where he lived, and to Lanton, where the auction was to
be held. The young inventor had not gone far before he turned
back, leaving his machine standing on the side path.

"What's the matter?" asked his father, who had started toward one
of several machine shops on the premises--shops where Mr. Swift
and his son did inventive work.