Tom paused.  Since his father had begun to question him some new plans had come into the lad’s head.  He looked at his parent and saw a smile beginning to work around the corners of Mr. Swift’s lips.  There was also a humorous look in the eyes of the older inventor.  He understood boys fairly well, even if he only had one, and he knew Tom perfectly.

“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 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.