"It's only slightly damaged," he went on. "I can easily fix it.
I looked it all over before I gave it in charge of the
authorities, and it's certainly a fine boat. It's worth nine
hundred dollars--or it was when it was new."
"That's a good deal of money for a boat," and Mr. Swift looked
serious, for though he was well off, he was inclined to be
conservative.
"Oh, I shouldn't think of paying that much. In fact, dad, I
really had no idea of bidding at the auction. I only thought I'd
go over and get an idea of what the boat might sell for. Perhaps
some day--"
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.
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