Now who will raise that?"
There was a moment of silence. Then the auctioneer swung into an
enthusiastic description of the boat. He begged for an advance,
but none was made, though Tom's heart seemed in his throat, so
afraid was he that he would not get the CARLOPA.
"Two hundred--two hundred!" droned on Mr. Wood. "I am offered
two hundred. Will any of you go any higher?" He paused a moment,
and Tom's heart beat harder than ever. "If not," resumed the
speaker, "I will declare the bidding closed. Are you all done?
Once--twice--three times. Two hundred dollars. Going--going--gone!"
He clapped his hands. "The boat is sold to Thomas Swift for two
hundred dollars. If he'll step up I'll take his money."
There was a laugh as Tom, blushingly, advanced. He passed Andy
Foger, who had worked his way over near him.
"You got the boat," sneered the bully, "and I s'pose you think you
got ahead of me."
"Keep quiet!" begged Sam.
"I won't!" exclaimed Andy. "He outbid me just out of spite, and
I'll get even with him. You see if I don't!"
Tom looked Andy Foger straight in the eyes, but did not answer,
and the red-haired youth turned aside, followed by his crony, and
started toward his automobile.
"I congratulate you on your bargain," said Mr.
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