"Here, you---" began the red-haired lad.You---""That will do!" exclaimed the auctioneer sternly."I am offered a hundred and sixty.Now who will give me an advance? I want to get the boat up to two hundred, and then the real bidding will begin."Tom's heart sank.He hoped it would be some time before a twohundred dollar offer would be heard.As for Andy Foger, he was almost speechless with rage.He shook off the restraining arm of Sam, and, worming his way to the front of the throng, exclaimed:
"I'll give a hundred and seventy-five dollars for that boat!""Good!" cried the auctioneer."That's the way to talk.I'm offered a hundred and seventy-five.""Eighty," said Tom quietly, though his heart was beating fast."Well, of all---" began Andy, but Sam Snedecker dragged him back.
"You haven't got any more money, " said the bully's crony."Better stop now.""I will not! I'm going home for more," declared Andy."I must have that boat.""It will be sold when you get back," said Sam.
"Haven't you got any money you can lend me?" inquired the squint- eyed one, scowling in Tom's direction.
"No, not a bit.There, some one raised Tom's bid."At that moment a man in the crowd offered a hundred and eighty-one dollars.
"Small amounts thankfully received," said Mr.Wood with a laugh.Then the bidding became lively, a number making one-dollar advances.
The price got up to one hundred and ninety-five dollars and there it hung for several minutes, despite the eloquence of Mr.Wood, who tried by all his persuasive powers to get a substantial advance.But every one seemed afraid to bid.As for the young inventor, he was in a quandary.He could only offer five dollars more, and, if he bid it in a lump, some one might go to two hundred and five, and he would not get the boat.He wished he had secured permission from his father to go higher, yet he knew that as a fair proposition two hundred dollars was about all the motor- boat in its present condition was worth, at least to him.Then he made a sudden resolve.He thought he might as well have the suspense over.
"Two hundred dollars!" he called boldly.
"I'm offered two hundred!" repeated Mr.Wood."That is something like it.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.Wood as Tom proceeded to make out a check.He gave little thought to the threat Andy Foger had made, but the time was coming when he was to remember it well.
