advanced a theory as to the enterprise in which they were
engaged he greeted it not only with respect but with cordiality. Now
and then as the undertaking progressed, he ventured a tactful, almost
diffident suggestion, the value of which the inventor was quick to
detect. Also, in the same nonchalant fashion, he produced from time to
time the necessary materials, weaving a fairy web of prevarication when
questioned too closely as to their source.

"Oh, I have a friend in the boat-building business," said he, "who lets
me have any small things I want. I have done some favors for him in
the past and he is only too glad to square up the balance by sending me
whatever I ask him for."

The explanation, given with off-hand candor, quite satisfied the
artless Willie, who imagined all the world as truthful as himself and
inquired no further, accepting with unfeigned joy the gifts the gods
provided. His face glowed with almost beatific light as he saw his
dream slowly take form. Nothing he had ever done equalled this
masterpiece. The project was his first thought at waking, the last
before closing his eyes at night. Sometimes, even, when all but the
sea slept, he would tiptoe downstairs, candle in hand, just to steal a
glance at the child of his fancy. So absorbed was he in its growth and
progress that it never crossed his mind to marvel that two men of
Howard Snelling's and Robert Morton's ability should sacrifice to the
invention the golden hours of the rare June days. Their interest was
nothing miraculous. Who wouldn't have been interested in such a
wonderful undertaking?

Indeed, Mr. Snelling's concern for the venture was almost as keen as
his own. From morning until late noon he toiled. Occasionally the
Galbraiths' chauffeur brought him over from Belleport, but more often
it was Cynthia who made the trip with him. Mr. Galbraith, it appeared,
had been called back to New York on urgent business; Roger had gone
with friends on a yachting cruise; and Mrs. Galbraith was devoting her
time to her mother who was still indisposed. Hence Cynthia was forced
to fill the gaps and serve both as host and hostess. It was a natural
situation, and Bob thought nothing about it except selfishly to exult
that under the conditions Cynthia was kept too busy to invade the
Spence home or bother him with invitations. And that was not the only
boon that came with Snelling's presence, for with three workers in the
shop Robert Morton