g is asking. I
hope he will have no trouble in repaying it."

"I believe he can manage it all right," was the earnest reply. "His
wages have been going up and will probably be raised still more in
future. It does seem a little bit risky to loan him so much money, I
confess, but I feel sure you will get it back if you are not in too much
of a hurry for it."

Something in this answer evidently amused Mr. Coddington, for he bit his
lip to keep back a smile and walked away to the window where he stood
for some time looking out. At last he turned.

"We will close the deal, Peter," said he. "Since you vouch for Strong I
will take a chance. I would advise you, though, to let me buy the
motorcycle, as I can get a better price on it than you can."

"Thank you, Father."

Accordingly the dream that Peter had so long cherished really came true.
The motorcycle was purchased, and the crate containing it was set down
at the Jacksons' door the day before Easter.

Peter had planned not to say a word to Nat as to where it came from
and therefore was not a little chagrined when both the members of the
Jackson household jumped at once to the conclusion that the Coddington
Company had sent it. Nat's mother, who, as Peter well knew, was a very
proud woman, immediately refused to accept any more favors from that
source and in consequence poor Peter was driven to confess his part in
the mystery.

"But, Peter, my dear boy, you can't afford any such present as this. How
have you the money to pay for so magnificent a gift to Nat? You, too,
are working for your living and although you have no one dependent on
you I am certain you do not possess a sufficient bank account to warrant
your making such an extravagant purchase. It is like your big, kind,
generous heart to want to do it, but of course Nat and I cannot let you
take all your savings and give them away. How did you manage to get the
motorcycle anyway?"

"I borrowed part of the money," explained Peter reluctantly.

"Oh, Peter, Peter! Borrowing is a dreadful habit! Never borrow money.
You had much better go without almost anything than borrow money to get
it."

"But I am paying up the loan week by week. My--the man I borrowed it
from is making it very easy for me, and is in no hurry for the whole
sum. You had better let me have my way, Mrs. Jackson. I am getting good
wages and shall soon be earning even larger ones. I might blow in my
spare cash on something dreadful--something m