's too bad," continued Mr. Bruce. "Of course I did not know when I
sold you the land that the factory was liable to go up near it."

"Oh, it's not your fault," replied Dick. "I guess the best thing I can
do is to sell out and look for another investment. What do you think?"

"I believe I would do that. I'll sell the land for you and get the best
price I can. When I first heard about it I tried to get the fertilizer
concern to buy it, but they had all they wanted and stopped right next
to your property. It's too bad."

"Well, it might be worse," said Dick cheerfully. "It's not going to make
me poor, that's one consolation."

But, as he started up his runabout again, bidding the agent good-bye,
his mind was busy with thoughts of what line he ought next to invest in
so that he might fulfil the conditions of his mother's will.

"I guess I'll let real estate alone after this," he said. "It's too
risky until you know what's going to be built on the property next to
yours."

But the somewhat disappointing thoughts over his failure were soon
dispelled when he saw the fine motor boat the firm had secured for him
from the factory. It was complete in every detail, from a small whistle,
worked by compressed air, to two small folding bunks in which passengers
could sleep should the craft remain out on Lake Dunkirk all night.

Dick arranged to have the boat taken to the lake and floated, and, a few
days later, he had the pleasure of starting it up for the initial spin.
It ran at fast speed, and beat several more powerful boats.

Dick did not enjoy this pleasure all alone. He invited Guy Fletcher,
Simon Scardale, Frank Bender, Fred Murdock and Chandler Norton, the
latter known as "Bricktop," because of his red hair, to take a trip with
him.

"This is great!" exclaimed Frank, as the boat cut through the water.
"Say, Dick, you're all right, even if you are a millionaire's son and
have money to burn."

"In fact, he's all the better for it," put in Guy, who had resolved to
be very friendly to that fortunate youth. "Three cheers for Dick
Hamilton!"

"Drop that!" commanded Dick, who disliked Guy's manner.

But the boys responded heartily, and if Guy and Simon joined in with
sneers in their hearts, which did not show on their faces, they alone
were aware of it.

"Here, where are you going, Frank?" asked Dick, a few minutes later as
he saw one of his guests climbing out on the narrow bow of the boat.

"Watch me," replied Fran