“You can have her all summer for the same price,” answered the painter with his eyes twinkling. “Well, I suppose we couldn’t stay in her more than two months, sir; but of course we realize that if we took her we ought to pay for the whole time, because it would be too late to rent her again after we were through with her, I guess. About how much would she be, sir?” Mr. Cole looked at them thoughtfully for a moment. Finally, “Well, I was going to ask you to take her and use her rent free,” he answered, “but there’s something in Roy’s expression that tells me I’d get sat on if I did.” He laughed merrily. “Am I right?” “We wouldn’t sit on you,” answered Chub, “but we’d feel--feel better about it if we rented it regularly from you. It’s mighty good of you, though.” “No, it isn’t, Chub. It isn’t mighty good for anyone to be generous when it doesn’t cost him anything. The boat’s of no use to me this summer and I shouldn’t rent it under any conditions--except to you boys. But if you’d rather not take it as a gift, why, I’ll have to put a price on it.” He thought a moment. “Suppose we say fifty dollars for the summer?” Chub eyed Roy doubtfully and Roy eyed Dick. “That sounds like an awful little bit,” said Roy at last. “I don’t think so,” replied their host. “I doubt if the _Jolly Roger’s_ worth much more, fellows. I’m satisfied and I don’t see why you shouldn’t be. You won’t let me do you a favor, although I thought we were pretty good friends last summer, but, on the other hand, I don’t think you ought to insist on my driving a hard bargain with you. Fifty dollars is my valuation, and there you are; I refuse to go up another cent!” “In that case,” laughed Roy, “I guess we’d better accept your terms, sir. And we’re very much obliged.” “That’s all right then. I’ll give you a note to Higgins; the boat’s in his yard up there; and you can take her over as soon as you like and keep her as long as you wish. That’s settled. Now tell me what you’ve been doing the three of you. How do you like your college?” The boys stayed for another hour and talked and were shown over the studio and were invited to luncheon. But although Chub frowned and nodded his head emphatically Roy politely declined. They finally left with the lease of the house-boat _Jolly Roger_ in Roy’s pocket, promising to call again after they had looked over the craft. Then they shook hands, entered the elevator car and were dropped to the street floor. On the sidewalk Roy turned to the others. “Let’s go up and see the boat this afternoon,” he said. “Let’s go now!” exclaimed Chub with enthusiasm. “Can’t; after making up that fifty dollars there isn’t enough money in the crowd to pay the car-fares. No, we’ll go along with Dick and have luncheon. When we get to the hotel we’ll find out how to get to Loving’s Landing, and then we’ll start out right after luncheon. What do you say?” Chub and Dick agreed to the plan and the three strode off toward Dick’s hostelry.