"I'll make a trip out there Monday," decided Dick. "Whew! Things are beginning to happen evidently." With Paul for a companion our hero hired an auto and made the journey to Hardvale. Grit sat on the floor of the tonneau, with a contented look on his ugly but honest countenance. "Grit may come in handy if Duncaster sets his dogs on us," remarked Dick with a grim smile, as they bowled along at good speed. "Why, do you expect trouble?" asked Paul. "Not exactly, but I imagine he hasn't much use for me. He didn't act very friendly the last time we met, and then the sight of the auto may make him angry, remembering how we ran him down. But it's too slow to take a horse. I hope we find him at home." It was rather a lonesome part of the country through which they were traveling--a sparsely settled district that, somehow, reminded the young millionaire of the gloomy landscape at Dankville where his Uncle Ezra lived. Mr. Duncaster was at home, a fact which a crabbed old housekeeper conveyed to the boys in no very cheerful voice. "But I don't believe he'll see you," she added. "He's just woke up from his afternoon nap, and he's always a little riled then." "Hum," mused our hero, "rather an unfavorable time to call, but it can't be helped. Will you tell him Dick Hamilton wants to see him?" he requested of the housekeeper. "Oh, I s'pose so," and the woman went off grumbling, leaving the two lads standing on the doorstep. "Polite," commented Paul with a short laugh. The woman came back presently. "He wants to know what you want," she said. "I'd like to see him, and explain in person," said the young millionaire, "but will you tell him it is about the stock of the Midvale Electric Road he holds. I wish to purchase it for my father." "Oh, you do; eh?" snarled a voice behind the housekeeper, and the wizzened and rather scowling face of Mr. Duncaster was thrust out. "So that's why you called on me, Dick Hamilton? I haven't forgotten you, as you'll note. Ha! There's another of the tin soldiers," he sneered as he caught sight of Paul. "If I had my way you'd all be breaking stone on the road, and you wouldn't have those soldier suits on, either," and he chuckled hoarsely. Clearly he was none the better for his nap. "I called in reference to the Midvale stock," explained Dick, trying hard to keep down his anger and speak politely. "My father told me to offer you ten above par for it." "Ten; eh?" and Mr. Duncaster chuckled. "Did he say you were to go higher in case I refused that offer?" "No, he did not." "Well then you can go back where you came from and tell your father that I won't sell." "Do you mean for that price? Do you want more money? I can wire my father, and say----"