While Henry was speaking Dick had drawn a little red book from his pocket, and was busily writing in it with a fountain pen. He tore out a slip of paper and handed it to his friend. "There, Henry," he said, "if you take that to the Hamilton National Bank they'll give you cash for it." "But what is it--I don't understand--a check for fifty dollars!" exclaimed the other youth. "That's what it is," replied Dick smiling. "It's a present from me, Henry." "A present! I'm sorry, but I can't take it, Dick. I'm very much obliged to you, but it wouldn't be business, you know. I don't want anything I don't earn." "But I have lots more," insisted Dick. "In fact, I'd never miss that sum." "I can't help it. I couldn't take it, though I thank you very much," and Henry handed back the little slip. "Wait!" exclaimed Dick. "Will you take it as a loan, Henry?" "A loan?" "Yes; to be paid back--whenever you get good and ready. Do take it--as a loan." "A loan," repeated Henry in a low tone. "Well, I might do that. But if you're in any hurry for the money you'd better not let me take it. I don't know when I can pay it back." "That's all right. Keep it as long as you like." "But there's another objection," said Henry, who appeared to be very conscientious about it. "You have no security for it." "I don't need any from you, Henry." "But it wouldn't be right to take it without security. Wait, I'll tell you what I'll do." He hurried back into his house, to return in a few minutes with a folded paper which he handed to Dick. "What is this?" "That," said Henry proudly, "is my personal note for fifty dollars, payable in one month, with interest at six per cent., as security for this loan. You can have it discounted at the bank," he added with a laugh; "that is if you can get your father, or somebody with some money, to indorse it. Anyhow, it's my note. The first one I ever gave. Now you needn't worry about your money, Dick." "I'm not worrying about it. In fact, I've got a deal of my own on hand that I expect to make some profit on. Besides, I'm going to buy a new motor boat, and I've got to go see about it. Will you come along?" "No, indeed. I'm going to buy that old iron now," and as Dick started up his auto, Henry hurried into the house for his hat to go and complete his business transaction. Dick rode on for about a mile, when he saw coming toward him a man in a carriage. The man held up his hand as he approached, indicating that he wanted the automobilist to stop. "I wonder what's the matter?" thought Dick. "I can't be going so fast that I'm in danger of scaring his horse. Why, it's Mr. Bruce," as he recognized the real-estate agent of whom he had purchased the land he had been looking at with Guy and Simon one day. "How are you?" asked Mr. Bruce. "I was just coming over to see you, Mr. Hamilton;" for he had been quite respectful to Dick since he learned of his wealth. "To see me? What about?"