"Yes, dad; and my company took first prize." "Good! Glad to hear it." "I treated the boys to a good feed on the strength of it, too, last night." "That's right." "Did it cost much?" asked Uncle Ezra, putting his hand into his pocket, doubtless to see if his purse were safe. "Oh, not so very much; but it was worth all it cost." "A sinful waste of money!" murmured the crabbed old man. "You could have given them coffee and sandwiches, just as well as an elaborate supper, Richard." "Well, we're glad to have you back, Dick," went on Mr. Hamilton, hoping to change the subject. "Didn't expect you until this evening. We were just talking about you--your uncle and I." "Yes--I--er--I overheard some of it," said Dick. "Then I hope you'll profit by it!" exclaimed Uncle Ezra, quickly. "For of all the foolish, nonsensical, wasteful, extravagant ideas, the one your father has got into his head now is the worst I ever heard." Dick looked questioningly at his parent. "Your Uncle Ezra doesn't agree with what I am going to propose, Dick," said the millionaire with a laugh, "but I hope you will. I did not intend telling you this until to-morrow, but it will do no harm to mention it now. "Dick, your mother, as you know, had very advanced ideas as to what a young man with considerable wealth ought to do with it. Some of her plans for you have already been carried out. There are others which are mere suggestions, communicated to me before she--before she left us," and Mr. Hamilton spoke softly, while Dick felt a lump come into his own throat. "Dick, my boy, your mother wanted to have you see the world, when you got old enough to appreciate the beauties of it, and I think you are at about the right age to begin now. She suggested to me that, when I thought it wise, I should let you have a well-equipped steam yacht, and cruise about during an entire summer." "A steam yacht, dad!" cried the youth, his eyes sparkling. "That's it, Dick. How do you like the idea?" "Like it? Why, dad, it's immense! Great! Fine! When can I have it, and where can I go?" "You may have it as soon as you like, and go where you please--that is, except to cross the ocean. I hardly think I'd like to have you venture as far as that on your first voyage. Otherwise you're unrestricted; though I have a suggestion to make later." "Oh, dad! Do you really mean it? A steam yacht all for myself?" "Certainly, and you can take along as many of your friends as you please. Perhaps Uncle Ezra would like to go." "Who, me? Are you crazy, Mortimer? I wouldn't go in one for a thousand dollars, and besides, I can't spare the time from my business and farm. My hired man would be sure to burn the barn down, and I'd lose more money than I could make in a year. No sea voyages for me!" "Am I going to have a yacht made to order?" asked Dick. "Because if I am, it will take so long that I can't get started this summer."