It was not until the spring of that year that the next upward step came; then Peter and Nat were sent to the Elmwood plant for a few months' experience at the sole leather factories. The inconvenience of going seven miles and back every day was nothing to Peter because of his motorcycle; but for Nat the case was different. Poor Nat was dependent on street cars and once or twice, owing to delays, was tardy at the works. Then one morning the trolley broke down and Jackson was forced to walk three miles, arriving an hour late. In consequence his pay was docked. This injustice was too much for Peter. All day he thought about it. "Father," he asked that evening when he arrived home, "do you think you would like to lend Peter Strong some money?" "Lend money to Peter Strong! What for?" Hotly, earnestly, eloquently, Peter presented his case concluding with the plea: "Strong has some money in the bank, sir, but it is not enough. If he paid back what you lent him month by month do you think you could let him have what he needs to get a motorcycle for Nat?" Mr. Coddington considered carefully. "I do not at all approve of Peter Strong's borrowing money," said he. "It is a bad habit to fall into." "But Peter Strong isn't going to make a habit of it, Father. And he isn't borrowing for himself, you know." "Still he is borrowing." "Yes, because if he waited until he had the cash in the bank Nat might be too old to ride a motorcycle," chuckled Peter, mischievously. A quiet smile crept into the corners of Mr. Coddington's mouth. "Well," admitted he deliberately, "the case does seem to be an urgent one. I might for once consent to break over my rule and furnish the sum necessary. Yet it is quite a large loan that Peter Strong is asking. I hope he will have no trouble in repaying it." "I believe he can manage it all right," was the earnest reply. "His wages have been going up and will probably be raised still more in future. It does seem a little bit risky to loan him so much money, I confess, but I feel sure you will get it back if you are not in too much of a hurry for it." Something in this answer evidently amused Mr. Coddington, for he bit his lip to keep back a smile and walked away to the window where he stood for some time looking out. At last he turned. "We will close the deal, Peter," said he. "Since you vouch for Strong I will take a chance. I would advise you, though, to let me buy the motorcycle, as I can get a better price on it than you can." "Thank you, Father." Accordingly the dream that Peter had so long cherished really came true. The motorcycle was purchased, and the crate containing it was set down at the Jacksons' door the day before Easter.