Dick Hamilton's Football Team; Or, A Young Millionaire On The Gridiron — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Dick Hamilton's Football Team; Or, A Young Millionaire On The Gridiron
John Stuart Mill · en
"Well," began Dick after a pause, "I guess----"
He did not finish the sentence, but stood in a listening attitude. From
down the road there came a steady hum and roar that told of some
approaching vehicles.
"Automobiles," remarked Paul Drew. "If we had enough of them----"
An instant later there swung into view around the bend in the road four
big auto trucks, new ones, each in charge of a man. The trucks were
powerful ones, designed to carry heavy loads a long distance and they
glistened with new paint, while in gold letters on their sides was the
name of a business firm in a large city just beyond Mooretown.
At the sight of these--of their ample capacity--large enough to take the
team and the crowd with them, Dick's heart gave a bound. He made up his
mind instantly.
"Fellows!" he cried, "if those men will hire me those trucks we'll play
Mooretown yet. I'm going to see!"
"Hurray!" cried George Hall, and Mr. Hamilton smiled in a gratified way
at the quick wit of his son.
"I say!" cried the young millionaire, stepping out in front of the first
truck and holding up his hand, "will you do us a favor?"
"What's this--a--hold up?" asked the man good-naturedly, as he jammed on
the brakes.
"Yes, we're held up--our special has gone--we've got to get to Mooretown
soon or we forfeit the championship game. Will you take us in those
trucks? I'll pay you well, and stand for all damage. Will you?"
His voice was eager, and the man, who had been a boy himself once, and
fond of sport, was visibly impressed.
"I'd like to oblige you," he said slowly, "but I don't know as I can.
You see I'm in charge of these four trucks. I work for the auto firm
that built them, and the flour company in Denville that purchased them
made an agreement that before they would accept them, the machines must
be run from the factory to their place. That's what I and my men are
doing now. The flour concern wanted to test the running gear, and it
will be a good test all right."
"It will be a better test with a load of us fellows in," said Dick with
ready wit.
"I suppose so," admitted the man, scratching his head, "but I don't know
as the flour firm would like it. There might be some damage, and----"
"I'll stand for it!" put in Mr. Hamilton quickly. "I'm Mortimer
Hamilton, of Hamilton Corners."
Though he spoke quietly his words had an instant effect for the man had
evidently heard of the millionaire.
"Is that so?" asked the chief auto driver quickly. "I know you. I own
two shares of stock in your electric road. Simpson is my name--Ruddy
Simpson. I hope the rumors that the road is going to fail aren't true,
Mr. Hamilton."
"The road will never fail, if I have to sink in it every dollar I own!"
cried Mr. Hamilton. "But we've got other business in hand now. Can you
take these boys to the game?"