"No, it isn't that," answered Dick. "He writes that as he sees by my reports I have done well this term, I may have just what I've been wanting a long time." "To go into some business, I hope," said Mr. Larabee. "That would be a sensible present, and I could offer you a place in my woolen mill at a salary of----" "No, thank you, Uncle Ezra," laughed Dick. "I think I'll stay here at Kentfield for another term yet." "But what is it your father is going to give you?" asked Paul. "Don't keep us in suspense." "It's a touring car!" cried Dick, in delight. "He says I can select the best and biggest car made, and send the bill to him. Hurray! Isn't that great news? Say, I can just about see where my vacation is coming in now, Paul." "That's right. You are in luck!" "A touring car!" cried Mr. Larabee. "You mean an automobile, Dick? Why you've got one already. It would be a shameful waste of money to buy another. You can take what a touring car would cost, and invest the sum in some good securities. I have some that I acquired from that young man I spoke of to-day." "I haven't a touring car," said Dick. "I have that little runabout; but it isn't much use. A touring car for mine!" "Oh, the sinful waste of this rising generation!" murmured Uncle Ezra, shaking his head, sadly. "What kind of a car is he going to give you, Dick?" asked Paul. "He says I can pick it out myself. I'll read you that part of the letter," and Dick quoted from the missive: "'I have been thinking of something you might like, Dick, as a sort of reward for your good work at school this winter. I know you have studied hard. I had a man come here to look over your runabout, thinking perhaps it could be fixed up, but he says it is hardly worth it. He advised trading it in for a new and up-to-date machine, and I think that best myself. "'I want you to be satisfied with what I get you, and I think the best way would be to let you pick it out yourself. So if you will look over some catalogues, which you can send for yourself, and let me know the make of car, I will attend to the rest'" "That's great!" cried Paul. "A terrible waste!" muttered Mr. Larabee. "Sinful!" "Good old dad!" exclaimed Dick, as he put the letter in his pocket. "I wonder what sort of a car I ought to take?" "One that you can cross the country in," advised Paul. "That's what I'll do--I'll get a big touring car, and take some of you fellows with me. We'll have a great and glorious trip this summer!" "More waste! You would much better get work somewhere, Dick, and pay part of your expenses here," declared Mr. Larabee. "My mother arranged all that before she died," said the young cadet. "She wanted me to attend a military school, and left the funds for it. My tuition is all paid for." "Well, my sister never did know what she was doing," declared Mr. Larabee, bitterly.