Dick Hamilton's Touring Car; Or, A Young Millionaire's Race For A Fortune — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Dick Hamilton's Touring Car; Or, A Young Millionaire's Race For A Fortune
John Stuart Mill · en
"Well, I did, and I was startled when I found out who this man was,"
went on Dick. "I suppose it's a sort of puzzle to you, Innis," the young
millionaire added, while the auto salesman was making out some papers
for Dick to sign.
"Somewhat, yes," admitted Beeby, and then Dick and his other chum
explained.
"Well, I know one thing I didn't know before," said Paul, as they were
ready to depart.
"What's that?"
"I know why this young Mr. Wardell was thinking of ending his life on
the railroad track that day you saved him."
"Why was he?"
"Because he'd lost his fortune," went on Paul in a low voice. "Just
think of it--a millionaire one week, and practically without a cent the
next! I suppose that's the way it sometimes goes with rich men who make
their living by speculation, but it's hard, just the same. And to know
he couldn't pay for this fine car he'd ordered--no wonder he was tired
of life."
"And to think that some member of my family was responsible," added
Dick. "It makes me mad! I hope he doesn't connect me with Uncle Ezra."
"Do you suppose your uncle took advantage of him?" asked Innis. "I don't
mean exactly that, either," he added hastily, thinking Dick might take
the question as a reflection on his relative.
"Oh, you can't fuss me--saying things about Uncle Ezra," laughed the
young millionaire. "While I don't believe he would do anything that was
unlawful--that is, as _he_ regards the law--I do think that he'd want
every last cent that he could claim by any stretch of the statutes. He's
a hard man, Uncle Ezra is, especially where money is concerned. I don't
just know what sort of dealings he had with this Mr. Wardell, but he
got his fortune, that's sure, and maybe by a trick, for all I know.
"That's why I'm not at all anxious to have it known that I'm Mr.
Larabee's nephew. I'm not at all proud of the connection, and I
certainly would feel bad to have Mr. Wardell know it. Legally Uncle Ezra
might be well within his rights, but morally I wouldn't be surprised if
he was a good way outside of them. But let's forget all about such an
unpleasant matter. I'll see when we can get this car, and try it."
A talk with the agent brought out the fact that Dick could take the big
auto at any time after the money had been paid down. It was not a part
of the regular auto show, and the space it occupied could be utilized by
other machines.
"Very well then," said Dick. "I'll probably hear from my father in the
morning. He'll likely send an order to his New York bankers to pay over
the money, and then the machine will be mine."
"And I congratulate you," said the agent. "It is a car to be proud of,
and if you intend making a long trip it will be just what you want."
"We'll go across the continent in her!" cried Dick. "Boys, are you with
me?"
"That's what!" exclaimed Paul and Innis.