"So, Wardell doesn't know; eh?" mused the young man. "He doesn't know, and Uncle Ezra thinks that's a joke. A queer joke. Wardell doesn't know what chance he has to get back his fortune. But _I_ know, and Uncle Ezra, unless I'm very much mistaken, I'm going to put a spoke in your wheel!" and then Dick went silently upstairs to join his two chums. CHAPTER IX DICK MAKES PLANS "Well, Dick, so you think you have the very car you want?" "Yes, Dad, and I can't thank you enough for it. It's a dandy, and we're soon going to make a big trip in it--all the way across to San Francisco." "More expense! More expense!" exclaimed Uncle Ezra, raising his hands in protest. They were at the dinner table, talking over Dick's plans for the coming summer. "It won't be much more expensive than going to some resort, Uncle Ezra," remarked Dick, thinking over what he had heard a little while before. "And I think it will do the boys more good," said Mr. Hamilton. "They'll see something of life, and the experience will be a new one for them. Do you think you can make your car a base of supplies, Dick, and live in it without going to hotels, as you plan?" "I think so, but we're not going to bind ourselves down by any hard and fast rules. If we want to go to a hotel we'll go; otherwise we'll camp out in the _Last Word_." "More expense! More expense!" protested Mr. Larabee. "Oh, what is the present generation coming to?" No one answered him. "When do you expect to start?" asked Mr. Hamilton. "Just as soon as the boys can get ready," replied Dick. "It's up to them." "I'll have to write home," said Paul. "I've no doubt, though, but what my folks will let me." "Same here," observed Innis. "What is that?" suddenly demanded Uncle Ezra. "Who is kicking my legs?" He moved his feet about under the table, but as he sat at some distance from the others it was difficult to understand who could be kicking him. The mystery was solved a moment later, however, for a low growl came from beneath the oak table. "It's that dratted dog!" exclaimed the crabbed old man. "Mortimer, if I can't eat my dinner in peace----" "I didn't know he was in here," said Dick, apologizing. "Gibbs, have Grit taken to the stable." "Yes, Mr. Dick," answered the butler, and again the unfortunate dog was led away, casting a sad look at Dick and a vindictive one at Uncle Ezra. "It's lucky he didn't bite you," spoke Mr. Hamilton. "He must have sneaked in here after he was put out before." "If he had bitten me----" began Uncle Ezra. "He'd have done it at once, if he had any such intention, I think," interrupted Dick. "Grit isn't savage----" "Isn't savage!" cried Mr. Larabee. "I'd like to know what you do call it?" "You don't understand him," suggested the young millionaire. "He's as gentle as a cat with--his friends." "Then I'm glad I'm not one of his friends!" exclaimed Uncle Ezra.