"Well, no!" replied Tom. "But, then, you see his business is not so extensive as that of the men in Baltimore. Just think what an army of agents they must have; and how many letters they must receive every day! I'll drop them a line, requesting them to hurry up."
Tom went to work at once, and that same evening a long letter was dispatched to the proprietors of the lottery, containing the information that Tom had sent them ten dollars for the lucky package of tickets that was to draw a prize of five thousand dollars over and above all expenses, and that he would be greatly obliged to them if they would send on the money at once. He further informed them that they were losing a great deal of business by their delay; but that was something he could not help, for he could not begin to act as their agent until he should be able to show the prize.
This letter was sent off on Saturday. On the Monday following, Mr. Graves came to the office, when Tom, for a wonder, happened to be at work, and beckoned him out.
"The Storm King will be ready for sea one week from to-day," said he, "and I would like to know if you intend to invite any of your friends to accompany you on the trial trip; if you do, I'll see that the provisions are supplied for the occasion."
"O, no," replied Tom, quickly. "I have my reasons for wishing to keep the whole thing a secret for a few days longer."
"I didn't know but your father might want to see the boat before he buys her," began Mr. Graves.
"O, now, never mind my father," drawled Tom. "He's got nothing to do with it! I am bossing this job myself! When the yacht is ready for sea, you can man her with a crew of your own, and I'll go with you to see how she behaves. If she suits me, I'll pay you for her and take charge of her at once."
"O, I know you will be pleased with her," said the boat-builder. "She is the finest little craft about the village, if I do say it myself."
Mr. Graves went back to his ship-yard, and Tom slowly and thoughtfully returned to the office. He was a good deal annoyed to learn that his father had watched him very closely while he was talking to the boat-builder. He looked at Tom curiously as he came in, and said: