"Yes, my folks wrote to say that the cottage by the sea was open, and I'm expected there soon," said Innis.
"I'm booked for the White Mountains this trip," said Paul, "and I'm not very keen for it, either."
Dick was silent for a few seconds, looking over some papers.
"What are you going to do, old man?" asked Paul.
"Fellows, I've got the best scheme yet!" exclaimed Dick. "I've just got it worked out. What do you say to a trip to California with me in the new auto I'm going to get? Will you come?"
"Will we!" cried Innis without a moment's hesitation. "Will a duck swim?"
"Put her there, old man!" yelled Paul, slapping his hand into that of Dick. "When do we start?"
"Do you mean it?" asked Dick, hardly believing his chums were in earnest. They assured him that they did.
"Then here's my game," he went on. "Dad wrote to me to get some catalogues and pick out the auto I wanted. I'm going to go him one better."
"What's that?" asked Paul. "Have a car made to order?"