Another week saw Dick so improved in skill that the chauffeur declared he need have no hesitation in taking the car on any trip. Then a license having been procured, and the tanks refilled, Dick and his chums started on the trip to Hamilton Corners. It was accomplished without accident, an early morning start enabling them to arrive shortly before dark.
As they drove into the side entrance of Dick's house a voice called from the library:
"What's this, Mortimer? It looks like a railroad coach coming in."
"Uncle Ezra's here!" exclaimed the son of the house as he recognized the tones.
"I expect that is Dick's new touring car," replied Mr. Hamilton.
"Mortimer! You don't mean to say you let your son get an expensive auto like that?"
"I gave it to him, yes, Ezra," the boys heard Mr. Hamilton reply.
"Well, of all the sinful, foolish wasting of money, this is the worst! Why, such a car as that must have cost nigh onto a thousand dollars!"
"If he only knew!" murmured Dick, with a chuckle. "Come on in, fellows. You'll stay with me a few days, and then we'll arrange about our trip."
"Well, Nephew Richard, I see you haven't learned economy yet," rasped Uncle Ezra, as our hero entered the library with his chums. "Where do you expect to end your days?"