“That must be Tubby,” thought Rob, with a smile. Hastening forward, he rapped at the door.

“Come in!” exclaimed Paul, as Rob, at the same instant, uttered the patrol cry in a peculiar, low tone.

Rob pushed open the door, and saw before him, illuminated by the light of a stable lantern, the most peculiar looking piece of machinery he had ever set eyes on.

“What is it?” he gasped in astonishment.

“It’s a motor-scooter,” declared Paul, with the inventor’s pride vibrating in his voice. He held the lamp aloft so that its radiance streamed on a glittering, bewildering mass of bars, levers, connecting rods and brace wires.

CHAPTER V.
THE BOY WHO MADE THE WHEELS GO ROUND.

“A motor-scooter!” echoed Rob.

“That’s right, Rob, and she’s a Jim Dandy, too!” exclaimed Merritt enthusiastically.

“She’ll eat up space,” volunteered Tubby.

“Always on the eating tack,” laughed Paul.