The lad shot out these last words with surprising vehemence. “I know a lot of fellows who’d change with you,” said Jack.
“You do! They must be sap-heads,” said the rich man’s son; and then suddenly, “How would you like to try the life for a time?”
“Me? Oh, I’ve never thought about it,” said Jack.
“Because if you would—but I forgot. I’m not to say anything about that. That’s dad’s plan, and he’ll have to talk to you about it.”
CHAPTER XXX.
THE REJECTED OFFER.
Jack was much mystified, but Tom adroitly dodged further questioning by turning the subject. He told the young wireless man of his trips to Florida and California in search of health, and all about his father’s fine yacht, the Halcyon, on which he had made many trips.
“But it’s all rot,” he concluded. “If they’d let me live the life any ordinary kid does, I’ll bet I’d be as sound—as sound as you are before very long.”
About noon Mr. Jukes came back. He burst into the room with his customary bustle and hurry, and it was plain that he had something on his mind to deliver in his usual blunt way.