Uncle Bill’s eyes twinkled. “Well, not a brand new launch exactly, but it will help buy that old one you’ve had your eye on for the past month!”
“How much does the owner want for it, Billy?” asked Fred.
“Sixty dollars—and every one says it’s the biggest bargain at that price!” exclaimed Billy, eagerly.
“That’s a good business idea of yours, Billy—about the old engine. Suppose you take it with you to-morrow and we will see how much we can raise on it,” responded Uncle Bill.
“Thanks, awfully, Uncle Bill!”
When it came to trading the old launch engine the next day Uncle Bill and his namesake proved themselves to be almost as good Yankees at bargaining as the man who bought it. And the fifteen dollars paid Billy looked mighty good to him as it meant that he was so much nearer the goal of his heart’s desire.
The chief reason for the Islanders being so eager to go to Belfast was soon revealed after the arrival of the boats. An earnest pilgrimage started at the ironmonger’s the moment the trade of the engine was consummated, and continuing up the hilly street ended at the ice-cream soda-fountain of the drug store.
The proprietor made his own syrups and cream and the cooling beverages he dispensed were like nectar. The adults of the party appreciated this fully as much as the juveniles.
Much to Teddy’s joy, they all happened to be in Belfast the day which was the one advertised by the druggist offering a balloon to every one who made a ten-cent purchase. Thus it came to pass that the downward trail of the Sunset Islanders was marked by shreds of exploded rubber “Zeppelins.”
Loaded down to the gunwales so that the “lee-scuppers ran with blood” of beets, tomatoes, corn, onions and other fruit (?) the Medric turned her prow to the south and Sunset Isle.