On Time
(Printed in the United States of America)
ON TIME.
CHAPTER I.
A NEW PROJECT.
“You don’t want that boat, Wolf, any more than the lake wants water,” said my father, after I had read an advertisement, in the Ruoara Clarion, of the effects of a bankrupt which were to be sold at auction the next day.
“I don’t think the lake would amount to much without water; in fact, to no more than I do without business,” I replied. “I want something to do, and if I can buy this boat at a low price, I am sure I can make something out of her.”
“What can you do with her? She is a very pretty plaything; but you and I can’t afford such luxuries,” added my father.
“I don’t want her for a plaything, father,” I persisted. “I want to make some money out of her.”
“You are an enterprising boy, Wolf; but I really don’t see any money in a boat like that.”
“I think there is, though of course I may be mistaken. Since Major Toppleton has been running his steamers across the lake to Centreport so many times a day, the ferry would not pay, and the owner has gone up to Ruoara with his boat. Now, there are many people who wish to cross between the steamers’ trips.”