“And—and what does he do, please?”
“Do? Why, makes automobiles, of course! haven’t you ever heard of the Spalding car?”
“Oh!” murmured Tom.
“Made right here in Bristol. A fine car, my boy.”
“Not bad,” replied Tom carelessly as he turned away. “Weak in the cylinders, though.”
Four days later at breakfast Tom received a letter in an envelope that bore the words, “Spalding Automobile Company, Bristol.”
The inclosure was brief. He read:
Dear Sir: We are instructed by the President, Mr. Henry L. Fletcher, to deliver to you or your order one of our Model 14 Runabouts, fully equipped. The car is here at your disposal. Kindly call or send for it at your early convenience. Awaiting your instructions, we remain,
Respectfully yours,
Spalding Automobile Company,
per W. W. Morrison, Manager.
“And what,” inquired Tom’s father a little later, “will you call this new automobile of yours? E Pluribus Fletcher?”