Harris met him with a wide and wondering grin.
"You've bought something, Matt," said he.
"How do you know?" queried Matt.
"Jameson just left, and he was considerably worked up. He said he hadn't any idea that you were bidding over him, and that he had stood ready to offer five thousand for the Hawk before letting the machine get away from him."
"What did the chief say?"
"Why, that if you didn't show up inside of fifteen minutes, with half the purchase money, Jameson could have the air ship."
The young motorist drew a long breath of relief.
"Well," said he, "right here is where I deliver the goods."
He walked into the chief's office, and found that official smoking a cigar.
"Here's the money, chief," said Matt, laying the bills down on the table. "I can give you a check for the balance, or I'll go to Chicago and get the cash."