Page:Dick Hamilton's Steam Yacht.djvu/53

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UNCLE EZRA'S PLOT
39

see. How's the old iron business? Rattling away, I suppose?"

"That's right," answered Henry Darby, with a laugh. "But this isn't a new horse, Dick."

"No? You don't mean to say that it's the one you used to have—the same one that couldn't draw the load of iron when I once met you?"

"The same one. I bought him from the man who sold me the iron, and I fattened him up. The horse got rid of the ringbone, spavin, blind staggers, dinkbots, and a few other things he had, and he's all right now."

"You must have fed him on some iron filings to make him so strong," for the animal was pulling a heavy load.

"No, I didn't do that, but maybe he got out of the stable and helped himself to an old radiator or a wagon tire once in a while. So you're back from the military school, Dick?"

"Yes, and glad of it in a way. I'm going to have a steam yacht, and travel around a bit this vacation."

"My, oh my! Some folks are born lucky!" cried Henry, with a jolly laugh. "Now, if I'd only been rich instead of good looking I'd buy a yacht, too," and the two lads, both of whom were really fine-appearing chaps, laughed together.

"I'll give you a ride when you get your vacation," promised Dick.

"The trouble is I never get one," replied Henry. "The old iron business, that you helped me start