n." At that moment
the auctioneer, Jacob Wood, caught sight of Tom in the press, and,
looking directly at the lad, continued:

"I understand that young Mr. Swift is here to-day, and I hope he
intends to bid on this boat. If he does, the bidding will be lively,
for Tom Swift is a lively young man. I wish I could say that some of
the men who stole the boat were here to-day."

The auctioneer paused and there were some murmurs from those in the
throng as to why such a wish should be uttered. Tom felt some one
moving near him, and, looking around, he saw the same man with whom he
had come in contact before. The person seemed desirous of getting out
on the edge of the crowd, and Tom felt a return of his vague
suspicions. He looked closely at the fellow, but could trace no
resemblance to any of the men who had so daringly stolen his father's
model.

"The reason I wish they were here to-day," went on Mr. Wood, "is that
the men did some slight damage to the boat, and if they were here
to-day we would make them pay for it. However, the damage is slight
and can easily be repaired. I mention that, as Mr. Hastings desired me
to. Now we will proceed with the bidding, and I will say that an
opportunity will first be given all to examine the boat. Perhaps Tom
Swift will give us his opinion on the state it is in as we know he is
well qualified to talk about machinery."

All eyes were turned on Tom, for many knew him.

"Humph! I guess I know as much about boats and motors as he does,"
sneered Andy Foger. "He isn't the only one in this crowd! Why didn't
the auctioneer ask me?"

"Keep quiet," begged Sam Snedecker. "People are laughing at you, Andy."

"I don't care if they are," muttered the sandy haired youth. "Tom
Swift needn't think he's everything."

"If you will come down to the dock," went on the auctioneer, "you can
all see the boat, and I would be glad to have young Mr. Swift give us
the benefit of his advice."

The throng trooped down to the lake, and, blushing somewhat, Tom told
what was the matter with the motor and how it could be fixed. It was
noticed that there was less enthusiasm over the matter than there had
been, for certainly the engine, rusty and out of order as it was, did
not present an attractive sight. Tom noted that the man, who had acted
so strangely, did not come down to the dock.

"Guess he can't be much interested in the motor," decided Tom.

"Now then, if it's all the same to you fol