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 folks, I'll proceed with
the auction here," went on Mr. Wood. "You can all see the boat
from here. It is, as you see, a regular family launch and will
carry twelve persons comfortably. With a canopy fitted to it a