boat in its present condition was worth, at least to him. Then he
made a sudden resolve. He thought he might as well have the
suspense over.

"Two hundred dollars!" he called boldly.

"I'm offered two hundred!" repeated Mr. Wood. "That is something
like it. Now who will raise that?"

There was a moment of silence. Then the auctioneer swung into an
enthusiastic description of the boat. He begged for an advance,
but none was made, though Tom's heart seemed in his throat, so
afraid was he that he would not get the CARLOPA.

"Two hundred--two hundred!" droned on Mr. Wood. "I am offered
two hundred. Will any of you go any higher?" He paused a moment,
and Tom's heart beat harder than ever. "If not," resumed the
speaker, "I will declare the bidding closed. Are you all done?
Once--twice--three times. Two hundred dollars. Going--going--gone!"
He clapped his hands. "The boat is sold to Thomas Swift for two
hundred dollars. If he'll step up I'll take his money."

There was a laugh as Tom, blushingly, advanced. He passed Andy
Foger, who had worked his way over near him.

"You got the boat," sneered the bully, "and I s'pose you think you
got ahead of me."

"Keep quiet!" begged Sam.