lunch," finished Miss Nestor. "But I assure you that we have
plenty, and that you will be very welcome," she added warmly.

"Yes, and I'd like to have him explain over again how the engine
works," went on Miss Haddon. "I am so interested."

Tom helped the girls out, receiving their thanks as well as those
of the children in the second boat. But as he walked with the
young ladies through the grove the young inventor registered a
mental vow that he would steer clear of explaining again how a
gasoline engine worked.

"Now come right over this way to our table," invited Miss Nestor.
"I want you to meet papa and mamma."

Tom followed her. As he stepped from behind a clump of trees he
saw, standing not far away, a figure that seemed strangely
familiar. A moment later the figure turned and Tom saw Andy Foger
confronting him. At the sight of our hero the bully turned red
and walked quickly away, while Tom's fingers touched the ring of
keys in his pocket.


CHAPTER VII

A BRUSH WITH ANDY

So unexpected was his encounter with Andy that the young inventor
hardly knew how to act, especially since he was a guest of the
young ladies. Tom did not want to do or say anything to embarrass