There was a small stove, evidently operated by an electric current; there were electric lights, and the car could be started by the same agency, as Dick noted. Then there were displayed dishes with which to set a folding table, and utensils for cooking on the electric stove. There was ample room for food and bed clothing, as well as for garments.
"That's the nearest thing to a traveling parlor and dining car that I've seen!" exclaimed Dick; "with sleeping berths thrown in. That's the car I want. I wonder if it's for sale, boys?" and he looked questioningly at a man who seemed to be in charge.
"Yes, it is," was the answer. "It has just been put on the market. In fact the car has been on exhibition only since this morning, when we got instructions to dispose of it."
"Do you make those up for stock?" asked Paul.
"No, this is the only car like it in the world, we believe. It was made to order for a gentleman, but now he does not want it, and he authorized us to dispose of it for him. It has never been used, though it has been thoroughly tested."
"What's the matter?" asked Dick. "Didn't he like it?"
"Maybe it wasn't big enough," suggested Beeby.
"As to that I can't say," went on the salesman. "I only was told to dispose of it, and I'm afraid I'm going to have my own troubles. It's too large for use in the city. It was built for touring purposes exclusively, and it is very complete. But few persons would want a car like it, I am afraid. Would you like to look it over more closely?" he asked, seeing how interested Dick and his chums were.
"And if dad doesn't keep his word, and get this for me," added Dick, "why--I'll get it myself. This car positively must be mine!"
"I'm afraid it will be more than the average young man can afford," remarked the agent, with a smile.
"The beauty of it, though," said Paul to the man in a low voice, as they slipped under the ropes, "is that he isn't an average young man."
"That's Mortimer Hamilton's son," went on Paul.
"Great Scott!" whispered the man. "I came near making a break," and he hurried after Dick to explain the points of the car.
While Dick, his chums and others in the interested crowd looked on, the agent showed how the bunks could be utilized as seats in the day time, or even folded up out of the way and camp stools used when it was desired to eat. The table was let down from the "ceiling" and could be folded and raised with but little effort when not wanted.