Then they piled up on the truck to inspect their treasure.
Fred Ripley, returning with Mr.Dodge, a local banker, saw the six youngsters climbing up to look at their purchase.

A broad, malicious grin appeared on Ripley's face.
"Sold! sold!" gasped Dave Darrin.

Then his face flushed with anger.
For the canoe, which looked well enough on exhibition, proved to have three bad holes in her hull, which had been carefully concealed by the manner in which the craft had been propped up on the truck.
The great war canoe looked worthless---certain to sink in less than sixty seconds if launched!.