OFF ON A TRIP
Glancing with critical eyes at the craft of his rival, Tom saw that Andy Foger had a very fine boat.The young inventor also realized that if he was to come anywhere near winning the race he would have to get the utmost speed out of his engine, for the new boat the bully had was designed primarily, for racing, while Tom's was an all-around pleasure craft, though capable of something in the speed line.
"I'll be giving you a tow in a few minutes, as soon as my engine gets warmed up!" sneered Andy.
"Maybe," said Tom, and then he crouched down to make as little resistance as possible to the wind.Andy, on the contrary, sat boldly upright at the auto steering wheel of his boat.
On rushed the two motor craft, their prows exactly even and the propellers tossing up a bulge in the water at their sterns.Rapidly acquiring speed after the two lads had adjusted the timers on their motors, the boats were racing side by side, seemingly on even terms.
The RED STREAK had a very sharp prow, designed to cut through the water.It was of the type known as an automobile launch.That is, the engine was located forward, under a sort of hood, which had two hinged covers like a bat's wings.The steering-wheel shaft went through the forward bulkhead, slantingly, like the wheel of an auto, and was arranged with gasoline and sparking levers on the center post in a similar manner.At the right of the wheel was a reversing lever, by which the propeller blades could be set at neutral, or arranged so as to drive the boat backward.Altogether the RED STREAK was a very fine boat and had cost considerably more than had Tom's, even when the latter was new.All these things the young owner of the ARROW thought of as he steered his craft over the course.
"I hardly think I can win," Tom remarked to himself in a whisper."His boat is too speedy for this one.I have a chance, though, for his engine is new, and I don't believe he understands it as well as I do mine.Then, too, I am sure I have a better ignition system."But if Tom had any immediate hopes of defeating Andy, they were doomed to disappointment, for about two minutes after the race started the RED STREAK forged slowly ahead.
"Come on!" cried the red-haired lad."I thought you wanted a race." "I do," answered the young inventor."We're a long way from thedock yet, and we've got to come back."
"You'll be out of it by the time I get to the dock," declared Andy.
Indeed it began to look so, for the auto boat was now a full length ahead of Tom's craft and there was open water between them.But our hero knew a thing or two about racing, though he had not long been a motor- boat owner.He adjusted the automatic oiler on the cylinders to give more lubrication, as he intended to get more speed out of his engine.Then he opened the gasoline cock a trifle more and set his timer forward a few notches to get an earlier spark.He was not going to use the maximum speed just yet, but he first wanted to see how the motor of the ARROW would behave under these conditions.To his delight he saw his boat slowly creeping up on Andy's.The latter, with a glance over his shoulder, saw it too, and he advanced his spark.His craft forged ahead, but the rate of increase was not equal to Tom's."If I can keep up to him I suppose I ought to be glad," thought the young inventor, "for his boat is away ahead of mine in rating."Through the water the sharp bows cut.There were only a few witnesses to the race, but those who were out in boats saw a pretty sight as the two speedy craft came on toward the dock, which was the turning point.
Andy's boat reached it first, and swung about in a wide circle for the return.Tom decided it was time to make his boat do its best, so he set the timer at the limit, and the spark, coming more quickly, increased the explosions.
Up shot the ARROW and, straightening out after the turn, Tom's craft crept along until it lapped the stern of the RED STREAK.Andy looked back in dismay.Then he tried to get more speed out of his engine.He did cause the screw to revolve a little faster, and Tom noted that he was again being left behind.Then one of those things, which may happen atany time to a gasoline motor, happened to Andy's.It began to miss explosions.At first it was only occasionally, then the misses became more frequent.
The owner of the RED STREAK with one hand on the steering wheel, tried with the other to adjust the motor to get rid of the trouble, but he only made it worse.Andy's boat began to fall back and Tom's to creep up.Frantically Andy worked the gasoline and sparking levers, but without avail.At last one cylinder went completely out of service.
The two boats were now on even terms and were racing along side by side toward the wooded, point, which marked the finish.
"I'll beat you yet!" exclaimed Andy fiercely."Better hurry up!" retorted Tom.
