Both Judge Oglesby and Mr. Montague were on hand as passengers, while a good number of others had secured tickets for the round trip, showing that the venture was certain to prove a success. The day had started in damp and foggy, and in the bustle of getting under way, Dean had not found opportunity to say much to the judge, whom he could see was deeply impressed with the situation. “Where is the _Warrior_? I could not see her as I came on board,” remarked the judge. “For some reason unknown to me,” replied Captain Mercer, “she started this morning half an hour ahead of her schedule. It may have been on account of the fog.” CHAPTER XII. THE RACE BETWEEN THE STEAMERS. “Confound this infernal fog! Look ahere, pilot, can you see anything of that new steamer?” “Not yet in sight, colonel.” “That does not say she is not within beam’s length.” “What’s that you are saying, Colonel Darringford?” “Is that you, Captain Bumpstead? Say, has the engineer got on all the steam she will stand? This seems like a sail’s pace.” “The fastest we’ve made, colonel. The _Warrior_ has behaved unaccountably well so far. God grant she may hold out until we reach Springfield.” “How soon shall we make Landlock?” “In an hour, colonel, if we can keep up this speed.” “Put on all the steam you can. I have sworn that we would show the fools at Millville that we have still the best boat. We win to-day, or Ebenezer Darringford doesn’t own this boat. Do you hear me, Martin?” The officer simply bowed, while the speaker sought his cabin. Captain Martin Bumpstead went directly to the pilot house, muttering something about “when liquor is in, wit is out.” The above conversation took place on the _Warrior_ in the midst of the greatest excitement that had ever come upon the old boat. Colonel Darringford, in the delirium of drink and the excitement caused by the appearance of the rival steamer, had ordered that the _Warrior_ make an early start in order to keep ahead of the _Spray_ and in reaching Springfield first to show that she was the equal of the other. But owing to the fog slower progress had been made than might have been accomplished under more favorable conditions. “Where are we now?” demanded Captain Bumpstead, as he gained the pilot house. “Off Loon Point, sir. We would have been to Landlock if they had given us all the steam I’ve called for,” exclaimed the grizzled man at the wheel. “More likely we should have been in the air,” declared the captain. “I tell you, Dan Dame, the old hulk can’t stand any more.” “I believe I see the new steamer now!” broke in the lookout at this juncture. Captain Bumpstead swore a round oath, as he demanded where. “A mile in our rear.” “We’re in for it,” cried the commander. “It all lies with you, boys.” “Give me all the steam I call for and I’ll rip the lake but I’ll get the ol’ tub in ahead.” “The fog is lifting!” cried the lookout. “I am afraid that will make it no better for us.”