“All right,” laughed Nelson, “but I don’t believe we’ll need quite full speed to walk away from that boat.” He disappeared into the cabin. “He’s a sport, anyhow,” declared Dan. “I like a chap that’s not afraid of being beaten.” The _Vagabond_ began to move through the water at a faster pace and Tom allowed himself a final gibe at the rival boat. “So long!” he shouted. The smaller boat was already several lengths behind and her crew was still bending over the engine. “It takes him long enough to get her started,” said Bob. “I wonder——” But what Bob wondered was never disclosed. For at that moment there came a series of pistol-like reports from the _So Long’s_ exhaust and the “red tub” suddenly dug her straight, sharp nose into the water, threw it away from her on each side in two long green waves and came alongside. “Gosh!” exclaimed Bob. They had a fleeting view of the placid countenance of the youth in shirt sleeves, a momentary impression of a brilliant crimson streak along the water and then they were gazing bewilderedly at each other. The _So Long_ was lengths and lengths away and getting smaller every instant. Nelson put his head out of the door, glanced toward where the other boat had been a minute before, looked puzzled, came out on deck and searched the neighborhood. “Where is she?” he asked. “Sunk?” For answer three hands pointed ahead. Nelson gazed a moment. Then he went silently below and slowed down the engine. “How fu-fu-fast do you su-su-su-suppose she wu-wu-went?” asked Tom. “About a mile a minute,” answered Bob gravely. “I don’t believe she’s a launch at all,” said Dan. “I’ll bet she’s a blamed old automobile.” “What was that remark you addressed to him just before she walked away, Tommy?” asked Bob. “Shut up,” answered Tom sheepishly. “How did I know he had a streak of red lu-lu-lu-lightning? Where is she now?” “Oh, about a mile ahead,” answered Nelson sadly. “Next time let’s pick out a chap our own size.” “Well, she’s certainly a dandy!” said Bob. “She must do about thirty miles.” “Maybe twenty-five,” said Nelson. “But that’ll hold us for awhile. Isn’t that her coming back?” It was. They looked at each other inquiringly. Dan began to whistle. Tom glanced at Bob. “You take the wheel,” he said finally. “I—I want to get something out of my locker.” A shout of laughter went up. “No, you’ll stay right where you are, Tommy,” said Bob, “and take your medicine. You’re to blame for it, anyhow.”