"You won't beat us. You've got a pretty speedy old boat there, all right, but you've met your match this time." "Do you really think you can lick me?" asked Tony. "You know you haven't a chance. This is a _real_ speed boat." "This is a better one. Come on--we'll start from that buoy." Frank pointed to a buoy that was riding the waves about a hundred yards away and the two boats sped toward it. They kept on even terms until they came abreast of the buoy and then Tony shouted: "Now!" At the same instant, the boats leaped forward. The engine of Tony's craft set up a deafening roar, but the _Sleuth_ merely changed from a purr to a growl and sprang swiftly through the water. Tony had the advantage in that he knew his boat well and he knew just how much power it would stand. Within half a minute he had established a substantial lead, while the _Sleuth_ was surging along in his wake. But Frank knew that the boat was more powerful than it seemed. Gradually, he "let her out," and the _Sleuth_ responded until at last he could see that they were gaining on the craft ahead. By this time Tony was tearing along at the highest speed of which his swift craft was capable, and the boat was almost rising out of the water with the force of its momentum. Rapidly, the _Sleuth_ overhauled the flying craft, swiftly it drew abreast, and the boys had a glimpse of Tony's astonished face as he glanced over the side at them. The _Sleuth_ roared on, rocking and swaying, with spray dashing over the bows. There was no doubt as to which was the swifter craft. Tony was being left behind. When a gap of three or four hundred yards separated the two boats and when it was apparent that he had no hope of overhauling his rival, Tony lessened the speed of his craft as a signal that he had been beaten. Frank immediately throttled down the _Sleuth_ and swung her around in a wide circle. Then, at a more reasonable speed, they went back to meet Tony. Their chum was astonished beyond all measure. "I thought you were just kidding when you said you'd race with me," he shouted, as they drew closer. "No kidding about that race, was there?" "I'll say there wasn't! I let my old boat out as fast as she'd go. I thought the engine was going to jump out, once or twice. I didn't think there was a motorboat in the bay could beat mine, but I guess that tub of yours has it beat. When did you get it?" "This is the first time we've been out." "Wish I could stick around and race with you again," said Tony regretfully. "But I have to go back to the boathouse. I promised my father I'd help him at the warehouse this morning." "Tough luck," sympathized Frank. "We may see you this afternoon. But no more racing until the engine is worked in a bit better. It was foolish to let her out while she is so stiff." "Where are you going now?" "Oh, we'll just cruise around," said Frank. "I was thinking we might go up to Barmet village and back."