d-haired youth exultantly,
though his manner toward Tom was more temperate than usual. Andy had
learned a lesson.

"Well, if you can beat me I'll give you credit for it," answered Tom.

The first race was for high-powered craft, and in this Mr. Hastings'
new CARLOPA won. Then came the trial of the small boats, and Tom was
pleased to note that Miss Nestor was on hand in the tiny DOT.

"Good luck!" he called to her as he was adjusting his timer, for his
turn would come soon. "Remember what I told you about the spark," for
he had given her a few lessons.

"If I win it will be due to you," she called brightly.

She did win, coming in ahead of several confident lads who had better
boats. But Miss Nestor handled the DOT to perfection and crossed the
line a boat's length ahead of her nearest competitor.

"Fine!" cried Tom, and then came the warning gun that told him to get
ready for his trial.

This was a five-mile race and had several entrants. The affair was a
handicap one and Tom had no reason to complain of the rating allowed
him.

"Crack!" went the starting pistol and away went Tom and one or two
others who had the same allowance as did he. A little later the others
started and finally the last class, including Andy Foger. The RED
STREAK shot ahead and was soon in the lead, for Andy and Sam had
learned better how to handle their craft. Tom and Mr. Sharp were
worried, but they stuck grimly to the race and when the turning stake
was reached Tom's motor had so warmed up and was running so well that
he crept up on Andy. A mile from the final mark Andy and Tom were on
even terms, and though the red-haired lad tried to shake off his rival
he could not. Andy's ignition system failed him several times and he
changed from batteries to magneto and back again in the hope of getting
a little more speed out of the motor.

But it was not to be. A half-mile away from the finish Tom, who had
fallen behind a little, crept up on even terms. Then he slowly forged
ahead, and, a hundred rods from the stake, the young inventor knew that
the race was his. He clinched it a few minutes later, crossing the
line amid a burst of cheers. The ARROW had beaten several boats out of
her own class and Tom was very proud and happy.

"My, but we certainly did scoot along some!" cried Mr. Sharp. "But
that's nothing to how we'll go when we build our airship, eh, Tom?" and
he looked at the flushed face of the lad.

"No, indeed," ag