hat's a good idea," commented Mr. Swift.

It was four days after his purchase of the boat before Tom was ready to
make a long trip in it. Up to that time he had gone on short spins not
far from the dock, in order to test the engine adjustment. The lad
found it was working very well, but he decided with a new kind of spark
plugs for the two cylinders that he could get more speed out of it.
Finally the forward compartment was painted and a general overhauling
given the hull and Tom was ready to put, his boat to a good test.

"Come on, Ned," he said to his chum early one evening after Mr. Swift
had said he was too tired to go out on a trial run. "We'll see what
the ARROW will do now."

From the time Tom started up the motor it was evident that the boat was
going through the water at a rapid rate. For a mile or more the two
lads speeded along, enjoying it hugely. Then Ned exclaimed:

"Something's coming behind us."

Tom turned his head and looked. Then he called out:

"It's Mr. Hastings in his new CARLOPA. I wonder if he wants a race?"

"Guess he'd have it all his own way," suggested Ned.

"Oh, I don't know. I can get a little more speed out of my boat."

Tom waited until the former owner of the ARROW was up to him.

"Want a race?" asked Mr. Hastings good-naturedly.

"Sure!" agreed Tom, and he shoved the timer ahead to produce quicker
explosions.

The ARROW seemed to leap forward and for a moment was ahead of the
CARLOPA, but with a motion of his hand to the spark lever Mr. Hastings
also increased his speed. For a moment the two boats were on even
terms and then the larger and newer one forged ahead. Tom had expected
it', but he was a little disappointed.

"That's doing first rate," complimented Mr. Hastings as he passed them.
"Better than I was ever able to make her do even when she was new, Tom."

This made the present owner of the ARROW feel somewhat consoled. He
and Ned ran on for a few miles, the CARLOPA in the meanwhile
disappearing from view around a bend. Then Tom and his chum turned
around and made for the Swift dock.

"She certainly is a dandy!" declared Ned. "I wish I had one like it."

"Oh, I intend that you shall have plenty of rides in this," went on his
friend. "When you get your vacation, you and dad and I are going on a
tour," and he explained his plan, which, it is needless to say, met
with Ned's hearty approval.

Just before going to bed, some hours later, Tom decided to g