came back the answering hail from the Varmint II and in a
brief time both boats were swiftly moving down the river.

Again the spray dashed over each party, the water through which they
were passing again seemed to be moved as if by some intense heat
beneath it. The noise of the motor and the sound of the rushing water
made it difficult for the Go Ahead boys to hear one another.

There was slight disposition however, to talk, for all on board the
little boat were eagerly watching their rival. Although there were no
sure grounds for their belief, the Go Ahead boys were confident that
the strongest rival they would face in the coming race was the boat
which now was only a few yards distant.

And what a beautiful little structure she was. Her lines were all
graceful and as she slipped through the water she seemed almost to
share in the prevailing excitement.

Steadily the two boats continued on their way, neither apparently being
able to gain much upon its rival. Occasionally the Varmint II led by a
few feet, only to lose the advantage as the Black Growler slowly drew
ahead. Evidently they were evenly matched. This fact, however, served
only to increase the interest of the Go Ahead boys.

When at last the Varmint II again turned from the course and with a
wide sweep started across the river there had been no sure test of the
comparative speed of the two boats.

"What do you think, Sam?" inquired Fred anxiously. "Can we beat her?"

"We can if we go faster than she does," replied Sam briefly.

CHAPTER XX

SAM'S WARNING

The thought of the race which was to take place within a few days and
in which both the Black Growler and the Varmint II were to be
contestants was in the mind of every one. In spite of the unwillingness
of Sam to express his opinion as to the outcome, Fred insisted
repeatedly upon asking what he thought. Again and again Sam evaded a
direct reply as in one form or another he explained that all he did
know was that the Black Growler would win if she could run more swiftly
than the Varmint II.

As to the possibility of developing the required speed he was
non-committal.

Conversation did not lag on the voyage down the river. The presence of
Mr. Button as well as the fact that Fred apparently was somewhat
reserved and uncommunicative concerning his recent experiences in Cape
Vincent, caused the Go Ahead boys to neglect the topic of conversation
which just then was uppermost in their thoughts.