.

"Sorry, Captain," he remarked, pleasantly, "but the fact is I was
working at my engine when night came on, and it's not in condition for
immediate service. I expected to finish the job while my friend cooked
breakfast. So you see, long before I could get it to working that
sound would be lost, and we'd never raise it again."

"Oh! well, if that's the case," said the other, with a quick look
toward the motor of the boat, which even his inexperienced eye could
see was in some measure taken apart, "I reckon we'll just have to call
it off, and make the best of a bad job. But you've interested me a
whole lot, Jack, and I hope you will win your race, my lad."

"I'm not thinking much about that," replied the boy, "since the cup was
given by my own dad, you see. But I was wondering whether we might not
get in more trouble below because our boat happens to look like that
other one."

"That's a fact, to be sure. Here," said the captain, as if struck by
an idea, "perhaps I might be of some assistance to you."

He drew out a pencil and paper, and wrote a few lines, signing his name.

"If any police officials bother you, just show them that, and tell them
if they want to call me up on the long distance phone I'll stand
sponsor for you."

"Thank you, Captain, I will," and Jack gladly put the little document
away, hoping at the same time that it would never have to be shown.

And so the disappointed officers clambered back again into their
rowboat, and started on the tiresome journey against the current of the
river. The last the boys heard of them was the grumbling sound of
Grogan's complaining voice.

"Well, that was an experience, sure enough!" exclaimed Jack, as he
looked around at the confusion which abounded aboard the motor boat.

Jimmie, who had lighted their own lantern when the police boat pulled
out, was already trying to get things in some sort of order, though
most of the work would have to be left until they had daylight to
assist them.

"And would ye belave it, that sassy little boat was a lyin' beyant the
bridge all the toime we were here, an' us not suspectin' the same!"
Jimmie remarked.

"But how slick they got away," observed Jack. "That chap with the pole
was bent on pushing her past without being discovered, while the other
had his hand on the engine, ready to start things with a rush. It was
a bold venture; and between you and me and the lamp post, Jimmie, I
rather guess the nervy chaps