of books."

"All the same the Irish boy is a shrewd fellow, and you've got to get
up mighty early in the morning to beat him out in an argument," grinned
George, who could look back to numerous occasions when he had confessed
himself a poor second under such conditions.

"Say, look at the big bundle Jack's carrying, would you?" exclaimed
Nick, taking a sudden new interest in matters, and getting to his feet;
for he had been lazily stretched out, watching his comrade work at the
engine of the speed boat, which was like a big cigar in shape, somewhat
near twenty-seven feet in length, by only four and a half beam.

"I honestly believe that's the bully old silver cup Jack's bringing
over to let us see," declared George, also aroused, so that his black
eyes flashed.

"And it's going to be our silver cup some day before long; because,
just as you say, this fine little beauty can cut circles around both
the other motor boats," and the fat boy patted the varnished frame of
the _Wireless_ as he spoke.

"Sure thing," replied George, with a grin; "but don't discourage the
rest by rubbing it in that we've got such a soft snap."

Two other fellows bustled into the big boathouse, where several
launches were resting on the floor on either side of the basin, at the
further end of which the water door was situated.

Jack Stormways was an active lad of about seventeen. His figure was as
straight as that of an Indian, and his face one in which a steady
purpose seemed to abide. Usually of a sunny, cheerful disposition, he
knew how to arouse all dormant faculties in the members of a baseball
or football team of which he might chance to be captain.

Nearly everybody liked Jack Stormways; and even such enemies as he
naturally made during his career in school admitted that they admired
his clean methods of doing things.

His companion, Jimmie Brannagan, was a short-bodied Irish lad, with red
hair and a freckled face; but possessing a sturdy frame, as well as a
ready wit.

"Open it up, and let us have a peep, Jack!" exclaimed George, as the
newcomer placed his package on a bench near by.

"No use asking such sharp chaps as you to guess," observed the other,
laughingly, as he started to follow instructions by unwinding the many
papers that covered the mysterious bulky object. "You see everything,
know everything. Well, what d'ye think of that for a beauty, George
and Buster?"

Poor Nick had about as many names as a prince of t