did not hesitate, relying on getting help to stop him before he had
gone much farther, or, at any rate, when he reached town, where he
was evidently making his way.

The fugitive kept as close in to shore as possible, and made the
highest speed he could; Jack realized that his boat was a good one,
and would have some trouble to keep it in sight, although young
Smith's boat was capable of making good time.

"I am glad I know what young J.W.'s boat can do," he said to
himself, "and if that fellow had not had a lead on me I would have
been up to him by this time. I think I can beat him in the long
run, as he does not know my boat as well as I do, and I know this
one now."

Jack hoped that by the time he reached town he might get aid to stop
the man even if he had not overhauled him, and he kept on at a good
rate.

"That fellow must know something about motor-boats," he thought,
"for he is managing mine in good shape. I could do better with her,
but he is doing very well. I only wish some one would come along so
as to head him off. I don't like to lose him."

When they neared the mouth of the kill Jack shot a hasty glance ahead
to see if there was any one coming to whom he could shout, and saw a
little tug put out from the railroad dock.

He was about to shout to them when to his great annoyance he saw the
man in his boat shoot into the kill and disappear.