"I don't," Jack admitted, bluntly.

"Well, I suppose it isn't human nature to be fond of our rivals,"
assented the naval officer, slowly.

"I've other reasons, of my own, for disliking Rhinds," muttered the
submarine boy.

"He hasn't what you could call a wholesome face," smiled Danvers. "In
fact, I think Mr. Rhinds must be a self-made man, made very badly. I
can't quite think that he has anything of the human face divine."

Jack laughed, but bitterly.

"The 'Zelda' is the boat we have to beat today," he added.

"I wonder if you'll do it?" muttered Lieutenant Danvers, gazing suddenly
over at the "Zelda," now well ahead and cutting a white path of foam.
"Great guns, look at her go!"

Jack did glance up and ahead. He felt a sinking at heart, for the
moment. For the "Zelda" was showing a burst of speed that was calculated
to make any rival thoughtful.

"Mr. Farnum," Jack called back, "will you pass the word for Hal to come
on deck?"

Young Hastings was up in a moment!

"They're forcing that boat," muttered Hal, gazing after the "Zelda"