There was a smile of malicious triumph on Truax’s face as he turned a
lever a little way over, thus decreasing the ignition power of the motors.

Both Jack and Hal could see that the gasoline flow had been turned on
nearly to the full capacity. It was the poor ignition work that was making
the motors respond so badly. A little less, and a little less, of the
electric spark that burned the gasoline and air mixture—that was the
secret of the gradually decreasing speed, while all the time it looked as
though the “Farnum” was doing her level best to win the race.

Whistling, as he bent over, Sam Truax caught up a long, slender steel bar.
With this he stepped forward, intent upon his next wicked step.

“Gracious! The scoundrel is going to run that bar in between the moving
parts of the engine and bring about a break-down!” quivered Hal.

Sam Truax stood watching for his chance to thrust the steel bar in just
where it would inflict the most damage. Then raising the bar quickly, he
poised for the blow.

“Stop that, you infernal sneak!” roared Jack Benson, bounding into the
engine room.





CHAPTER XVI: BRAVING NOTHING BUT A SNEAK