"Something's coming behind us."

Tom turned his head and looked. Then he called out:

"It's Mr. Hastings in his new CARLOPA. I wonder if he wants a
race?"

"Guess he'd have it all his own way," suggested Ned.

"Oh, I don't know. I can get a little more speed out of my boat."

Tom waited until the former owner of the ARROW was up to him.

"Want a race?" asked Mr. Hastings good-naturedly.

"Sure!" agreed Tom, and he shoved the timer ahead to produce
quicker explosions.

The ARROW seemed to leap forward and for a moment was ahead of the
CARLOPA, but with a motion of his hand to the spark lever Mr.
Hastings also increased his speed. For a moment the two boats
were on even terms and then the larger and newer one forged ahead.
Tom had expected it', but he was a little disappointed.

"That's doing first rate," complimented Mr. Hastings as he passed
them. "Better than I was ever able to make her do even when she
was new, Tom."

This made the present owner of the ARROW feel somewhat consoled.