Dave got into his seat, and Hiram sat directly beside him. A touch
put the machinery in motion.

'There's a puffy eighteen mile wind, Dashaway," cried out Mr. King.

"Yes, I wouldn't venture too far from shore," advised Grimshaw, a
trifle anxiously.

The water was quite rough where the flight started. The machine
acted all right, however. A crowd had gathered on the beach, and
there was some encouraging cheering as the power boat gained good
headway.

"Whew I what have you invited me to, Dave--bath?" puffed Hiram.

Dave had neglected to put in place the rubber cover, so that during
the preliminary run along the water the waves drenched both of the
boys.

Dave stopped the motor and started drifting, at a sudden current or
breeze sent the tail before the wind. The rear of the hydroplane
was forced under water.

"Look out!" ordered Dave sharply.

"I see--we're in for an upset," spoke Hiram quickly.

The hydroplane was forced over backwards, the tail striking a sand
bar.