Shortly after the first buoy had been passed it became evident that the struggle for the winning place was between the Dartaway and the Tortoise. The others had either given up or were racing among themselves for third and fourth prizes.
Rounding the second buoy the Tortoise passed the Dartaway. It was to have been expected, but the boys felt none the less chagrined. They had hoped to win, but it was a big thing to go up against a six cylindered craft with a four.
But Jerry had not given up yet. He had the motor running at top speed now. The spark had been advanced to the last notch, and the cylinders were taking all the gasolene they could use and not choke. Slowly but surely the Tortoise drew away.
Suddenly there seemed to be some commotion on board the leading boat. The two friends of Mr. Smith were seen to be busy over the motor.
“Hark!” cried Jerry. “One of his cylinders is missing! We have a chance now.”
Sure enough the explosions from the Tortoise were not so regular as they had been. One of the cylinders had become clogged, and with five going the engine worked unevenly.
“I think we can beat him!” exclaimed Jerry grimly. He was not rejoicing over a contestant’s misfortune, but it is on such mishaps as this that motor boat and automobile races are won and lost.
Now the Dartaway was creeping up on her rival. True it was but a slow advance, for there were still five cylinders in the Tortoise against her four. But the boys’ craft was doing nobly, and their hearts beat high with hope.
Mr. Smith was not going to give up without a struggle. His two companions worked like Trojans over the silent cylinder, but could not get it to respond.
Then to the boys’ delight they found themselves on even terms with the redoubtable Tortoise. They were on the home stretch with less than a mile to go. Already they could hear the shouts, the cries and the applause of the watching throngs, with which mingled the shrill whistles of steam and motor boats.