“Same here,” the chief replied. “Say,” he went on, standing up and pointing ahead, “doesn’t that look like some sort of a boat?”
“It sure does,” Mr. Layton replied. “Wait a minute.”
Holding the wheel steady with his knees he drew from his pocket a small telescope. Adjusting it, he peered forward and looked steadily through it for several seconds.
“I believe it’s them!” he exclaimed. “I can’t make out the figures very well, but it’s a big motor boat, and one I’ve not seen around here before. They seem to be having some trouble aboard. Maybe the engine has broken down.”
“Let’s hope so,” the chief said. “If it only stays broken until we catch up!”
The Terror and Dartaway were making good time against the current. Nearer and nearer they came to the other boat. When within a mile of her Mr. Layton could make out the occupants quite clearly through his glass.
“There they are!” he cried. “And whatever was the matter with the engine they’ve got it fixed now for they’ve started up again.”
“Try and get a few more revolutions out of your craft!” cried the chief. “Every inch tells. I guess we can hit our engine up a bit more!”
“I’ll have to wake up Jerry,” Detective Layton said. “I don’t know enough about engines to monkey with ’em.”