The day was a fine one, and as the Dartaway sped out of the harbor and round the point, preparatory to going down the coast, the boys chanted one of Salt Water Sam’s odd songs.
“This is glorious!” cried Bob. “I wish it would last forever. A life on the ocean wave for me all right.”
“Except when we run out of grub,” put in Ned, with a grin.
As they swung down along the coast, the boat making good speed, their attention was attracted to the puffing of a craft just behind them. They looked and saw another motor boat coming along at a lively clip. In it were two figures.
“Don’t let them pass us,” called Jerry to Ned, who was at the wheel.
“Don’t worry. It’ll have to be a pretty good boat to pass the Dartaway.”
The newcomer seemed inclined to race. He was getting his engine up to top speed, and the pile of water in front of the bow of his craft showed he meant business.
The boys began to sit up and take notice. They saw that the other boat was a swift one, and, as it was a trifle smaller than theirs, and narrower, it stood a better chance. But they were not going to give up so easily.
Jerry and Bob began oiling the motor while Ned settled down to business. He shoved the levers over, and, for a while ran the Dartaway on second speed. By this time the other boat was about opposite them.