Bob shoved over the switch that Jerry had provided for just such an emergency. There was a click, a little spurt of green fire as the two pieces of copper came together, and, with a sound like a gun, the engine resumed its revolutions. A charge in one of the cylinders had exploded, and had turned the fly wheel over, just in time to render it unnecessary to crank up.
“Hurrah! She’s off!” cried Ned.
With a quick motion Jerry threw the engine back on first speed, as he wanted to give it a chance to work up before he called on it for a harder effort.
But the accident was likely to prove dear to the Dartaway. One of the boats in the rear had almost caught up to her, and the Snail was a good five lengths ahead.
“We’ve got to strain everything now,” said Jerry grimly. “It’s a small chance but we’ll take it.”
Quickly he speeded up the engine, giving the cylinders all the gasolene they would take, and he also began to advance the spark.
As soon as he could he threw in the third speed gear. The Dartaway responded nobly, and fairly shot through the water. The Snail’s lead was cut down by one length.
One advantage the accident gave was the bringing into use of fresh batteries. This gave a better and hotter spark, and rendered the explosions more powerful. Jerry saw this, and his heart rejoiced.
Notch by notch he shoved the two levers around and the boat increased her speed. Those in the Snail looked back apprehensively.
“We’ll catch you yet,” Jerry murmured. “How’s she running, Ned?”