“They’re drawing away from us,” said Ned regretfully, after a few moments.
“Can you give us any more speed?” asked Jerry, in a low voice; for he, too, had noticed that their craft was increasing the distance between them.
“I’ll try,” answered Ned, and he once more adjusted the carburetor. The result was at once apparent, for the Eel shot ahead at increased speed.
“We’re creeping up on them!” cried Andy, a minute later.
“No, they’re slowing down!” exclaimed Jerry. “I thought so. They’re monkeying with the motor, and they’ve got it adjusted wrong. We’ll get to ’em now! Hold her so, Ned!”
Ned nodded without speaking, and the Eel kept up her fast motion. Now some commotion could be noted aboard the Dartaway, and Jerry cried out:
“Hold on there, Noddy Nixon! Come back with that boat, if you know what’s good for you!”
“Let’s see you catch us!” fired back the bully, while Bill Berry added:
“We’ll sink your craft if you don’t keep back!”
“We’re coming on!” declared Jerry, defiantly, not at all alarmed by the threat. It was evident that both Bill and Noddy were doing their best to get more speed out of the Dartaway, but without success. Had our heroes been aboard her, they could have done it, as they knew every bolt and lever. But the boat seemed to realize that she was in the hands of enemies, and refused to do her best.