“Don’t worry,” advised the tall lad. “The race has only begun.”
Noddy and Bill, in their craft shot up on even terms with our friends, and then, as though to show what he could do, Noddy dropped back again.
The big triplane was having difficulties, and it had not covered more than three-quarters of the way around the first circle of the course before it dropped out and went back to earth, engine troubles being responsible. The other machines remained in the race, however, and were about on even terms. Now one would be ahead, and then another. The monoplane took the lead after the first ten miles, and kept it for two rounds. Then the engine suddenly ceased working and the unlucky operator had to volplane to earth.
Meanwhile Jerry and his chums had gone steadily on. The tall lad had gradually increased the speed of the engine, as he found it working well, and now they were making about forty miles an hour. This would soon be almost doubled when the race was nearer an end.
The Farman, Curtiss and Wright machines were about on a line with the Comet, and the Winner was a little to the rear.
“I guess those big tires are too much for Noddy,” remarked Ned.
“Aren’t you going to speed up, Jerry?” asked Bob.
“Yes, I guess it’s about time.”