At last came the gun that started off the Snark, the Bonita and the Albacore, which were all of about the same speed.
"Our turn next," said Rob, who had previously received his instructions from the committee.
"Well, I'm all ready," said Merritt, nervously twisting a grease cup.
CHAPTER XIII
THE "FLYING FISH" ON HER METTLE
"Bang!"
With a nervous twitch, Rob threw in the first speed clutch, for the engine had been kept running on her neutral speed, and was able to take up way as soon as the propeller began to "bite."
Rapidly the boy increased the speed up to the third "forward," and the Flying Fish darted through the water like a pickerel after a fat frog.
"Bang!" came behind them once more, as the sound of the cheers which greeted them as they shot across the line grew faint.