“Yes, let’s get it over with,” replied Grace, nervously.
Grace and Amy were selected to look after the motor, they having been “coached” by Uncle Amos for several days. They were to see that it did not lack for oil, and if anything got out of adjustment they could fix it. They would be stationed well forward in the cabin, and the bulkhead being removed, they could easily get at the machinery.
Betty and Mollie would be at the wheel. Aunt Kate declined to take part in the race, and Uncle Amos was not eligible under the rules, this being strictly a race for girls and women.
Several events were run off before the Class B race was called. Then the boats, including the Gem, moved up, and were formally inspected to make sure that all the rules and regulations had been complied with. No fault was found.
“Are you all ready?” asked the starter.
“Ready,” was the answer, and the first boat shot away. It was nervous waiting for Betty and her chums—those four minutes—but they finally passed.
“Ready?” asked the starter again.
“Ready,” answered Betty, her voice trembling in spite of herself. There was a sharp crack of the pistol, and the Gem shot ahead, as Betty let the clutch slip into place. The race was on!
CHAPTER XVI
FIGHTING FIRE
“Betty, do you think we can win?”