“I am. Are you ready?” George went on.
“My hair is parted exactly in the middle, I believe,” chuckled Josh. “You know Buster used to say that was one thing you made him do when he was on board here. Let her go, George! Get the jump on him; it may count in the end!”
A shout from Bully Joe was the first knowledge Clarence had that his rival had taken the bit in his teeth, and shot ahead. Instantly the speed of the Flash was increased; and the two powerful engines began to throb like little giants; while the sound of the exhausts, from which the mufflers had been entirely removed, was like the tattoo of a couple of snare drums calling the long roll.
Josh steadied himself as best he could; though when the boat was rushing through the water at this frightful speed it did not seem so cranky as when at rest.
“George, we’re gaining on him!” he said, in a husky voice that trembled with the excitement under which Josh labored.
“I see we are; and still I could get a bit more out of old Wireless if hard pushed. Don’t worry, Josh; we’re bound to show Clarence up for a bluffer this time, sure.”
“If only something don’t happen!” gasped the anxious Josh, with an intake of breath that was like a big sigh.
“Make your mind easy on that score,” said George, positively. “Nothing is going to break down. She’s running as smooth as silk, and never missing a stroke. Oh! ain’t this great, though? I’ve looked forward to this ever so long. Wouldn’t I like to be close enough right now to see the look on Clarence’s face.”
“It’s as long as a foot rule, I warrant you!” chuckled Josh. “Don’t I know them two fellows though? They take a beat hard. Ten to one that if you are ahead when we come to the bay, they’ll go on past, and never enter at all.”
“Well, now, that wouldn’t surprise me one little bit,” remarked George.