"What a wise man you are," laughed Fred. "I might have thought of that myself if I had tried hard. Do you think we can beat that boat? That's what I want to know."
"I think we can if we go faster than she does," replied Sam.
"Well, can we make her go faster?"
"You can if the speed is in her."
"Well, do you think the speed is in her?"
"I can't say just yet," said Sam, who was not to be moved from his cautious position. "Here come your friends," he added as the boys and girls were seen approaching the dock.
Mr. Button grumbled over the delay which had been caused by the failure of the young people to return, but as no one except Fred understood just what he was saying slight attention was paid him.
Meanwhile at Sam's command the engine was started, and the Black Growler, free from the dock once more, soon was noisily and speedily making her way down the mighty river.
"Why didn't you beat that other boat?" demanded Miss Susie of Fred.
"That wasn't what we were trying to do."