"Keep still, fellows," said Grant, waving his hand at the other Go Ahead boys. "I'm just about to find out what the name of that motor-boat that is beating us--"
"'Beating' us nothing!" interrupted Fred. "Can't you see that she isn't gaining a foot?"
"I can't even see her name yet," said Grant. "You had better slow up a bit, Pygmy. That will give you a good excuse."
In response, Fred increased the power of the fast moving motor-boat.
"I have it. I have it," called Grant exultantly a moment later. "It is Varmint II."
"It is what?" demanded Fred quickly as he glanced behind him for a moment.
"Varmint II, that's what it is," said Grant positively. "What do you know about that?"
Fred was silent a moment before he replied. "Two years ago when I was visiting at my grandfather's I saw the Varmint run away from all the boats in the race. This must be a new one and if she's swifter than the other one then there will be some race, let me tell you. I'm going to try her out a little now."
In accordance with his words Fred changed the course which the Black Growler was following until he was nearer the rival boat. It was plain now that the crew of the Varmint II were deeply interested in the Black Growler. They were watching her movements and eagerly talking to the man at the wheel.
For several minutes the race continued and then abruptly the Varmint II shut off part of her power and speedily dropped behind.