He made the attempt—and succeeded, although not until he had come within an inch of sliding off the rounded hood and into the lake.
As he fell into the bottom of the boat, he struck the lever that controlled the sparking apparatus, throwing off the switch and causing the Sprite to slow to a halt.
This was a little gained, for the speed of the boat would not now fan the flames; but Matt was wedged in between the driver's seat and the motor, and found it impossible to extricate himself.
His heart sank.
Was this to be the end? Was the Sprite to burn and sink, there in the open lake, and carry him to the bottom?
At this moment, just as his hopes were at the lowest ebb, he heard a shout from near at hand.
"Matt! Where are you, pard?"
McGlory! That was McGlory's voice!
The wonder of McGlory's being there to help him was lost, for the moment, in the wild joy that swelled in Matt's breast.
"Here!" he shouted.