"As good as ever, fellows," he declared at length, with a smile. "Turn that wheel, Chubby."
"Good boy!" exclaimed Dave. "That duffer didn't do us as much harm as we thought."
"One—two—three! We are off—Why! what's the matter?"
To their dismay, the "Rambler" lay as motionless on the placid water of the bay as if it had never moved.
"What is the trouble now?" faltered Tom Clifton.
"I am sure I don't know," answered Bob. "These wires were fixed all right."
"Are the batteries in good shape?" queried Dave.
Bob made a careful examination. "They are all O. K. The trouble must be somewhere else. Perhaps the spark plugs were tampered with," he continued, anxiously.
At this unlooked-for turn in affairs, all crowded around the motor, and began examining it with great misgivings.
"It does look as if the cylinders are scratched up a bit, eh?" exclaimed Dick, excitedly.