"I just love to go fast. You can't
make the Black Growler move too fast to suit me."
The two boats now were following parallel lines, although they
were more than one hundred feet apart. It was manifest also that
the crew of the rival boat were aware of the purpose in the minds
of the Go Ahead boys and that they also were not unwilling to
discover what one of their rivals might be able to do in the
coming race.
Conversation ceased as suddenly the Black Growler darted forward
almost as if she was a thing alive. The Varmint II started at the
same moment and an impromptu race was on.
The bow of the Black Growler at times seemed almost to be lifted
above the river. Dashes of water when the bow again struck were
driven into the faces of all on board. The spray soon made the
cockpit as wet as if a stream of water had been played upon it.
The noise of the engine, the splash of the water, the rushing
river, the white and excited faces, as well as the anxiety with
which the Go Ahead boys watched the speed of their rival, all
combined to increase the prevailing excitement. Apparently the
two boats were moving almost neck and neck.
"We don't seem to gain on her, Sam," shouted Fred.
Sam turned and glared upon the boy, but did not reply to the
suggestion. He was giving his entire attention to the task of
steering the boat, glancing occasionally at his rival, which
tenaciously was holding to its course.
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