"What do you think, Sam?" inquired Fred anxiously. "Can we beat
her?"
"We can if we go faster than she does," replied Sam briefly.
CHAPTER XX
SAM'S WARNING
The thought of the race which was to take place within a few days
and in which both the Black Growler and the Varmint II were to be
contestants was in the mind of every one. In spite of the
unwillingness of Sam to express his opinion as to the outcome,
Fred insisted repeatedly upon asking what he thought. Again and
again Sam evaded a direct reply as in one form or another he
explained that all he did know was that the Black Growler would
win if she could run more swiftly than the Varmint II.
As to the possibility of developing the required speed he was
non-committal.
Conversation did not lag on the voyage down the river. The
presence of Mr. Button as well as the fact that Fred apparently
was somewhat reserved and uncommunicative concerning his recent
experiences in Cape Vincent, caused the Go Ahead boys to neglect
the topic of conversation which just then was uppermost in their
thoughts. Time did not drag, however, and it was a merry party on
the motor-boat which attracted the attention of many of the
parties they met. In the most informal manner salutes were given
and whistles were tooted whenever boats large or small passed.
In spite of Miss Susie's apparent carelessness she had provided a
most excellent luncheon, to which ample justice had been done by
all on board, including Mr.
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