He adjusted the automatic oiler on
the cylinders to give more lubrication, as he intended to get more
speed out of his engine. Then he opened the gasoline cock a
trifle more and set his timer forward a few notches to get an
earlier spark. He was not going to use the maximum speed just
yet, but he first wanted to see how the motor of the ARROW would
behave under these conditions. To his delight he saw his boat
slowly creeping up on Andy's. The latter, with a glance over his
shoulder, saw it too, and he advanced his spark. His craft forged
ahead, but the rate of increase was not equal to Tom's. "If I can
keep up to him I suppose I ought to be glad," thought the young
inventor, "for his boat is away ahead of mine in rating."
Through the water the sharp bows cut. There were only a few
witnesses to the race, but those who were out in boats saw a
pretty sight as the two speedy craft came on toward the dock,
which was the turning point.
Andy's boat reached it first, and swung about in a wide circle for
the return. Tom decided it was time to make his boat do its best,
so he set the timer at the limit, and the spark, coming more
quickly, increased the explosions.
Up shot the ARROW and, straightening out after the turn, Tom's
craft crept along until it lapped the stern of the RED STREAK.
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