One of the improvements he had put in the
ARROW was a new auxiliary ignition system. This he now decided to
use.
With a quick motion Tom threw over the switch that put it into
operation. A hotter, "fatter" spark was at once produced, and
adjusting his gasoline cock so that a little more of the fluid
would be drawn in, making a "richer" mixture, the owner of the
ARROW saw the craft shoot forward as if, like some weary runner,
new life had been infused.
In vain did Andy frantically try to get more speed out of his
motor. He cut out the muffler, and the explosions sounded loudly
over the lake. But it was no use. A minute later the ARROW,
which had slowly forged ahead, crossed the bows of the RED STREAK
opposite the finishing point, and Tom had won the race.
"Well, was that fair?" our hero called to Andy, who had quickly
shut off some of his power as he saw his rival's daring trick.
"Did I beat you fair?"
"You wouldn't have beaten me if my engine hadn't gone back on me,"
grumbled Andy, chagrin showing on his face. "Wait until my motor
runs smoother and I'll give you a big handicap and beat you. My
boat's faster than yours. It ought to be. It cost fifteen
hundred dollars and it's a racer."
"I guess it doesn't like racing," commented Tom as he swung the
prow of his craft down the lake toward his home.
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