As a matter of fact, he knows every
blessed thing I do about our motors, and Williamson is loyal to the core."
"I know," nodded Captain Jack. "I'd hate to hurt a fine fellow's feelings.
Yet--confound it, I _do_ want to win this burst of speed. It means,
perhaps, the quick sale of this boat to the Navy. If we're beaten it
means, to the Secretary of the Navy, that he already has our best boat,
and he might not see the need of buying the 'Farnum' at all."
"Give Williamson two or three minutes more," begged Hal. "You might tell
Eph, though, to repeat, and repeat, the signal for top speed. That'll show
Williamson we're losing."
Jack Benson walked to the conning tower, instructing Eph Somers in a low
tone.
"I've signaled twice, since the first time," Eph replied. "But here goes
some more."
"I wonder what's going wrong with our engines, then," muttered Captain
Jack, uneasily.
"It ain't in careless steering, anyway," grumbled Eph. "I'm going as
straight as a chalk line."
"I noticed that," Captain Jack admitted.
He continued to look worried, for, by this time, the "Pollard" was at
least a good two hundred and fifty yards to the good in the lead.
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