ot
reached. This unparalleled speed was continued for 125 minutes
in favorable weather. This proved the most successful trial
trip the Herreshoffs ever held. Thus the singular and hitherto
undivulged electric machinery proves a triumphal hit. After a
few minor changes the unnamed yacht will be ready for its
destination. Who will own the fastest ship in the world? It is
conceded that she goes to Sweden. Her crew, which is entirely
composed of Swedes, is strangely uncommunicative----_" and so
on.

* * * * *

One fine day, the magic craft shot out of Newport harbor and vanished.
Some said she went straight to Europe. Each daily had its own theory.
The boat and her evanescence were a nine days' wonder. The yacht that
represented the most exhaustive skill man had ever applied to navigation
had melted away, unnamed, unlicensed, and without destination. Even her
builder knew her no more.

The reader knows, as well as we, that this triumph of speed was Colonel
Oddminton's venture. He had literally sunk his all in it with maniacal
satisfaction, and had only a few thousands left, barely enough to pay
expenses for three months. He had pursued his ideal until he had her
under foot. He had not touched the new yacht until after it had left the
world in wonder. He had now met her on the high seas in his old
schooner, and the four--himself, his boy Rupert and the two black
sailors--with sad eyes, scuttled the home of many years. When the
Colonel's foot touched his new, bright deck, Captain Christian nodded,
and the blue flag to starboard of the mainmast (signifying owner absent)
was hauled down. The crew beheld their master for the first time. Not a
sail was in sight. The Colonel was dazed. He went below, gulped down a
pint of whiskey, and tried to think. He was intoxicated--not on liquor,
but on final possession. When he came aloft, spray was whistling from
stem to stern, and behind was a wake that overtopped the racer itself.
Water rushed as though projected through a pipe, past the shining sides
of the vessel. Colonel Oddminton, in a trance, leaned over and touched
the steel plates carefully. He expected to feel the heat generated by
the tremendous friction. Captain Hans Christian stood respectfully at
his side.

"What speed does she register, Captain?" asked the owner, with a
tremulousness new to the man.

"Only thirty-two knots, sir, in this chop, b