at never before had their boat been
more capable of making her highest speed than at the present time.

CHAPTER XXVI

CONCLUSION

When the Black Growler slowly moved forward to take her position in the
line, the excited boys were aware that the shores of the nearby islands
were filled with interested spectators. Outside the limits of the race
there were scores of yachts and motor-boats, whose owners with their
guests had assembled to watch the exciting contest. Patrol boats were
noisily demanding that the line should be kept clear and were busily
speeding back and forth to see that their demands were strictly
enforced.

Before the boys had left Chestnut Island, Miss Susie Stevens and her
friend had arrived, the impulsive girl begging that she might be
permitted to be one of the company on board the Black Growler during
the race.

Her request, however, was denied. Only the four Go Ahead boys and Sam
were to be on board to manage the swift little craft.

When the boys advanced toward the starting place, they discovered,
after lots had been drawn for positions, that they were next to the
Varmint II, the latter boat having drawn number four, while its chief
rival was fifth in the line.

"Those fellows aren't so bad, after all," said George good-naturedly to
his companions when he saw the five men that were on board the rival
boat. "There we were suspecting them of all sorts of tricks and yet
nothing happened to the Black Growler. We had our troubles for our
pains."

"Huh!" interrupted Sam. "You aren't out of the woods yet. There's no
knowing what may happen before we turn the last stake."

"Sam," demanded Fred anxiously, "have you any reason to suspect
anything more?"

"Nothin' except that I know those fellows will not stop at anything to
win the race. They have a lot of money bet and they aren't goin' to
lose it if they can help it."

"Well, I shan't have any sympathy for them if they do lose their
money," spoke up Grant, "at least if they lose it by betting on their
boat. I don't believe in that thing myself. I don't want any money that
I haven't honestly earned."

"That's all right to talk," laughed John.

"It's all right to DO, too," asserted Grant positively. "I don't
believe there's anything that takes away the best part of a man as
surely as gambling. The gambler has no sympathy for any one, his heart
is dried up and to my mind he is about the worst specimen you can find
anywhere."

At that m