hat be?" asked Nick, eagerly, for he was taking note of
everything that occurred, and casting envious glances toward the fine
trophy on the box.

"Of course," the other went on, "I hope the reliable old _Comfort_
won't break down once on the trip; and I give you my word I don't
believe she will. But if that _has_ got to happen, I'm wishing it will
be just around four in the afternoon. See the point, fellows?"

"Sure," replied Jimmie, with a grin. "That gives ye the hull night to
be makin' repairs, and without losin' a blissed minute of time. A wise
guy ye are, so I'm thinkin', Herbie."

A close inspection failed to disclose any structural weakness about any
one of the three boats, or their motive power. Of course, each pilot
was convinced in his own mind that he had the best chance to win.
George relied mainly on speed; Herb placed his dependence on the well
known ability of his broad-beamed boat to stand up before heavy seas,
and always get there safely in the end; while with Jack there was a
combination of these several points of excellence.

"Well," the last named remarked, as they prepared to go home, and the
boathouse was being locked up for the night; "I can see where we're
going to have a warm time of it in the last half of the race."

"How's that?" burst forth the eager Nick. "Tell us, Jack; it ain't
fair to keep anything back. Will they arrest us for breaking the speed
laws down south?"

"See!" cried Herb, instantly, "that's where a guilty conscience works
overtime. It's just what he gets for risking his life in that floating
coffin," and he jerked his thumb disdainfully toward the building they
were leaving.

At that the proud owner of the cigar-shaped craft laughed aloud.

"Green with envy already, Herb!" he exclaimed. "Don't you pay any
attention to what he says, Pudding. We're just going to lick the whole
bunch to a frazzle, and that's easy. Now, Jack, suppose you tell us
what's on your mind? How are we going to have lots of trouble in the
last half, more than in the beginning?"

"When you fellows begin to study those maps of the Mississippi I
brought you, it will open your eyes," Jack went on. "Why, the upper
stretches of this river are as straight as a yard stick compared with
what lies below Memphis. If ever you saw a snake turning and twisting
after you've hit him with a stone you've got an idea of what the big
river is down there in Dixie. It forms loops and bends galore. It