Sam lost his nerve at the last moment--like him, eh?
It's a good thing, though, I'm to be at the wheel, because I don't think Sam would have had the courage to carry out my plan." "Not he," said Bill, with a shrug.

"He's got the backbone of a snail." More of this interesting conversation was cut short by the "bang" of the pistol which warned the contestants of the racing boats to get ready.
"The race for the Hampton Yacht Club's trophy will take place in five minutes!" cried the announcer.
The five contestants cast off from the float and slowly chugged out to a position in the rear of the starting line and behind the committee boat.

Then came the nervous work of awaiting the starting gun.

The boys had all donned slickers, and the crew of the hydroplane wore rubber coats which covered them completely.

A sort of spray hood had been erected over the hydroplane's engines.
"That means she's going to do her best," remarked Rob, pointing to this indication that great speed was expected.