I don't suppose any one would object to our sizing her up." Rob hailed the suggestion as a good one.
"We can call in for Tubby on the way," he said, as he darted into the house after his hat.
The boys dropped in at Tubby's house on their way to the water-front, and received from the stout youth some additional details regarding Sam's boat.
"She's a hydroplane," volunteered Tubby, "and Tom Jennings, down at the yard, says she's as fast as a race horse." "A hydroplane ?--that's one of those craft that cut along the top of the water like a skimming dish, isn't it ?" asked Merritt.
"That's the idea," responded Rob.

"They're supposed to be as speedy as anything afloat in smooth water." Thus conversing they reached the boat-building yard of Sam Redding's father and were greeted by Tom Jennings, a big good-natured ship carpenter.

"Hullo, Tom! Can we see that new boat of Sam's ?" inquired Rob.
"Sure, I guess there's no objection," grinned Tom, "come right this way.

There she is, over there by that big winch." Report had not erred apparently as to the novel qualities of Sam Redding's speed craft.

She was about twenty-five feet long, narrow and painted black.