Uncle Amos came to Rainbow Lake to see the girls and the boat.  He was not much impressed with the sheet of water, large as it was, but he did take considerable interest in the coming race, and insisted on personally doing a lot of work to the boat to get her “ship-shape.”

So that when the Gem was ready to go to the starting line she was prepared to make the “try of her life,” as Betty expressed it.

There were six boats in the class that included the Gem.  Some were about the same size, one was larger and one was smaller.  In horse power they rated about the same, but some handicapping had been done by the judges.  The Gem was to start four minutes after the first boat got away, and of course she would have to make up this time to win.

“But we can do it!” declared Betty, confidently.

As they were on their way to the starting line the girls noticed two boys rowing along the shore, looking intently as they proceeded.

“Say, you haven’t seen a big green canoe, with an Indian’s head painted in red on each end; have you?” asked one of the lads.

“No; why?” asked Grace.

“Someone took ours last night,” spoke the other boy.  “We were going in the races with it, too.  It was a dandy canoe!” and he seemed much depressed.

“That’s too bad,” spoke Betty sympathetically.  “If we see anything of your canoe we’ll let you know.”

“Just send word to Tom Cardiff, over at Shaffer’s dock!” cried the elder boy eagerly.  “There’s a reward of two dollars for anyone who finds it.”

“Poor fellows!” said Betty as they rowed off.  “I’d give two dollars of my own now if we could find their canoe for them.  They must be dreadfully disappointed.  Well, shall we start?”

“Yes, let’s get it over with,” replied Grace, nervously.

Grace and Amy were selected to look after the motor, they having been “coached” by Uncle Amos for several days.  They were to see that it did not lack for oil, and if anything got out of adjustment they could fix it.  They would be stationed well forward in the cabin, and the bulkhead being removed, they could easily get at the machinery.

Betty and Mollie would be at the wheel.  Aunt Kate declined to take part in the race, and Uncle Amos was not eligible under the rules, this being strictly a race for girls and women.

Several events were run off before the Class B race was called.  Then the boats, including the Gem, moved up, and were formally inspected to make sure that all the rules and regulations had been complied with.  No fault was found.

“Are you all ready?” asked the starter.

“Ready,” was the answer, and the first boat shot away.  It was nervous waiting for Betty and her chums—­ those four minutes—­ but they finally passed.

“Ready?” asked the starter again.

“Ready,” answered Betty, her voice trembling in spite of herself.  There was a sharp crack of the pistol, and the Gem shot ahead, as Betty let the clutch slip into place.  The race was on!