assured them that it was of many horse-power.

"Of course," he said, "this is a gasoline motor. You all know that gasoline is highly inflammable, and consequently dangerous to handle. Its vapor mixed with air is explosive, so you must understand the necessity for extreme care in its use."

Continuing, Mr. Somers delivered a short lecture, which was eagerly listened to. He told the boys how the power was derived from the explosions of gasoline vapor mixed with air, the charges being fired by an electric spark. Their attention was drawn to the valves controlling the supply of gasoline, the batteries and connecting wires.

Continuing, Mr. Somers said: "An engine of this kind has no power to start itself. It is necessary that the fly-wheel should be given several turns. This forces the explosive mixture into the upper part of the cylinders and ignites it, which starts the engine. Here, Bob, is a book of instructions."

"Can't we start right away?" asked his son, eagerly.

"Certainly!—Tom, cast off the lines. Dave, your arms look pretty strong; give the wheel a couple of turns."

"All right, sir!" responded Brandon, as the two proceeded to carry out directions.

A sharp detonation came from the motor, followed by a steady and rapid succession.

The effect was immediate. With a gentle, rocking motion, the "Rambler" began to glide forward, while the water at its stern was churned into foam and the ripples lapped against its sides.

"Hurrah!" cried Bob, enthusiastically. "This is what I call great!"

"Nothing could be finer," chimed in Dick. "See how far we have come already."

When the boys looked around, they were surprised to see what a distance separated them from the wharf.

Bob, at the wheel, managed it skilfully. The "Rambler" described a wide curve and was headed down-stream.

Close at hand rose the dark, wooded slope of Fir Island, a low, rounded hill that divided the stream into two channels. They watched its form becoming clear and distinct, and compared the trip with others that were made in the "Lively."

To say that the performance of the "Rambler" was up to expectations is expressing it very mildly. The island 

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