By then, the rivalry between the FW&S boats and the BC Express boats was quite heated and it soon came down to a race. The "Conveyor" had proved itself to be swifter than its sister ship "Operator", as had the "BX" proven swifter than the "BC Express", so one day in July, the "Conveyor's" Captain Shannon challenged Captain Browne to a race to Quesnel from Soda Creek. The rules were rather odd, as the "BX" was still obligated to stop and deliver her mail at several different landings whereas the "Conveyor" had no such obligation and could run right through. As the race progressed, it soon became obvious to all that the "BX" was the faster boat, as she had stayed ahead for most of the race, despite having to stop several times. At one landing the "BX" had more mail to deliver than usual and had fallen behind the "Conveyor", but she soon caught up and was passing her opponent when Captain Johnson rammed the "BX" with the "Conveyor". Captain Browne immediately pulled over to inspect his boat for damages and the "Conveyor" pulled ahead again. Fortunately Browne soon discovered that the "Conveyor" had hit the "BX" just where the shear of her guards met and that there was no serious damage. In fact, when Browne arrived in Quesnel, he had almost caught up with the "Conveyor" again.