The real race was between the
two rivals who now were ahead.
The first lap had been covered and the boats had made the first
stake. Here the skill of Sam manifested itself by the sharp turn
which he told Fred to make. The lead of ten feet had been
decreased by at least a yard. The relative positions of the two
boats were maintained while they both sped swiftly toward the
next turn.
Taught by their rivals of the advantage a quick turn might bring,
the Varmint II here was sharply brought in and a shout of protest
arose from the Go Ahead boys when for a moment a collision
appeared to be unavoidable. The Black Growler yielded a little in
her course, however, and the danger was avoided, although the
Varmint II by her trick regained the yard which she had lost at
the previous stake.
The boats now were speeding back toward the starting place. The
entire course covered eighteen and three-eighths miles and each
boat was supposed to cover the course three times.
When the racing motor-boats drew near the start a chorus of
whistles and cries were mingled in the salute which greeted them
both.
The sounds to the Go Ahead boys seemed indistinct and far away.
They were all intent solely upon what the Varmint II might try to
do when the stake was turned.
This time, however, each boat held to its course and the danger
of a collision was avoided.
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