The bows alike flung the water far from either side while
the stern of each boat appeared to be almost buried in the midst
of the seething, boiling, rushing water.
Far behind them in a long line stretched out the other
contestants. There was slight interest in the race now except
between the two leading boats, one or the other of which seemed
to be certain of the prize.
Apparently the narrow escape from an accident when the turn had
been made in the preceding lap had made the crew of each boat
more cautious. At all events neither tried to cut in very far
upon the other and even on the home stretch in the second lap
neither had gained any advantage upon the other.
"It looks as if it was all up," exclaimed George dolefully.
"Never you mind," said Sam. "If we can hold them where they are I
think we can do a little better on the home stretch than they
can."
"But they may be planning the same thing," protested Fred.
"You just give your attention to your wheel," said Sam. "I guess
if you attend to your share, the rest of us will try to look
after ours."
On the third and last part of the course even the shrill whistles
of the yachts and the cries and cheers that greeted the ears of
the Go Ahead boys appeared to take on a sharper edge. The face of
every boy was set and drawn. That silver cup in the eyes of all
four now appeared to be the most valuable prize that life could
offer.
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