Steadily and swiftly the two boats rounded the first point and
then Sam once more began to work. Just what he was doing was not
apparent to his companions, but after a few minutes George
exclaimed excitedly, "We're gaining on them! We're gaining as
sure as you live!"
In a brief time the announcement of the excited boy was
manifestly seen to be correct. Slowly and yet steadily the lead
of the Varmint II was cut down. Less than six feet now intervened
between the two boats.
The supreme moment apparently arrived when the last turn was
made. Before them was the home stretch. The last leg of the
course was now to be run and here the Black Growler must win if
she was to win at all.
As the boat rounded the stake a shout of anger arose from all on
board the Black Growler when it was seen that their rival again
was trying to cut in upon the course.
"She wants to box us," muttered Sam. "She thinks if she can get
right in front of us that we'll have to take her breakers and
that we'll not be able to make up any of the distance."
Rising to his feet Sam seized the megaphone and called in his
loudest tones, "Don't you try that! We shall ram you if you do.
Keep to your own course and we'll keep to ours."
Whether it was Sam's demand or not will never be known, but the
course of the Varmint II veered slightly and almost before the
boys were aware of the change which had occurred they were side
by side with their rival.
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