The platform at the Point was
gaily decorated for the occasion, and all sorts of banners were
flying. The course was to cover one mile, and it ran clear out into
the open lake so that the delightful view was unobstructed.
Of all the canoes a bright red craft with a girl in Indian garb
attracted most attention. The girl had her hair flying and was
indeed a striking figure in the brilliant bark.
There were many green boats, all having Indian names, and there were
those of wood in the natural color. Girls vied with boys in point
of numbers, and had it all their own way in point of attractiveness.
"They are all ready," Cora told her friends, as the man on the bench
who held the pistol allowed it to glimmer in the sunlight. The next
moment a crack rent the air and the boats shot off.
For some moments no one spoke. All attention was riveted on the
graceful canoes that so motionlessly covered the deep blue lake.
The dip of the paddles was the only sign of movement although the
dainty boats were making good time in covering the courses.
Suddenly when all others had left and were off a light canoe shot
out from some place, and a girl with her hair flying, and dressed
most peculiarly, started off after them all.
"She gave them a handicap," said Cora, then something occurred to
her. The same thought came to the others for each held her breath.
"The ghost girl!" whispered Belle, finally.
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