They finished in a tie over the first course. This was encouraging,
for the little Mischief, their closest opponent, was acknowledged a
fine boat.
Two more courses were to finish the race, unless there was another
tie. The girls scarcely noticed the frantic efforts of the boys in
the Peter Pan who were encouraging and directing at the top of their
lungs. The young men in the Mischief were anxious. They could
never stand it to be beaten by a couple of country girls! But, on
the second trial Cora's boat won, and then came the final test.
Up the lake they went again! Now the Petrel was ahead and now the
Mischief until the closeness of the two became absorbing.
"The best race of the day!" the judges were declaring. "Neither has
it all her own way!"
"Plucky girls," said another of the men at the stand. "Whatever
happened when they stopped they must have been well able to handle,
from the way they caught up again. I thought they were out of it
that time!"
"We all did," put in some one else, "but I have seen that little
girl on the lake before. She knows something about a motor boat."
"Here they come!" Jack yelled. "Just look at Cora! Isn't she
fine!"
"And Hazel!" put in Paul with a smile.
"How about Bess and Belle?" asked the fickle Walter. "I think they
look just sweet!"
Only two more "legs," and the Petrel was still ahead!
One was covered, with the Mischief so close that only those in the
best position could tell which one led.
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