You see, when they come around the foot of the island, they will be some distance below the long dock, and the current will carry them still further down, while we are above it, and can sail right down to it.

Here they come!" The boys looked down the river, and saw the men-o'-war rapidly following each other around the foot of the island.
"I guess they have discovered their mistake before this time," said William.

"Now," he continued, as he drew his mainsail down a little closer "the Champion is going to be the first to sail into the creek." "That's the game, is it ?" said Frank.

"Ben, perch yourself up on the windward side, and we'll see which is the best boat." Ben did as he was desired, and the little vessels increased their speed, and bounded over the gentle swells as if some of their crews' spirit had been infused into them.

They had started nearly even--the Alert and Champion being a little in advance of the Speedwell--and the boys knew that the race was to be a fair trial of the speed of their boats.