"Hanky-pank!" Plainly enough the last two words were a signal.

Though the Preston High School boys did not make much visible change in their style or speed of dip, the "Pathfinder" now gained perceptibly.

Within a minute she had a lead of a clean ten feet, and seemed likely to increase the interval.
"Why don't you come along, Gridley ?" called back the big chief in the leading canoe.
"Too early," smiled Dick.

Nor did he allow the Gridley boys to increase their speed.

Presently the "Pathfinder" led by two lengths.
"Why didn't you tell us," Hartwell demanded over his shoulder, "that the much vaunted Gridley way is 'way to the rear ?" "We haven't reached the pines yet, have we ?" Dick asked.
"No; and you won't, to-day, unless you push that clumsy tub of yours along faster." "Don't wait for us," Dick answered goodnaturedly.