"Fred, can we do anything to help the boat along ?" "Just shift a little more to the left--that's it," was the reply.

"Now we'll soon get the breeze and then we'll do better." Fred's words proved true.

As the _Skimmer_ rounded the bend, a good, stiff blast struck her sails and away she started after the _Rosebud_.
"Now we are going some!" cried Andy, his face brightening.
"Make her hum!" cried Pepper.
Slowly but surely the _Skimmer_ crept up on the _Rosebud_, until the bow of the second craft overlapped the stern of the first.
"Not walking away so fast now, are you ?" questioned Pepper, cheerily.
"Just wait, we'll beat you, see if we don't!" growled Coulter.
"Swing the mainsail over!" cried Ritter.
His order was obeyed, and the _Rosebud_ commenced to pick up again.

But the _Skimmer_ kept on steadily, and at last, when the turning-point was reached, was several lengths ahead.
"Now for the homestretch!" cried Jack.
"I hope we win by about a mile!" was Andy's wish.
The turning-point was a well-known rock, and the _Skimmer_ came around this in fine style.

But, just as this was accomplished, Ritter allowed the _Rosebud_ to swing around out of the proper course.
"Look out, you'll run us down!" yelled Fred, in alarm.
"Clear the track!" yelled Ritter, angrily.