" There was no conceit in
this remark--it was simply a statement of fact.
Out on the water the girls and boys knew the time had come when they
must show what was in them. Grace and Amy, with the discomfited Will,
had fallen to the rear, and the race lay between the other five. Allen
was leading, and the two young judges on the bank had just decided that
either he or Frank would be the winner. Then it happened! The two girls
gathered all their energy, that splendid reserve strength they had kept
so well in check--summoned every ounce of vitality they had and gave it
full rein.
Their muscles, trained to outdoor life, gallantly responded to the call.
They passed first Frank, then Allen, who stared after them stupidly. You
see, the boys were not believers in miracles. However, they rallied
their reserved strength and shot ahead until they were even with the
girls again.
The goal was close before them. Now, if ever, must come the last
desperate spurt. Could they make it? They must! they must! The thought
kept hammering itself over and over in the girls' consciousness. They
were so near now--they couldn't lose--oh, they couldn't!
And the girls were right.
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