ention to your wheel," said Sam. "I guess if you
attend to your share, the rest of us will try to look after ours."

On the third and last part of the course even the shrill whistles of
the yachts and the cries and cheers that greeted the ears of the Go
Ahead boys appeared to take on a sharper edge. The face of every boy
was set and drawn. That silver cup in the eyes of all four now appeared
to be the most valuable prize that life could offer.

Steadily and swiftly the two boats rounded the first point and then Sam
once more began to work. Just what he was doing was not apparent to his
companions, but after a few minutes George exclaimed excitedly, "We're
gaining on them! We're gaining as sure as you live!"

In a brief time the announcement of the excited boy was manifestly seen
to be correct. Slowly and yet steadily the lead of the Varmint II was
cut down. Less than six feet now intervened between the two boats.

The supreme moment apparently arrived when the last turn was made.
Before them was the home stretch. The last leg of the course was now to
be run and here the Black Growler must win if she was to win at all.

As the boat rounded the stake a shout of anger arose from all on board
the Black Growler when it was seen that their rival again was trying to
cut in upon the course.

"She wants to box us," muttered Sam. "She thinks if she can get right
in front of us that we'll have to take her breakers and that we'll not
be able to make up any of the distance."

Rising to his feet Sam seized the megaphone and called in his loudest
tones, "Don't you try that! We shall ram you if you do. Keep to your
own course and we'll keep to ours."

Whether it was Sam's demand or not will never be known, but the course
of the Varmint II veered slightly and almost before the boys were aware
of the change which had occurred they were side by side with their
rival.

As the two boats drew near the finish the excitement on board each
apparently was shared by the spectators. The calls and screams and
cries redoubled, while the blasts of the whistles were added to the
deafening noise. Swiftly and steadily and yet side by side the boats
swept forward. To the anxious boys it did not appear that there was any
distance between them. Do what they might the Go Ahead boys were unable
to increase the speed of their racing motor-boat, which now seemed to
be almost below the surface so low was it lying in the water.

The Caledonia meanwhil