Frank and Andy Afloat; Or, The Cave on the Island

E-text prepared by Al Haines
The Cave on the Island
Author of Frank and Andy at Boarding School, Frank and Andy in a Winter Camp, The Joe Strong Series.
Whitman Publishing Co. Racine, Wisconsin Copyright, 1921, by George Sully & Company
How about a race to the dock, Frank?
With whom, Andy?
Me, of course. I'll beat you there—loser to stand treat for the ice cream sodas. It's a hot day.
Yes, almost too warm to do any speeding, and Frank Racer, a lad of fifteen, with a quiet look of determination on his face, rested on the oars of his skiff, and glanced across the slowly-heaving salt waves toward his brother Andy, a year younger.
Oh, come on! called Andy, with a laugh rippling over his tanned face. You're afraid I'll beat you.
I am, eh? and there was a grim tightening of the older lad's lips. Well, if you put it that way, here goes! Are you ready?
Just a minute, pleaded Andy, and he moved over slightly on his seat in order better to trim the boat. He took a tighter grip on the oars, and nodded toward his brother, still with that tantalizing smile on his face.
Let her go! he called a moment later, adding: I can taste that chocolate soda now, Frank! Yum-yum!