"No, Dick, I won't," said Jack with emphasis. "I'll race any one else for the fun of it, but I will not race with those fellows."
Herring started off at a good pace, expecting that Jack would follow, and when they had a good lead, Jack having turned and gone up the river, Billy Manners and young Smith in the latter's boat set off after them.
"We'll give you a race, Pete!" shouted Billy. "Whoop her up, J.W., and see how we'll leave 'em behind!"
Young Smith was managing the boat and doing it well, and now, anxious to show off, he shot ahead, and soon began to gain on the other boat.
"You can watch the fun even if you don't race, Jack," chuckled
Percival. "Turn around, old man, and follow."
"I don't mind that," said Jack, "and if anything should happen to either Billy or to J.W., we will be on hand to help them."
Young Smith was putting his boat to its paces, and as Jack turned to follow had nearly reached the leading boat.
"Go ahead if you are going!" shouted Billy Manners with a laugh, greatly enjoying the excitement. "Chuck us a line and we'll tow you."
"Huh! you can't beat anything!" shouted Merritt.
"Let's see you beat us!" snarled Herring, forging ahead.