So the cries ran on, as the ice-boats drew closer and closer to the finishing line of the contest. It was true the Venus, the craft from the Rockville Military Academy, had fallen far behind and had given up. The third boat was also well to the rear, so the struggle was between the Oak Hall craft and the Whistler only.
"I hope we win!" cried Dave, enthusiastically.
"Oh, how mean!" answered Vera, reproachfully. "Well, I—er—I don't mean that exactly, but I'd like to see my brother's friends come in ahead."
"One thing is sure—it's going to be close," continued Dave. "Can you see at all?"
"Not much—there is such a crowd in front."
"Too bad! Now if you were a little girl, I'd lift you on my shoulder," and he smiled merrily.
"Oh, the idea!" And Vera laughed roundly. "I can see the tops of the masts, anyway. They seem to be about even."
"They are. I think——"
"A tie! a tie!" was the cry. Then a wild cheer went up, as both ice-boats crossed the line side by side. A second later the crowd broke out on the course and began skating hither and thither.