In a moment more the race was on. There was a straight course of two miles ahead and over this the rival ice-boats flew, at first side by side. Then an extra puff of wind took the Rockville craft ahead.
"What did I tell you!" cried one of the cadets. "You're too slow for us. Good-by!"
"You're not leaving us yet," answered Henshaw, who was steering, and he threw the Snowbird over a bit from the shore. The wind was coming over the top of a hill and now both craft got the full benefit of it. On they rushed, with Rockville slightly ahead. Then, slowly but surely, the Oak Hall boat began to crawl up.
"We are gaining!" cried Dave.
"Oh, if I only had a bellows, to help make wind!" sighed the senator's son.
They had still half a mile to go when of a sudden the Snowbird shot ahead. Those on the Rockville craft were amazed and their faces fell.
"Here is where we beat you!" cried Henshaw. "Good-by! We'll tell 'em you are coming."
"Oh, go to grass!" growled one of the Rockville cadets, and then the Snowbird continued to forge ahead, leaving the rival ice-boat far behind.
"They feel sick," said Dave. "I must say I didn't think this ice-boat could do it. You've certainly got something worth having."
"Even if we are not all painted up and haven't a flag," added Messmer.