The excitement was now intense, for only a mile and a half of the race remained to be sailed. The Ajax crawled or rather drifted out of the “soft spot,” and then came forward with a rush. The wind clouds now made themselves felt, especially on board the Alice. Jack’s face lost its look of worry.
“This is what we want!” he cried.
For half a mile it was now nip and tuck between the Ajax and the Alice. But then the wind increased so swiftly that Fred Century had to lower his topsail. With all sails set the Alice drew ahead, racing through the water like a thing of life.
“The Alice wins! The Alice wins!” was the cry, and this proved correct, for six minutes later the Putnam Hall sloop came over the line the winner by an eighth of a mile. The Ajax beat the Neptune by less than a hundred yards.
CHAPTER XXIV
FRED CENTURY MAKES A CHANGE
It was a great victory for Jack and his chums, and when they came ashore they were almost hugged to death by their friends.
“When I saw you drop behind my heart went down into my shoes,” said Harry Blossom. “But when you came in ahead my heart——”
“Climbed out of your cap, I suppose,” finished Pepper.
“Just about. Oh, it’s a dandy victory,” and Harry’s face fairly beamed.
“Boys, you did very well—very well indeed!” exclaimed Captain Putnam, coming up and extending his hands. “Major Ruddy, you have a sloop to be proud of.”