“Add a dozen stuffed pancakes fried in ice and I’ll go you!” called the young major. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Then go! And catch me if you can!”
“Catch me, you mean!” yelled Fred, and then both skippers settled down to handle their respective craft as best they knew how. Each had his topsail broken out, and each made his passengers sit so as to make his sloop ride on as even a keel as possible.
It was a beautiful day for a race, warm and clear, with scarcely a cloud in the sky.
“I know what I’d like,” said Pepper, as they bowled along over the course. “I’d like to take a swim. I know the water must be dandy.”
“I’ll be with you—after this race is over,” answered Dale.
Side by side the two sloops kept on the course until Cat Point was rounded. Then the Ajax began slowly to crawl ahead.
“There! What did I tell you!” cried Fred Century. “See how we are going ahead!”
“This race isn’t over yet,” answered Jack.