CHAPTER XXVIII
AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY
The rowboat containing the Colby Hall cadets had just crossed the finishing line of the race when the wind and waves hit the Longley craft, turning it over.
“Hurrah! We win!” shouted Andy, in keen satisfaction.
“Look! Look!” exclaimed Jack. “The Longley fellows are in trouble. Their boat has turned over on them!”
“Gee! we’d better row to the rescue,” came from Fred, with a gasp. The strenuous rowing had all but winded him.
In spite of the wind and whitecaps, the six boys managed to turn the rowboat around and sent it in the direction of the other craft. They could see one of the boys clinging to the upturned boat while the other five were floundering around in the lake.
The catastrophe was witnessed only by those in the rowboat and the judges and others aboard the motor-boat, for the downfall of rain was now so heavy it cut out completely the view from the shore.
The motor-boat started to the rescue also, and arrived at the scene of the disaster several seconds ahead of the Colby boys. The motor-boat people managed to pick up three of the lads in the lake.
“Save me! Save me!” yelled one of the boys, and those in the rowboat saw it was Billy Sands. He was throwing up his arms frantically. Evidently the race had all but exhausted him.