"Go it, Jackson," roared Lew Flapp. "Go it, old Moneybags!"
"Moneybags" was a signal among many of the cadets, signifying that the speaker had bet money on the result. Betting at the academy was strictly prohibited, but wagers were often made on the sly.
Hearing this cry, Jackson renewed his struggles and for a few seconds held his lead.
But now Dick Rover was crawling up inch by inch. He had passed Tom, who was left hopelessly in the rear, and now he was pressing Larry.
"The major and the captain are tie!"
"See, Captain Rover is crawling ahead!"
"Swim, Jackson, swim!" yelled Lew Flapp frantically. "You must win!"
And Pender took up the call, and so did Rockley.
Again Jackson did his best. The finish of the race was now but twenty yards off.
"Go in and win, Dick," came from Larry Colby. "I'm about used up," and he let Dick go ahead.
Dick was almost as fresh as at the start and slowly but surely he kept gaining upon Jackson until the two were not over two yards apart.