Meanwhile Si Peters had emerged from the landing at a private boathouse some distance up the lake shore.
He received a hearty shout as he moved slowly over to the starting point.
Si Peters won the choice of positions, and, of course, took the inside.
The race should have been a mile straightway, but the original challenge which led to the race had been for a half mile going and the same coming.
Soon the two boys were in position.
“Ready?”
There was a dead silence.
Bang!
They were off! Both boys caught the water at the same instant. Each pulled a long but quick stroke. Ten yards were covered, and they remained side by side.
“Pull, Si!”