“Look out for Dixon,” whispered Jack to his brother. “He may try to trick you as he did the crowd on the toboggan.”
“I’ll be on my guard,” responded Andy.
When the start was made, Andy did not catch his stroke as quickly as did the others, and as a consequence they gained several yards on him.
“Go in, Andy!” cried Harry. “You can do it if you try!”
“He can’t get near Dixon!” sneered Pete Sully. “Look, he’s away behind already!”
“You must do it, Andy!” cried Harry, paying no attention to the bully’s words. “Strike out faster!”
Encouraged by Harry’s words, and also by the calling of his brother and Boxy, Andy did really make an extra effort, and before half a mile was covered passed the last two fellows in the race, thus becoming fourth.
Bill Dixon was in the lead, and for a while it looked as if he would stay there. He kept crawling away from all of the others, and at length had left them pretty much behind.
But now Andy showed of what metal he was made. With a spurt he swept by the two ahead of him, and dashed on close at Bill Dixon’s heels.
“What did I tell you!” cried Harry. “Go in, Andy, and win!”