Preston's paddles flashed in the sunlight in unison, in the best, swiftest stroke they had yet shown. Over on shore the Preston boosters let their lungs loose in cheering yells.
"Wait for a tugboat, Prescott!"
"You're up against the real thing, Gridley!"
"Come on in, Hartwell! The other canoe is tied to the shore!"
"More steam!" ordered Dick. "More steam! Your best, prize winning stroke now."
Again Hartwell glanced backward. Now the prow of the war canoe was less than half a length from the stern of the Preston craft.
Up and up it came. Hartwell, in a burst of energy, shouted his prize signal:
"Dinky-bat! Hot sail!"
The new spurt carried Preston High School ahead once more.