"Then make it to the Sister Rocks," said Marion. "Each boat must go directly around the rocks."
"That suits me," said Jack.
"It's a good mile and a half," grumbled St. John. He had no desire to exert himself in that warm sun.
"It's no farther for you than for Jack," answered the girl. "Come, are you ready?"
There was a pause, and then St. John said that he was.
"And you, Jack?"
"All ready, Marion."
"Then go!" cried the girl.
The four oars dropped into the water and off went the two boats, side by side.
St. John, eager to win for the sake of finding favor in Marion's eyes, exerted himself to the utmost, and soon forged ahead.