"Well, now, is everybody ready?" Roy asked, surveying the group critically. "Suppose you girls get started. We won't jump in until one of you gets well past that jut in the shore—then it's our time to show a little speed."
"All right, we are ready," said Mollie. "Frank, when you say the word we'll start."
The girls lined up with beating hearts, waiting for the word that would relieve their taut muscles.
"One—two—three—go!" Frank counted, and the Outdoor Girls made a running dive into the water, which was deep at this point, and struck out strongly for the goal.
"Those girls sure can swim some," was Will's admiring comment.
"Get ready now, fellows," commanded Allen. "They've almost reached the point."
"I think we gave them too big a handicap," said Frank doubtfully. "They swim like fish."
"You old croaker!" Will exclaimed. "Why, we ought to be able to beat them with twice that handicap."
"Look out, Mollie has reached the point, fellows!" Allen shouted. "Now's the time!"