The others agreed and they all swam lazily toward the mossy bank. Betty drew herself up and sank upon the grassy knoll with a sigh of utter relaxation.
"I'd like to give you a longer race," said Frank, whose near defeat at the hands of a girl was hard to bear. "I bet I could beat you easily on a long stretch."
Betty sat up suddenly and stared at him. "Frank Haley!" she cried, "I've a good mind to take you up."
"A race! a race!" cried Mollie, clapping her hands in delight. "Oh, I'd love to see it."
"Go on, Frank, set the day," Allen urged. "After what you said you are in honor bound to give Betty a chance."
"I am perfectly willing," said Frank, glancing toward Betty. "What do you say about it?"
"You can't arrange it too soon to suit me," Betty answered, undaunted.