They tried to close in that gap between them and the island, but before they succeeded, Sadie had nosed her boat in and, with flashing oars, dared them to come closer.
They did not dare take the challenge. To cut across the path of Sadie's boat at that moment would mean a collision, one which they themselves would precipitate. This, according to Miss Talley's rules, would automatically put them out of the race.
In triumph, Jo and Sadie closed up the distance between them and their rivals. Now they were neck and neck. Now they were a little ahead!
"Hooray for the last stretch!" thought Jo to herself, and her muscles responded joyfully to the task she set them.
Sadie's back bent and unbent rhythmically to the long sweep of the oars. Her lips were set and her eyes blazed with determination.
The girls on shore saw them coming as they rounded the bend of the island. At first it was impossible to tell who was in the lead. One boat stood out from the others, a full half-length ahead.
Whose boat was it?
It was evident that Kate and Lottie thought their friends were in the winning craft.
"It's Ruth and Carol!" cried Kate, tossing her head. "We might have known they'd win."
"Come on, Ruth! Come on, Carol!" cried Lottie.