At the crack of the gun, Dan and Ross hit the water together. From that first moment of the race it was evident to the spectators that the remainder of the meet would resolve itself into a battle between the two swimmers.
Though Dan exerted his best efforts, Ross won the event by an easy six-foot margin. Dan was awarded second place, while another swimmer from Den 1 captured third position. The scoreboard proclaimed the discouraging totals: Den 1—14. Den 2—13.
Only two events remained, the 50-yard free style and the 100-yard relay. However, Ross was entered in both events and the Cubs knew his flashy speed could be counted upon to win for his den.
“That boy is in top form today—if you can say he has any form,” Midge muttered, slapping Dan encouragingly on the back. “Well, get in there and show him!”
“Sure, sure,” Dan laughed, but his words had a hollow ring.
As the Cubs of Den 2 expected, their rivals walked away with the relay by a score of 20 to 16.
“Fat chance we have of winning now,” Dan said as the final event of the meet was called. “We’d have to make a complete sweep, and we’ll be lucky to capture one place.”
“It sure looks bad for Den 2,” Brad agreed. “But get in there and fight, boy! Ross acts a bit winded. He may not hold out.”
In the 50-yard free style, the Cubs were required to swim two lengths of the pool. Before the start of the race, an official reminded the boys that they must remain in their lanes and touch the wall at the turn or be disqualified.
At the crack of the gun Ross and Dan were off to a fast start, followed by the field of slower swimmers.