“Quick!” Sally cried, remaining at the tiller of the Cat’s Paw. “The life preserver!”
Finding one under the seat, Penny took careful aim and hurled it in a high arc over the span of water. The throw was nearly perfect and the life preserver plopped heavily on the surface not two feet from the struggling girl. But she was too panic-stricken to reach out and grasp it.
The river current carried the preserver downstream. Sally knew then that to save the girl she must turn aside and abandon the race.
“Coming about!” she called sharply to warn Penny of the swinging boom.
Already beyond the girl, whose struggles were becoming weaker, they turned and sailed directly toward her. Penny kicked off her shoes, and before Sally could protest, dived over the gunwale.
A half dozen long strokes carried her directly behind the struggling girl. Hooking a hand beneath her chin, she pulled her into a firm, safe hold, then towed her to the Cat’s Paw where Sally helped them both aboard.
Throughout the rescue, the other two children had clung to the overturned canoe. Sally saw that they were in no danger, for a motorboat from shore was plowing swiftly to the rescue. Standing by until the two were taken safely aboard, she then glanced toward the fleet of racing boats.
Nearly all of them had passed the Cat’s Paw and were well on their way toward the second marker. The Spindrift led the field.
“We’re out of the race,” she said dismally.
“No! Don’t give up!” Penny pleaded. “You still may have a chance. This girl is all right. I’ll look after her while you sail.”