Mad Twinker ordered his oarsmen to beat off the assailants with their oars; but the moment the boat got into the trough of the sea, the bow oarsmen were utterly unable to stand up. In swinging around, the Winooski brought up against the side of the Racer, and two of the latter's oars were snapped in twain in the collision. But Dory drew back before any further damage was done, though the Chesterfield boat had only seven oars left.
By this time the Racer had nearly come about, and Dory gave her a shove which sent her back to her former position in the trough of the sea. Mad Twinker was downright mad in fact, as well as in name, when he found himself beaten. But the Winooski kept out of his reach, and he was utterly powerless. Her coxswain did not have the least difficulty in swinging her around as he wished, in the smart sea.
The wind was blowing the boats farther out into the lake every moment, and the white-caps had a terrific aspect to the inexperienced boatmen. Mad brought his barge about again. Placing one of his oarless crew at the tiller lines, he crawled forward himself, and took a position in the bow. Arming himself with the boathook he directed his rowers to give way.
This time Dory did not wait till the Racer was headed to the shore, but darted upon her just as she came out of the trough of the sea. He called to Thad Glovering to boat his oar, and look out for his head, for Mad evidently intended to hit anyone who came within reach of his weapon.
"Oars!" shouted Dory with energy. "Stern all!"
But in spite of his care he struck the Racer harder than he intended, and a lively snapping of cedar boards was heard. The sound created a panic among the crew; they all stopped rowing, and looked behind them to see what had happened. About three feet of the bow of the boat was stove in, and the water was pouring in through the break.
"There! Do you see what you have done?" yelled Mad Twinker, appalled at the disaster to the Dasher.
"Will you give up those clothes, or will you take another rap?" called Dory sharply.
"Another rap! Do you mean to drown us all?" cried Mad.