Thad Glovering pulled the stroke oar of the Gildrock, and he had already discovered the danger that menaced him in the approach of the Chesterfield barges. He was making his crew do their utmost; but the barge had been headed off by the enemy, who were not seen until they came around the point of land.
The improvement in the rowing of the Chesterfields was not very manifest. They had evidently being practising since they obtained their smashed barge from the builder who had repaired it, and it was just as plain that they had adopted the stroke of the Beach Hill barges.
"The Topovers are helping them," said Oscar, who watched the Dasher with the closest attention.
"I see they are," replied Dory; "and they are making very good headway."
A Topover had been placed on the thwart with each student as far as their number would permit. Mad Twinker was in charge of the head boat, and he was driving his crew to the limit of their power. But the Goldwing, even in the higher wind near the weather shore, could make two miles to the Dasher's one. Matt was directed to run close to the quarter of the Gildrock; and the schooner came up with her not a moment too soon, for in spite of Thad's best efforts, the Dasher was all ready to pounce upon her intended victim. The Racer had continued on her former course, and was making for the Winooski. It was clear that they intended to capture both boats. When they had done this probably the Chesterfields would be satisfied that they had got even with the Beech-Hillers for the humiliation of the day before.
The Goldwing was almost before the wind, and she was surging down upon the Dasher with tremendous speed and power. The Chesterfields did not look behind them, and they could not have failed to take notice of the Winooski's drill on the preceding day. Mad Twinker had no little nerve, but he was appalled at the rushing, surging, roaring approach of the Goldwing.
"Sheer off, or I shall run into you!" shouted Dory, on the half deck of the schooner. "If you meddle with the Gildrock I'll smash your boat."
Mad could stand it no longer, and he let go one tiller line, and pulled on the other with all his might. The Dasher whirled around in obedience to her helm. The Goldwing came about; Dory hove his long line to the Gildrock, and she was dragged out into the rough sea, out of the way of her assailant. But the Winooski was by this time in the same peril, and the schooner hastened to her assistance.