about half way across the river, turn there, and come back.
Anyone who hase seen a tub race knows how almost impossible it is to prevent the craft from whirling about. It doesn't seem to want to advance in a straight line. This was the case here, and when the lads started off it was only to go swirling madly about in concentric circles.
"Go the other way!" was shouted at them.
"Yes, reverse—you'll get dizzy!"
"Waltz me around again, Dutchy!" called Tom to Housenlager.
"You watch!" he shouted back. "I'm going to win!"
And it did seem as though he had a good chance. Whether it was his weight, or the way in which he used the paddle, was not manifested, but he certainly forged ahead.
He managed to turn the stake-boat first, though Snail Looper was a close second. Boxer Hall was out of it in this race, her two representatives seemingly not able to do much. But the two Fairview lads were pressing Dutch and Snail closely.
"Here I come! Here I come!" cried Dutch, as, amid increased laughter, the four lads neared the finishing line close to the float. But he did not see how near one of the Fairview lads was to him.
