“Win that plaque for us!” Fred urged as the pair took their places in the canoe.
“We’ll sure try!” Dan promised with a grin.
At a given signal, the two canoes were off! Ross and Donald made a flashy start, immediately taking the lead.
Flustered by being caught off guard, Brad and Dan did not at once coordinate their efforts. By the time they began to work as a unit, Ross and Donald already had gained an alarming lead.
“Dig in, Dan!” Brad urged, increasing his own efforts.
The course was so short that both boys knew the race would be over almost before they could regain lost ground.
Dan’s paddle dipped smoothly and fast. His keen eyes sweeping the water made a startling discovery.
The course had been laid out in such a way that it included a stretch of the swift current which flowed down-river to the hidden cave.
Ross and Donald obviously were unaware that their canoe was traveling parallel to the ribbon of fast water.
“Brad!” Dan exclaimed, directing his companion’s gaze to the current.
The older boy instantly saw the fast water, and with a hard surge of the paddle, could have steered the Den 2 canoe into it. But he hesitated.
Dan understood what his friend meant. Ross and Donald were unaware of the fast current which if utilized, undoubtedly would give a canoeist a decided advantage.
Once in the swift-moving ribbon of water, the Den 2 canoe easily might overtake the other craft. But would it then be a test of skill? Hadn’t Mr. Hatfield said that it wasn’t winning that mattered but the manner in which victory was achieved that counted?
“Skip it,” he answered Brad’s terse question. “We’ll win by our own skill, or not at all.”
The finish line now was close at hand. Knowing that the honor of Den 2 depended entirely upon them, Brad and Dan dug in with their paddles. They had to win! The Cubs were expecting them to save the silver plaque. But could they do it? The race was so short.
Along shore the Cubs of both dens were cheering for their particular den mates. Dan and Brad heard the shouts but were only vaguely aware of them.
Slash! Slash! Their paddles lashed the water cleanly, sending the canoe forward in smooth spurts.
“Keep it up!” Brad encouraged. “We’re gaining!”
Dan nodded, not wasting breath in a reply. The distance between the two canoes rapidly was dwindling. If only the finish line were not so close!