When four hours had gone by the Rhinds boat was discovered to be just
about a mile ahead of her nearest competitor. The Seawold boat, third
in line, was half a mile behind the "Benson," and the Blackson boat, last
of all, was two miles behind the Pollard boat's stern. But Jack and
his friends had long ago ceased to feel any interest in the tail-enders.
The race was to be over at five o'clock. At half-past three, or four
hours and a half after the start, Jack found, by the help of the
rangefinder, that the Rhinds boat led by a mile and an eighth.
"Keep the wheel, Eph!" called the Young commander. "Steer as straight
as you can. I'll be up soon."
Then Jack Benson darted below, though his legs trembled a bit under him.
"All ready, Hal!" shouted the youthful commander. "Play our one trump
card, and play it as hard as you can! Though I'm afraid Rhinds has just
such a card in his own pack."
Then up to the platform deck hastened Jack Benson. He moved quietly to
the wheel, taking it from Eph. The young captain did not propose to
leave again until the race was over.
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