When they were still fifty yards from the stakeboat Dick suddenly changed his stroke and surged ahead, distinctly in the lead.
"Confound the human steam launch!" gasped Hi, almost choking, as he saw the powerful strokes of the swimmer ahead.

"He'll make me look like a fool if I don't haul up on him---and the distance left is so confoundedly short!" Now it could be seen that Martin was exerting every ounce of energy and strength that he possessed.

Yet still young Prescott gained.
Then Martin foolishly lost his head altogether.
"If I can't win I'll make it look like a fluke!" he gritted.
Just as Dick was nearing the stakeboat, Hi threw up one hand.
"I've got a cramp!" he shouted.

"Help!" To some on shore he appeared about to sink.

Dick passed the stakeboat, then turned like a flash and swam back toward Hi.
"Prescott wins!" called Len Spencer.
A few more strokes brought Dick up to where Hi pretended to flounder.
"Keep quiet, Hi, and let me get a hold on you," Dick offered.
"I'll have you at the pier in a jiffy." "You get away from me," snarled Martin.