Then three bodies launched themselves through the air and the race was on.

When the others had taken the first half-dozen strokes after reappearing Wink plunged after them.

"Brownie" watched until the foremost swimmer disappeared beyond the boats and then turned his gaze seaward.

For a moment he could not find the two venturesome ones, but presently he spied them.

They had turned and were coming back straight for the mouth of the little harbour, Phil leading and Joe a dozen yards behind.