We, however, were glad to see our man sticking close up, and keeping stroke for stroke after his rival.

Of the others, one only--little Watson--of the sixth seemed to hold his own, and that was a good three yards in the rear of Halley: while the three others fell off hopelessly from the very beginning.
The race was short, but eventful.

To our delight, Halley overhauled Payne before half-way was reached, and we felt now absolutely sure of the race.

It never occurred to us to think of young Watson at all.

But all of a sudden it became apparent that that young man meant business.
He changed his front, so to speak, in a very unexpected manner, and just as we were beginning to exult over our man's certain victory, he lay over on his side, and, with a peculiar, jerky side-stroke, began to work his little carcase through the water at a wonderful pace.
Before long he had overtaken his fellow-"sixer," and almost immediately drew up to our champion.