No one else saw it quite as quickly, and when the puff struck them it found some of the competitors not ready.  Two boats promptly collided, and disentangled themselves with difficulty.  It is not the easiest matter to guide a boat describing an erratic course in the water under a wobbly umbrella, especially when coxswains of tender years lose their heads; and the two boats in question lost much ground, and never quite made it up.  The other three went away gallantly, ’Possum a length ahead.  Miss Parker had been taken by surprise, but her natural instinct was quick, and she was speedily in pursuit.  The third competitor, a stout girl with a green umbrella and a very light dinghy, kept level with her.  Loud howls came from the shore, over which could be distinctly heard the shrill pipe of little Joe, who threw his head back and vociferated, "Go it, ’Poss!" without ceasing for an instant. Afterwards it was doubtful whether little Joe had seen all of the race, but it was quite certain that he had never ceased to yell!