The charlatan champion

The school had a new hobby. 

Instead of skipping stones, you would try to keep a stone afloat as long as possible. Jack, after some science deliberation, figured it out and held the record of 10.34 seconds afloat.

Jack was invited to the local school tournament, facing against Jim, Henry and the surprise contestant, Ernie.

The game began and Jack placed his stone in the most scientific spot.

One second.

The stones were nice and still.

Five seconds.

Henry’s fell.

Seven seconds. 

Jim’s fell.

Eleven seconds. 

Jack’s fell.

After seventeen and a half seconds, Ernie won.

Jack dipped his finger into the water and licked it.

“Still sore?” sneered Ernie.

“No,” said Jack casually. 

“Just disqualifying you.”

WHY?

Ernie’s water was salty and salt makes you more buoyant.