ore.

She carried herself well, and nothing was lost in that blow but the jib.

In the meanwhile the Spray could not stand the strain and ran on behind
with all sails reefed.

"A great yacht," said those on the other boats. And the Defender stock
went away up.

The captain praised Jerry for the quickness with which he had taken hold
of the torn sail and steadied it.

"A loose sail on board a racing craft is a dangerous thing," he said, "for
there is no telling how much damage it will do."

The squall was of short duration, not lasting over seven minutes, if as
long. It gathered strength as it worked off shore, and some of the
pleasure boats received the full benefit of it.

As the Defender got within two miles of the finishing line the breeze fell
off.

Still the gallant craft held her own.

"The finish is in sight!" cried Jerry, presently.

He was right. A mile more and the race would be over.

Those on board of the Spray did their best to haul up to the Defender.

The effort did not avail them, for the Defender gained steadily.

At last the line was crossed.

The Defender had won the race by a lead of over half a mile, and she
received a rousing reception.

Steam whistles blew their mightiest, flags waved, and the crowd on the
other boats shouted themselves hoarse.

It was a great day, and one never to be forgotten.

"That settles it," said Harry. "The Defender is the champion yacht of the
club."

It was not long after this that the Whistler ran up and took Jerry and
Harry on board. Old Jack Broxton had seen the race and was greatly
pleased.

The boys resolved to anchor the Whistler off the upper shore of Long Lake
that night.

"We'll leave Jack in charge and take a trip down to Harmony Beach,"
suggested Harry.

This suited Jerry, and by half past six the two boys were on board the
open cars on their way to the great Summer resort. They enjoyed the ride
very much, especially Jerry who had never been to the beach before. They
visited the hotels and had supper, and then listened to a band concert.

It was after eleven o'clock before they were ready to return to the
Whistler.

As they were making their way back to the cars Jerry caught Harry by the
arm.

"Look! Look!"

Harry looked, and in a crowd of people saw Wash Crosby. Not far away stood
Si Peters.

Both were swaggering around as if they had plenty of money and wanted
everybody to know it.

"What shall we do?" asked Harry.

"I