ry well,
but a skipper must get used to his boat; and he hasn't had much
experience in yachts as large as the Sea Foam. I spoke to you of a
change in the model for the Maud; and if I'm not greatly mistaken, she
will beat both the Sea Foam and the Skylark."

"I would give all my spending-money for a year, over and above the cost,
if she would do that," replied Rodman, with a snap of the eye.

"Of course I can't promise that she will do it, but I expect she will,"
said Donald.

The club assembled under the trees, and the members were called to order
by the commodore. The first business was to hear the report of the
Regatta Committee, which proved to be a very interesting document to the
yachtmen. The race was to take place the next Saturday, and was open to
all yachts exceeding twenty feet in length, duly entered before the
time. All were to sail in the same class; the first prize was a silver
vase, and the second a marine glass. The course was to be from the
judge's boat, in Belfast harbor, by Turtle Head, around the buoy on
Stubb's Point Ledge, leaving it on the port hand, and back to the
starting-point. The sailing regulations already adopted by the club were
to be in full force. The report was accepted, and the members looked
forward with eager anticipation to what they regarded as the greatest
event of the season. Other business was transacted, and Donald, who had
brought with him a measuring tape and plummet, measured all the yachts
of the club. Dinner was served on board of each craft, and the commodore
extended the hospitalities of the Skylark to Donald.

In the afternoon, the fleet made an excursion around Long Island,
returning to Belfast about six o'clock, Donald sailing the Juno, and
catching a mess of fish off Haddock Ledge. He moored her off the shop,
and was rather surprised to find that his own boat had not yet been
returned. After supper he hastened to the house of Mr. Rodman, with
whom he had a long talk in regard to the building of the Maud. The
gentleman had some doubts about the ability of the young boat-builder to
do so large a job, though he desired to encourage him.

"I am willing to give you the work, and to pay you the same price your
father had for the Sea Foam; but I don't like to pay out money till I
know that you are to succeed," said he.

"I don't ask you to do so, sir," replied Donald, warmly. "You need not
pay me a cent till you are perfectly satisfied."

"But I supposed you would