ll want to throw up the
contract for the Maud," said Rodman.

"There is one thing about it; both of those craft are good sea boats,
and if they can carry whole jib and mainsail in this blow, they are just
the right kind of yachts for me. I like an able boat, even if she don't
win any prizes. Give me a stiff boat before a fast one."

"I should like to have mine both stiff and fast."

"Look at the Christabel. She went round the course with a reef in the
fore and main sails, and was beaten at that," added Norwood. "Here comes
the head boat. It is the Skylark, as sure as you live."

"Not much, Frank. Do you see her figure-head? Is it a bird?" demanded
Rodman, triumphantly.

"It isn't; that's a fact."

"That's the Sea Foam fast enough."

This was exciting news, and Sam Rodman walked rapidly to the
companion-way of the Penobscot.

"Yachts in sight!" shouted he to the people below.

"Which is ahead?" asked Mr. Montague.

"The Sea Foam," replied Rodman.

"I'm so glad!" exclaimed Miss Nellie Patterdale.

Mr. Montague and Captain Patterdale only laughed, but they were
sufficiently interested to go on deck in spite of the pouring rain, and
they were followed by many others.

"Time!" shouted Sam Rodman, as the gun was fired.

"Four, thirty-two, ten," added Frank Norwood; and the figures were
entered upon the schedule.

The Sea Foam passed the judges' yacht, came about, and went under her
stern.

"The Sea Foam," shouted Donald.

Though the spectators were not all satisfied with the result, they gave
three cheers to the victorious yacht, magnanimously led off by Mr.
Montague himself.

"Time!" called Sam, as the Skylark came into the range of the chimney on
shore.

"Four, thirty-six, twelve," said Norwood.

The Skylark came about, and passed under the stern of the Penobscot,
reporting her name. The judges went below, and figured out the result,
by which it appeared that the Sea Foam had beaten the Skylark, after the
correction for the three inches' difference in length, by three minutes
fifty-nine and four tenths seconds.

Donald was the first to come on board of the Penobscot, and was
generously congratulated on his decisive victory, especially by Mr.
Montague, the father of the commodore. Robert followed him soon after,
and every one was curious to know what he would say and do.

"Don John, you have beaten me," exclaimed he, grasping the hand of
Donald. "You have done it fairly and handsomely, and I am