"My nerves are much better--now," said Bess in a whisper to Lottie, as
she stole a surreptitious glance at the young man.

CHAPTER XVII

A LITTLE RACE

For some time Cora held the lead in her boat, with the other following
in her wake. The girls talked among themselves, speculation being rife
as to what the young man wanted in Bayhead.

"It's an awfully swell place," said Lottie. "I spent one Summer there,
and it was nothing but dress, dress, dress all the while! Either for
motoring, tennis or bridge. Oh, I got so weary of it!"

"But you liked it--especially the dressing," put in Belle.

"I should have, my dear, I don't mind admitting that, if only I had
had enough gowns," went on Lottie, with a sigh. "But I didn't have
half enough. Papa was dreadfully poor that year. I believe he said
there had been a 'slump in the market,' whatever that means.

"Anyhow I know I couldn't begin to dress as those in my set did. So
that's how I remember Bayhead. I should like to go there again. It's
perfectly stunning."

"That young fellow doesn't look to be any too well dressed," remarked
Bess.

"Naturally he wouldn't--going out in a boat," said Cora. "Something
seems to be the matter with his engine," she added, for the stranger
was bending over it.

Whatever it was did not seem to be serious, for the lone motorboatist
straightened up again presently. He increased his speed, and came
alongside the _Chelton_.

"We seem to be some distance from the point," he said, with a smile.
"Don't you want a little race? You can call it off before we get near
the danger spot."

Cora was rather taken aback by the proposal. It was one thing to
direct a stranger, even when he was a youth good to look at, and it
was all right, too, to even pilot him on his way in strange waters;
but it was quite another matter to have the aforesaid stranger invite
himself to a race. It was like having a beggar apply at your front
door, and when given a sandwich, calmly ask for soup.

"I don't believe----" began Cora, but Bess slid up to her on the long
seat and whispered:

"Oh, do, Cora! It won't do any harm, and it will complete the nerve
cure you have begun so well. Besides, we need a little practice in
racing. We may take part in the water carnival down here."

"Well, if the rest of you are willing, I'm not going to be the one to
object," returned Cora, smilingly.

"Will--will it be dangerous?" faltered timid Marita.

"Not a bit--you