The proposed race, however, did not take place. The graceful
Caledonia steadily continued on her way without increasing her
speed. There were calls from the deck where the boys noticed
several young people standing near the rail. It was plain that
there was great admiration on each boat for the beauty and speed
of the other. There were calls and cheers, and waving of
handkerchiefs to express their feelings. Perhaps it was in part
due to this fact that the Black Growler soon began to pull away
from the larger boat and not long afterward the Caledonia was
left far behind.

"That's the kind of a boat I'm going to have when I get rich!"
said George enthusiastically. "I should like to spend about four
months a year on board a craft like that."

"That's all right," spoke up Grant, "but I think after about two
months of it you would want something else. You see I know you
better than you know yourself."

"Yes, I see," retorted George sharply. "You make me think of what
Josh Billings said that 'it's a good deal better not to know so
many things than it is to know so many things that ain't so!' "

"Never you mind, fellows," spoke up Fred. "This boat suits me all
right. You wait until you see that cup the Black Growler is going
to win."

"I hope we shan't have to wait too long," said John dryly.

"You'll wait until the race comes off," declared Fred. "I'm not