In the grove the boys found Mr. Smith had not exaggerated matters when he said there “was no end of good things to eat.” Large tables had been spread under the trees and waiters were flying here and there. The boys were a bit confused by all the excitement, but Mr. Smith soon found them, and introducing them to some of his friends, got places for them at one of the best tables.
“I guess you boys will have plenty of chances to race while you’re here,” said Mr. Smith. “I hear a number of skippers want to try issues with you.”
“Well, they’ll find us ready,” said Jerry. “We’re rather new at the game, but we’ll do our best.”
“That’s the way to talk,” cried Mr. Smith. “Play the game to the limit, no matter what it is. I’d like another brush myself. Your boat can certainly go.”
“I think you could beat us,” said Jerry frankly. “If you hadn’t had that accident you would have won.”
But now the dinner was almost over. Ice cream was being served, and when every one had eaten their fill, there arose from the head table where the regatta committee sat a cry of:
“Speeches! Speeches!”
Then came applause and cheers. The chairman of the committee arose and, looking down toward where the motor boys were sitting, began:
“I’m sure it would give us all pleasure to hear a few words from the winners of the motor boat race. They are newcomers to our midst, and, as such we welcome them.”
“Hear! Hear!” cried the crowd. “Speech! Speech!”