“Yes, and here’s your reward,” said Captain Jenkinson, as he handed Jerry a beautiful silver cup. “May it be an incentive to you and your comrades to win many more races.”
“Speech! Speech!” cried several. The judges’ boat was surrounded by a score of craft, which hemmed in the Dartaway and the Snail.
“I can’t make a speech,” Jerry stammered. “But I want to thank you all for allowing us to take part in this race, and if any one wants to have another try for the cup, why he can, that’s all.”
“Hurrah!” yelled the crowd.
“I may take you up on that offer,” said Captain Jones, owner of the Snail. “I believe I can beat you yet.”
“You’re welcome to try,” Jerry answered.
The boys were hardly able to realize their good luck. They had snatched the race from defeat, and the skillful way in which they had managed their boat brought them much praise.
There were several other aquatic events that afternoon. It was a sort of opening of the summer season at Harmon Beach, which was quite a resort for those who loved the sea. The boys did not stay long, however, as Jerry was anxious to show his mother the cup he and his chums had won.
As the boys were fastening their boat to the dock, they heard a noise in the shelter house. At first they thought it might be Mrs. Hopkins, who had come down to meet them. But they heard a hoarse voice singing: