“Oh, papa, how can you say that?” cried his daughter, who was an admirer of the Putnam Hall cadets.
“Because their boat is ahead,” was the answer.
It was not long before Cat Point was reached. The Ajax rounded the rocks in fine style, for Fred Century was really a skillful skipper and knew how to handle his craft to perfection.
“Good-bye to you!” he called out, as his craft stood for a moment close to the Alice.
“We’ll tell everybody you’re coming sooner or later,” added Bat Sedley. “Don’t be too long—folks may get tired of waiting.”
“I rather think they’ll get tired of your blowing,” retorted Paul.
“Don’t get uppish!” cried the Pornell Academy boy, angrily, and then the two sloops passed out of speaking distance of each other.
“I wish the wind would freshen,” said Jack, with something like a sigh.
“What good will that do?” demanded Dale.
“If it got too fresh it would make them take in some sail. The Alice is broader than the Ajax, consequently we can risk a little more than they can.”