“His name is Bob Anderson,” said Century. “He owns a sloop named the Neptune.”
“I have seen the boat,” answered Jack. “Rather a rakish-looking craft.”
“So she is. Well, Anderson is very anxious for a race, and I was wondering if we couldn’t make ours a three-handed affair.”
“I am willing if you are,” said Jack, promptly. “I am not afraid of anything on the lake.”
“Then supposing we see Anderson and have a talk with him?”
A meeting was held, and the upshot of the conference was that a race between the three sloops was arranged for the following Saturday, weather permitting. Some gentlemen from the New York Yacht Club, who were stopping at Ithaca, volunteered to judge the race and were accepted by all interested.
“Well, now you’ll have two sloops to beat,” said Dale to Jack after the race had been decided upon. “They tell me the Neptune is a splendid craft.”
“Dale, do you think they can beat the Alice?” demanded the young major.
“I hope not. But you don’t want to be too sure of this race, Jack.”
“I am sure of the Alice.”