As Bob Anderson was well known in local society, his coming into the race created quite a stir. As a consequence the race became a social affair, and hundreds of people said they would attend. Many boathouses along the lake were to be decorated.
“We are going out—in papa’s yacht,” said Laura Ford to Andy when they chanced to meet near the Hall one afternoon.
“I am glad to hear it,” said Andy. “But you must be careful and not go overboard again—as you did when we had the rowing races.”
“Oh, we’ll be very careful,” answered the girl. And then she gave Andy a warm look, for she had not forgotten what a great service he and his chums had done her and her sister on that occasion.
“I only hope we have a spanking breeze,” said Jack to Pepper, as they and Andy took a short sail in the Alice on Friday afternoon. “If there is one thing I despise in a race it is a drifting match.”
“Maybe you’ll get too much wind,” said Pepper.
“Can’t get too much for me—I know how to handle my boat. She’ll not go over with me, as the Ajax did with Fred Century.”
“Does Century think he can beat the Neptune?” asked Andy.
“In a breeze, yes. But he told me the Neptune was such a rakish sloop she could drift well when the wind died down. So if we don’t get much wind Anderson’s craft may win.”
“Sure the boat is in the best possible condition,” went on Pepper, with a sharp look around.