CHAPTER VIII
THE RACE
The sloop that was to represent the Halsted Camp Fire in the race arrived in the cove late in the morning, and from the shore there seemed to be no difference in size between the two little craft. They were different, and one might prove swifter than the other, for no two boats of that sort were ever exactly alike. But so far as could be judged, the race was likely to be a test rather of how the boats were sailed than of their speed, boat for boat.
“I think you can sail on even terms, Dolly,” said Eleanor. “I don’t believe there’ll be any need for either of you to give away any time to the other.”
“I’m glad of that, Miss Eleanor,” said Dolly. “It seems much nicer when you’re exactly even at the start.”
“Here’s Miss Turner now,” said Bessie. “I guess they must be about ready to start. I hope I’ll do the right thing when you tell me, Dolly, but I’m dreadfully afraid I won’t.”
“Don’t worry about it, and you’ll be much more likely to get along well,” said Margery Burton, calmly. “And remember that this race isn’t the most important thing in the world, even if Dolly thinks it is.”
“Oh, it’s all right for you to talk that way now,” said Dolly. “But wait till we’re racing, Bessie, You’ll find she’s just as much worked up about it then as I am–and probably more so.”
“Well, all ready, Nell?” asked Mary Turner, coming up to them then. “Gladys seems to think she’s about ready to start, so I thought I’d walk over and arrange about the details.”
“I think the best way to fix up the start will be for the two sloops to reach the opening in the bar together,” said Eleanor. “They can start there and finish there, you see, and that will save the need of having someone to take the time. We really haven’t anyone who can do that properly. If we’re close together at the start you and I can call to one another and agree upon the moment when the race has actually begun.”
“All right,” said Miss Turner. “I’d thought of that myself.” She lowered her voice. “I didn’t like to oppose this race, Nell,” she said, speaking so that only Eleanor could hear her, “but I’m not at all sure that it’s going to be a good thing.”