“We are guests of Mr. and Mrs. Gandiss,” he reproved mildly. “To sail against Jack is a tactless thing to do. Though actually you may do him a favor, for you’ll likely be more of a handicap than a help in the race.”
“That’s what I figured,” laughed Penny.
By chance, Mr. Gandiss overheard the conversation. Entering the living room, he declared that Penny must not hesitate to enter the competition.
“After all, the race is supposed to be for fun,” he said emphatically. “Lately Jack and Sally have made it into a feud. I really think it would do the boy good to be defeated soundly.”
Long before the hour of the race, Penny was at the yacht club docks, dressed in blue slacks, white polo shirt, and an added jacket for protection from wind and blistering sun rays.
Rowboats, canoes and small sailing craft plied lazily up and down the river, while motor yachts with flags flying, cruised past the clubhouse. Out in the main channel where the race was to be held, the judges’ boat had been anchored. The shores were thronged with spectators, many of whom had enjoyed picnic lunches on the grassy banks.
Penny walked along the dock searching for the Cat’s Paw. She came first to the Spindrift which was just preparing to get underway. Jack and a youth Penny did not know, were busy coiling ropes.
“Hi, Penny!” Jack greeted her, glancing up from his work. “You’re going to see a real race today! Will I take Sally Barker for a breeze!”
Just at that moment, Sally herself appeared from inside the clubhouse. Seeing Penny, she waved and called: “Come on, mate, it’s time we shove off!”
Jack’s jaw dropped and he gazed at the two girls accusingly.