This was the unanimous sentiment of all concerned, and Robert consented to retain the first prize.
"I say, Don John," continued the commodore, removing his wet coat and cap, "I want to have an understanding about the affair. While I own that the Skylark has been beaten, I am not so clear that the Sea Foam is the faster boat of the two."
"I think she is, commodore," laughed Donald; "though I believe I understand your position."
"We made an even thing of it till we came up with Turtle Head—didn't we?"
"Yes, that's so. If either gained anything for the moment, he lost it again," replied Donald.
"Then, if we made exactly the same time to Turtle Head, it seems to me the merits of the two boats are about the same."
"Not exactly, commodore. You forgot that the Skylark has to give time to the Sea Foam—one and three-tenths seconds per mile; or about eight seconds from here to the Head."
"That's next to nothing," laughed Robert. "But I was a length ahead of you."
"I let you gain that, so that I could go to windward of you."
"You made your first point by running nearer to the rocks than I like to go, by which you cut off a little of the distance; and inches counted in so close a race."