"How much fin have we down, Dick?" asked the skipper.
The mate of the Maud rushed to the cabin, where the line attached to the centre-board was made fast, and reported on its condition.
"Haul up a little more," continued Donald. "Steady! Not the whole of it, but nearly all."
"It is down about six inches now."
"That will do."
For a few moments all hands were still, watching with intense interest the progress of the race. The commodore, in the Skylark, was evidently doing his level best, for he was running away from the Sea Foam and the Phantom.
"Bravo, Don John!" exclaimed the excited Mr. Norwood. "You are a full length ahead! I am willing to sign the contract with Ramsay & Son to build the yacht for me."
"Don't be too fast, sir. We are not out of the woods yet, and shall not be for some time."
"I am satisfied we are going to beat the Skylark."
"Beat her all to pieces!" added Frank Norwood. "She is doing it as easily as though she were used to it."