"I should like to have you sail the Sea Foam against the Skylark, Bob," added Donald.
"You don't want me to beat my own boat, if I can—do you, Don John?" laughed Robert.
"I think you could."
"I'll tell you what I'll do: I'll sail the Skylark against the Sea Foam this afternoon, and you shall handle Ned's yacht. I have been talking with him about it, and he agrees to it."
"I'm willing, Bob," replied Donald, eagerly.
"All right."
"I hope Ned don't think hard of me for speaking of this matter," added Donald. "I wouldn't have uttered a word if this result did not affect our business."
"I understand it, Don John; and so does Ned. But I think you are making a mistake; for if the Sea Foam is beaten again by the Skylark,—as I believe she will be,—it will be all the worse for your firm," laughed Robert.
"I am willing to run the risk," replied Donald. "If we can't build a boat as fast as the Skylark, I want to know it."
"But, Don John, you don't expect me to let you beat me—do you?"