Roy and Chub, however, were enthusiastic over the craft. The tapering backbone of shining whitewood and the runner-plank of the same material looked very business-like. Stays of steel wire led from the runner-plank forward and back to the ends of the backbone, with turn-buckles to tighten them. The rigging also, Dick explained, was to be of wire. The sails were promised for the middle of the next week, and on the following Saturday the boat was to be launched. On the way back to school there was little opportunity for conversation, since it was necessary to fight against the wind and sleet at every step. But afterward, before a roaring fire in the study room, they discussed the matter of a name. Harry had written down eleven names and Roy and Chub had one or two to suggest besides. Harry’s suggestions, much to her disappointment, didn’t find favor. Such names as Ice Queen, Reindeer and Fleetwing were, Dick thought, rather too ladylike, as he expressed it.
“I’d thought of Storm King,” said Roy tentatively.
“Not bad, but it doesn’t suggest speed,” Dick said. “How would Tempest do?”
“Tempest sounds like rain,” Chub objected, “with thunder and lightning on the side.”
“That’s so. What’s your name for it, Chub?”
“Oh, I’ve got just the thing,” answered Chub modestly. “What do you say to Polar Bear?”
“Might as well call it Teddy Bear,” scoffed Roy. “Polar bears aren’t fast.”
“Aren’t they, though? Did you ever have one chase you?”
“No, did you?”