The Maud went round to the line, and after picking up her tender and moorings, anchored near the Penobscot.
"There is no doubt now which boat has won the race," said Mr. Norwood.
"None whatever, sir," replied Donald. "The day is ours by as fair a race as ever was sailed. The Maud proved what she could do before we got to Turtle Head; and all the conditions were exactly equal up to that time. If I made anything by manoeuvring, it was only when we tacked a mile north of the Head. We have beaten her squarely in a heavy wind; but how she would do compared with the Skylark in a light breeze, is yet to be proved."
"I am satisfied, Don John; and I give you the job to build the Alice, for that is to be the name of Frank's yacht."
"Thank you, sir. I suppose you don't expect to get her out this season."
"No; if he has her by the first of June of next year, it will be soon enough.--I hope you are satisfied with the Maud, Sam," added Mr. Norwood, turning to the owner of the winning craft.
"I ought to be, and I am," replied Rodman.
"You have the fastest yacht in the fleet."
"She won't be when I sail her. The commodore will clean me out every time, if Don John is not at the helm."
"Then there is a capital opportunity for you to improve in the art of sailing a yacht."
"Plenty of room for that," laughed Rodman.
Dick Adams brought the tender alongside, and pulled Mr. Norwood, Rodman, and Donald to the Penobscot.
"I congratulate you, Don John," said Mr. Montague, extending his hand to the boat-builder. "You have won the race handsomely."
"It is a double triumph to you, since you both built your yacht, and sailed her," added Mr. Montague.
"It is worth a good deal to me in a business point of view; for I get a job to build another yacht by it. The firm of Ramsay & Son can't afford to have their boats beaten," laughed Donald. "Here comes Robert."
"I suppose he will not be satisfied with the Skylark, now that she has been so thoroughly whipped," added the commodore's father.
"Perfectly satisfied with her, father. She is as good a boat as she ever was," answered Robert, as he gave his hand to Donald. "You have won the race fairly and handsomely, Don John; and I congratulate you upon your success."
"I thank you, Bob; but I would rather have beaten any other fellow than you," replied Donald.