the weather bow, was carried by the gusty
wind to the standing-room, drenching those who sat there. Donald and his
companions had no fear of salt water, and were just as happy wet to the
skin, as they were when entirely dry, for the excitement was quite
enough to keep them warm, even in a chill, north-west wind. Half way
across to Brigadier Island, Donald gave the order, "Ready about," and
tacked. As he had predicted, Commodore Montague continued on his course,
almost over to the island, and then came about. The Maud rushed
furiously on her long stretch, dashing the spray recklessly over her
deck, till she was almost up with the Northport shore, when she tacked
again, and laid her course to windward of the judges' yacht, as the
regulations required. As she rounded the Penobscot, a gun announced the
arrival of the first yacht. The Maud let off her sheets, and passed
under the stern of the judges' craft.

"The Maud!" shouted Donald, enraptured with his victory.

Four minutes and thirty-four seconds later, the gun announced the
arrival of the Skylark. It was all of twenty minutes later when the Sea
Foam arrived, and half an hour before the Phantom put in an appearance.
There was not a shadow of a doubt that the Maud had won the great race.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE HASBROOK OUTRAGE AND OTHER MATTERS.

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 comm