Part 25 (2/2)

The effort did not avail them, for the Defender gained steadily.

At last the line was crossed.

The Defender had won the race by a lead of over half a mile, and she received a rousing reception.

Steam whistles blew their mightiest, flags waved, and the crowd on the other boats shouted themselves hoa.r.s.e.

It was a great day, and one never to be forgotten.

”That settles it,” said Harry. ”The Defender is the champion yacht of the club.”

It was not long after this that the Whistler ran up and took Jerry and Harry on board. Old Jack Broxton had seen the race and was greatly pleased.

The boys resolved to anchor the Whistler off the upper sh.o.r.e of Long Lake that night.

”We'll leave Jack in charge and take a trip down to Harmony Beach,”

suggested Harry.

This suited Jerry, and by half past six the two boys were on board the open cars on their way to the great Summer resort. They enjoyed the ride very much, especially Jerry who had never been to the beach before. They visited the hotels and had supper, and then listened to a band concert.

It was after eleven o'clock before they were ready to return to the Whistler.

As they were making their way back to the cars Jerry caught Harry by the arm.

”Look! Look!”

Harry looked, and in a crowd of people saw Wash Crosby. Not far away stood Si Peters.

Both were swaggering around as if they had plenty of money and wanted everybody to know it.

”What shall we do?” asked Harry.

”I hardly know,” replied Jerry. ”I feel certain in my mind that they robbed the Rockpoint Hotel in spite of what the detectives think.”

”So do I. But we can't prove it.”

The two boys resolved to watch Peters and Crosby and try to overhear any private talk they might have.

Peters and Crosby entered a large music hall and sat down at one of the tables.

Motioning to Harry, our hero led the way to the side of the building.

A board was off, and by standing near the opening they could hear everything Si Peters and Wash Crosby said.

CHAPTER XXI.

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