“You may enter my boat, then,” said Betty, graciously. “Thank you!” exclaimed Mr. Stone. “The _Gem_ goes in, and her captain’s name—?” “Miss Nelson.” “Of—?” again he paused suggestively, pencil poised. “Of Deepdale.” “Oh, yes, I have been there. I am sure you will not regret having decided to enter the regatta. Now if you would like to tie up for the night there are several good public docks near here. That one over there,” and he pointed, “is used by very few other boats, and perhaps you would like it. Plenty of room, you know.” “Thank you,” said Betty. “We shall go over there.” “I will send you a formal entry blank to-morrow,” said Mr. Stone, as his companion started the motor, and a moment later they were rushing off in a smother of foam thrown up by the powerful racing craft. “Well, what do you think of that?” gasped Mollie, when they had gone. “No sooner do we arrive than we are plunged into the midst of—er—the midst of—what is it I want to say?” She laughed and looked about for assistance. “Better give it up,” said Amy. “But what Grace said surprises me—about those two young men.” “Well, of course I can’t be sure of it,” said Grace, as all eyes were turned in her direction, “but the more I look at those two the more I really think they are the ones. I wonder if there isn’t some way I could make sure?” “Yes,” said practical Betty, “there is. That is why I decided to enter the _Gem_ in the regatta. It will give us a chance to do a little quiet investigating.” “But how?” inquired Grace, puzzled. “Well, if we make some inquiries, and find out that they are all right to talk to—and they may be in spite of the mean way they acted toward you—why, then, we can question them, and gradually lead the talk around to autos, and racing, and storms, and all that. They’ll probably let out something about having been caught in a storm once, and seeing a horse run away. Then we will be sure they are the same ones, and—well, I don’t know what would be the best thing to do then, Grace.” “Grace had better notify her father or brother if she finds out these are the men,” suggested Aunt Kate. “They would be the best ones to act after that.” “Surely,” agreed Grace. “That’s what I’ll do. And now let’s go over to the dock, and see about supper. I’m as hungry as a starved kitten.” “And with all the candy she’s eaten since lunch!” exclaimed Mollie. “I didn’t eat much at all!” came promptly from Grace. “Did I, Amy?” “I wasn’t watching. Anyhow, I am hungry, too.” “I fancy we all are,” spoke Betty. “Well, we will soon be there,” and she started the motor, and swung the prow of the _Gem_ over toward the dock. There were one or two small open motor boats tied there, but they were not manned. The girls made sure of their cable fastenings, and soon the appetizing odor of cooking came from the small galley. The girls donned long aprons over their sailor costumes, and ate out on the open deck, for it was rather close in the cabin.