It proved to be that one, the trophy being sent over to the dock where the _Gem_ was tied, by a special messenger. It was given the place of honor in the cabin. Will and his two chums went home rather late that day. “Is father much worried about the missing papers?” asked Grace, as she parted from her brother. “He sure is. He’s afraid the other side may spring something on him any minute.” “You mean—take some action to get the property?” “Yes.” “It’s too bad. But I don’t see what we can do.” “Neither do I. I wish I could find Prince. I think that’s the queerest thing about him.” “It certainly is. Say, Will, how is poor little Dodo getting on?” “Oh, as well as you can expect. They’re going to operate soon, I heard. How is Mollie standing it, Grace?” “Fairly well. Isn’t it strange that we should meet the two autoists?” “Yes. Have you put them wise yet?” “Wise? What do you mean? Such slang!” “I mean told ’em who you are?” “No, and we’re not going to for a while yet. We don’t want to make them feel bad.” “All right, suit yourselves. We’re coming up and see you when you get in camp.” “Yes, do. We’ll write when we’re settled.” Preparations for the race were going on, and the _Gem_, as were the other boats, was being groomed for the contest. She had been converted into her own self again, and Betty had engaged a man to look over the motor, and make a few adjustments of which she was not quite capable. Uncle Amos came to Rainbow Lake to see the girls and the boat. He was not much impressed with the sheet of water, large as it was, but he did take considerable interest in the coming race, and insisted on personally doing a lot of work to the boat to get her “ship-shape.” So that when the _Gem_ was ready to go to the starting line she was prepared to make the “try of her life,” as Betty expressed it. There were six boats in the class that included the _Gem_. Some were about the same size, one was larger and one was smaller. In horse power they rated about the same, but some handicapping had been done by the judges. The _Gem_ was to start four minutes after the first boat got away, and of course she would have to make up this time to win. “But we can do it!” declared Betty, confidently. As they were on their way to the starting line the girls noticed two boys rowing along the shore, looking intently as they proceeded. “Say, you haven’t seen a big green canoe, with an Indian’s head painted in red on each end; have you?” asked one of the lads. “No; why?” asked Grace. “Someone took ours last night,” spoke the other boy. “We were going in the races with it, too. It was a dandy canoe!” and he seemed much depressed. “That’s too bad,” spoke Betty sympathetically. “If we see anything of your canoe we’ll let you know.” “Just send word to Tom Cardiff, over at Shaffer’s dock!” cried the elder boy eagerly. “There’s a reward of two dollars for anyone who finds it.”