"I did; and so did Walker," said Kennedy, indicating the other ship carpenter. "Both of us did our very best, never idling a moment, or making a bad joint; and I can say, there isn't a better built craft in the United States than this yacht. Not a knot or a speck of rot has been put into her. Everything has been done upon honor, and she will be stiff enough to cross the Atlantic in mid-winter. I'd rather be in her than in many a ship I've worked on." "I'm glad to know all this," replied Mr. Rodman. "Now, Don John, if the firm of Ramsay & Son is ready to deliver the Maud, I will give you a check for the balance due on her." Donald was all ready, and after the yacht had been moored off the wharf where she had been completed, the business was transacted in the shop. A bill of sale was given, and the boat-builder received a check for four hundred dollars, which he carried into the house and showed to his mother. Of course the good lady was delighted with the success of her son, and Barbara laughed till she shook her curls into a fearful snarl. "You have done well, Donald," said Mrs. Ramsay. "I thank God that you have been so successful." "I have paid nearly all my bills, and I shall make about two hundred and fifty dollars on the job," added the young boat-builder. "I think I can build the next one for less money." "You may not get another one to build, my son." "That depends upon the race to-morrow. If I beat the Skylark, I'm sure of one." "Don't be too confident." "I am to sail the Maud to-morrow, and if there is any speed in her, as I think there is, I shall get it out of her. To-morrow will be a big day for me; but if I lose the race, the firm of Ramsay & Son is used up." Donald put the check in his wallet, and went out to the shop again, where he found Samuel Rodman looking for him. The owner of the Maud was so delighted with the craft, that he could not keep away from her, and he wanted to go on board again. "Bob Montague is going to give you a hard pull to-morrow, Don John," said Rodman, as they got into the tender. "I hope he will do his best; and the harder the pull, the better," replied Donald. "If we only beat him," suggested Rodman. "I expect to beat him; but I may be mistaken." "Bob hauled up the Skylark on the beach this afternoon, and rubbed her bottom with black lead." "I am glad to hear it." "Glad? Why?" "It proves that he means business." "Of course he means business." "I wonder if he knows I am to build a yacht for Mr. Norwood, in case I win this race." "I don't believe he does. I never heard of it till you told me." "He is such a splendid fellow, that I was afraid he would _let_ me beat him, if he knew I was to make anything by it." "I think it very likely he would." "But I want to beat the Skylark fairly, or not at all."