But, to his delight, he soon discovered one thing, and that was, that before the wind the Speedwell was no mean sailer.

A few moments' run brought him to Mr.Butler's wharf, where he found George and Harry waiting for him.

Frank brought the Speedwell around close to the place where they were standing in splendid style, and the boys could not refrain from expressing their admiration at the handsome manner in which she obeyed her helm.

They clambered down into the boat, and seated themselves on the middle thwarts, where they could assist Frank in managing the sails, and in a few moments they reached the river.
"There comes Bill Johnson!" exclaimed George, suddenly, "just behind the Long Dock." The boys looked in the direction indicated, and saw the top of the masts and sails of a boat which was moving slowly along on the other side of the dock.
"Now, Frank," said Harry, "turn out toward the middle of the river, and get as far ahead of him as you can, and see if we can't reach the island [meaning Strawberry Island] before he does." Frank accordingly turned the Speedwell's head toward the island, and just at that moment the sail-boat came in sight.

The Champion--for that was her name--was classed among the swiftest sailers about Lawrence; in fact, there was no sloop that could beat her.