“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.

“It is as sultry as though there were going to be a storm,” remarked Betty, looking up at the sky, which was taking on the tints of evening.  “I am glad we’re not going to be out on the lake to-night.”

“Aren’t we ever going to do any night cruising?” asked Mollie, who was a bit venturesome at times.

“Oh, of course.  Why, the main water pageant takes place at night, one of those young men said, and we’ll be in that.  Only I’m just as glad we’re tied up to-night,” spoke Betty.

Near where they had docked was a little colony of summer cottages, and not far off was an amusement resort, including a moving picture show.

“Let’s go, girls!” proposed Grace after supper, “We don’t want to sit around all evening doing nothing.  The boat will be safe; won’t it, Betty?”

“Don’t say ’it’—­ my boat is a lady—­ speak of her as such,” laughed the Little Captain.  “Yes, I think she will be safe.  But I will see if there is a dock watchman, and if there is I’ll engage him.”