Naturally there was an invitation to the dance, which was quite informal in a way, and so the three boys from Deepdale had also had a good time.  They were put up at the club over night.

It developed that Mr. Ford had investigated certain matters in regard to Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Stone, and had learned that by no possibility could they have secured the missing papers.  There would have been absolutely no interest in the documents for them.  It was merely a coincidence that they had been on the scene.  And this news made their explanation about the auto accident most plausible.

Will had come to Rainbow Lake to tell his sister this, to relieve her mind.  When he mentioned coming he had told Frank and Allen, asking them to go with him.  All the boys expected to do was to spend the evening on board the Gem with the girls, but when they arrived, and learned of the pageant, and Will met his club friend, the plans were changed.

“Too bad Percy Falconer didn’t come,” remarked Grace, as she slipped into her dressing gown.

“Don’t spoil everything,” begged Betty.  “You know I detest him!”

Gradually the girls got breakfast, talking of the events of the night before.

“I wonder when we will get our prize?” said Betty.  “I am wild to see it.  I hope it’s that oddly shaped cup we so admired when we looked at the prizes.”

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.