Because the lantern would be important evidence in the case against Glowershick, police aboard the dredge were unwilling for it to be removed. However, the young people carried the news to Sally.
"Oh, I'm so glad the lantern has been recovered!" she cried happily. "Jack, you'll win it in the race Friday."
Jack and Penny exchanged a quick, stricken glance. Temporarily, they had forgotten the race and all it meant to Sally. With her hands bandaged from painful burns, she never would be able to compete.
"We'll postpone the race," Jack said gruffly. "It would be no competition if we held it without you."
"Nonsense," replied Sally. "It will be weeks before I can use my hands well, so it would be stupid to postpone the race that long. Fortunately, the doctor says I may leave the hospital tomorrow, and I'll not be scarred."
"If you can't race, I won't either," declared Jack stubbornly.
"Jack, you must!" Agitated, Sally raised herself on an elbow. "I'd feel dreadful if you didn't compete. The race has meant everything to you."
"Not any more. Winning doesn't seem important now. I'll not sail in the race unless the Cat's Paw is entered, and that's final!"
"Oh, Jack, you're such an old mule!" Sally tossed her head impatiently on the pillow. Then she grinned. "If my Cat is in the race, you'll sail?"
"Sure," he agreed, suspecting no trick.
Sally laughed gleefully. "Then it's settled! Penny will represent me in the race!"
"I'll do what?" demanded Penny.
"You'll skipper the boat in my stead!"
"But I lack experience."
"You'll win the trophy easily," chuckled Sally. "Why, the Cat's Paw is by far the fastest boat on the river."
"Says who?" demanded Jack, but without his old fire.
"But I couldn't race alone," said Penny, decidedly worried. "Sally, would you be able to ride along as adviser and captain bold?"
"I certainly would jump at the chance if the doctor would give permission. Oh, Penny, if only he would!"
"The race isn't until Friday," Jack said encouragingly. "You can make it, Sally."
The girl pulled herself to a sitting posture, staring at her bandaged hands.
"Yes, I can," she agreed with quiet finality. "Why, I feel better already. Even if I have to be carried to the dock in a wheel chair, I'll be in that race!"
