Such a thing had not been known before in the annals of yachting, and the committee ordered a poster to be instantly printed and stuck up offering a reward of 100 pounds for proof that would lead to the conviction of the author of the outrage.
Frank returned on board at once, and sent off a boat, towing behind it the broken bowsprit and topmast to Cowes, with instructions to Messieurs White to have two fresh spars got ready, by the following afternoon if possible.
He did not go ashore again until he landed, at half-past ten, at the clubhouse.

Every window was lit up, and dancing had begun an hour before.

Frank at once obtained a partner, in order to avoid having to talk the unpleasant business over with yachting friends.
Presently he sat down by the side of Lady Greendale.
"I am so sorry, Frank," she said.

"It does seem hard when you had set your mind on it." "I had hoped to win," he said, "but it is not as bad as all that after all.

It would have been more mortifying to lose because the Osprey was not fast enough, than to lose from an accident, when she had already proved herself to be the best in the race.