The third round was pulling an anchor chain down until the boat got close enough to the ground to pass. Sandy and Larry again made it to the next round. Also again Larry beat Spongebob to Sandy, even though Spongebob tried inviting Sandy before the round even started. This time Spongebob was disappointed, but he let it go since Mr. Krabs needed help again at the stand. It became quite a riot since the crowd didn't want to miss a moment of the competition and yet were really hungry, so you can just imagine how tired Mr. Krabs and Spongebob were at the end of the day (Squidward wasn't there, he was taking advantage of the competition by vacationing at home).

"Blow me down, that was the biggest riot I ever had to handle." Mr. Krabs slouched as he and Spongebob walked back into town; even though he was so tired he couldn't help but crack a joke: "I'm poop-decked."

"Good one Mr. Krabs." Spongebob chuckled a little. "Yeah, I'm beat too. What say you skip the stand tomorrow and stick with the restaurant? We both could use the rest."

"*Urgh*, I'd hate to say it but I think you're right." Mr. Krabs winced at the thought of not getting as much money as they got today. "Okay, I'll let Squidward know his vacation is over and we'll both run the restaurant tomorrow."

"Need me too?" Spongebob asked.

"Nah, with most of Bikini Bottom at the competition we'll only get a few customers." Mr. Krabs shook his head. "Besides, I know how much you want to see Sandy perform." He winked.

Spongebob blushed.

"What are you talking about?" He stammered.

"Aw come on matey, I've seen how you act around Sandy." Mr. Krabs smiled. "You've even looked happier with her than you do when you're at the Krusty Krab. You really like her don't you?"

Spongebob sighed.

"Yeah, but she could never like me back...not that way anyway."

"Why not? I still remember the time she went nuts when you ran out on her and she thought something horrible happened to you. It was kinda disturbing actually."

"Disturbing?" Spongebob frowned.

"Yeah, some of us got badly hurt looking for you and she didn't even seem to notice."

"Oh."

They reached Spongebob's house.

"You should tell her how you feel lad." Mr. Krabs said. "Okay, I'll admit I'm not too trustworthy of land mammals, but as far as they go Sandy's been a good one."

"Mr Krabs, do you remember the time you first tried to ask Mrs. Puff out on a date?" Spongebob looked at him sternly.

"Er...yeah." Mr. Krabs rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.

"I'm even worse when it comes to Sandy."

"Oh." Mr. Krabs thought for a second. "Well then you got me. See ya later Spongebob."

"Bye Mr. Krabs." Spongebob sighed, heading for his front door.

When he got inside he was greeted by Gary.

"Meow." Gary said.

"Gary, you know it's impolite to eavesdrop." Spongebob frowned.

"Meow."

"No Gary, as I told Mr. Krabs there's no way I can tell Sandy my feelings."

"Meow."

"Gary, please, I'm too tired to argue."

At that, Spongebob headed to bed.