seen to describe a wide circle and head directly for them. On it came, at full speed, the engine making a loud and continuous roar.

Bob altered the course of the "Rambler" slightly. The helmsman of the other boat did the same, and they continued to near each other, both headed directly for the same spot.

It was at once evident that the reckless Nimrods had determined to annoy them by compelling Bob to change his course. Now the "Rambler," in spite of the fact that the "Nimrod" had beaten it, was, nevertheless, a speedy boat, and it thus happened that almost before they knew it the two craft were dangerously near each other.

"Stop, stop!" commanded Nat. "Don't you see where we are going?"

The sound of both engines ceased. Bob reversed his an instant later.

"Look out!" continued the commander of the Nimrods, frantically. "What is the matter with you? You're running us down!"

But the crash could not be averted. The side of the "Rambler" swung against the "Nimrod" with such force that Nat Wingate was almost pitched to the deck.

 CHAPTER VI

TOM'S COOKING

"What do you mean by running into us like that?" called Nat, angrily, as the boats drifted apart.

The Pirate of the Bounding Deep did not seem to appreciate the humor of the situation.

"What do you mean by running in front of us?"

"Why didn't you stop?"

"How long is it since you owned this river?" demanded Dick Travers.

"Children should be seen and not heard," returned Nat, witheringly.

"Then stop talking, and keep your boat out of other people's way."

"See here, Dick Travers, I won't stand any impudence," stormed Nat. "You fellows don't know how to run a boat. Just look at that yard of paint your old tub scraped off!"

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