utmost abandon. "Look sharp ahead there, in the tub! We're going to see how close we can come without hitting you!" The astonished Ramblers saw a sharp bow rushing toward them. Then there was a terrific impact which seemed to fairly lift their boat from the water, while its occupants were sent sprawling in all directions. CHAPTER VII REPAIRING DAMAGES It looked as though Nat Wingate's deliberate disregard of consequences was going to bear serious fruit. Before the "Rambler" had righted herself, Bob Somers shut off the power, and the thoroughly angry boys, who instantly scrambled to their feet, crowded aft. "We've had enough of this kind of business!" shouted Bob Somers, with flashing eyes. "Whatever damage has been done to this boat, Nat Wingate, you'll have to pay for!" "He ought to be arrested," chimed in Travers, indignantly. His fists, tightly clenched, he shook toward the captain of the Nimrods, who was standing at the wheel with a peculiar look on his face. He did not seem to comprehend what had happened. "The rudder is bent all out of shape and the rail badly dented," said Sam Randall, presently. "Lucky the propeller isn't damaged." "I'm awful sorry, boys!" called young Wingate, but there was something in his tone which belied the words "I thought we would just clear you. It was all a joke." "Joke!" exclaimed Bob, hotly. "We've had enough of such jokes. If there are any more of them you'll get into trouble." "I only meant to have a little fun, I tell you," pleaded Nat. "Your ideas on that subject must be peculiar." "I'll tow you back to Kingswood, and pay for all damages," continued Nat. "What more can you ask? I leave it to everybody—isn't that a fair offer?" "But we don't want to return to Kingswood," answered Bob, coldly, although he was surprised at Wingate's offer. "You can't continue the trip with a rudder bent out of shape like that," argued Nat. "Your boat is helpless, I'm afraid. Let us fix this thing up right." "Why not tow them to the next town?" proposed John Hackett.
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