Bob swung the wheel well around and started to reverse the engine, when Jerry sprang forward from the stern, where he had been sitting.
“Keep on, full speed ahead!” he called. “It’s the only way to avoid hitting him!”
At the same time he moved the gasolene and sparking levers forward, and, as the Dartaway leaped ahead under the quickening impulse, Jerry steered to the left of the schooner.
His quick action saved a collision. As it was, the motor boat barely grazed the side of the other craft, and then shot out into the middle of the stream.
“What’s the matter with you fresh kids?” called a voice from the schooner, and the boys looked over to see a ragged man shaking his fist at them.
“I’ll have the law on you!” the skipper went on. “You’ve got no right to make a turn like that at full speed without blowing a whistle.”
“I guess he’s got us right,” spoke Jerry in low tones. “It’s our fault. Sailing vessels have the right of way.”
The man appeared to be all alone on the craft for he remained at the wheel, and no one else came on deck.
“You’d ought to have kept a little more in shore,” said Jerry. “Unloaded vessels are supposed to at this point as it’s deeper farther out, and the loaded ones take that channel.”
“I don’t care a hang about the channel!” cried the man. “You nearly run me down, and you didn’t blow any warning. If I catch you at it again I’ll sink your tin-pan of a boat if I get a chance.”