"Into five thousand little pieces," grinned Nat.
Young Brown listened in open-mouthed amazement, as Bob related the story of the tragic end of the "Rambler."
"I'm awfully sorry, boys," he said. "Only a mean snake would do a thing like that."
His father and their two friends expressed a like opinion.
"Now, gentlemen," said Mr. Wingate, "I hope you will accept an invitation to dine with the boys and myself this evening."
"I'd like to well enough," said Mr. Brown, Sr., "but I got to get back home. Douglass can stay, if he has a mind to."
"And I think I'll have to leave, too," said Ben.
"At any rate, we shall have the pleasure of Douglass' company," said Mr. Wingate, with his usual smile, as he bade the others good-bye.
When the Badger State Hotel was reached, Nat's uncle took his leave, on the plea of business, having arranged to meet them all again early in the evening.
"Fine man, that," observed Mr. Douglass Brown; "a very fine man. I never thought we should become friends like this."