Mr. Wingate hired the "Nimrod" and told Nat that he would make him a present of the motor boat if he should succeed in delaying the Ramblers for a certain length of time.
At first it was thought there would be no difficulty, but Mr. Somers' failure to decide promptly upset all their calculations, and caused them to realize that bolder steps would be necessary.
An old steamboat was hired, and the two men detailed to retard the movements of Bob and his companions.
The agent admitted that Mr. Wingate had been entirely opposed to desperate measures, and that he and Nat were not acquainted with all that was done.
The destruction of the "Rambler" was largely due to the advice of one of the two men, who argued that Mr. Somers would never allow the boys to keep on after such a disaster. Mr. Jenkins said it was his intention to pay for the boat later.
When the boys kept on Mr. Wingate devised the "Crusoe" island scheme. Nat, who was always ready for mischief, viewed this mainly in the light of a practical joke. He carried through his part of it successfully, the two men following at a safe distance.
The "Nimrod" was secured and returned to its owners.
While the boys were marooned on the island, Mr. Jenkins went to Kingswood, and returned to Tocono confident that success would crown his efforts.
When the boys turned up at Clair Bay, Mr. Wingate played his last card, and upon receipt of Nat's telegram, hurried on to Tocono. He was greatly incensed at his nephew's insubordination, but foresaw that advantage might be taken of it. Nat was summoned to Mr. Jenkins' residence on Chelten Road, and instructed to keep track of the boys.
Letters and telegrams were dispatched to Mr. Somers, and the conspirators seemed to be on the point of winning at the very last moment.