"Safety before speed," said Dave Brandon, blithely. "When you get swamped, boys, just call for us."
"Look out, look out, here we go!" cried Nat, although there was not the slightest use for such a remark. "Say, be careful about canal-boats; there are some fast ones on this line."
The "Nimrod" was put in motion, and swept speedily forward. Bob started the "Rambler."
"Nat has a fine boat," he declared; "but ours is better."
"I wish they hadn't come along," commented Sam Randall. "I'll wager we are in for some lively times."
"Well, I, for one, propose that we don't stand any nonsense," exclaimed Dick Travers. "Give that crowd a chance, and—"
"Hey there, old slow-pokes, are you moving or standing still?" shouted Nat. "You need help."
"So will you, if you keep that up," retorted Dick, who was not so disposed to be good-natured as his companions.
The motor boats were dashing along at full speed in midstream, when the "Nimrod," which was easily distancing its competitor, slowed down and allowed the other to approach.
"Shut off your power, back there in the tub!" shouted Nat, authoritatively. "Now mind what I say, or there's going to be trouble."