Deliberately, he swung his boat around, so that the hull was presented broadside to the rapidly approaching "Rambler."
"Look out! What are you trying to do?" came in a chorus from the latter boat.
It seemed as though the Nimrods were absolutely regardless of consequences. Quick as a flash, Bob shut off the power and jammed the wheel far around.
Thus suddenly swerved from its course, the motor boat careened far over, and just grazed the side of the "Nimrod," which was now scarcely moving.
Before any of the Ramblers could divine his intention, Nat Wingate quickly passed a stout rope through an iron ring at the bow of their boat. "Go ahead, Kirk—full speed!" he shouted.
Darting forward, the "Nimrod" suddenly pulled the line taut with a force that jarred the "Rambler" from stem to stern.
"We've turned pirates!" yelled Nat. "Whoop la, oh ho, this is our first catch." And his companions joined in a hearty laugh.
It was not until the "Rambler" had swung around and was actually being headed for Kingswood that the astonished boys decided to remedy the matter in a summary fashion. Sam Randall pulled out his jack-knife and proceeded to sever the rope.
"We've had enough of this," he shouted, as his eyes flashed with indignation. "Why can't they let us alone?"
"Patience ceases to be a virtue," drawled Dave Brandon. "What a pity we haven't the faster boat."