for this reason as well as the very real danger of a collision with a
recklessly driven boat that Betty's father had rather discouraged the
chums going over to that side of the river.

However the day was fine, the water of the river was as calm as a lake and
the Gem flew across the sparkling water like a gull, bringing a
flush of pure excitement and pleasure to the faces of the girls. Danger--
what danger could there be in this staunch little craft, with Betty at the
wheel?

They were half way across the river, now--three quarters. The gay pleasure
craft flaunting up and down the river were becoming more numerous and
Betty slackened speed. Her breath came more quickly and her hands
tightened on the wheel. She could drive a boat as well as any boy, but
here, she knew, was a situation to test her greatest skill.

Craft of all sizes and descriptions seemed to the excited girls to be
piling up about them. Most of the boats were being navigated carefully,
but now and then a small, fast speed-craft would shoot out from behind
another so suddenly that Betty would be forced to swerve sharply to one
side, fairly grazing the stern of the racing boat.

On one of these occasions, when it had seemed impossible to avoid a
collision, Amy called out sharply:

"Oh, Betty, don't you think we had better go back?"

And Betty replied with a queer little laugh:

"Might just as well go ahead as back now. We'll be there in a minute.