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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a473c26 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #56325 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56325) diff --git a/old/56325-0.txt b/old/56325-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index bdfb892..0000000 --- a/old/56325-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5825 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Sea Scouts Abroad, by Percy F. Westerman - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Sea Scouts Abroad - Further Adventures of the 'Olivette' - -Author: Percy F. Westerman - -Illustrator: Charles Pears - -Release Date: January 7, 2018 [EBook #56325] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SEA SCOUTS ABROAD *** - - - - -Produced by R.G.P.M. van Giesen - - - - -[Illustration: cover (front)] - - -[Illustration: cover (spine)] - - - - -SEA SCOUTS ABROAD - - - - - BY - PERCY F. WESTERMAN - LIEUT. R.A.F. - - "No boy alive will be able to peruse Mr. Westerman's pages - without a quickening of his pulses."--Outlook. - - The Third Officer: A Present-day Pirate Story. - - Sea Scouts Abroad: Further Adventures of the _Olivette_. - - The Salving of the "Fusi Yama": A Post-War - Story of the Sea. - - Sea Scouts All: How the _Olivette_ was won. - - Winning his Wings: A Story of the R.A.F. - - The Thick of the Fray at Zeebrugge: April, 1918. - - With Beatty off Jutland: A Romance of the Great Sea - Fight. - - The Submarine Hunters: A Story of Naval Patrol Work. - - A Lively Bit of the Front: A Tale of the New Zealand - Rifles on the Western Front. - - A Sub and a Submarine: The Story of H.M. Submarine - R19 in the Great War. - - Under the White Ensign: A Naval Story of the Great - War. - - The Dispatch-Riders: The Adventures of Two British - - Motor-cyclists with the Belgian Forces. - - The Sea-girt Fortress: A Story of Heligoland. - - Rounding up the Raider: A Naval Story of the Great - War. - - The Fight for Constantinople: A Tale of the Gallipoli - Peninsula. - - Captured at Tripoli: A Tale of Adventure. - - The Quest of the "Golden Hope": A Seventeenth-century - Story of Adventure. - - A Lad of Grit: A Story of Restoration Times. - - - LONDON: BLACKIE & SON, LTD., 50 OLD BAILEY, E.C. - - - - -[Illustration: WITHOUT HESITATION WOODLEIGH LEAPED INTO THE SEA] - - - - -SEA SCOUTS ABROAD -Further Adventures of the "Olivette" - - - -BY -PERCY F. WESTERMAN - - - -_Illustrated by Charles Pears_ - - - -BLACKIE AND SON LIMITED -LONDON GLASGOW AND BOMBAY - - - - - Contents - - CHAP. - - I. AFLOAT ONCE MORE - II. STOLEN - III. A REAL GOOD TURN - IV. REPAYMENT - V. TRAPPED BY THE TIDE - VI. WHY THE WATER FAILED - VII. THE NEW HAND - VIII. THE STOWAWAY - IX. BROKEN DOWN IN MID-CHANNEL - X. ALAN SPEAKS FRENCH - XI. "WOUNDED" - XII. "IN THE DITCH" - XIII. THE BORE - XIV. THE DERELICT - XV. ALL HANDS TO THE PUMPS - XVI. THE ADVENTURES OF THE "LIBERTY MEN" - XVII. MONSIEUR RAOUL - XVIII. SHORE QUARTERS - XIX. HOMEWARD BOUND - XX. HOME WATERS AGAIN - - - - - Illustrations - - WITHOUT HESITATION WOODLEIGH LEAPED INTO THE SEA - _Frontispiece_ - - "SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE!" SHOUTED RIVETT - - THE HIGH-PRESSURE JET CAUGHT THE TENDERFOOT - FULL IN THE FACE (missing from book) - - THE DERELICT (missing from book) - - - - -SEA SCOUTS ABROAD - - - -CHAPTER I - -Afloat Once More - - -"To-morrow the tide serves," declared Patrol Leader Peter Stratton, -stepping back a few paces in order to admire the joint handiwork of -the 1st Milford Sea Scouts. "We'll launch her while the compo's wet. -That's the right thing, I believe." - -It was a blazing morning late in July. The Sea Scouts, with the best -part of seven weeks' holiday in front of them, were engaged in giving -their craft--the 54-foot motor-boat _Olivette_--a belated refit -before undertaking what Alan Hepworth described as "the stunt of -stunts". - -The _Olivette_ rested in her cradle with the stern a good five yards -from high-water mark on the gently shelving patch of gravel that -constitutes the Keyhaven repairing-slip. For just over a week all -hands--namely, Patrol Leader Peter Stratton, Scouts Dick Roche, Eric -Flemming, Will Woodleigh, Reggie Warkworth, Alan Hepburn, and -Tenderfoot Phil Rayburn--had been hard at work from early morn till -dewy eve making the staunch craft look presentable and, what was -more, seaworthy, for the undertaking they had in view. - -The Sea Scouts were doing the task of refitting entirely by -themselves. Mr. Armitage, their Scoutmaster, was away in Town on -business, and would not be back until the following Thursday, and it -was "up to" the lads to have the _Olivette_ afloat "all shipshape and -Bristol fashion" on his return. - -Roche, Flemming, and Woodleigh had taken down the powerful 50-60 -horse-power Kelvin engine, decarbonized the four cylinders, fitted -new piston rings, ground in the valves, and adjusted the tappets. At -the end of each day's work they were as black as tinkers and as jolly -as sand-boys. - -Hepburn and Rayburn had been told off to clean down and revarnish the -after-cabin and paint out the fo'c'sle; Stratton and Warkworth, with -the aid of caustic soda and scrapers, had removed all the old paint -from the _Olivette's_ sides, and were on the last stages of applying -the final coat of "battleship grey" paint. Incidentally they had -liberally besprinkled themselves and their overalls with paint and -varnish, while, owing to an incautious use of caustic soda, that -powerful chemical had indelibly stained their nails a dark brown, -which were not only disfigured but positively painful. - -But for the sake of the ship--their very own ship--such discomforts -counted for little: the _Olivette's_ refit was rapidly approaching -completion, and for the present nothing else mattered. - -In their task of getting the boat ready for sea the Scouts received -no human aid, but they were "assisted" by a big curly-haired dog, -with a white patch on his chest, who answered to the name of Bruin. - -Twelve months before, Bruin, then a mere pup, had been rescued by the -Sea Scouts of the _Olivette_ when he was in dire peril on the Buxey -Sands in the Thames estuary. He was now a powerful, wonderfully -good-tempered beast, standing nearly thirty inches high, and -combining the sagacity of a full-grown dog with the high spirits of a -puppy. Nominally Peter's dog, Bruin was the recognized mascot of the -_Olivette's_ crew. He had adopted them all. He obeyed them and no one -else. He was friendly with most human beings with whom he came in -contact, but he took it for granted that his destiny was indissolubly -associated with the blue-jerseyed, white-capped lads who formed the -1st Milford Sea Scouts. - -During the present operations Bruin's activities were mainly -concerned with trotting around with paint-brushes and tools. -Somewhere in the back of his doggie brain he had the idea that these -articles were a hindrance to his youthful masters, since they were so -busy working with them that they couldn't go to sea. Consequently, -Bruin did his best to help things on by running away with -paintbrushes and tools. Whenever anything was missing, Bruin was -dubbed the culprit. In nine cases out of ten the Sea Scouts were -right, and by dint of a little tracking they discovered the dog's -cache--a hole in a cabbage-patch in the coastguards' garden. - -"She looks A1," exclaimed Dick Roche, backing-up the Patrol Leader's -unspoken satisfaction. "You've put that top coat on splendidly, -Peter." - -"Not so dusty," admitted the Patrol Leader modestly. "The line's a -bit wonky under the starboard quarter. That was when Bruin started -jazzing on my back; but the compo will square that off all right. How -are you getting on?" - -"Finished," declared the motor expert. "The magneto's timed just a -trifle in advance. I fancy she'll do better like that." - -"If she does as well as she did before, I won't complain," rejoined -Peter. "Yes, I've made a good job of those top-sides--a thundering -good job. Now, lads, we'll leave her at that. The paint will be set -hard by to-morrow, if it doesn't rain." - -"I don't fancy it will," said Hepburn. "The glass is high and steady. -What's the next job, Peter?" - -"Final coat of varnish on the dinghy," announced the Patrol Leader. -"Then, the last thing to-night, we'll grease the ways. That will be -enough for one day's work, I fancy." - -"We'll miss you when you go, Peter, old thing," remarked Flemming. - -"Yes, I'm sorry I'm leaving you all," replied Stratton. "But a fellow -can't hang on here for ever. I mean to have a jolly time before I go, -though." - -At the end of August, Peter Stratton was entering the Merchant -Service as a cadet. It was mainly owing to his previous training as a -sea scout that the directors of one of the biggest steamship lines -had accepted Peter. - -With the prospect of losing their present Patrol Leader the Sea -Scouts had decided to have a glorious cruise before he severed his -connection with the _Olivette_. It was an elaborate scheme. They were -to "go foreign", taking the _Olivette_ across Channel to Havre and -then up the Seine to Rouen, and possibly Paris. - -Scoutmaster Armitage had readily fallen in with the idea. Not only -would the execution of it give his lads another opportunity of -seamanship in the Channel, it would afford them a chance of seeing a -country not their own--a country that, during the last few years, has -been closely united in aims and sympathies with her former enemy. - -The Sea Scouts had received several letters from their Scoutmaster -during his stay in town. In them he reported progress: how that he -had already obtained the necessary charts, and had applied for -passports and other forms that had to be produced before the crew of -the _Olivette_ landed on French soil. - -Already Hepburn, the Troop photographer, had been busy on this -account, taking individual photographs of each member of the -_Olivette's_ crew. True to their traditions, the Sea Scouts kept -smiling, and in the resultant prints the smiles appeared to be -grossly exaggerated. The "rogues' gallery", as Stratton termed it, -had been duly sent off to Mr. Armitage, to adorn the necessary -passports. - -The _Olivette_ being ready for launching, the Sea Scouts turned their -attention to the dinghy, until the little tender glistened with -varnish and the boat-house was festooned with her various fittings -all wet with "best copal ". - -"Bruin!" exclaimed Stratton, addressing the high-spirited animal. -"Get outside. You're shaking your hairs all over the varnish. And -please don't look so excited. You aren't coming this trip." - -"What?" exclaimed Warkworth in dismay. "Bruin not coming? Why not, -Peter? It wouldn't be the _Olivette_ without Bruin." - -"It'll have to be," retorted the Patrol Leader. "It's rough luck on -Bruin, I admit; but if we took him to France he'd have to undergo six -months' quarantine when we returned. It isn't worth it, old son, is -it?" - -The "old son" looked at his master and solemnly winked one eye. - -"I mean it, Bruin," continued Stratton. Bruin shut one eye again, and -went outside to think things over. - -Early next morning the Sea Scouts reassembled at Keyhaven. First -high-water--for there are double tides on this part of the coast--was -at 10.15, but all preparations had to be completed well before that -time. - -As the lads approached the _Olivette_ the Patrol Leader came to a -sudden stop. He wasn't smiling this time. In fact his jaw dropped -appreciably. The boat's side looked as if it had developed a marine -form of scarlet fever. It was simply peeling all over. The smooth -coat of grey, over the application of which Stratton had spent so -much time and labour, was little better than an expanse of blistering -and flaking paint. - -"What's happened, Peter?" asked Hepburn. "Has someone been fooling -about in the night?" - -"Goodness knows," replied the Patrol Leader. "Frost might account for -it but we don't get frosts in July. The paint hasn't taken. We'll -have to scrape it all off. And Mr. Armitage is due back to-morrow." - -While the Sea Scouts were still contemplating the unaccountable -misfortune, an old man approached. They knew him very well. His name -was Boldrigg, and he was a pensioned naval seaman, who, having served -as a coastguard, had settled down at Keyhaven. He was a widower, and -had lost both his sons in the War--one a seaman gunner, in the -Jutland Battle, and the other a corporal in a line regiment, -"somewhere in France". - -"Ahoy, there!" shouted the old man. "Tied up in knots about something -I'll warrant. What's adrift?" - -Peter pointed to the oyster-shell markings and blisters. - -"Fresh on yesterday, Mr. Boldrigg," he declared, "and look at it now. -Paint's rotten." - -The ex-coastguard walked to the side of the _Olivette_ and prodded -the sticky mess with a horny finger. - -"It's got to come off, anyway," he remarked apologetically, "so it -don't hurt to touch it. No, Master Stratton, 'tain't the paint that's -at fault. You've been a-usin' sooji mooji." - -"Yes," admitted the Patrol Leader, glancing at his discoloured -finger-nails. "Caustic soda. We had to; the old paint was on so -hard." - -"There you are; there you are!" exclaimed the old sailor, shaking his -head. "You puts on stuff to take paint off, an' expects new paint to -stick over the sooji mooji. 'Tis like destroying weeds with -weed-killer and expecting seed to grow on the same ground that's been -poisoned, so to speak." - -"Then how----" began Roche. - -"Half a shake, my lad," continued Boldrigg. "Live and learn. You want -to get the paint off. An old brush'll do that. Then wash your wood -down with vinegar and water to kill the caustic soda in it. When it's -dry, paint away, and you'll find that coat'll be all correct an' -above board." - -All hands set briskly to work. It was one thing trying to repair a -fault for which no reason was forthcoming; another to profit by -experience, with the knowledge that the mistake could be rectified. -By eleven in the morning the _Olivette_ was once more resplendent in -a glistening garb of grey. - -"We'll have to make one coat do," decided Stratton, "and whack on the -final one at the first favourable opportunity. Bruin! Come away from -that varnish. It's not treacle, old son." - -"When do we launch her?" inquired Woodleigh. - -"When the paint's dry," replied the Patrol Leader. "It ought to be -set by seven o'clock to-night. We might try launching her on the -evening tide. Are you all game?" - -A chorus of assent greeted Stratton's suggestion. - -"Right-o," continued Peter. "We've done all that is to be done for -the present." - -"The ballast?" queried Hepburn. - -"Is tarred and perfectly dry," replied the Patrol Leader. "But we can -stow that to-morrow. By the time we've launched the _Olivette_ we'll -have done quite enough. There are limits. Besides, we want daylight -for that job." - -At eight the same evening the Sea Scouts assembled once more. It was -now about half-flood and too early for the actual launching -operations, but the lads busied themselves by getting the dinghy out -of store, greasing the ways, and in a variety of odd but necessary -tasks. - -Night fell, but the moon, almost approaching its full, gave -sufficient light for the Sea Scouts to proceed with their work. - -"Tide's high enough now," declared Peter, grasping a sledge-hammer. -"Start knocking out those dog-spikes, lads. Stand clear of the ways -in case she starts off unexpectedly." - -"All clear this end!" announced Roche. - -"Same here," added Flemming. - -"Right-o," rejoined Peter. - -The last restraining bond was removed, but the _Olivette_ obstinately -refused to budge an inch. Levers were brought into action without -effect. In theory the fifty-four feet of hull ought to have glided -down the greased ways in style to the accompaniment of ringing cheers -from her crew. It was, therefore, a decided "damp squib" when she -chose to remain seemingly as immovable as the pyramids of Egypt. - -"Perhaps the ways have sunk," suggested Alan. - -"Tide's falling," announced Roche, wiping his heated brow. "It's -dropped a couple of inches." - -"We must get her off," declared Peter. He felt that it was a slur -upon his shipwright's knowledge. He had been responsible for the -construction of the ways and the hauling out of the boat. The latter -task had been performed without a hitch, and now, unaccountably, what -ought to have been a relatively easy task had proved a regular -teaser. - -"I vote we borrow Dr. Mallerby's motor-jack," suggested Flemming. -"That would start her on the downward path, I think." The suggestion -was adopted, and the Sea Scouts proceeded to the doctor's house, -which was situated at the remote end of Keyhaven village. - -"How many fellows do we want for the stunt?" demanded Stratton, -addressing his six companions. "Some of you ought to be standing by -the boat." - -"She won't move, worse luck," commented Roche. - -A knock at the door was promptly answered by the doctor in person. It -was now after eleven o'clock and the maids had gone to bed. - -"Hello!" was his greeting when he recognized the Sea Scouts. "What's -the game, eh? Are you going to do your good turn for to-morrow now, -and get ahead of the clock?" - -"We want you to do us a good turn, sir, if you please," said -Stratton. "Can you lend us your motor-jack?" - -"Certainly," replied Dr. Mallerby. "Where's the breakdown? Here's the -key of the garage, Stratton. Take the jack, and, when you return it, -lock up and put the key through the letter-box. Good-night!" - -"Why," exclaimed Roche, as the lads approached the slipway, "I do -believe she has moved." - -"Yes," added Rayburn, the Tenderfoot; "she's turned round." - -There was a laugh at this. The idea that the heavy boat could have -swung round seemed preposterous. But the Tenderfoot was right after -all. The _Olivette_ had unaccountably launched herself, and was now -riding to her bow-rope and the ebb tide. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -Stolen - - -"Well, I'm blest! How did that happen? Quick with the dinghy, lads. -No, Bruin, you stop there. It's much too late for little dogs to go -afloat." - -Four of the Sea Scouts manned the dinghy and pushed off to the -_Olivette_. The bow-rope was cast off from the shore and made fast -through the dinghy's stern ring-bolt to the transom. Then, with the -gentle tide, the lads towed the _Olivette_ to her moorings. - -"Not such a bad day's work after all," commented Stratton after they -had rowed back to the beach and taken the unnecessary jack back to -the garage. "Ten o'clock to-morrow will be early enough. It's no use -burning the candle at both ends." - -Bidding his companions good-night, Peter whistled to Bruin and walked -briskly home. His house lay half a mile inland from Milford-on-Sea, -and to reach it he had to cut across a field, rejoining a main road -within a few yards of the old church. - -It was now past midnight, but the crew of the _Olivette_ had told -their people that they would be late home, and, being used to sea and -ships, and knowing how dependent seafarers are upon the tide, the -lads' parents realized the necessity for late hours on this occasion. - -Peter had just cleared the stile when he noticed two men approaching. -The moon was behind a cloud, but there was sufficient light to enable -him to see that they were two strangers, and apparently fisherfolk. -They were wearing jerseys, grey trousers, and canvas shoes. Slung -over their shoulders were their pilot coats and sea boots, while one -man carried a large canvas sack and was grumbling about its weight. - -"Good night!" said the Patrol Leader, but the men passed him by in -silence. - -"Surly blighters," soliloquized Peter. "Wonder what they're doing -this time of night. Fishermen from 'up along' most likely, who've had -to wait for a fair tide back." - -A few minutes later Peter was sleeping the sleep of healthy -exhaustion, nor did he wake until eight o'clock next morning, when he -was roused by his father announcing that Tom Boldrigg was waiting to -speak to him. - -"It's about the _Olivette_, Peter," added Mr. Stratton. - -Hastily throwing on his clothes, the Patrol Leader went downstairs. - -"Good morning, Mr. Boldrigg," he said. - -"Good morning, Master Peter," rejoined the ex-coastguardsman, getting -to the point at once. "Do you know that craft of yours ain't on her -moorings?" - -"No!" replied the astonished Peter. "She was there all right last -night, and I made sure the bridle of the moorings was firmly secured -to the bitts." - -"Well, she ain't there now anyway," declared Boldrigg. "I was up and -about at seven, and I believe I seed her making up t'east'ard, but my -eyes ain't what they used to be, not by a long chalk. I went up to -the station to borrow a glass, but all the men are away on -manoeuvres. There's not a gobby in the place. So I came to see you, -an' I've passed the word on to Master Roche an' Master Flemming, and -told them to warn their opposite numbers." - -"Then she's been stolen?" - -The old man nodded. - -"Seems like it, Master Peter. 'Tain't the first time a craft's been -pinched. I calls to mind when I were stationed at Pitt's Deep, back -in '97. But I'll spin that yarn another time. What are you going to -do, Master Peter?" - -"I don't know yet," answered the Patrol Leader. He was thinking hard. -It seemed to him that the best step was to telephone to the various -coastguard stations in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Several of -the smaller and less important ones were temporarily closed down, but -there would almost certainly be men on duty in the large ones. - -"I'll run as hard as I can down to Keyhaven," he continued--"if you -wouldn't mind my hurrying on, Mr. Boldrigg," he added apologetically. - -Peter Stratton took to his heels, Bruin running with him, barking -excitedly as if in his doggy mind he realized that something of -extreme moment was troubling his young master. - -Arriving at Keyhaven, the Patrol Leader found that Roche, Flemming, -Woodleigh, and Warkworth were already there. - -"I've telephoned through to Lymington, Peter," reported Roche. "The -_Olivette_ can't be very far away. Her paraffin tank's empty, and -there's only enough petrol for an hour's run." - -"Then," added Peter, with fierce determination, "we'll go after her -in the dinghy." - -"Dinghy's gone too," declared Flemming. "Two men collared her. I -followed the track of her keel-band; two men with rubber boots, size -tens, with lozenge-pattern-stamped soles." - -Just then Alan and Rayburn joined the others, while down the road old -Boldrigg could be seen moving at a smart pace. - -"Mr. Boldrigg," hailed Peter, "may we borrow your boat?" - -"Sure, certain," shouted the old seaman. "Take her. What be you goin' -to do?" - -"Stand in pursuit," explained the Patrol Leader, when Boldrigg, -breathless with his exertions, gained the shore. "They've only enough -petrol for an hour's run. If they stop in mid-Solent, the west-going -tide will sweep them back, and we'll nab them." - -"Then I'll come along with you," declared Boldrigg. "There's an old -fowling-piece in the boat, and though it ain't a 12-pounder Q.F., -I'll guess 'twill make those blokes think twice if we gets within -range. All the gear's aboard, Master Peter. The lot of us'll manage -to launch her down the beach." - -The _Mudlark_ was a decrepit old tub. Tom Boldrigg, although he had -been pensioned for a good number of years, had not arrived at that -stage when "there shall be no more sea". The boat was a centre-board, -flat-floored craft about twenty feet in length, decked in for'ard and -with a "fish-tray" aft. She was a suitable craft for running over the -flats and working the small unbeaconed creeks on the Hampshire shore; -but only in fine weather was she fit for the strong tides of the -Solent. - -Willing hands hauled the _Mudlark_ down the beach. The mast was -stepped and the tan sprit-sail set. Into the boat crowded the six Sea -Scouts, with old Boldrigg at the helm. The Tenderfoot was left -behind. The fact that none of the crew had had breakfast passed -unnoticed in the excitement, but would be realized later, as would -also the mistake of omitting to provision and water the little craft. - -"We'll keep well over agen the flats," said Tom. "There'll be a mort -less o' tide. You say there ain't but an hour's supply of oil aboard? -Well, at seven or eight knots she won't be as far up along as Cowes, -and now she's got a foul tide. We'll sight her in a couple of hours, -Master Peter." - -Stratton and the other Sea Scouts were equally sanguine. From -experience they knew the helplessness of the _Olivette_ when deprived -of motor power. There were no sweeps on board, and she carried no -canvas. The only means of propulsion would be by towing her from the -dinghy, and it would take a terrific amount of energy in that -direction to move her through the water at a mile an hour. - -Inquiries of the skipper of an eight-ton ketch yacht, abreast of -Jack-in-the-Basket, resulted in the information that no motor craft -had put into Lymington River since five that morning, so one possible -hiding-place was eliminated. - -With the sail drawing steadily, the _Mudlark_ slipped rapidly over -the tide, keeping close to the fringe of mud-banks on the northern -shore of the Solent. Pitt's Deep, open to full view, was a blank. So -was the long expanse of shore between it and the entrance to Beaulieu -River. - -"She might have got in through Bull Run," suggested Hepburn. - -"Might," agreed Peter, "but it would take a fellow jolly well -acquainted with the place to get the _Olivette_ through. We'll try it -and see." - -Close hauled on the port tack, the _Mudlark_ skimmed through the -narrow channel that affords a short but intricate cut into one of the -most picturesque creeks on the south coast. As the boat passed one of -the numerous "hards", the crew noticed a coastguardsman running -towards them. - -"Up centre-board. Down helm." - -The boat's forefoot grounded on the shingle, Stratton and Roche -jumped ashore to meet the bluejacket. - -"You're looking for a motor-boat," announced the coastguard. "I had a -telephone message through half an hour ago. She hasn't put into this -river, and I've seen nothing answering to her description making to -the east'ard." - -Then, catching sight of old Boldrigg, he shouted: "Hello, chum. What -ship now? Bit of a change from the old _Polyandra_." - -Tom blinked his eyes as he studied the features of the coastguard. - -"Can't recall your tally, mate." he replied. - -"Not Tubby Young, boy 1st class aboard the old _Polyandra_ back in -'nought nine, an' you chief bos'un's mate?" - -"Sure I do," exclaimed Boldrigg. "But you've altered the cut of your -figurehead. How's things?" - -The old shipmates conversed for a few moments. Then the coastguard -suggested trying the creeks on the Isle of Wight shore. - -"I've had my glass on Thorness Bay and as far down as Hamstead," he -added. "There's no craft up again the beach. Like as not she's pushed -into Newtown." - -The Scouts now re-embarked. It occurred to them that not only was the -possibility of success diminishing but that they were hungry. - -"We'll carry on as far as Cowes, anyway," decided Peter. "We'll make -inquiries there, and buy some grub at the same time. All ready? Get -her head round, Alan." - -It was a long business stemming the now fierce tide. Half-way across -the Island shore they spoke a coaster anchored while waiting for a -fair tide. From her master they learnt that there had been someone on -deck since sunrise, and certainly no motor-boat answering to -_Olivette's_ description had passed between Egypt Point and Stone -Point. - -"No use carrying on." said the Patrol Leader. "We'll stand across to -the opposite shore and put into Newtown for grub. A pull on that -mainsheet, Dick. Sit more to windward, you fellows." - -Peter was now at the helm. Old Boldrigg, having handed over the -tiller, was sitting on the bottom-boards puffing contentedly at a -black clay pipe. - -"Look!" suddenly exclaimed Hepburn, pointing astern. "There she is." - -All hands looked in the direction indicated. - -"Yes," agreed Peter, after a lengthy survey. "It's the _Olivette_ -right enough, and under power, too." - -The motor-boat was about a mile and a half away, but by the "bone in -her teeth", as her bows cut through the choppy waves of the -weather-going tide, it was evident that she was moving at full speed. - -That rather upset the Sea Scouts' calculations. A man and six strong, -healthy boys, backing their arguments with a shot gun, could compel -the unlawful crew of the _Olivette_ to surrender if the boat were -motionless. It would be an entirely different proposition to hold her -up when she was forging ahead at eight knots. The _Olivette_ could -run down the _Mudlark_, or else turn away and leave her hopelessly -astern. - -Peter knitted his brows. All the scoutcraft and seamanship at his -command failed to suggest a satisfactory solution to the problem. As -a preliminary he told Roche to signal to her to stop. - -Even as he cudgelled his brains as to the next step, he was -interrupted by Dick Roche's voice exclaiming: - -"She's not the _Olivette_ after all. There's a number painted on her -bows." - -In a moment or so there was no doubt about it. The on-coming vessel -was identical in design, colour, and size with the _Olivette_, so -that the mistake was pardonable. There was a difference: on each bow -she bore the legend "R.A.F. No. 5", while her crew were rigged out in -the characteristic blue uniform of the Royal Air Force. - -The motor-boat headed towards the _Mudlark_, slowed down, and -reversed engines. - -"Pretty asses we look," soliloquized Peter, "getting those fellows to -stop. Jolly sporting of them, though." - -"What's amiss?" demanded the officer in command, as he scrambled out -of the cockpit. "Joy riding and feeling sorry you came?" - -"Not at all, sir," replied Peter, saluting. "We've lost a boat and -she's almost exactly the same as yours." - -"S'long as she isn't exactly the same I don't worry," replied the -flying officer. "Come alongside and tell me all about It." - -The Sea Scouts did so. - -"All right," continued the officer. "If we spot the _Olivette_ we -know what to do. There were about a dozen boats of this class built -during the war, and no doubt yours was one of them. We're off to -Studland Bay to pick up a derelict flying-boat and are taking her -back to Calshot. Throw us your painter. We'll tow you back to Hurst." - -"Cast us off opposite Newtown, sir, if you please," said the Patrol -Leader. "We want to see if our boat has put in there." - -It did not take No. 5 long to arrive at the black buoy marking the -entrance to the complicated, five-armed estuary known as Newtown -River. Here the _Mudlark_ was cast off; sail was hoisted and with a -beam wind the Sea Scouts were quickly within the entrance. - -Inquiries at the Coastguard Station were fruitless, so, having -practically cleared the little general shop of provisions, the lads -reembarked, and with the last of the west-going tide managed to -arrive at Keyhaven by six in the evening. - -"There's Mr. Armitage and Rayburn," exclaimed Warkworth. - -The Scoutmaster and the Tenderfoot were waiting at the edge of the -quay. Judging by the expression upon his face, Mr. Armitage showed no -concern over the obvious fact that the crew of the _Olivette_ had -returned without bringing with them the missing craft. - -"Good evening, boys!" he exclaimed when the _Mudlark_ came within -easy hailing distance. "Any clues?" - -"No, sir," replied the Patrol Leader despondently. - -In present circumstances Stratton felt it a matter of impossibility -conscientiously to carry out the Scout maxim, "Keep smiling". It -simply couldn't be done. Dead tired with their long exertions, and -dispirited at their utter failure to find a trace of the stolen -_Olivette_, the crew could not raise as much as a suspicion of a -smile. - -"Buck up, you fellows," exclaimed Mr. Armitage, holding aloft a -buff-coloured envelope. "I've just received a wire. The _Olivette_ is -safe and sound and in good hands!" - - - - -CHAPTER III - -A Real Good Turn - - -"It's been a perfectly topping day," declared Patrol Leader "Rusty" -Rivett, of the 5th Weymouth Troop. "The way you followed that trail, -Phillips, was awfully good!" - -The Troop members of the junior school of Weymouth College had had a -long day's scouting. The Midsummer Term exams were over, and, as two -clear days remained before that long-anticipated event "breaking up", -the Scouts had taken advantage of the time to put in a final tracking -practice. - -It was now about five in the afternoon. "Dentibus" Dence, "Boney" -Barnicott, "Mutt" Thurgood, John Phillips, "Cock Sparrow" Rogers, and -Ben Legge had rallied round their Patrol Leader, and were lying on -the grass at the edge of the cliffs between Redcliff Point and -Osmington Mills. - -Upon second thoughts, it was hardly correct to say they were lying on -the grass. The Scouts knew better than to rest their heated bodies on -the turf. Each lad had under him his now empty haversack, the -generous contents of which had found other homes since the Troop had -set out from Weymouth that morning. - -It was a glorious view that met their gaze. The blue waters of the -bay were ruffled by the faintest suspicion of an on-shore breeze. The -sky was cloudless, meeting the expanse of open sea in a blurred -undefined line, cut by the misty shape of the Shambles Lightship. On -their right they could see the crescent-shaped terrace comprising the -town of Melcombe Regis, and the entrance piers of Weymouth Harbour. -Beyond lay the spacious sheet of water, enclosed by Portland -Breakwater, and dotted with war-ships of all sizes, from gigantic -battleships to long, low-lying destroyers. Still farther beyond, the -gaunt outlines of Portland cut the skyline until they sloped -gradually to the famous Bill, off which the dreaded "race" was -swirling and roaring as if fretting for its prey. - -"I say," remarked Dentibus, pointing seaward, "what's that boat -doing? Looks as if there's something wrong." - -The others followed the direction of the extended forefinger. At -about a quarter of a mile from shore was a large, grey-painted -motor-boat being towed by two men in a dinghy. The men were straining -at the oars, but progress was slow. They were evidently not making -for Weymouth, but towards the beach immediately underneath that part -of the cliffs upon which the Scouts were lying. - -"Motor broken down," observed Rusty Riven, laconically. "Wouldn't -like their job, swotting in the sun." - -"Why do they want to land here?" asked Phillips. "There's no shelter -if it should come on to blow." - -"Ask me another," rejoined the Patrol Leader. "Perhaps they're fed up -and are going to walk into Weymouth and get another motor-boat to tow -them in." - -"Can you make out her name?" asked Ben Legge. - -"Hanged if I can," replied the Patrol Leader. "There is a name on the -bows, but she's too far off to see what it is. My word, she's bigger -than I thought!" - -For some moments the Scouts watched in silence the tedious progress -of the broken-down motor-boat. They could see the two rowers glancing -frequently over their shoulders, as if gauging the distance that -remained between them and the beach. - -Presently the rowers found themselves on the fringe of the light -ground-swell that was breaking upon the shore. Here they lay on their -oars until the towed craft ranged up alongside the dinghy. Then, -jumping on board the motor-boat, the pair proceeded to anchor. - -"Here, you fellows!" exclaimed Phillips. "She's the _Olivette_. I can -see the name distinctly now. Doesn't she belong to the Milford Sea -Scouts? We read her log last year." - -"Perhaps she isn't that _Olivette_," objected Thurgood. - -"She looks like the drawing in the log," persisted Phillips. - -"If she is," said the Patrol Leader, "there don't appear to be any -Sea Scouts on board. You've struck a false trail, Phillips." - -John wasn't at all sure that he had. Being of an observant nature, -and fairly smart at making feasible deductions, he wasn't going to -abandon his theory until he was firmly convinced that his reasoning -was at fault. - -He said nothing, but thought the more. Meanwhile, one of the men had -jumped into the dinghy and was holding her alongside. The other -fellow went below, presently to reappear with a canvas sack. This he -lowered into the stern-sheets of the dinghy, and casting off the -painter, rejoined his companion. - -After about twenty strokes the rower rested on his oars and said -something to his chum, who was sitting on the dinghy's transom with -his feet resting on the canvas sack. Apparently they did not like the -aspect of the surf, for the fellow aft pushed the sack under the -stroke thwart, and lowered himself on the stern bench. - -With that the rower gave another glance shoreward over his shoulder, -spat on his hands, and began pulling his hardest. - -The dinghy rode the breaking swell in capital style until her -forefoot touched the beach. Smartly the two men sprang out, knee deep -in water, but they were not quick enough. Before they could haul the -dinghy clear of the waves a sea poured over her quarter. - -"Scouts to the rescue!" shouted Rivett. - -There was no hanging back. Simultaneously the lads swung themselves -over the shelving cliff, dropping or sliding from ledge to ledge; -then, gaining the beach, they ran at top speed to the assistance of -the two strangers. - -The Scouts were hardly prepared for what happened next. The two men, -after gazing dumbfoundedly for a few seconds at the apparition of -seven active youngsters racing towards them, suddenly took to their -heels and fled. - -Checking his first impulse to follow in pursuit of the two men, Rusty -Rivett halted his charges. Though the running figures appealed to the -Scout's instincts much in the same way as a startled hare does to a -dog, there was, after all, no justification for the chase, since no -reason was apparent why the men should take to their heels. - -"Get the boat above high-water mark," ordered the Patrol Leader. "All -hands. Never mind getting your shoes wet." - -It was a strenuous task, for by this time the dinghy had filled with -water to the level of the transom. Watching their opportunity as the -waves receded, the lads tilted the boat until she was nearly empty, -and then, using the bottom boards to prevent the keel sinking in the -soft beach, they eventually hauled their prize clear of the surf. - -"What's in the sack, Rusty?" asked Thurgood. - -The Patrol Leader hesitated before satisfying his curiosity. It -seemed too much like meddling with someone's private property. - -"Pots and pans, I think," said Barnicott, stirring the bulging sack -with his foot. - -Rivett unlashed the mouth of the sack. - -"I say, you fellows," he exclaimed, "this is a rummy stunt. The bag's -chockfull of silver. No wonder those blighters made themselves -scarce; they're burglars." Here was a climax to a day's scouting, -despoiling robbers of their booty. Still, the situation required -careful handling. If the Scouts left the boat unattended, the thieves -might return. If they separated forces, one party standing by while -the others tracked the rogues, either part of the divided Troop would -be insufficient to cope with two powerful and desperate men. It -seemed remarkable that the two fellows should have landed with their -booty in broad daylight instead of waiting until darkness set in. - -"Any of you fellows know how to row?" he asked. - -"I do," replied Phillips. "My father has a boat, and in the 'hols' I -go fishing with him." - -"Good man!" exclaimed the Patrol Leader approvingly. "You and I are -going off to the motor-boat to take charge of her. Dentibus, old son, -imagine you're doing the mile in the College sports, and cut off as -hard as you can to Weymouth. Find our Scoutmaster, and tell him what -has occurred. Ask him to bring a motor-boat along to tow us into the -harbour. The others will double along to Osmington Mills and warn the -coastguard. Phillips and I will keep a sharp look-out for signals if -you have to semaphore to us. Give a hand with the dinghy first. The -silver? We'll take that on board." - -The little boat was successfully launched with no other casualty than -a couple of wet shirts. - -"Take care not to destroy the trail," cautioned Rusty from the -dinghy, addressing the party told off for the purpose of reporting -the incident to the coastguard. - -Without much difficulty Rivett and Phillips boarded the _Olivette_. -An examination of the boat resulted in the discovery, amongst other -things, of a bundle of charts on each of which appeared the words: -"1st Milford Sea Scouts". - -"You're right then, John," remarked - - -[Illustration: "SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE!" SHOUTED RIVETT] - - -Rusty. "This boat's been stolen. There's no doubt about that. It's up -to us to do the Milford chaps a good turn by taking care of the -_Olivette_ until they claim her." - -Before very long a semaphore message was received from Barnicott. - -"Coastguard has telephoned to Weymouth police," read the message. - -"There's a boat coming this way," announced Phillips. - -The Patrol Leader, who had been examining the motor, called back: - -"Where from? From Weymouth?" - -"No," replied the scout. "From Osmington. There are two -coastguardsmen in her." - -Rusty Rivett showed no enthusiasm over the intelligence. He wanted -the rescue of the _Olivette_ to be a Scout "stunt", and he rather -resented the coastguards butting in. That meant complications. - -"Cheerio, my hearty!" exclaimed one of the "Bobbies", as the -skiff-dinghy ranged alongside. "We'll relieve you. Jim, put these -Scouts ashore in our boat." - -Rusty got his back up. He belied his nickname, for there was precious -little oxydization of grey matter about him. - -"Thanks," he replied. "We're staying on board." - -"You'll be sea-sick for a dead cert," said the coastguard -insinuatingly. "There's a bit of a lop on. Best go ashore afore you -musters your bag." - -"I beg your pardon," rejoined Rusty politely, "I haven't a bag to -muster. There's a sack on board, but that's going to be handed over -to the Weymouth police." - -The man began to grin at the first part of the Patrol Leader's reply, -but towards the end he looked decidedly glum. Unless he could -persuade the Scouts to leave the vessel, he and his mate were "out of -it" as far as salvage was concerned. Rusty knew that. He was -determined to do the Milford Sea Scouts a good turn, which included a -saving of money that otherwise would have to be paid to the Receiver -of Wrecks. - -"You weren't born yesterday, I see," observed the coastguard -caustically. - -"No," replied the Patrol Leader sweetly. "In 1906. But that's neither -here nor there, is it?" - -"Are you staying on board all night?" inquired the man. "If so, like -as not this 'ere boat'll drag and come up on the beach. You'd -better----" - -"Stay where I am," interrupted Rivett. "For a little while: yes. As a -matter of fact we're expecting a motor-boat from Weymouth to tow her -in." - -The two coastguards, finding that the _Olivette_ was in no immediate -danger, thereupon rowed off. As they went, the Patrol Leader -overheard one remark: "There ain't no flies on that Scout, Bill. -Well, jolly good luck to him, says I." - -Rusty repented his action. The whole-hearted opinion of the -bluejacket showed that he was a good sort. - -"Ahoy, there!" shouted the Patrol Leader. "Come back, please." - -The men backed their oars and came alongside once more. - -"Thought better on it?" asked the one addressed as Bill. - -"Yes, and no," replied Rusty; "Look here: you think we're after -salvage?" - -"Sure," said the man. - -"We're not," declared the Patrol Leader. "This boat belongs to the -Milford Sea Scouts. She was stolen; we found her, and we mean to hand -her back. Scouts do not receive rewards for doing good turns, -especially to one another. And I quite see you wanted to stand in." - -"That's so, sir," agreed Bill respectfully. - -"Then take charge of the bag. It's full of silver stuff, probably -stolen from somewhere. If there's a reward offered for its recovery, -the money's yours." - -With many expressions of thanks the two coastguards rowed of with the -booty, and before their boat reached the beach of Osmington Mills, a -motor-boat was observed leaving Weymouth and heading for the -_Olivette_. - -It was the rescue party, consisting of the Scoutmaster of the 5th -Weymouth Troop, the skipper and owner of the motor-boat, Dentibus -Dent, and two other members of the Troop, who had not taken part in -the day's operations. - -"Well done, Rivett," exclaimed the Scoutmaster. "We'll take the -_Olivette_ in tow. Signal to the rest of the Troop to make their way -back to the college. Can you two fellows manage the anchor by -yourselves?" - -An hour later the _Olivette_ was safely moored close to the bridge in -Weymouth Harbour. The Scoutmaster and the Patrol Leader proceeded at -once to the Post Office, where they dispatched a telegram to the -Milford Sea Scouts: "Yacht _Olivette_ here in charge of 5th Weymouth -Troop. Undamaged. Come for her at any time." - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -Repayment - - -This was the reassuring message that Mr. Armitage read. It had a -great effect upon the hitherto tired, jaded, and dispirited Sea -Scouts. Smiles came back to their bronzed features, and the -disappointing cruise in the _Mudlark_ in search of the _Olivette_ was -almost forgotten. - -"The police have been active too," said Mr. Armitage. "There's been a -burglary at Hordle, and a quantity of valuable silver plate stolen. -The theory is that the burglars found their way to Keyhaven and -embarked on the _Olivette_ with the swag. There's a reward of fifty -pounds for the recovery of the missing property." - -"I met a couple of fellows about midnight, sir," reported Stratton. -"They were carrying a heavy sack, and didn't answer when I said -'Good-night!' Of course, the idea never entered my head that they -were going to steal the _Olivette_." - -"And they went westward," added Hepburn. "All the time we thought -they were making for Cowes or Southampton." - -"Perhaps they started in that direction purposely to deceive anyone -on the look-out on shore," suggested Mr. Armitage. "If the morning -were at all misty here (it was at Southampton when I came through by -train) they might easily slip over to the Isle of Wight shore and -through the Needles Channel." - -"What puzzles me," remarked Roche, "is how they got so far with no -paraffin and only a gallon or so of petrol on board." - -"That is an interesting point," agreed the Scoutmaster. "No doubt -we'll find out more about it later on. Now the best thing you can do -is to turn in and make up arrears of sleep, because to-morrow we -journey to Weymouth to bring the truant home." - -At seven the following morning the Sea Scouts assembled for their -long march to the railway station. Each lad carried a couple of -blankets, toilet requisites, and a well-filled haversack. Somewhere -in the vicinity, but making his presence as inconspicuous as -possible, was Bruin. The dog, with that unerring instinct which -animals possess, knew that something was on the cards, and he didn't -mean to be out of it if he could help it. - -Peter had left him at home in spite of the pleading look in the -animal's eyes, but had not been gone five minutes before the dog -succeeded in making his way upstairs and jumping through an open -window on to the veranda. The ensuing eight-feet drop was nothing to -him. He alighted on the ground, and was off like a young tornado, in -spite of the admonition of Peter's mother to "come back like a good -doggie". - -Having decided that the _Olivette's_ crew were about to travel -somewhere by train, Bruin took time by the forelock and preceded the -Sea Scouts to the station. Then, crouching behind a pile of luggage, -he awaited developments. - -Upon arriving at the station Mr. Armitage took the tickets. When the -train steamed in there was a rush for seats, the Scoutmaster, Roche, -Flemming, and Woodleigh finding room in one compartment, and the rest -of the crew in another, which happened to be immediately in front of -the guard's van. - -Bruin waited. He saw the carriage door being shut, but beyond -stiffening himself he made no attempt to quit his place of -concealment. - -The guard blew a whistle and waved a green flag. - -That was what the knowing dog was waiting for. With a flying leap -Bruin jumped through the open window of the compartment where Peter -was, landing on the knees of the astonished Patrol Leader. - -"It's too late to chuck me out now," said Bruin, in doggie language. -"But, after all, you don't mind, do you?" - -Peter patted the dog's head with one hand, while with the other he -felt for his purse, making a mental calculation of the fare for a dog -from Milton (the nearest railway station to Milford) to Weymouth. - -When at length the Sea Scouts detrained at their destination, they -quickly realized that they were not strangers in a strange land, for -they were met by a number of Scouts, whose shoulder badges announced -them as belonging to the 5th Weymouth Troop. - -"Awfully good of you to take charge of the _Olivette_," said Mr. -Armitage to the Weymouth Scoutmaster. - -"Not at all," protested the other. "All in a day's work, so to speak. -No; the thieves are not yet in custody, but the police have several -very good clues. The rascals apparently couldn't manage the motor, -or, rather, they ran short of fuel; because they hailed a motor-boat -off Christchurch Head and borrowed a couple of tins of petrol. They -left the compass--your compass--as a security for payment. The crew -of the boat supplying the petrol read of the robbery and the -disappearance of the _Olivette_ when they returned to Poole, and they -immediately reported the matter of the meeting at sea to the police." - -"That solves the mystery of how they carried on so far," said Roche. -"I know they had only enough petrol for about an hour's run. But our -compass?" - -"You'll get that back all right," declared the Weymouth Scoutmaster. -"It will probably cost you the price of two tins of petrol, but it -will be worth it. They left you your magneto, remember." - -Scouts and Sea Scouts wended their way to the long narrow harbour. -There, moored alongside a steam yacht, lay the _Olivette_, looking, -outwardly at least, none the worse for her unauthorized jaunt. - -"I've left the dinghy at the steps of the bridge," said Patrol Leader -Rusty Rivett. "Sparrow Rogers is in charge of her. You are not -starting away at once, I hope." - -"'Fraid so," replied Patrol Leader Peter Stratton. "As soon as we -take in enough paraffin for the run home. You see, we've started our -hols, and we are planning a voyage across Channel. We may even get to -Paris." - -"How pricelessly topping!" ejaculated Rusty enviously. "It makes me -wish I were a Sea Scout, although we Scouts don't have half a bad -time. Sorry you can't stay, though we should have liked to show you -round. But you must come to Weymouth again, and then we can give you -a good time." - -Peter went up to Mr. Armitage and saluted. - -"Couldn't we invite the 5th Weymouth Troop for a trip, sir?" he -asked. "We could land them at Lulworth on the way home." - -"Certainly," was the reply. "That is, of course, if they don't mind -padding the hoof from Lulworth." - -The Scouts were quite enthusiastic over the proposal, while the -Scoutmaster seemed quite keen to prolong his acquaintance with Mr. -Armitage, for they had discovered that they had another thing in -common besides Scoutcraft--both had held commissions during the war, -one in the R.N.V.R., the other in the army. - -The Weymouth Scouts hurried off to provide themselves with food: -Roche and Flemming departed to interview a garage proprietor with a -view to obtaining petrol and paraffin, while the rest of the Sea -Scouts proceeded on board the _Olivette_ to see if anything besides -the compass were missing, and to clear up and snug down before their -guests came off. - -Just before twelve o'clock the _Olivette_ started with her double -complement on board. It was not an ideal time for a quick passage, as -the tide was setting to the west'ard. Fortunately the motor started -up easily, in spite of the fact that the two rascals who had stolen -the boat had been too lavish in the use of lubricating oil. - -"That's better than giving her too little," declared Roche the -optimist. "She's running like a clock." - -The day was clear and bright, with a calm sea and a hot sun shining -in an unclouded sky. What little wind there was blew off the land. -Provided the range of visibility held, the absence of a compass -mattered but little. - -The _Olivette_ kept close inshore, so that the guests could point out -the interesting features of the Dorset coast, which they knew -intimately; but presently some of the Weymouth lads looked rather -puzzled. - -They were too polite to express their perplexity at the manoeuvres of -Hepburn, who was at the helm of the _Olivette_. - -Alan, constantly referring to the chart, was feeling none too certain -of his position. He kept looking shorewards, trying to determine the -various prominent objects. - -Presently Phillips, who had been sitting on the coach-roof, descended -into the well, made his way past the motor, and climbed upon the -raised bench in the wheel-house. - -"I say," he remarked, "are you taking us straight to Keyhaven?" - -"Dash it all, no," replied Hepburn. "What put that idea into your -head? We are going to land you at Lulworth." - -"Really," rejoined John. "Do you know you are past Lulworth already?" - -On deck the two Scoutmasters were enjoying the joke, although it was -rather a set-back to Mr. Armitage, who had been dilating upon the -youthful helmsman's skill in coastal navigation. - -To them came Stratton. - -"One of the Weymouth fellows says we have overrun Lulworth, sir," he -reported. - -"'Fraid you have," agreed Mr. Armitage. "It's over there." - -He pointed over the port quarter to what appeared to be a small rift -in the cliffs. - -"That's Lulworth, Peter," he added. - -"Why, sir," exclaimed the astonished Patrol Leader, "it's so small we -couldn't possibly take the _Olivette_ in there." - -"You are not the first to make that remark," observed the Weymouth -Scoutmaster. "Many yachtsmen have mistaken Mupe Bay and Worbarrow Bay -for Lulworth Cove. The coastguard look-out hut on the western cliff -is the best mark to distinguish it." - -Meanwhile Alan had put the helm hard-a-starboard, "meeting" it when -the boat's head pointed towards the entrance. - -As the distance decreased, the real magnitude of the entrance became -apparent. In reality, instead of being only twenty yards in width, as -Peter had imagined, it was more than four times that distance. On -either hand the cliffs rose sheer, with a heavy ground-swell lashing -the base of the rocks. - -"Keep a bit more over to the eastern side," cautioned Mr. Armitage. -"Right--at that. There's plenty of water." - -"Hadn't we better clear away the anchor, sir?" asked Stratton. - -"Not yet," was the reply. "There'll be heaps of time when we're -inside the cove. Anchor work on the foredeck with this swell on is a -bit too risky, especially when it's not really necessary." - -The entrance was farther away than the crew imagined, and when at -length the _Olivette_ glided into the landlocked cove, they were too -busy getting ready to anchor fully to appreciate their surroundings. - -"Easy.... Stop.... Touch astern!" ordered Stratton. Then, "Let go!" - -The anchor plunged to the bottom of the cove, and when the disturbed -sand settled, the lads could distinctly see the "hook" embedded in -the ground two fathoms beneath the keel. - -"I say," remarked Flemming. "We're too close inshore, aren't we?" - -He pointed to a pebbly beach at the base of a frowning cliff. The -rounded stones appeared to be less than fifty yards away, but -presently a man walking along the shore banished the deception, for -the "pebbles" were really large boulders, and the size could not be -estimated with any degree of accuracy unless by comparison with the -height of a known object. - -"It's a place for surprises," observed the Weymouth Scoutmaster. "The -stupendous cliffs destroy one's sense of proportion. As a matter of -fact we are quite a hundred and fifty yards from the beach. Are you -coming ashore?" - -"We can spare two hours for exploration," replied Mr. Armitage. "By -that time we'll pick up a fair tide round St. Alban's Head. I'm -thinking of putting into Poole to-night in order to recover our -compass." - -Three times the dinghy ferried parties of Scouts to the beach, until -the _Olivette_, deserted, lay rolling heavily in the sheltered basin. - -"How would you like to tumble from the top of that cliff to the -bottom, Rayburn?" asked Patrol Leader Rusty Rivett, addressing the -Sea Scout Tenderfoot. - -"Wouldn't like it at all," replied Rayburn, throwing back his head -and looking upwards. "Why do you ask?" - -"'Cause it's been done," replied Rivett. "A girl fell over the cliff, -a height of between three hundred and four hundred feet, and landed -alive at that spot where you see a notice board. The notice tells you -all about it." - -"Stratton's brother jumped out of a balloon over a thousand feet up," -declared the Tenderfoot, not to be beaten in the anecdote line. "He -fell five hundred feet before the parachute opened, didn't he Peter?" - -The lads roamed over the downs surrounding the cove, and inspected -the remarkable Stair Hole, where the strata shows curious "faults", -the lines resembling a series of semicircles. They climbed to the -look-out hut, whence by the aid of the coastguard's telescope they -could see a wide expanse of cliff, terminating at the frowning -headland of St. Albans; while from the elevated post the cove looked -little bigger than a bath-tub, and the _Olivette_ like a toy boat -floating on it. - -"Time for us to part company," announced Mr. Armitage. "You've had -more than two hours." - -Reluctantly the Scouts and Sea Scouts bade each other farewell. The -former expressed themselves as being more than repaid for their good -turn by the trip in the _Olivette_. - -"And mind you come to Weymouth again when you have the chance," said -Phillips. "Right-o," replied Peter. "But I hope we don't have to come -for the same purpose. We had a rotten time until we knew the -_Olivette_ was safe." - -The Sea Scouts re-embarked in the dinghy. Bruin preferred to swim off -to the boat, but before he was hauled on board he felt very sorry for -himself. - -The _Olivette_ was still rolling heavily in the long gentle swell. It -was quite a different motion from that in a seaway--a long swing-like -movement that would quickly put the most experienced seafarer on his -mettle. - -Watching their opportunity as the _Olivette_ rolled towards them, the -Sea Scouts gained the deck. Roche made the painter fast, while Peter -and Eric Flemming lay at full length on the waterways in order to -haul Bruin on board. - -It was a ticklish task, for the dog realized the danger of being -crushed by the boat's bilge keel as she rolled. Twice the Patrol -Leader made a grab at the animal's collar as the gunwale dropped to -within a few inches of the water. - -At the third attempt his fingers closed round the scruff of Bruin's -neck. - -"Got him!" he shouted. "Bear a hand, Eric." - -Flemming leaned outboard to assist his chum. As he did so the -_Olivette_ began to roll in the opposite direction. Peter, still -hanging on to his pet with one hand, grasped Eric's wrist with the -other. Bruin's weight when clear of the water considerably exceeded -Stratton's expectations, with the result that the Patrol Leader lost -his balance and toppled overboard, bringing Flemming with him. - -A roar of laughter from the rest of the crew greeted the reappearance -of the two lads. Both were good swimmers, and as they came to the -surface well clear of the _Olivette's_ hull, they were in no danger. -Even Peter and Eric grinned when they shook the water from their hair -and eyes, while Bruin, delighted beyond measure at the idea that his -master and Flemming were sharing his bath, began tugging at -Stratton's sleeve. - -At length Roche jumped into the dinghy and hauled Peter over the -transom. Then the Patrol Leader hiked his pet over the stern and -assisted Flemming into the dinghy, while Roche scrambled into the -bows in a vain attempt to escape a shower-bath as the dog vigorously -shook himself. - -A few minutes later the _Olivette's_ motor was running. The anchor -was weighed and secured, then with three ringing cheers for the 5th -Weymouth Troop, who still lingered on the beach, the Sea Scouts -resumed their homeward voyage. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -Trapped by the Tide - - -It was one of those ideal days for cruising under power. The sea was -smooth, visibility good, with the sun shining brightly overhead. The -rugged coast, never more than a mile away on the port hand, presented -an ever changing panoramic view of the picturesque Dorset coast. - -With Woodleigh at the helm and Roche giving an occasional look at the -smoothly-running motor, the rest of the crew knew that they had -nothing to worry about. Slipping off their jerseys, they lay upon the -deck, basking in the glorious sunshine, too happy and contented even -to indulge in conversation beyond a few words of appreciative -admiration or the superb view. - -"Port helm a couple of points, Woodleigh," ordered the Patrol Leader, -after consulting the chart. "We'll have to give Kimmeridge Ledges a -wide berth." - -Mr. Armitage, hearing the caution, nodded his head approvingly. -Stratton had acted upon his own initiative in spite of being a -stranger to this part of the coast. The Scoutmaster had placed the -responsibility upon the lad's shoulders, and Peter had shown that the -trust had not been accepted lightly. - -"Isn't that where the _Treveal_ was wrecked two winters ago, sir?" -asked Flemming. - -"Yes," replied Mr. Armitage, pointing shorewards. "About there. Every -vestige of the vessel has disappeared by this time. It's a bad piece -of coast, with parallel reefs extending seawards. A vessel doesn't -stand a dog's chance if she gets held up on those ledges." - -"Why don't they have a lighthouse?" asked Hepburn. "One on St. -Alban's Head would warn seamen." - -"I don't know," replied Mr. Armitage. "If there had been one where -you suggest, Alan, it would have saved a good many precious lives. -You see, Anvil Point Lighthouse, which is hidden by St. Alban's Head, -is useless to a ship that is driven too close inshore. Now then, you -fellows, unless you want a ducking, you'd better come aft. We're -nearing the Race." - -Less than half a mile ahead the otherwise smooth sea was agitated -with a patch of white-crested breakers extending seawards for more -than a couple of miles. Even at that distance the waves looked -decidedly dangerous. - -"We've got to go through that, sir?" asked Warkworth. "Isn't there -any way to avoid it?" - -"By keeping a tremendous way out," replied the Scoutmaster. "It's -fairly rough, but I've known it decidedly worse. Woodleigh." - -"Sir?" - -"Steer straight for the headland now. There's plenty of water. We -shall probably miss a lot of the race by keeping close to the -cliff--twenty yards will be near enough." - -"What causes a race, sir?" asked the Tenderfoot. - -"The tide surging over a submerged ledge," replied Mr. Armitage. -"It's deep water on both sides of the headland and only a few fathoms -over the rocks extending seawards from it. Now, you fellows, all -hands into the well; we don't want anyone slung overboard into the -ditch." - -"The dinghy, sir?" inquired Flemming. - -"She won't hurt. Her painter's sound," replied the Scoutmaster. -"There's enough scope to prevent her overrunning us and smashing her -bows under our counter." - -In another minute the _Olivette_ was within the influence of the -race. At first she began to yaw in spite of the helmsman's efforts to -keep her on her course. It seemed as if a giant hand was gripping the -boat's keel and playfully shaking the hull. - -Then, almost without warning, a sea poured over the starboard -quarter. Much of the water was checked by the coaming, but a -considerable quantity found its way below, liberally besprinkling the -crew. Almost immediately after, another cataract poured in over the -port quarter. For a moment it felt as if the _Olivette_ were dropping -vertically, then another sea, slapping viciously against her -starboard bow, threw her head off a good four points. - -The helmsman ported helm to meet the deflection, but for some seconds -the vessel refused to answer. Almost the whole of the rudder was out -of water, while the propeller was racing madly in the air. - -The passage through the race was of short duration, but it was fairly -strenuous while it lasted. Then, as suddenly as she had entered the -turmoil, the _Olivette_ glided into practically calm water. - -"Ugh!" ejaculated Flemming, shaking the water from his clothes. "I -don't like races; give me a straightforward heavy sea any old day. I -expected the old boat to break her back." - -"It is a disconcerting motion, I admit," said Mr. Armitage. "The -waves are so hollow that the boat was not evenly supported. But it -would take more than that to break her back, Eric." - -Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point were quickly passed. The crew were -deeply interested in the famous Tilly Whim Caves, where for centuries -smugglers and wreckers were in almost indisputable possession. Then -the lads had a clear view of the granite "globe", although they were -a bit disappointed at its size. - -"It's not much bigger than a football," declared Woodleigh. - -"Isn't it?" remarked Mr. Armitage drily. "You wouldn't care to have -to kick it, Will. You've lost your sense of proportion. The magnitude -of the cliffs deceives you. See a buoy ahead?" - -"On our starboard bow, sir." - -"Then keep it well to port. That marks the tail of Peveril Ledge. -You'll see Swanage opening out in a minute or so." - -A few miles farther on and the granite cliffs gave place to frowning -walls of glistening white chalk, terminating in the well-known -pinnacle of Old Harry. - -"We're getting into familiar waters now," said the Scoutmaster. "We -were close--rather too close--to that point when we rescued the S.S. -_Pent-y-coote_." - -"But we never saw the land," added Flemming. - -"No; but we might have hit it," remarked Mr. Armitage gravely. -"Providence was kind to us that day. Hello, Peter what is interesting -you--the Parson's Barn?" - -The Patrol Leader was gazing landwards towards a large cave close to -Old Harry. - -"There are some people waving to us, sir," he replied. - -"Eh?" exclaimed Mr. Armitage sharply; then raising his binoculars he -brought them to bear upon the spot indicated by the Patrol Leader. -"Friends of yours, Peter?" inquired Flemming facetiously. The -Scoutmaster returned his binoculars to their case. - -"Stand in a bit," he ordered. "There's plenty of water. Slow her -down, Roche, and stand by. Unless I'm greatly mistaken, those people -are cut off by the tide." - -The _Olivette_ approached at half speed to within a cable's length of -the shore. Mr Armitage was correct in his surmise, for, standing on a -narrow strip of beach were two men and two girls. The men were -barefooted, as if they had vainly attempted to wade past the foot of -the cliffs. Already the tide was rising rapidly, and in less than an -hour their refuge would be invaded by the sea. - -"Away dinghy's crew!" exclaimed the Scoutmaster. "Be careful how you -land. There's a ground swell running." - -The _Olivette_ lost way. The dinghy was hauled alongside, and into -her jumped Stratton and Flemming, each manning an oar. - -Proceeding cautiously, they allowed the dinghy's forefoot to ground -lightly on the pebbly beach. Flemming, with an oar, kept the stern -end on to the waves, while the Patrol Leader held on to the bows. - -"Think we'll manage the lot, Peter?" asked Flemming in a low voice. -"Four of them?" - -"I think so," replied the Patrol Leader. - -"Now, please," he added, raising his voice. "As sharp as you can. -We're bumping a bit." - -It was a tricky operation, embarking the rescued persons, for none of -them seemed at home in a small boat. - -"Sit down, please," ordered Stratton firmly. "You'll be quite all -right if you keep still. Ready, Eric? Right-o, push off." - -By the united efforts of the two Sea Scouts the dinghy was backed -clear of the beach. Then, when clear of the swell, the boat was -turned until her bow pointed seaward. - -"Give way together!" exclaimed Peter. - -Awkwardly the four trippers climbed out of the dinghy upon the -_Olivette's_ deck, whence they were assisted into the well. - -"Rather an experience, isn't it?" remarked Mr. Armitage. -"Experience?" echoed one of the men bitterly. "It was a disgraceful -bit of work. A boatman told us we could walk right round the point. -We could--but we couldn't get back. He never said a word about the -tide rising." - -"And you never thought to ask," mused the Scoutmaster. "There's not -much harm done," he added aloud. "We'll land you in half an hour. Are -you staying at Swanage?" - -"No, at Bournemouth," replied one of the girls, who, now that the -danger was over, showed more spirit than either of her male -companions. - -"So much the better, then," observed Mr. Armitage. "We can land you -without going out of our course." - -"We are awfully grateful," said the girl. - -"And we are glad to be able to do you a good turn," rejoined Mr. -Armitage. "That's where Sea Scouts come in handy." - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -Why the Water Failed - - -"Are we staying here long, sir?" asked Hepburn. - -"That depends upon how soon we recover our compass," replied the -Scoutmaster. "Why did you ask?" - -"Because I'd like to take these films ashore and get them developed, -sir," explained Alan. - -Mr. Armitage looked rather surprised. - -"I thought you did your own developing and printing," he remarked. - -"Usually, sir," replied the lad, "but I've taken something that might -be a bit exciting, and I'm in a hurry to see the result." - -The _Olivette_ was lying off Poole, in an anchorage locally known as -"off Stakes". - -It was well above the approach-channel to the quays, and -consequently, out of the way of traffic, except for a few yachts and -fishing-boats and an occasional barge engaged in carrying clay. - -"Right-o," agreed Mr. Armitage. "I'm going ashore now to make -inquiries. Anyone else for the beach?" - -At length the dinghy pushed off, Hepburn and Warkworth rowing, and -the Scoutmaster in the stern-sheets. The rest of the crew elected to -remain on board, especially after seeing a man in a neighbouring -yacht hook a couple of flounders in quick succession. They, too, -meant to try their luck with hook and line. - -"How about bait?" inquired Flemming. "There's a youngster digging for -ragworms on the mud-flats. We'll hail him and get him to sell us -some." - -The boy quickly responded to the hail, and plodding along on -mud-pattens to the water's edge, jumped into a flat-bottomed punt and -rowed off to the _Olivette_. - -A bargain was soon struck, and for the sum of sixpence Flemming -obtained a rusty tin containing between thirty and forty slimy, -writhing worms. The hooks were baited and the lines paid out. -Patiently the "band of hope" waited, but save for the quivering of -the lines in the tideway, the ground tackle was quite idle. - -"Slow work this," observed Roche, giving envious glances at the -fellow on the neighbouring yacht, who was hauling in prizes with -unfailing regularity. "How is it that that merchant has all the fun, -and we don't get so much as a bite?" - -The sun set in a blood-red sky, betokening a continuance of fine -weather. As the orb of day disappeared behind the distant hills the -young flood set in. - -Then did the Sea Scouts' luck change. "Dabs", plaice, and flounders -were hauled on board in quick succession, until a pailful of fish -represented the combined efforts of four lads in under half an hour. - -Suddenly Flemming gave a shout of astonishment as his line was almost -jerked out of his hand. - -"I've hooked a whopper!" he exclaimed. "Doesn't the thing tug?" - -"Play with him, then," suggested Peter. "He'll break your line if you -don't." - -"He's almost broken my fingers," rejoined the excited sportsman. -"That's the whole of my line, too." - -"Haul in gently," cautioned the Patrol Leader. "For goodness sake -don't lose the fish." - -Inch by inch, foot by foot, the thin line came inboard, until a -furious swirl announced that the "catch" was not far from the -surface. - -The rest of the Sea Scouts left their lines and crowded round the -wildly excited Flemming. - -"It's a twenty-pounder, Eric," declared Woodleigh. "You're in luck." - -"Twenty-pounder!" ejaculated the wellnigh breathless Flemming -scornfully. "Feels like a ton.... Hello! What is it?" - -"An eel--conger, most likely," declared Stratton, as a hideous head -appeared. "Stand by with your knife, Woodleigh, and nick the brute -behind the neck when Flemming gets it on board." - -Resisting to the last, the salt-water reptile was hauled up the side -and thrown on deck. At the second attempt Woodleigh succeeded in -hacking the eel just behind its head. - -"That's settled it!" he declared. "What an ugly brute. Now, if old -Boldrigg were here, he'd have the eel skinned in a brace of shakes, -and would wrap the skin round his ankle." - -"What for?" asked Rayburn. - -"He says an eel's skin is a certain cure for his rheumatism," replied -Woodleigh. - -"Old sailor's superstition, more'n likely. When----" - -"Coil down and stand by, lads," ordered the Patrol Leader. "Here's -Mr. Armitage coming off in the dinghy." - -"Well, lads, I see you've had some luck," was the Scoutmaster's -greeting as he boarded the _Olivette_, nearly slipping on a flat-fish -as he did so. - -"Yes, sir," replied Peter; "more than a pailful of them. The one that -nearly threw you must have wriggled on to the deck." - -"What do you think of this eel, sir?" asked Flemming. - -"It's certainly of a decent size," said Mr. Armitage, turning the eel -over with his foot. "Ready for supper? I am." - -"Roche is cook, sir," announced the Patrol Leader. "He's in the -galley now cleaning fish, I think." - -"They're cleaned already and in the frying-pan," shouted the cook, -who had overheard the dialogue between Mr. Armitage and Stratton. -"Get the gear out on the table, Alan, and everything will be ready in -a quarter of an hour." - -By the time the anchor-lamp was lighted and hoisted, and everything -on deck made snug for the night, supper was announced. - -"How about the eel?" asked Flemming. "Where is it? Has anyone taken -it below?" - -No one had seen it during the last ten minutes. A search on the -foredeck produced no satisfactory result. - -"P'r'aps the thing wasn't dead after all," suggested Warkworth. - -"It was as dead as a door nail," declared Flemming, somewhat -disappointed at the loss of his trophy. "Did any careless blighter -kick it overboard, I wonder?" - -"I don't see that it matters very much," said Peter. "None of us like -stewed eels, but of course we might have given it away to someone." - -The Sea Scouts trooped below to the after cabin, where the supper -things were already laid. - -Roche thrust his head through the open doorway. - -"We're short of water," he declared. "It took quite a time to fill -the kettle." - -"What?" exclaimed Stratton. "Why, we only filled the tank the day -before we launched the boat. Are you sure it's empty?" - -"Look for yourself, my festive," suggested Flemming. - -Peter went for'ard. Under the wheel-house was a tap communicating -with the fresh-water tank under the foredeck. Upon turning the tap -the Patrol Leader had to come to the conclusion that the cook's -report was correct. There was only a slight trickle of water. - -"Evidently our friends the thieves were a bit heavy on the fresh -water," remarked Mr. Armitage. "Wonder what they used such a quantity -for? Fortunately there's enough to make the cocoa with. To-morrow -we'll run alongside the quay and fill up by means of a hose." - -The night passed without incident, although Bruin persisted in -barking at the few belated craft that were making for their moorings. -The Sea Scouts were getting used to this sort of thing, for whenever -the _Olivette_ was in a strange harbour, the dog seemed to have a -fixed idea that no other boat ought to be in the vicinity; and when, -as often happened, there was another dog to be seen, Bruin simply -bristled with indignation and barked the more. "Water rats," as the -longshore thieving fraternity are called, wouldn't have much chance -surreptitiously to acquire the _Olivette's_ gear when Bruin was on -board. - - -[Illustration: THE HIGH-PRESSURE JET CAUGHT THE TENDERFOOT FULL IN -THE FACE (missing from book)] - - -Next morning Hepburn, who was "cook of the day", could only obtain -enough fresh water for half a cup of tea per head, and then only by -waiting patiently at the full-open tap while the water trickled -slowly. - -So directly the dry meal was over the crew set to work to take the -_Olivette_ into the harbour. Here they found no vacant berth -alongside the quay, but under the harbourmaster's directions they -brought up against a three-masted schooner flying the Italian ensign. - -"The _Giuseppe Emilio_," said Roche, reading the name on her stern. -"She's a whacking big craft. Wonder what she's for?" - -"Loading clay," replied Mr. Armitage. "There's a great quantity of -clay shipped away from Poole. Stand by: here comes the hose." - -As a matter of fact there were two hoses coupled together, leading -from the hydrant on the quay across the _Giuseppe Emilio's_ deck to -the _Olivette_. - -"How many gallons do you want, sir?" shouted the harbourmaster's -assistant. - -"Two hundred, please," replied the Scoutmaster; "we're all ready." - -Roche had opened the deck-plate, and had inserted the nozzle of the -hose into the three-inch pipe leading to the tank. There was a -preliminary gurgle, and then like a young torrent the water poured -into the tank. - -"This is some stunt," declared Roche. "Better than pouring it in -bucket by bucket as we usually do." - -Before anyone could offer any remark, the tank overflowed. Roche, -attempting to point the hose overboard, slipped on the streaming -deck. Still grasping the nozzle, he sprawled at full length, while a -high-pressure jet caught the Tenderfoot full in the face, hurling him -backwards into Flemming's arms, and simply soaked every Scout in the -well. - -Before anyone could go to Roche's assistance, gallons of water had -flowed into the boat. The Italian seamen, who were leaning over the -bulwarks, screamed with amusement, until Woodleigh, grasping the -nozzle, directed the jet upwards into their faces. Then their -laughter gave place to furious gesticulations. - -"Turn off!" shouted Stratton to the invisible attendant at the -hydrant. - -There was no response. It was not until the Patrol Leader hoisted -himself on to the _Giuseppe Emilio's_ chain-plates and crossed her -deck and sprang ashore that the flow of water ceased. - -"You said two hundred gallons," said the man, pointing to the meter -attached to the hydrant, "and you've had less than eighty." - -"And at least half of that wasted," added Stratton. "Something's -wrong somewhere." - -There was. Subsequent examination of the tank, which was possible by -removing a watertight cover-plate, resulted in the discovery of -Flemming's eel with its head wedged firmly in the outlet pipe. -Although its head had been half severed, the eel had contrived to -insert his tail under the deck-plate, and had prised open the metal -cover sufficiently to enable it to wriggle down the feed-pipe into -the tank. Then in a futile attempt to escape, the eel had jammed its -head into the outlet, thus preventing the water to flow. - -"There's some satisfaction in finding out why the water failed," -remarked Mr. Armitage as he retired to his cabin to change his -saturated garments. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -The New Hand - - -"And how did your photographs turn out, Alan?" asked Mr. Armitage, -when he reappeared on deck, none the worse for his involuntary shower -bath. - -"I haven't any prints yet, sir," replied Hepburn. "The man at the -photographer's shop said he could only develop the films in the time. -Here they are, sir." - -The Scoutmaster took the proferred envelope, and from it extracted -six films. - -"Ah, that's good!" he exclaimed. "The 5th Weymouth Scouts on board -the _Olivette_. Bruin begging--that's capital. Lulworth Cove--rather -a large subject for so small a film, Alan. No. 4: Old Harry viewed -from seaward. You'll have a good light-and-shade effect there when -the film's printed. Hello! What in the name of creation is this--and -this?" - -Mr. Armitage held up the fifth and sixth films, first longway and -then upright. Alan watched the Scoutmaster's puzzled expression with -amusement, but offered no explanation of what the negatives were -supposed to be. - -"I can't make either of them out," he declared. "It might represent a -view of St. Alban's Race taken from the masthead, but I know that you -didn't go aloft, Alan. Perhaps some of the other fellows would like -to have a shot at solving the mystery." - -The two films were passed round, after the general caution being -given to avoid touching or scratching the gelatine face. - -"Looks like a complicated contour map," hazarded Flemming, "or fancy -furrows on a hill-side. Is it?" - -Alan smiled and shook his head. - -"Give it up, then," said Flemming resignedly. - -"Finger-prints," explained Hepburn. "Greasy finger-prints on the -induction pipe of the engine. I spotted them directly we came on -board, so I used the double extension of my camera and took a couple -of time exposures. The finger-prints are almost certainly those of -one of the thieves." - -"Unless some of the Weymouth fellows touched the pipe," objected -Roche. - -"I don't think so," replied Hepburn. "For one thing they were made by -rather a big man, for the actual marks were an inch and one-eighth -wide." - -"If your surmise is a correct one, Alan," said Mr. Armitage, "those -negatives ought to be most useful to the police." - -"That's what I thought, sir," replied the young amateur detective. - -"Then you had better come ashore with me and see the superintendent," -suggested the Scoutmaster. "It is the duty of every citizen to assist -the police; but I hope by so doing we don't have to put off our trip -across Channel." - -"Might we have to do that, sir?" asked Roche in awestruck tones. - -"More than likely," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "Especially if the thieves -are arrested. The police will certainly call us, or some of us, as -witnesses. Now, then I'm going ashore to interview the harbourmaster -and find out the owner of the motor-yacht who supplied the thieves -with petrol in exchange for our compass. One hand will have to remain -on board. The others can have leave till eleven o'clock." - -Mr. Armitage's task was accomplished quicker than he had anticipated. -Inquiries resulted in the information that the holder of the -_Olivette's_ compass was a well-known yachtsman, who, upon hearing -the circumstances under which he had befriended the two thieves, -handed back the gear without hesitation. At the police-station the -Scoutmaster had to sign a statement, and when he produced the -negatives of the finger-prints, the station-sergeant positively -beamed with satisfaction. - -"These ought to work the trick, sir," he remarked. "Scotland Yard -will no doubt be able to identify the criminals. It's my belief that -they are not fishermen but cracksmen well known to the Yard. You'll -hear from us before very long, sir, I don't doubt." - -Mr. Armitage made no audible comment. Personally he was not at all -anxious to have to spoil his lads' holiday by attending police courts -and the assizes. Mentally he decided to hurry up matters as far as -the Paris trip was concerned, since there were witnesses sufficient -to prove the culprits' guilt without the Sea Scouts being called upon -to give evidence. - -At noon the _Olivette_ cast off and proceeded on the last stage of -her homeward voyage. It was now blowing steadily from the -sou'-west'ard, and with a fair tide outside the harbour the run -seemed likely to be quickly performed. - -With the last of the ebb the _Olivette_ made short work of the -distance between Poole Quay and the Bar Buoy; then starboarding helm, -shaped a course to pass a mile to the south'ard of Christchurch -Ledge. - -Exactly two hours after leaving Poole, the staunch little craft -arrived at her moorings in Keyhaven Lake. - -"Now, lads," said Mr. Armitage, "the sooner we make a proper start -the better. It will take us the rest of to-day and the whole of -to-morrow to get ready for our cross-Channel trip. You know your -respective duties, so 'get on with it', as the Service saying goes. -By the by, Hepburn, you're steward. There's one thing I want to -remind you about. Don't take too many boxes of matches, or we may -have trouble with the _douaniers_ on the other side. Matches are -taxable articles in France." - -During the afternoon Mr. Armitage cycled over to Lymington to obtain -the necessary clearance papers from the Customs, and to collect a -bundle of charts and sailing directions for the French coast lent him -by a yachting acquaintance. - -In their Scoutmaster's absence the Sea Scouts toiled hard, for there -was a lot to be done before the interrupted refit of the _Olivette_ -was accomplished. Fresh water, fortunately, they had in plenty, but -the paraffin- and oil-tanks required replenishing, and there was a -considerable amount of spare gear to be brought down from the store. - -That night Stratton, Roche, and Bruin were to sleep on board. In view -of previous events the Patrol Leader decided to take no risks of -another postponement. - -After supper Peter and Roche took Bruin ashore for a run, and on the -quay they encountered old Boldrigg. - -"We're off to France the day after tomorrow, Mr. Boldrigg," announced -Stratton, after he had related the circumstances under which the -_Olivette_ had been taken to Weymouth and back again. "We're hoping -to go right up to Paris, and perhaps we may get a chance of seeing -some of the battlefields." - -"Don't I wish I were a-comin' with ye, Master Peter," said the old -man wistfully. "My boy, Jim--him as was a corporal--lies out yonder. -I'd like to see his grave, but travellin' costs a sight o' money, an' -I'm no hand at speaking the Frenchies' lingo. I'd be all adrift if I -found myself over t'other side, I'm thinkin'." - -"Haven't you been to France, Mr. Boldrigg?" asked Roche. - -"Ay, sure," was the reply. "When I was in the old _Aldebran_ on the -Mediterranean Station back in the 'nineties I was ashore at Toulon. -Things were a bit different to what they are now. We'd just had a bit -of a tiff with Johnny Crapaud, an' he was still feeling a bit sore -over it. We of the lower deck kept ourselves to ourselves, in a -manner o' speaking, and didn't have no truck with the French -bluejackets. That was long afore the 'Intent Cordyal', or whatever -they calls it, came along. Are you taking Bruin with you?" - -Peter shook his head. - -"We can't, unfortunately. We'll miss him, but it cannot be helped. -Well, we must be getting on board, Mr. Boldrigg, so we'll wish you -'Good night'." - -Early next morning the task of provisioning and preparing the -_Olivette_ for her voyage was resumed, and so quickly did the work -progress that by noon everything was in readiness. - -Suddenly Mr. Armitage, who had been consulting charts, navigation -books, and tide tables, made an unexpected declaration. - -"The wind's light and the glass steady," he observed. "I think it's a -pity not to take advantage of the favourable weather conditions; so -it would be advisable to make a start this evening. To my mind it is -better to arrive off a strange coast soon after daybreak than just -before sunset. It gives one a better chance of getting into harbour, -especially as the mornings at this time of the year are generally -calm. The wind, if you notice, usually pipes up about noon." - -This announcement was greeted with cheers. - -"And so," continued the Scoutmaster, "you had all better cut off to -your respective homes and tell your parents of the alteration of -plans. Don't forget to leave Bruin behind, Peter." - -"Ay, ay, sir," replied the Patrol Leader. Then, after a pause, he -added, "There's one other matter I'd like to mention, sir, and we all -hope you'll have no objection. I've been talking about it to the -other fellows, and they are all keen about it." - -"Fire away, then," said Mr. Armitage encouragingly. - -"It's about old Boldrigg, sir," explained Stratton. "You know he's -got a son buried out in France. He'd be awfully grateful if we'd give -him a passage across and back." - -"That will be a very practical good turn," agreed Mr. Armitage. -"Right-o; call at his cottage on your way up, and tell him to be -ready and on the quay at 4 p.m. He'll have to bring his own bedding -and messtraps, but we've plenty of grub, tell him." - -Joyfully the Sea Scouts rowed ashore, with Bruin between the -Scoutmaster and the Patrol Leader in the stern-sheets. - -Bruin was the only member of the party who displayed no enthusiasm. -He seemed to know that, as far as he was concerned, there was -"nothin' doin'"; but a close observer would have noticed a wrinkling -of the hairy brows, and a pensive look in the animal's eyes, as he -pondered the possibility of getting himself included in the ship's -complement for the forthcoming trip. - -Having told Mr. Boldrigg the joyful news that he could accompany the -Sea Scouts across Channel, the lads dispersed to their several homes. - -Profiting by previous experience, Peter did not lock his pet in his -bedroom. Bruin was placed in a large shed that served as a workshop -at the end of the garden, Mr. Stratton promising not to let the -animal out until an hour after the _Olivette_ had slipped her -moorings. - -"That's right, old boy," said Peter, patting his pet's head. "Stop -there a bit, and be a good little dog." - -Bruin looked up at his master's face and gave a piteous howl. - -"Yes, I know," continued Peter. "It's rough luck, old boy, very. You -know I'd like to take you, but it's impossible." - -Well to time, the crew of the _Olivette_ assembled on the shore. With -them was old Tom Boldrigg, clad in canvas trousers and jumper, and a -blue pilot-coat over his arm. - -His luggage consisted of a rolled hammock and blankets, a canvas bag -containing his shore-going kit, and a bundle done up in a blue -handkerchief. - -"You managed to get here, then, Boldrigg," was Mr. Armitage's -greeting. - -"Ay, ay, sir," was the cheery reply. "I fetched up along all right -with my kit. It's mighty good of you, sir, to put up with the likes -o' me." - -"Not at all," protested the Scoutmaster. "You've the lads to thank. -And we'll make good use of you, never fear." - -"Glad of that, sir," rejoined the old sailor. "It shows you don't -think I'm a worn-out old shell-back, like some of 'em does -hereabouts." - -The dinghy had to make two trips before the crew of the _Olivette_ -and their belongings were placed on board. Then, while Roche and -Flemming were "starting up" the motor, the others hoisted out the -dinghy, and lashed her, keel uppermost, on the raised coach-roof over -the engine. - -"Now," announced Mr. Armitage, "we'll work in watches in the -cross-Channel run. Peter, pick three of the hands and carry on till -ten o'clock. I'll give you the course, but you must act entirely on -your own account. I'll relieve you at ten, and carry on till -daybreak." - -"Very good, sir," replied Peter. - -"Take her out by the Needles Channel," continued the Scoutmaster, -"and shape a course to pass about a couple of miles south of St. -Catherine's. You'll take your departure from that point, steering a -compass course of S. 26° W. That's making allowance for deviation. -Have you got that?" - -"Yes, sir, S. 26° W. from St Catherine's," repeated the Patrol -Leader. - -"Good; now carry on, please. I'm off duty until ten o'clock." - -Feeling vastly proud in the realization of his responsibility, -Stratton proceeded to carry out instructions. He chose Roche, -Woodleigh, and Rayburn to be in his watch, the Tenderfoot being -included so that he would escape the night-watch from 10 p.m. till -dawn. - -"All ready, Roche?" inquired Peter, giving the wheel a preliminary -turn. "Let go, for'ard." - -Phil Rayburn, in spite of being termed a Tenderfoot, was no -greenhorn. He knew his part of the task of casting loose the -moorings. - -"All gone, sir," he shouted, as the buoy splashed into the water. - -"Touch astern!" - -The _Olivette_ glided more than her own length astern, until from the -wheelhouse Peter could see the buoy bobbing in the water. - -"Easy ahead!" - -The boat quickly responded to the action of the propeller. A turn of -the wheel gave her sufficient helm to avoid the buoy. Stratton was -too good a helmsman to delay the start by getting his propeller mixed -up with the mooring rope and chain. - -"Full ahead!" shouted the Patrol Leader, in order to make himself -heard above the noise of the engine. Then, with a grunt of -satisfaction, Peter realized that the big adventure had actually -started. - -The _Olivette_ was on her way across to La Belle France. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -The Stowaway - - -Although all on board were by this time well acquainted with the Isle -of Wight coast, none of the "watch below" had any inclination to -"turn in". The fact that they were actually on a voyage of a -different nature from any they had previously undertaken was -sufficient to keep all hands on deck. - -Mr. Armitage offered no protest. He knew from experience that it was -next to impossible to get the thoroughly excited youngsters to rest -and sleep. With old Boldrigg it was another matter. He had -volunteered to share Mr. Armitage's "trick", and he was too much of -an old salt to stay on deck when there was an opportunity of a -"caulk" below. - -Before the _Olivette_ was abreast of Hurst High Light, Tom Boldrigg -had descended to the fo'c'sle, where he immediately "got busy" by -slinging his hammock. Just as he was about to turn in, a faint -scuffling attracted his attention. - -"Rats aboard this hooker," he soliloquized. "I'd best trice up my -boots and gear clear of the deck or the blighters'll be nibbling 'em -come morning." - -With this resolve, Tom Boldrigg began to collect his "duds", when he -heard a decided sneeze. - -"Stowaway, eh?" he exclaimed. "Now, then, my hearty, whoever you be, -out you come!" - -Boldrigg waited for about half a minute, then, having decided that -the stowaway was hiding in the tapering part of the fo'c'sle abaft -the chain-locker, began to investigate in that direction. - -Expecting to find a human being, he was considerably surprised when a -moist tongue licked his hand. - -"Why, it's a dog!" he exclaimed. "It's Bruin." - -Realizing that the need for his concealment was over, Bruin emerged -from his retreat, wagging his stumpy tail, but, contrary to custom, -the animal made no attempt to bark. - -"'Ere's a proper lash-up," soliloquized the old man. "That dog can't -come along with us. That's a dead cert. But what's to be done with -him? I'd best inform Master Stratton." - -Peter's amazement at the news was too great for words. He could give -no satisfactory explanation as to how his pet had escaped from the -shed, evaded the crew, and succeeded in getting on board the -_Olivette_ unperceived. Obviously Bruin could not have leapt from the -water on to the boat's deck. - -"He must have pulled himself up by the cable," suggested Roche. -"Plucky little beggar. Let's take him along. No one will be any the -wiser. We can smuggle him ashore." - -It was a tempting suggestion. As Roche had said, it would be a -comparatively easy matter to land Bruin in the almost unfrequented -Keyhaven on their return, but---- - -"Can't be done," decided Peter. "For one thing, it's against the -regulations; for another, it wouldn't be fair to other dog-owners. -Suppose Bruin did get in contact with a French dog infected with -rabies? We'll have to put back and land him." - -"It's bad luck to put back, sir," declared Tom Boldrigg. "Ask any -sailorman and he'll tell you. Times I've been on board a ship that's -put back for something or other, and, sure as fate, there's been a -run of bad luck." - -It was certainly a bit of a dilemma. The Sea Scouts were reluctant to -turn back now that they had started fairly upon the voyage; but, on -the other hand, they knew that it was impossible to proceed with -Bruin on board. - -"I'll report to Mr. Armitage," declared the Patrol Leader. - -But Bruin had already done so. Scratching with his fore paws, he -succeeded in pushing open the door of the after cabin, where Mr. -Armitage had retired to consult his charts and nautical books. - -"What does this mean, Peter?" in a tone of marked disapproval. -"Smuggling your dog on board at this time is a very serious matter." - -"But I didn't smuggle him, sir," protested Stratton. "He found his -way on board. None of us knew until Mr. Boldrigg found him in the -forepeak." - -"You locked him up at home?" - -"Yes, sir. I cannot understand how he got loose. I suppose we must -turn back." - -Mr. Armitage climbed the iron ladder out of the cockpit and glanced -shorewards. Hurst Castle and the Hampshire shore were now a couple of -miles astern. Broad on the port beam lay Totland Bay and the cliffs -of the western end of the Isle of Wight. Ahead, and slightly on the -port bow, were the Needles. - -"No," he replied after a brief survey. "Unless I'm much mistaken we -won't have to retrace our course. Do you see that craft coming out of -Alum Bay, Peter? I rather fancy she belongs to the Totland Sea -Scouts." - -The Patrol Leader focused his binoculars upon the little craft--an -ex-service whaler with a dipping foresail and gaff mainsail. "Yes, -sir," he agreed. "There's Mr. Mostyn, their Scoutmaster, in the -stern-sheets." - -"That's good enough, then," continued Mr. Armitage. "Run alongside -and get them to take Bruin ashore. If they've no particular object in -view, they will, I feel sure, land him on Milford beach for us." - -The _Olivette's_ course was altered in order to intercept the whaler. -When within a couple of hundred yards of the Totland Sea Scouts, -Hepburn, holding a pair of hand-flags, stood erect upon the -coach-roof. - -It was not long before the Totland lads acknowledged the preparatory -sign, and Alan proceeded to spell out a message, asking them if they -would do a real good turn. - -The whaler's canvas was lowered and the boat lost way, waiting for -the _Olivette_ to range up alongside. - -Briefly Mr. Armitage explained the nature of his request. - -"Certainly," replied Mr. Mostyn. "We're just out for a practice spin, -and we may as well run across to Milford as anywhere. Your dog will -find his way home from there, I hope? So you're off across Channel? -My word, Armitage, your lads are lucky fellows." - -Bruin was obviously most reluctant to part company with the -_Olivette_. Peter had to speak sternly to his pet, and even then the -animal refused to enter the whaler. - -There was no help for it. Knowing that Bruin would attempt to jump -overboard from the whaler and swim after the _Olivette_, Stratton and -Flemming lashed the dog's paws together and tied a bandage over his -eyes. Then, in this helpless condition Bruin was passed over the side -and placed in the stern-sheets of the Totland Sea Scouts' boat. - -"Good-bye and good luck!" shouted Scoutmaster Mostyn, as the two -craft drew off from one another. "We'll take care of your mascot, and -see him safely ashore at Milford." - -Amidst an exchange of farewells the whaler rehoisted her canvas, and, -close hauled on the port tack, headed for the Hampshire shore, while -the _Olivette_, increasing speed to eight knots, resumed her -interrupted voyage. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -Broken Down in Mid-Channel - - -Peter Stratton carried out his instructions to the letter. Upon -rounding the Needles he steered in the direction of St. Catherine's, -keeping a mile and a half from shore, in order to give a wide berth -to the dangerous Atherfield Ledges, ridges of sharp rock that have -sealed the fate of many a gallant ship and her crew. It was slow work -plugging against a strong west-going tide, but, as Mr. Armitage had -remarked, it was better to have a foul tide to begin with and a fair -one when the _Olivette_ approached the French coast, than the -reverse. - -At seven o'clock the _Olivette_ was in a position to "make her -departure", and accordingly she was set on the given course for her -eighty odd miles' run across the Channel. - -"We're a long time losing sight of land," observed Woodleigh, when an -hour later the chalk cliffs of St. Catherine's were still visible in -the slanting rays of the sun. - -"It's the height that tells," rejoined Peter. "We're a good ten miles -off. We're running at eight knots only." - -"Why only eight?" asked Rayburn. - -"Because, if we cracked on at full speed we'd stand to pile ourselves -upon the rocks on t' other side in the darkness," replied the Patrol -Leader. - -Stratton was kept fairly busy. The _Olivette_ was now in the steamer -track, where vessels proceeding up and down Channel make it a -practice of keeping within certain limits of St. Catherine's. There -were ships of all sizes and descriptions. A P. & O. liner, homeward -bound, was passing a Bullard mail-boat on the way to the Cape and -East Africa. Ambling along at a very modest speed were colliers, -"tankers", and tramps, while a full-rigged Dutchman, carrying every -stitch of canvas, formed a striking contrast to the mechanically -propelled craft. - -A little later a couple of destroyers, in line ahead, came pelting -down Channel. Although they passed not less than a quarter of a mile -from the _Olivette_, their "wash" broke furiously over the boat's -bows, sending spray high above the wheelhouse. - -Then, as the _Olivette_ drew away from the "lane", the stream of -shipping ceased, and as sunset approached she was alone on a waste of -placid water. - -At ten the relief watch was called. Mr. Armitage came on deck wearing -his pilot coat. He made no attempt to check the course or to offer -any suggestions. He was placing his crew entirely on their mettle, -but from what he saw he had no cause to criticize. - -Stratton, having "handed over" to Warkworth, went below, where -Hepburn had a hot supper ready for those of the crew who had come off -duty. - -"Where's Roche?" he inquired, seeing that the rest of the -watch--Woodleigh and Rayburn--were already "tucking in" with avidity. - -"Yarning with Flemming about something," replied Woodleigh. "I fancy -there's trouble in the engine-room." - -Presently Roche appeared. - -"Lend me your torch, Peter, old son," he said. - -"Aren't you grubbing?" asked the Patrol Leader. - -Roche shook his head. - -"I'm seeing this thing through first," he replied. "She's not been -running well this last hour or two. Too rich a mixture, I think. -Flemming and I are going to take the jet out, but before we start I -want to see how much oil there is in the main tank." - -Peter handed Roche his torch. - -"We'll keep your grub hot," he added as the engineer hurried out of -the cabin. - -In less than a minute Roche returned. - -"We're in a bad way," he announced. "She's been mopping up the juice -like anything. The paraffin tank's nearly empty." - -"Why, how's that?" asked Stratton. - -"Punctured float, I'm afraid," replied Roche. "We'll have to stop the -motor for half an hour or so." - -"Right-o," assented the Patrol Leader, pushing away his cup, saucer, -and plate. "I'll come and bear a hand. Have you reported to Mr. -Armitage?" - -The Scoutmaster received the news without expressing any suggestion. - -"Carry on," he remarked. - -The Sea Scouts accordingly "carried on". They had but one red lamp on -board in addition to the port light. Two red masthead lights were -required to indicate that the _Olivette_ was not under command. It -was the Tenderfoot who solved the problem by suggesting that the -white masthead light should be covered with the fold of the Red -Ensign. - -The "not under command" lights were hoisted, and the port and -starboard ones extinguished. The ignition to the motor was switched -off, and Stratton, Roche, and Flemming proceeded to take down the -carburetter, while Woodleigh held the electric torch to enable them -to see what they were doing. - -They worked methodically, placing a piece of canvas under the -carburetter to catch any nut that might be accidentally dropped, -while all the loose parts were carefully placed in a small tin box. - -The float was deftly removed. - -"It feels suspiciously heavy," declared Flemming. "Yes, it's chock -full of paraffin or petrol." - -"Take it into the after-cabin," said Peter. "We'll solder it there. -It will be a jolly sight safer away from the engine-room. Get the -Tinol box out, Dick." - -The first part of the operation was the boiling of the float. The hot -water would not only cause the confined air to escape and indicate -the position of the leak, it would also expel the petrol. - -The task was proceeding most satisfactorily when the _Olivette_ -suddenly began to roll in the swell of a distant steamer. Before the -Sea Scouts could prevent it, the stove capsized, throwing the -saucepan and its contents upon the floor. Instantly the -petrol--fortunately only a few teaspoonfuls--burst into flames. - -Flemming made a dash for the Pyrene extinguisher, but before he -returned, Roche and the Patrol Leader had quenched the flames by -smothering them with a blanket. But the worst was to come, for, when -Peter picked up the still hot brass cylinder, the solder had melted -and the float was irreparably damaged. - -Without the float the motor couldn't function. There the Scouts were, -almost in mid-Channel, in a boat that was now at the mercy of wind -and tide. - -"There's one blessing," remarked Roche. "We've got the fire out." - -"At the expense of a jolly good blanket," added Flemming. - -"Better a burnt blanket than a burnt boat," rejoined Roche. "What's -to be done now?" - -"Never say die," quoted Stratton. "Find a chunk of cork, someone. -There's plenty on board. We'll make a cork float." - -"No good without shellac," objected Roche. "It will go to pieces in -the petrol." - -"Let it, then," said Peter with a laugh. "The pieces can't come out -of the old metal float. I'll pack it full of cork and tap over the -ends. We'll have the old hooker making way in another twenty -minutes." - -The suggestion was quickly acted upon. By the aid of a light hammer -Stratton succeeded in refixing the unsoldered end of the float, -having previously filled it with cork. Although not so buoyant as an -air-filled float, the substitute served its purpose, the only -drawback being a rather heavy consumption of fuel; but directly the -carburetter was replaced, the motor restarted without hesitation. - -"Phew!" ejaculated Stratton, wiping his heated brow. "Do you know -what the time is? A quarter past twelve. I'm turning in." - -Before so doing, the Patrol Leader went on deck to have a look round. -The night was dark, the sea calm. Almost dead ahead a white glare -appeared above the horizon every five seconds. It was from the -lighthouse of Cape de la Hogue. - -Right astern a powerful beam seemed to travel across the sky, with -the same speed and regularity as the light ahead. It was St. -Catherine's, making a gesture of farewell from the shores of England, -now nearly forty miles astern. - -Aloft, the _Olivette's_ two red lights had been replaced by her -ordinary white masthead light; her port and starboard lamps were once -more burning brightly. Inside the wheel-house, the faint glare from -the binnacle shone upon Warkworth's solemn features as the lad kept -the boat on her course. - -Right in the eyes of the ship stood the motionless figure of Tom -Boldrigg. No doubt his thoughts were going back to those far-off -times when he performed a similar duty as look-out man upon one of -His Majesty's ships, or perhaps he was thinking of the still-distant -land where his soldier son slept his long rest. - -Right aft, with his feet placed firmly apart and his hands clasped -behind his back, stood the Scoutmaster. No doubt he, too, was -thinking of how he stood thus under the shadow of the White Ensign, -and was recalling vivid yet pleasant pictures of those strenuous days -of the Great War. - -Seeing Stratton appear on deck, Mr. Armitage walked towards him. - -"All correct, sir," reported the Patrol Leader. - -"That's good," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "When the motor gave out, I -guessed you fellows would be equal to the task of getting it going -again. And I was not mistaken." - - - - -CHAPTER X - -Alan Speaks French - - -Sunrise--a grey sky and a high dawn; long drab-coloured rollers -driven on by the steady westerly wind; away to the south'ard a line -of dark-grey cliffs, hardly distinguishable from the sombre hues of -sea and sky. This was the first impression of the French coast upon -the minds of the Sea Scouts of the _Olivette_. - -Here and there the coastwise lights were vainly endeavouring to hold -their own against the steadily increasing dawn. The powerful beams -from the lighthouses of Cape de la Hogue and Cape Levi had already -been extinguished, but from the Digue and the high ground above the -town of Cherbourg there were still faint pinpricks of luminosity. - -Away to the east'ard a couple of tramps were ploughing against the -strong ebb, making apparently for Havre. Between the _Olivette_ and -the shore were about twenty fishing-boats, their dark-tanned sails -close-hauled to the breeze as they raced homewards with the fruits of -their night's toil. - -"We haven't made a bad passage, sir," remarked Stratton as he came on -deck. - -"We're not there yet, Peter," replied Mr. Armitage. "We've hit a -pretty hot ebb tide, and it's sweeping us to the west'ard. I'm afraid -we won't do much till the young flood sets in." - -"How fast is the tide running, sir?" asked the Patrol Leader. - -"A good six knots, I imagine," was the reply. "Six knots broad on our -port beam, and we're doing about eight. We'll be in luck if we're -inside the breakwater by six o'clock. It's now eight minutes to -four." - -"Hello, Mr. Boldrigg!" exclaimed Peter, as the old seaman stumped -aft, swinging his arms. "You've had a long trick." - -"Yes," agreed Tom. "A middlin' long trick; but it's only making up -for lost time, so to speak." - -"There's hot cocoa below," announced the Patrol Leader. - -"He insisted upon being look-out man," remarked Mr. Armitage after -Boldrigg had disappeared below. "I offered to send for'ard a relief, -but he wouldn't let me. He's been up in the bows ever since ten -o'clock. He's certainly earned his passage. Sleep well, Peter?" - -"Toppingly, sir," replied the lad. It was his first night on board -while the boat was under way, and in spite of the motion and the -rumble and vibration of the propeller, he had slumbered soundly and -well. - -"Good!" rejoined the Scoutmaster. "Then I think I'll turn in for an -hour or so. You'll find a chart of Cherbourg in the wheel-house. -Provided you make due allowance for the set of the tide, there is -nothing of a difficult nature to contend against. You can just -distinguish the central breakwater--the Digue. The eastern entrance -is the one for us." - -Mr. Armitage went below, while Stratton entered the wheel-house and -"took over" from Flemming. - -The next hour passed slowly. Although the young helmsman kept the -_Olivette_ well against the tide, her progress seemed painfully slow. -It was not until the tide slackened and changed that the boat made -any appreciable headway. - -"Call Mr. Armitage," said Stratton as the _Olivette_ rounded the Fort -de l'Est--the easternmost point of the Digue--and the whole of the -vast enclosed Cherbourg Harbour came into view. - -The Scoutmaster was quickly on deck. "We're in, then?" he remarked. -"Fine breakwater that. Have you any idea of what it cost?" - -"No, sir," replied Peter. - -"Roughly, £220 a linear foot," declared Mr. Armitage. "It took more -than seventy years to build, and is 4060 yards in length, or two and -a half times the length of Plymouth Breakwater. Now, Roche, slow down -to five knots, and stand by the reversing-lever." - -"Do we anchor, sir?" asked Peter. - -"No," was the reply. "We'll go into the Avant Port and afterwards -into the Bassin à Flot--that's a sort of dock with gates to prevent -the water running out. Get the hands ready with the warps and -fenders." - -Very gently the _Olivette_ brought up alongside the weed-covered -walls of the quay. As the tide had only just begun to rise, the -masonry towered nearly thirty feet above her deck. Willing hands -ashore helped to secure the little English craft, from the stern of -which the Red Ensign drooped in the calm, sheltered basin. - -Although it was yet early, the Sea Scouts had to receive a visitor. A -short thick-set bearded Frenchman, with a sheaf of papers under his -arm, ponderously descended the vertical ladder and scrambled upon the -_Olivette's_ deck. - -"Your papairs, ef you please," he demanded. "From England, eh? you is -capitaine, monsieur? Have you anyt'ing to declare?" - -"_Quelques boîtes d'allumettes, un peu de sel, pas de vin, pas de -whisky, pas de tabac,_" replied Mr. Armitage. - -The _douanier's_ face had grown graver and graver as the recital -proceeded. This craft was different from those with which he usually -had to deal. English yachts generally had spirits and beer on board, -and as a result he had obtained a glass of whisky and a generous -_pourboire_. This time he had struck a "dry" ship. - -"I must ze search make," he declared. - -"Certainly, Monsieur Jules," rejoined the Scoutmaster in French. "It -will not be the first time you have explored my lockers." - -The custom house official started and looked intently into Mr. -Armitage's face. Then with an exclamation of surprise he flung his -arms round the Scoutmaster's neck, and to the amusement of the crew, -kissed him on both cheeks. - -"_Ma foi,_" he exclaimed, "_c' est le capitaine de vaisseau_ -Armitage. I am charmed to see you again, monsieur, but I failed to -recognize you. No, the search is unnecessaire. I vill sign your -papairs _tout de suite_." - -He went with the Scoutmaster into the after cabin. - -"Queer bird that," remarked Hepburn. "Fancy one man kissing another." - -"Custom of the country, I suppose," rejoined Roche. "Wonder how he -knew Mr. Armitage?" - -The question was answered after the douanier had taken his departure. - -"I met Jules when I was in R.N.V.R.," explained Mr. Armitage. "Our -M.L.'s frequently put into Cherbourg, and as we generally had plenty -of provisions on board and people ashore here were on very short -allowances, we were made most welcome. Now, lads, we have to wait -until nine o'clock before the dock gates open, so suppose we pipe all -hands to breakfast." - -"Fine idea, sir," replied Hepburn, who was always a good trencherman. - -"It is," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "So you can nip ashore, Alan, and get -some bread. The bakers open early here. Take this money. I took the -precaution of getting Jules to change some for me." - -He handed Hepburn a roll of papers, which at first sight looked like -a bundle of Treasury notes. Actually these were franc notes, each of -the value of about fivepence or sixpence. - -Thrusting the money into his pocket, Alan swarmed up the ladder -against the quay. At the top he paused and looked down upon his -chums. - -"I'm the first of you fellows to set foot on French soil at all -events," he remarked proudly. - -Then making his way between a crowd of interested waterside loafers, -Hepburn set off on his quest. - -It did not take him long to find a baker's shop. - -He kept his eyes open for the word "_boulangerie_", and his sense of -smell on the alert for the appetizing odour of new bread. - -Alan was rather proud of his French. He had gained two prizes at -school for his knowledge of that language, but when he found himself -confronted by a portly pleasant-faced woman he was literally -tongue-tied. - -"Let me see," he soliloquized desperately; "what was that wheeze old -Patinot taught us: If you eat new bread you'll have an 'ache'. Yes, -that's it; ache is the French for bread--_Deux aches, s'il vous -plaît, madame._" - -Madame looked decidedly puzzled and shook her head. - -"Oh, dash it all!" ejaculated the Sea Scout. "It wasn't ache; it was -pain--same thing, only different: _Deux pains, s'il vous plaît._" - -This time Madame was pleased to understand, and Alan was the -recipient of a couple of loaves of about four inches in diameter and -nearly a yard in length. - -Triumphantly Hepburn carried his purchases back to the quay, and -threw them into the outstretched arms of Warkworth. - -"Since you've made such a success of your expedition, Alan," said Mr. -Armitage, "I wish you'd take these letters to the postoffice. -Remember to put a five centimes stamp on each. By the time you return -breakfast will be ready." - -Alan took the envelopes, reascended the ladder, and crossed the -pavé-covered quay. After wandering for some distance without finding -the post-office, it occurred to him to inquire the way. - -A magnificently uniformed gendarme was walking down the street. Alan -went up to him and saluted Scout fashion, and the gendarme replied -with an elaborate military salute. - -"_Au poste, monsieur!_" exclaimed Hepburn, sure of his ground this -time. - -"_Mais oui certainement,_" was the reply. "_Par ici, monsieur._" - -The gendarme escorted Alan, and a steadily increasing crowd of idlers -and children followed the pair. Hepburn felt rather elated. It was -his Sea Scout's rig, he decided, that was such an attraction. - -Throwing his shoulders back and holding his head high, he walked -proudly by the side of his uniformed guide. - -But he felt far from elated when the gendarme led him through a -doorway into a low-ceilinged room where half a dozen armed men were -standing. The door closed behind him, a gendarme planted his back -against it, and half a dozen pairs of eyes were fixed upon the now -astonished lad. - -One thing was certain. Instead of being taken to the post-office, he -had been shown into the police-station. It was an easy matter to -enter, but would it be so easy to get out? - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -"Wounded" - - -"Alan's not hurrying himself," remarked Roche, when the appetizing -breakfast was half consumed. - -"He certainly ought to have been back by this time," agreed Mr. -Armitage. "Perhaps he is entering into conversation with some French -Scouts." - -"That reminds me," said Flemming, who also prided himself upon a -knowledge of the French language. "I was wondering what to say as an -exclamation when we are talking to these Scouts. For instance, what -is the usual translation of 'Well, I'm jiggered'?" - -"I've rarely heard you say that, Flemming," observed Peter. "You -generally exclaim, 'Well, I'm blest', I notice." - -"That's easily translated, then," rejoined Flemming. "It's merely: -_Je suis blessé._" - -Apparently Eric's rendering of the phrase satisfied his companions. -Mr. Armitage smiled to himself, but said nothing. He was rather -curious to know what would happen when Flemming expressed himself -thus. - -"I'll let it go at that," concluded Flemming. "Now, what about Alan, -you fellows? Hadn't we better send out a search-party?" - -Stratton and Roche volunteered to accompany Eric, and receiving the -Scoutmaster's permission, they went ashore. - -Inquiries of people on the quay soon put the searchers on the track. -The young English Sea Scout had been a fairly conspicuous feature on -the French landscape. After proceeding down three or four streets, -Flemming received the startling information that the lost youth had -been seen taken into the police-station under the care of a gendarme. - -"What's he been doing, I wonder?" asked Roche. "Butting up against -some rotten red-tape regulation, I expect. Hadn't we better inform -Mr. Armitage?" - -"Let's make certain that Alan's under arrest first," suggested the -Patrol Leader, and, led by a gamin, the Sea Scouts proceeded to the -police-station. - -At the door they nearly collided with the lost youth. Hepburn, -looking rather red in the face, showed no enthusiasm at seeing his -chums. - -"I made a mistake," he admitted. "I mistook the police-station for -the post-office, and it took me some time to explain." - -Flemming roared with merriment. - -"You're a bright one!" he exclaimed. "I know what you did: you asked -for '_le poste_' instead of '_la poste_'. The first means a -police-station, the second a post-office. That's one up against you, -my festive." - -The letters having been stamped and posted, the four Sea Scouts -returned to the _Olivette_, where Hepburn made a belated breakfast to -the accompaniment of a running fire of chaff from his chums. - -"You wait," declared Alan, imperturbably; "I'll score off you fellows -yet." - -The breakfast things having been washed up and stowed away, the Sea -Scouts set to work to scrub decks and make the _Olivette_ look a -credit to them. By the time this task was accomplished the gates of -the Bassin-à -Flot were opened. In four hours the _Olivette_ had been -lifted vertically through a height of eighteen feet by the rising -tide. - -"You see now why I want to try and bring the boat into the -floating-dock," observed Mr. Armitage. "If we remained in the tidal -harbour we would have to be continually altering the scope of the -warps as the level of the water changed. Here we are relieved of that -trouble and responsibility, and there is no necessity to have to -ascend and descend the long ladder to get ashore or on board at low -water." - -The _Olivette_ safely moored, the Sea Scouts prepared for a ramble -ashore, to see the sights of the town. Flemming was not one of the -party, having been told off to act as ship-keeper; while old Tom -Boldrigg was making up for his prolonged trick as look-out man by -sleeping soundly on one of the locker seats in the well. - -While his comrades were seeing the sights, Eric Flemming had by no -means a dull time. It quickly dawned upon him that the many -advantages of the Bassin-à -Flot were outdone by the obvious -disadvantages of the place. The hot sun pouring down upon the -enclosed space of water was too strong to be pleasant, especially -when the heat caused the garbage floating upon the surface to emit -most unpleasant odours. - -It was Flemming's first experience of a "wet" dock, and before very -long he sincerely hoped it might prove his last. - -After a while Eric went below to escape the glare. He had not been in -the cabin more than five minutes before a dull thud sounded on the -deck over his head. Then came another thud, followed by others in -quick succession, until Flemming realized that the _Olivette_ was -being bombarded. - -Putting on his cap, the lad gained the well. Almost as soon as he -stepped outside the cabin door a missile hit him on the head. -Fortunately the thick sailor's cap with its white cap-cover mitigated -the blow, but even then it was sufficient to make the lad wince. - -He quickly took in the situation. Ten or twelve ragged gamins were -gathered on the edge of the quay, engaged in the pleasant and -congenial task of hurling stones and cabbage-stalks upon the -_Olivette's_ deck and raised cabin-top. - -"_Alles-vous-en!_" shouted Flemming. The boys retreated a few steps, -but seeing that the Sea Scout made no attempt to follow up his -advantage, they held their ground, jeering and redoubling their fire. - -Eric hardly knew what course to pursue. It was not good form to start -scrapping on foreign soil. A jolly sound hiding, he reflected, would -do the gamins a world of good, but there were the after results to be -taken into consideration. If each of the aggressors went away and -returned with two or three pals, the _Olivette_ would hardly be -tenable under a terrific fusillade of stones and garbage. On the -other hand, he could not allow the boat to be made into a sort of -maritime Aunt Sally for the edification of a crowd of juvenile -ruffians. - -He might have parleyed with them, or bribed them to go away quietly, -but this method did not appeal to his British spirit. He was alone. -Old Boldrigg was sleeping profoundly, quite oblivious to the tocsin -sounding over his head. - -Springing ashore, Flemming rushed at his tormentors. They turned and -fled incontinently, although several of them were bigger than Eric. -He chased them for about fifty yards along the quay, and then -returned to the _Olivette_. - -But the retreat was only temporary. The moment Flemming regained the -deck the gamins returned, the number considerably augmented, while a -crowd of men engaged in unloading a schooner ceased their work to -watch and enjoy the scene. - -Flemming waited until the first missile of the renewed attack hurtled -through the air, then he charged his assailants. Again the latter -took to their heels, but Eric meant to see the business through this -time. - -Overtaking and ignoring the smaller and weaker of the boys, he held -on until he collared a tall, hulking fellow, who was one of the -ringleaders. Applying a very effective arm-lock, Flemming made his -captive accompany him to the _Olivette_. - -"Now I've found a hostage," thought Eric, as he deftly drew the lad's -arms behind him and round the mast and lashed the wrists together. -"They won't dare to hurl things on board now." - -But he was mistaken. The gamins found increased delight in pelting -their former leader. Perhaps they had a grudge against him. There he -stood, yelling and bawling threats against his fellows until Flemming -felt obliged to release him. - -"'Spose I must grin and bear it until the others return," he -soliloquized, as the boys renewed the bombardment. - -Suddenly the gamins, uttering shouts of warning, took to their heels. - -Looking to see what had caused the flight, Flemming saw a troop of -French Scouts doubling along the quay. There were two patrols--about -fourteen Scouts in all--but before them, the gamins, numbering -between forty and fifty, simply melted away. - -The Patrol Leader saluted Flemming courteously, and the Sea Scout -smartly returned the salute. Then in a curious mixture of French and -English and a broken attempt at both, the Scouts and the Sea Scout -engaged in a "palaver". - -It was rather a one-sided affair. A dozen French Scouts were talking -and asking questions simultaneously, while the English Sea Scout -hardly knew which remark to reply to. - -"I have been to l'Angleterre," declared one of the Scouts. "Ze last -summaire I vas at Sout'ampton at ze rally." - -"I was there, too," replied Flemming; then using his Gallicized -version of his favourite ejaculation, he added, "_Je suis blessé._" - -The effect was startling and electrical. There was a brief pause -following Eric's words. A dozen Scouts invaded the _Olivette_. -Grasped by several pairs of hands, the astonished Flemming, too taken -aback to offer any resistance, was gently deposited upon the deck. A -confused babel greeted his ears, one of the most frequently used -words being "_blessé_". Several of the French Scouts produced a -packet of bandages and a first-aid outfit, while there were shouts -raised for "_le médecin_". - -"What's the game," thought the bewildered Flemming. "Are they giving -a first-aid demonstration and using me as a subject, just to show how -they go about it?" - -Someone placed a pile of rolled coats under his head. His shoes and -stockings were deftly removed. His jersey was peeled off, although it -looked at one time as if the French Scouts meditated cutting it away. -They felt his heart and his pulse, and tried to examine his tongue. - -In the midst of the demonstration, the timely arrival of Mr. Armitage -and the rest of the Sea Scouts saved Flemming from further unrequired -attention. Quickly the well-meaning and excitable French lads were -induced to desist, and Eric was allowed to regain his feet. - -"What have you been doing, Flemming?" asked his Scoutmaster. "Have -you hurt yourself?" - -"No, sir," replied Eric. - -"Then why are these Scouts on board with their first-aid bandages?" - -"I don't know, sir; I'm blessed if I do!" declared Flemming. "I was -just talking to them, and----" - -"I suppose you said, 'Well, I'm blessed' in French," added Mr. -Armitage with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. - -"I certainly remember saying '_Je suis blessé_'," admitted Flemming, -who was beginning to feel a bit dubious as to whether what he had -said was what he meant to say. - -"That did it," continued Mr. Armitage. "I knew it would happen before -very long. '_Je suis blessé_' is not 'I'm blessed' but 'I am -wounded'. Hurry up and go below and get dressed properly." - -The discomfited Flemming beat a hasty retreat amidst the laughter of -his companions. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -"In the Ditch" - - -The French Scouts remained on board for another half-hour. They -inspected and were duly impressed by the _Olivette_ and her -equipment; they exchanged confidences with their brother Sea Scouts, -to whom difference of nationality counted for little as far as the -Universal Brotherhood of Scouts went. Before they took their -departure, the French boy's invited the _Olivette's_ crew to a picnic -at Equeurdreville--a seaside hamlet a few miles to the west of -Cherbourg--on the following morning. - -"I do not think we shall be able to accept," said Peter. "We are -sailing for Havre early to-morrow, if all's well." - -One of the French Patrol Leaders shrugged his shoulders and threw out -the palms of his hands in a characteristic Gallic attitude. - -"I do not think you vill sail," he remarked. - -"Why not?" asked Stratton. - -The lad pointed in the direction of Fort l'Onglet, above which a -cone, point uppermost, had been hoisted to the yard-arm of a mast. - -"_Regardez bien!_" he exclaimed. - -Mr. Armitage, following the direction of the French Patrol Leader's -outstretched finger, noted the signal. It meant that bad weather--a -gale from the nor'ard--was approaching. If any confirmation were -necessary the barometer proved it. The glass had fallen four-tenths -in less than a couple of hours. - -"There's one thing," observed Stratton, after the visitors had taken -their departure. "It's one of those short, sharp summer gales: - - 'Long foretold, long last, - Short warning, soon past'. - -It's a good thing we're in a secure harbour." - -Flemming made a wry face. - -"It's too much of a good thing," he protested. "I've never, never -been in a basin before, and this one's quite enough. Doesn't it -whiff?" - -"It does," admitted Peter. "Now you come to mention it, there is an -odour of sorts." - -"And those little bounders the French ragamuffins," continued Eric. -"The stuff lying on the decks is only a small part of what they -threw. I cleared up three times before the Cherbourg Scouts came upon -the scene and chased them off. Hello, what's this coming?" - -The lock gates were open and a large tramp steamer was being warped -into the Bassin-à -Flot. From where the _Olivette_ lay, the steamer's -stern was masked by the rise of her deckhouse and bridge, but the -ensign was just visible--a dirty, wind-frayed, coal-grimed piece of -red bunting with a Union Jack in the upper quarter next the staff. - -That nondescript piece of bunting meant something real to the British -Sea Scouts. Even though they had not long left their native shores -they were already fully aware that they were strangers in a foreign -land, but here was a bit of England--technically British soil -although afloat--and the sight of it was cheering. - -The harbourmaster, purple with incoherent shouting, hurried along the -quay-side, waving his arms and pointing frenziedly at the on-coming -tramp. - -"What does he want?" exclaimed Hepburn. - -"I rather fancy he wants us to shift," remarked Peter. - -The Patrol Leader's surmise was confirmed by a voice hailing from the -tramp's bridge. - -"Ahoy, there!" shouted a short, thick-set, jovial-looking officer -clad in a salt-stained serge uniform. "Can you drop astern a couple -of lengths?" - -"Ay, ay," replied Peter, and in a very short time the _Olivette's_ -warps were cast off and the boat tracked aft along the quay. - -When the _Acacis_--for that was the tramp's name--was safely berthed, -the officer who had hailed the _Olivette_ came aft. - -"Thanks!" he exclaimed. "You Sea Scouts know your job, I can see." - -"Thank you," replied Peter. "May we come aboard you and have a look -round?" - -"Right-o," was the reply. - -The skipper of the _Acacis_--bound from Cardiff to Cherbourg and Le -Havre--made the Sea Scouts right welcome. It was, for the majority of -them, the first opportunity they had had of "looking over" a big -vessel. - -"Yes, it'll blow before night," the skipper observed in answer to -Peter's question. "We struck it pretty bad off the Longships, and -right across the Channel there was a tidy roll on. That generally -means a bit of a blow. You'll be here for the best part of a week, -I'll allow." - -The Sea Scouts showed no enthusiasm over this piece of information. -Flemming was positively downhearted. - -"Look here," suggested the _Acacis_' Old Man, when he learnt of the -unwelcome attentions of the Cherbourg gamins, "why not lie alongside -of us? You'll get a tidy bit of coal-dust, but that's a jolly sight -better than cabbage-stalks and dead cats dumped on your deck." - -The offer was gladly accepted. The _Olivette's_ bow-warp was passed -on board the tramp and the boat hauled alongside the _Acacis_' -starboard side. Sheltered by the latter vessel's towering hull, the -_Olivette_ was no longer a target for the ragamuffins of the port. - -As the skipper had predicted, it blew hard at sunset, the gale -continuing all the following day, accompanied by heavy showers. But -the _Olivette_ was in snug shelter, the basin being completely -landlocked, while the rain did not prevent the Sea Scouts enjoying -the hospitality of their French friends. - -At length the storm moderated, and on the fourth day the sea had -subsided sufficiently to enable the _Olivette_ to resume her voyage. -The _Acacis_, having discharged a portion of her cargo, was also due -to leave Cherbourg for Le Havre. Directly the gates of the -Bassin-à -Flot were opened, the _Olivette_ motored through into the -Avant-Port. Here she tied up, for it was inadvisable to make a start -for the east'ard before half-ebb. By so doing the _Olivette_ would -"carry her tide" for eight or nine hours, and as the tides run -strongly off the French coast, the question of "working them" was an -important one. - -Mr. Armitage had to obtain clearance papers and lay in sundry stores, -so that the time was not wasted, and when the _Olivette_ headed -seaward, the _Acacis_ was steaming through the East Channel. - -"We've about one knot advantage in speed," remarked the Scoutmaster, -"but we'll slow down a bit and let her pilot us. It's rather a -dangerous bit of coast between here and Cape Levi. Look at that -broken water. Anyone would think that there was a gale raging off -that point, but it's merely a tidal race." - -Dead in the wake of the tramp, and about a cable's length astern, the -_Olivette_ kept. At intervals members of the _Acacis_' crew -semaphored jocular messages to the Sea Scouts, to which the latter -replied with the greatest zest. - -About five miles beyond Cape Barfleur the _Olivette_ overtook a -French fishing smack. One of the crew of the latter, noticing that -the Sea Scouts were semaphoring, attempted to send them a message. - -"Dashed if I can make out what that fellow is saying," exclaimed -Hepburn with a puzzled look. "Can you, Reggie?" - -Warkworth shook his head. He was reckoned to be a good signaller, but -the Frenchman's semaphoring was beyond him. - -"I'm not surprised," said Peter. "The French system is different from -ours. Don't you remember when we were at Dover----" - -The Patrol Leader's reminiscence was interrupted by a warning shout -from old Tom Boldrigg, who was in his favourite post as look-out man. -Simultaneously the _Acacis_ put her helm over to starboard, while a -white object was hurled from her port quarter. - -"Man overboard," shouted Boldrigg. "A hand from the tramp's in the -ditch." - -Mr. Armitage opened the window of the wheel-house and warned Roche to -stand by with his reversing-lever. - -"There he is!" exclaimed Peter. "A point on our port bow." - -"Easy ahead!" ordered the Scoutmaster, then "Stop!" - -The _Olivette_ was now within fifty yards of the man, who was -swimming towards the buoy. It was evident that he was not a good -swimmer. He was splashing violently, and making very little headway -in proportion to the energy he displayed, and already his strength -was diminishing. It was a question whether he might succeed in -gaining the buoy before he became exhausted. - -Flemming, Woodleigh, and Warkworth ran for'ard, the former with a -boat-hook and the others with life-lines. Eric shouted encouragement -to the swimmer, and for the first time the man seemed conscious of -the approach of the _Olivette_. - -"He's almost done for!" exclaimed Woodleigh. - -The time taken by the _Olivette_ to approach the man seemed -interminable, but as there was a considerable "lop" on, Mr. Armitage -dare not risk holding on at any speed for fear of running down the -swimmer. The Scoutmaster was manoeuvring to bring the boat to a -standstill dead in the eye of the wind and close to the man. Once the -_Olivette_ got broadside on to the wind she would be swept far to -leeward of the swimmer, and lose valuable time before she could again -get within close distance. - -Flemming held the boat-hook stave towards the man, but the latter had -not the strength to grasp the ash pole. Before the Sea Scout could -reverse the boat-hook and catch the swimmer with the metal hook, the -man was beyond reach. - -Warkworth hurled a line, but the rope being new, the coils failed to -free themselves, and the bight fell short. - -Without hesitation, Woodleigh leapt into the sea, taking one end of -the line with him. - -Half a dozen strokes brought him to the man, who was actually on the -point of sinking. The fact that his chums were holding on to the end -of the rope gave Woodleigh confidence. Regardless of the risk of -being clutched by a drowning man, Will allowed himself to be caught -in a desperate grip. Down he went, rescuer and rescued in a mutual -embrace; then the line tautened, and in another fifteen seconds -willing hands grasped the plucky Scout and his now almost senseless -burden and hauled them into safety. - -Woodleigh, none the worse for his immersion, beyond the fact that he -had swallowed a good half-pint of salt water, went below to change -his clothes. Flemming, Hepburn, and Warkworth attended to the rescued -man, who was now quite insensible. - -Meanwhile, the _Acacis_ had starboarded helm and reversed her -engines. Her skipper had seen that the _Olivette_ was proceeding to -the rescue, and, having witnessed the successful issue of the -attempt, had given orders for a boat to be lowered to bring the man -back. - -"Semaphore the _Acacis_, Alan," ordered the Scoutmaster. "Tell them -to carry on, and we'll hand over the man at Havre. He's not in a fit -state to be moved at present." - -The tramp acknowledged the signal, and replied that the arrangement -would be most satisfactory; then both vessels, having resumed their -former course, headed for the still distant port of Le Havre. - -"You managed that awfully well, sir," exclaimed Peter. - -"Did I?" rejoined Mr. Armitage. "As a matter of fact it was quite an -easy matter, because we were in the wake of the tramp. Supposing one -of us had fallen overboard, what would you have done?" - -"Thrown over a life-belt, sir," replied the Patrol Leader. - -"And what then?" - -"Gone astern," was the reply. - -Mr. Armitage shook his head. - -"Never in a light-draughted, single-screwed boat," he declared. -"She'd never answer to her helm while going astern, and if the wind -were abeam, she'd be blown to lee'ard of the man in the water. Now -remember, if there's time, put the boat's helm over so that the -boat's stern flies away from the person overboard. That is to avoid -hitting him with the propeller, since men who have fallen overboard -almost invariably try to swim towards the boat. Then, keeping 'easy -ahead', make a complete circle and come up bows on to the man, -keeping just enough way for the boat to answer her helm, and still -get there quicker and with far more chance of success than by any -other way." - -"I'll remember that, sir," said Peter. "But I hope I'll never have to -try it." - -"And I, too," added Mr. Armitage fervently. "But one never knows." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -The Bore - - -The _Olivette_ saved her tide into the outer basin of Le Havre. She -was just in time to enter the lock gates of the Bassin de l'Eure -before they were closed on the falling tide. Meanwhile, the _Acacis_ -had berthed in the Bassin Vauban. - -"More floating docks!" exclaimed Flemming ruefully, as he surveyed -the stagnant water. "How long do we stop here, sir, please?" - -"Only until we've handed back the man belonging to the _Acacis_, and -shown our papers to the authorities," replied Mr. Armitage. "We are -going to bring up in the Tancarville Canal to-night." - -"Canal, sir?" echoed Roche. "I thought we were going up the River -Seine." - -"So we are, Dick," replied the Scoutmaster. "This canal, however, -saves us a dangerous bit of navigation. The estuary of the Seine is -full of shifting sandbanks, and if we did happen to get aground, the -_Olivette_ would stand a great risk of becoming a total loss. There -have been numerous instances of quite large vessels grounding in the -estuary and heeling over and filling. You see the bore complicates -matters." - -"The bore, sir?" exclaimed Flemming. - -"Yes, you'll make its acquaintance before very long," replied Mr. -Armitage. "We'll get the tail end of it several times before we reach -Rouen." - -Just then the skipper of the _Acacis_ arrived with a couple of -"hands" to take the absent member of the crew back to the ship. - -"Who was the Sea Scout who took to the ditch?" inquired the Old Man, -after he had expressed his warmest thanks for the rescue and care of -the man who had fallen overboard. "Wasn't much, eh? I don't know -about that. I call it pretty plucky. I mean to report the -circumstance to the Royal Humane Society when I get back--which may -be in a couple of months or more. On this job one never knows when -the trip's going to end." - -The next caller was a Port official. To him Mr. Armitage handed a -document, signed by the French Minister responsible for the -splendidly organized inland waterways of the Republic. The paper was -a permit for the _Olivette_ to make use of the Tancarville Canal, and -it was expressly stated that the passage through the locks was free. - -"This is one of the things they do better in France," observed Mr. -Armitage. "Not only do they provide a safe means of avoiding the -dangerous estuary, but they grant us a free passage. If the canals of -England were half as well looked after as they are on this side of -the Channel----" - -By six o'clock in the afternoon the _Olivette_ had traversed four and -a half kilometres of the canal, and had tied up for the night close -to a "cut" leading to the town of Harfleur. - -"We must see the sights of Harfleur," declared Mr. Armitage. "It is -only a little town, but it's full of interest. You remember, perhaps, -how it was besieged and captured by Henry V before he won the Battle -of Agincourt." - -Accordingly the dinghy was launched and manned. It was the first time -the little craft had been used since the _Olivette_ left Keyhaven, -and even then, it was not absolutely necessary. The Sea Scouts could -have landed and walked along the canal bank. - -It was dark by the time they returned. Tom Boldrigg had lighted the -cabin lamps, and had prepared supper. Eagerly, the hungry lads sat -down to enjoy what promised to be an appetizing repast, but their -anticipated pleasure failed in its realization. - -The _Olivette_ was invaded. Thousands of little green flies swarmed -everywhere. The lamp glasses were thick with them; so much so, that -in spite of frequent cleaning, the light was almost entirely obscured -by the writhing insects. These covered the table, settled on the food -and in the hot cocoa. In the circumstances, making a meal was out of -the question. - -"It's the light that does it," declared Boldrigg. "Put out the light -an' the midges'll sheer off." - -This suggestion was acted upon. In addition, the _Olivette's_ riding -lamp was hoisted to attract the flies. The result justified the -experiment. As if by magic, the insects disappeared, leaving hundreds -of small corpses in the cabin. Hungry, the crew had to make a sorry -meal in the darkness, munching hard biscuits and trusting to luck -that they were not swallowing dead flies; and in darkness, too, they -sought their bunks. - -At six the following morning, the "hands" were roused in true -nautical style. It was a glorious morning, and the waters of the -canal looked temptingly clean and fresh. Soon all the crew were -swimming about, and so thoroughly did they enjoy it, that Mr. -Armitage had difficulty in getting them to come out of the water. - -Before breakfast could be served, Roche and Flemming had to walk into -Harfleur to obtain fresh provisions, for everything of an edible -nature on board had been spoiled by the flies. - -While the two Sea Scouts were away on their errand the rest cleaned -ship thoroughly, all hands hoping that a repetition of the visitation -would not occur on the following night. - -In about an hour Roche and Flemming returned, having had a successful -marketing, in spite of the language difficulty. Their French was -unintelligible to the Harfleur shopkeepers, and the _patois_ of the -latter equally so to the Sea Scouts, but by means of disjointed words -and dumb show, Flemming and Roche had bought a goodly supply of -necessaries. - -"Another eleven miles before we're through the canal, lads," -announced Mr. Armitage as the _Olivette_ prepared to get under way. -"You'll have to cut out a couple of cylinders, Roche, as we did in -the Thames. Five miles an hour is the speed limit here." - -It was not a case of plain seamanship. The traffic on the canal was -heavy, comprising small steamships and barges. Most of the latter -were motor-propelled, but several were towed by steam-tugs, often -three abreast in a string. More than once the _Olivette's_ stout -rubbing-strake saved her from serious damage as the tail end of a -line of barges took a sheer and swung nearly across the wide canal. - -Kilometre after kilometre was passed, but the long, perfectly -straight canal seemed to have no ending, until early in the afternoon -the _Olivette_ entered the Tancarville Lock, through which she had to -pass to gain the River Seine. - -"We've a hot tide against us, sir," remarked Peter when the boat was -breasting the swift current of the river. "Oughtn't we to bring up -until the flood sets in?" - -"No," replied Mr. Armitage. "We must push on and try and reach -Quillebeuf before then." - -Stratton looked puzzled. Knowing the Scoutmaster's usual keenness in -"working the tides", it seemed strange that he should show anxiety to -proceed against a strong current; while, by waiting a few hours, the -_Olivette_ could easily make up for lost time by taking advantage of -the flood tide. - -"We have the bore to take into consideration," was Mr. Armitage's -enigmatical answer. "Let her all out, Flemming, and keep within easy -distance of the reversing-lever; it may be wanted in a hurry." - -It took nearly an hour to cover the five and a half miles to -Quillebeuf, but the Sea Scouts rather enjoyed the unusual scenery; -Those not on duty were basking on deck until Mr. Armitage told them -to go below. - -As the lads scrambled down the iron ladder into the well, they heard -a faint distant rumble. - -"Thunder, by Jove!" exclaimed Warkworth. - -In a few minutes the roar increased. It certainly was not thunder. -The Sea Scouts looked at each other inquiringly. - -They observed, also, that there was great activity on board the small -boats at Quillebeuf. Men were busy casting off moorings and rowing -the little craft into the centre of the stream. - -Suddenly round a bend in the river, down-stream, a huge wall of water -was seen approaching at a furious rate and breaking heavily against -both banks. To the lads this moving mass appeared to be quite twenty -feet high, but in reality it was about one third that height. - -It was the bore, or "La Barre"--a tidal wave caused by the flood tide -forcing its way into the funnel-shaped estuary and overwhelming the -ebb. - -"Hang on to something, all hands!" shouted Mr. Armitage. -"Hard-a-starboard, Peter." - -Round swung the _Olivette_ until her bows pointed down-stream. - -"Easy ahead!" was the next order. - -Straight for the centre of the bow-shaped wall of water the staunch -little craft headed. Into it she plunged, thrusting her bluff snout -deep into the wave. A foaming torrent swept the foredeck, and, -breaking against the wheel-house, flew high in the air in a cloud of -spray. - -For a few seconds it seemed as if the _Olivette_ were standing on her -heel. Her momentum was temporarily stopped. Somewhere below, the -sound audible above the roar of the bore, came the crash of broken -glass. Then with a dizzy, disconcerting movement the boat slid down -the reverse side of the liquid wall into the agitated water beyond. - -"There's another one, sir!" exclaimed Peter as soon as the moisture -on the wheel-house windows cleared sufficiently to enable him to see -ahead. - -Three more times in quick succession the _Olivette_ charged moving -walls of roaring surf-crested water; then she found herself in a -turmoil of dangerous waves, steep, irregular, and silent as they -surged onwards in the wake of the bore. In a few moments the -agitation died away; the _Olivette_ ported helm, and, with a six-knot -tide to aid her on her way, progressed rapidly up-stream. - -"Jolly exciting, eh, what?" exclaimed Peter. "Does that happen twice -every day, sir? If so, what do we do when there's a bore at night?" - -"We'll certainly have a repetition of it," replied Mr. Armitage, "but -I hope we'll be in fairly sheltered water to-night. We've struck it -at rather an awkward time, as we're right on the top of the spring -tides. At neaps the bore is hardly noticeable." - -Before the tide changed again the _Olivette_ had passed Caudebec and -followed the wide and sharp curve that the Seine makes round the -forest of Jumièges, and brought up off the little town of Duclair. - -"We won't feel much of the bore here," said Mr. Armitage, when the -_Olivette_ had picked up a set of moorings lent by a courteous -Frenchman. "It will be safe to leave the boat; so who's for the -shore? A jolly good walk will do us good. Are you coming with us, -Tom?" - -Old Boldrigg expressed his readiness to go. Hitherto he had spent -most of his time on board while the _Olivette_ was in port. - -"And what did you think of the bore, Mr. Boldrigg?" asked Peter, -while the old seaman was changing into "shore rig". - -"Not much, by a long chalk, Master Peter," was the reply. "When I saw -that there a-bearing down on us, I wished I was properly -afloat--plenty of sea-room, you'll understand. Rivers is all very -well, but give me the deep sea--it's safer." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -The Derelict - - -It was six o'clock when the "liberty men" landed on the quay at -Duclair. Roche, Flemming, and Tenderfoot Rayburn, who had volunteered -to remain on board as watch-keepers, went off with the others in -order to bring back the dinghy. - -"We'll be back at sunset, or soon after," said Mr. Armitage when the -party had been safely landed. - -"Aye, aye, sir," replied Roche. "We'll keep a look-out for you." - -Returning on board, Roche made the dinghy fast, and hung a canvas -bucket over the stern to prevent the little craft from bumping -against the _Olivette's_ counter, as the wind was against the tide. - -"Now we're all snug, Phil," exclaimed Roche. "I'm going on deck to -write letters." - -"So am I," added the Tenderfoot. - -"Then we can post them when we go ashore for the other fellows," said -Roche. - -Having attended to their home epistles, the two Sea Scouts read books -until it was nearly sunset. - -"Lay the table in the after-cabin, Phil," said his companion "I'll -start up the stove. We'll have a jolly good feed ready for them when -they return. They'll be here in twenty minutes or half an hour." - -An hour passed, and no sign of the returning "liberty men". Roche -took the hard-boiling kettle off the stove, lit the cabin lamp, and -went on deck. - -It was now quite dark, except for a few lights from the houses ashore -and the distant gleam of the Fanal St. Paul against the sombre -outlines of the Forêt du Trait. - -The Tenderfoot, on his own initiative, had trimmed, lighted, and -hoisted the riding-light. - -"That's the sort!" exclaimed Roche approvingly. "You're getting quite -a smart sailorman. How's the tide? Why, it's ebbing and we've swung -down-stream." - -"What's happened to the others, I wonder?" asked Rayburn, whose -notions of a foreign country included danger for man and beast. - -"Lost their way, perhaps," replied Roche. "'Twouldn't be the first -time a Scout has done that, by any means. We'll hear them hail us -very soon." - -"P'r'aps Hepburn's been run in again," suggested Flemming, "and the -others are trying to bail him out." - -He looked meditatively over the side, and added: - -"My word, isn't the tide running hard; I wouldn't like to have to go -overboard on a dark night like this." - -The ebb was now running at a good four knots, the water gurgling past -the sides of the _Olivette_ as she rode to her tautened -mooring-bridle. - -A tug, towing a train of barges, was laboriously creeping up-stream -in an endeavour to make Rouen before morning. Farther down, the -triple lights of a large steamer under way could be discerned -rounding the bend abreast of Le Marais. Presently the red and green -lights were extinguished. She had anchored for the night, preferring -to negotiate the intricate channel by daylight. - -"I'll get the dinghy alongside ready to go ashore," said Flemming. -"She'll lie there quietly now we're head to wind." - -"Don't forget to haul in the bucket," Roche reminded him, "or when we -begin to row we'll be wondering what's wrong with the dinghy." - -Eric brought the dinghy alongside on the starboard quarter and -clambered on board. - -"She'll do," he reported. "She's as quiet as a lamb. Wonder what -those fellows are doing ashore? It's nearly midnight. You'd better -turn in, Rayburn." - -The Tenderfoot was about to go below, when he startled the others by -exclaiming: - -"What's that coming towards us?" - -It was a heavily laden barge, drifting broadside on to the wind and -tide. Already it was close upon the bows of the _Olivette_, its long, -low-lying outlines grotesquely magnified in the darkness. - -"She'll hit us!" shouted Roche. "Stand by and fend her off. Phil, put -the helm hard over, and see if we can sheer clear of her." - -Flemming and Roche ran for'ard, each with a boat-hook. They might as -well have tried to stop an armoured car with a broomstick. Rayburn -promptly put the helm hard over, but the scope of chain to which the -_Olivette_ was riding was not sufficient to enable her to sheer out -of the course of the derelict barge. - -The next moment the impact came. It was a severe shock, although the -_Olivette_ gave to the momentum of the barge. Round swung the latter -under the irresistible strength of the tide, although her side was -still grinding against the _Olivette's_ stem. - -"Look to the dinghy!" shouted Roche, still pushing with the boat-hook -with all his strength. - -Flemming realized the danger. Dropping his boat-hook, he raced aft, -dropped into the dinghy, and began to cast off the painter. - - -[Illustration: THE DERELICT (missing from book)] - - -The rope--a new one--had swollen with the night dew. Before Eric -could untie the stubborn clove-hitch, the barge, still swinging -round, crashed heavily against the frail dinghy. - -Nipped between the sides of the two larger craft, the dinghy was -literally split asunder. Flemming barely contrived to jump upon the -deck of the low-lying barge. A second or so later and he would have -shared the fate of the dinghy. - -Baffled by the darkness and by the fact that he was on a strange -craft, Flemming attempted to run for'ard and regain the _Olivette_. -Stumbling over a ring-bolt, he fell awkwardly upon the barge's -waterways, and by the time he recovered himself the two craft had -drifted apart. - -He was marooned upon a derelict at the mercy of the swiftly running -Seine. - -It was a time of agonizing suspense for Dick Roche. He knew that his -chum had gone to save the dinghy; he had heard the rending crash as -the frail craft was nipped between the sides of the _Olivette_ and -the barge. - -A prey to the liveliest apprehension, Dick ran aft, encountering the -Tenderfoot, who, having placed the helm amidships, had hurried from -the wheel-house. - -"Where's Eric?" shouted Roche. "He was in the dinghy." - -"On board the barge," replied Phil; "I saw him jump for it." - -Roche ran aft and shouted. By this time the derelict had drifted so -far that she was a mere shadow in the darkness. - -"Ahoy!" came a faint shout, barely audible against the down-wind. - -Dick hailed again, but Flemming's reply could not be heard. - -"We'll have to get him off the barge somehow, Phil," declared Roche. -"We can't wait for the others, and I don't know how they'll get on -board. Now, look here: do you think you can manage the helm if I -start up the motor?" - -"I'll do my best," replied the Tenderfoot resolutely. - -"You can't do more," rejoined Roche encouragingly. "So let's get to -work and get about it." - -The first task was to bring the painter of the crashed and -water-logged dinghy for'ard and make it fast to the mooring-buoy. -Then Roche and the Tenderfoot fixed the sidelights and got the engine -going--the last was a fairly easy task, since the cylinders were -still warm. - -"Now," exclaimed Roche breathlessly, "go for'ard and cast off. By the -time you're back at the wheel we'll have drifted astern and clear of -the buoy. You're skipper now, Phil. Keep your head, and shout your -orders clearly, and you'll do all right." - -Making his way for'ard, the Tenderfoot managed to unfasten the heavy -mooring-chain. The buoy disappeared overboard with a mighty splash, -and the _Olivette_, with her engine running free, dropped astern, her -head paying off to leeward as she did so. - -Back to the wheel-house the Tenderfoot hurried. It was not exactly a -novel sensation to steer, but it was to realize that he was now -solely responsible for the direction and safety of the boat. - -"Ahead!" shouted Phil in a shrill voice. - -The _Olivette_ quivered as Roche put in the clutch. Then, gathering -way, she headed down-stream. - -Roche kept her at "Easy ahead". With both hands resting on the top of -the reversing-lever, he fixed his eyes upon the youthful helmsman. It -was a daring experiment, but circumstances justified the risk. -Flemming was in great danger, and that was sufficient reason. - -Meanwhile the Tenderfoot had opened the for'ard windows of the -wheel-house and was peering through the darkness. Nearly all the -shore lights were now extinguished, but there were the lighthouses -with their red and white lamps--those showing red being on the left, -and the white on the right bank. - -It took a great amount of careful handling to avoid the numerous -boats anchored off Duclair. Beyond was the steamer that had brought -up earlier in the evening. - -The _Olivette_ swept past within fifty yards of her. Not a soul was -visible on deck, so it was safe to assume that the derelict barge had -drifted past her without colliding with that vessel--otherwise there -would have been great commotion on board. - -Rayburn was beginning to think that in the darkness he had overtaken -the barge without sighting her, when he heard a faint shout, just -audible above the noise of the motor. There was no mistaking that -shout: it was one of the Patrol cries of the Milford Sea Scouts. - -A hundred yards or so on the _Olivette's_ port bow was the barge, -drifting broadside on to the current. Not so very far down-stream -were three masthead lights, denoting that vessels were at anchor. -Unless the derelict were promptly secured and towed out of the -fairway there seemed no way of preventing the barge from crashing -disastrously across the hawse of at least one of the three vessels. - -"Stop!" ordered Phil, putting the helm over gently. "Touch astern." - -In spite of his efforts the _Olivette_ bumped heavily against the -side of the barge. In a trice Hemming jumped and gained the -_Olivette's_ deck but not to stay. He too realized the danger of the -heavily laden barge drifting upon the anchored ships. Picking up the -bow-warp and taking a turn round the bitts, he jumped upon the deck -of the barge and made the end of the warp secure to a bollard. - -"Come on, you fellows," he shouted. "Bear a hand." - -"Can't," replied Rayburn. "There are only two of us on board. Roche -is at the motor and I at the wheel." - -Making his way aft, Flemming took another warp on board, so that the -_Olivette_ was secured alongside the derelict. - -"All fast!" he shouted as he regained the _Olivette_. - -"Easy ahead!" ordered Phil. The initial excitement over, he was now -as cool as the proverbial cucumber. - -Very gently Roche let the clutch in, throttling well down so that the -strain on the two hawsers would be taken up gradually and evenly. A -sudden jerk might result in both ropes carrying away, in which case -the barge would be foul of the anchored vessels before she could be -again secured. - -By this time the look-out on board the nearmost of the stationary -craft realized that something was amiss. He began hailing in French, -keeping up a torrent of exclamations until the _Olivette_ and her tow -were clear. - -"What are we going to do with her?" asked Roche. - -"Tow her clear of the fairway, I suppose," replied Flemming. "We -can't stem this tide; that's a cert. She has an anchor on board, but -it's too heavy for me to drop overboard single-handed, or I'd have -done so long ago." - -Slowly the _Olivette_ with her tow moved towards the right bank, -then, starboarding helm, she only just held her own against the swift -current. - -"Keep her like that!" shouted Flemming to the helmsman. "Now, Dick; -you can leave the motor for a brace of shakes. Come and bear a hand -with the mud-hook. Mind where you tread, old son; the barge is bunged -up with things to trip you up. I've had some." - -Even with their united efforts the two Sea Scouts were only just able -to topple the ponderous mass of iron over the bows. Then, having paid -out twenty fathoms of cable, the lads cast off both warps and jumped -on board their own craft. - -Roche immediately made his way to the engine-room. The clutch had not -slipped, and the engine was still running in neutral, but the sight -that met his eyes took him completely by surprise and filled him with -dismay. The heavy flywheel was throwing up showers of water, and the -engine-room looked as if one of the fountains of Trafalgar Square had -suddenly been transplanted into the confined space. - -"I say, you fellows!" he shouted. "One of you come down here as sharp -as you can. She's sprung a leak." - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -All Hands to the Pumps - - -Leaving the Tenderfoot at the helm, Flemming leapt into the well and -thence into the engine-room. - -"It must have been that biff when the barge fouled us!" he exclaimed. -"Look! the floor-boards are awash!" - -Eric went to the semi-rotary bilge-pump and began working the lever -desperately. Meanwhile Rayburn had shouted for "Easy ahead." - -The moment Roche put the engine in gear the _Olivette_ "squatted", as -she always did when under way; in other words, her bows rose and her -stern dipped correspondingly. The result was that a lot of water that -had found its way into the boat ran aft and the flywheel no longer -gave an aquatic display, but subsequent examination found that the -level of the bilge-water rose nearly six inches above the floor of -the after-cabin. - -Flemming kept on pumping for nearly twenty minutes, but the -semi-rotary failed to "suck air". It seemed positive that the pump -was unable to cope with the inflow of water. - -"Where are we now?" he asked breathlessly. - -Roche passed the question on to Phil Rayburn. - -"Nearly there," replied the Tenderfoot. "It's slow work against the -stream." - -"We'll have to beach her, I'm afraid," said Flemming. - -"No good doing that now," objected Roche; "she'd fill on the rising -tide. Besides, if there's much of a bore here, she'd be damaged still -more. You stand by here, old thing, and I'll give you a spell at the -pump." - -"We're nearly there," announced the Tenderfoot. "Who's going to pick -up the moorings?" - -Leaving Flemming at the reversing-lever, Roche "knocked off" pumping -and went on deck. Boat-hook in hand, he waited to make a grasp at the -mooring-buoy, to which was attached the water-logged planks and -timbers of what had been a smart, serviceable dinghy. - -"I bet that kid makes a bog of it," soliloquized Roche, who knew from -personal experience how easy it is to blunder in picking up moorings. - -But his fears were groundless. With a confidence inspired by previous -success, Phil brought the _Olivette_ to a standstill within a couple -of feet of the mooring-buoy. - -"Got it!" yelled Dick as he fished the cork float on board and took a -turn round the bitts with the chain-bridle. - -"Finished with the engines," shouted the Tenderfoot. - -Flemming cut off the ignition. The motor clanked into a state of -somnolence; then, having turned off the feed to the carburetter, Eric -devoted his attention to the bilge-pump once more. - -Presently Roche came below. - -"There's not a sign of the others," he announced. "What on earth can -have happened to them, I wonder? It's nearly half-past one." - -He caught sight of Rayburn, who was stifling a yawn. - -"You did jolly well, Phil!" he exclaimed. "We would have been in a -pretty kettle of fish if you hadn't been here. But you're tired. How -about turning in?" - -"I'm not tired, really," protested the Tenderfoot. "I'll take a turn -at the pump if you like." - -"Right-o," agreed Dick. "We may have to have spells at it all night; -but I think I'll try to find out where it's coming in and have a go -at stopping it." - -Switching on his electric torch, Roche squeezed through the small -doorway between the engine-room and the forepeak. He could hear an -ominous trickle coming from the neighbourhood of the chain-locker. - -Investigations resulted in the discovery that the _Olivette's_ bows -had been badly damaged in spite of the partial protection afforded by -the "pudding" fender. Several planks had been started on either side -of the stem, and although most of the damage was above water-line, -there was a considerable leak where a seam or two had burst. - -Procuring some grease and cotton-waste, Dick proceeded to caulk the -faulty seams, but his efforts in that direction were rewarded with -poor success. It was impracticable to use any degree of force, -because the fastenings of the planks were in such a weak state that -the planks themselves began to give; and without ramming the caulking -well home, the cotton-waste would not remain in position. - -"Better let well alone," decided Roche. "It's jolly tedious work -manning the pump, but we'll keep the old hooker afloat." - -Having reported the result of his investigations, Roche proposed that -each of the three Sea Scouts should take fifteen-minute tricks at the -pump. - -"That will give each of us half-an-hour spells," he added. "One or -both of the others can stop on deck to keep a look-out for the -liberty men." - -"P'r'aps they are not 'liberty men' any longer," remarked Flemming. -"It's jolly rummy that they haven't shown up before this. Right-o, -Dick; I'll take on with the pumping." - -Roche and the Tenderfoot went on deck. The tide was still ebbing. The -wind had dropped, and hardly a sound disturbed the stillness of the -night except the ripple of the water against the _Olivette's_ bows, -and the monotonous chug-chug of the semi-rotary pump. - -A steamer's navigation lights appeared up-stream. She was heading -towards the anchored _Olivette_. Rayburn glanced at his companion. - -"It's all right," said Dick reassuringly. "She's coming round a bend; -that's why she appears end on. She'll starboard her helm in half a -tick." - -But the vessel held on until even Roche began to think that there -would be a collision. He glanced aloft to make sure that the -_Olivette's_ riding-lamp was burning brightly. - -The steamer reversed engines, and lost way within twenty yards of the -_Olivette_. A hoarse voice hailed in an unintelligible patois. Dick -caught but two words, "_gabare_" and "_abandonnée_". - -"_A l'ancre.... A l'autre côté.... Sept kilomètres en bas_," -replied Roche, guessing that the strange craft was the tug they had -seen earlier in the night, and that, having missed one of her -charges, had returned in search of the derelict barge. - -To his no small satisfaction, Roche found that his halting reply was -understood, for, with a "_Merci beaucoup, m'sieu_", the skipper of -the tug rang for full speed ahead. - -Barely was the steamboat out of sight when the _Olivette_ began to -rock violently. It was not the swell of the tug that had caused the -commotion; it was the turn of the tide and the tail-end of the bore -in a succession of waves of about four feet in height. - -The erratic rolling and pitching alarmed Flemming considerably, for -the water in the bilges gushed between the floor-boards and swirled -ankle-deep from side to side. - -"She's leaking fast," he shouted. - -Roche went below. Already the water was subsiding into the bilges, -but it was evident that, in spite of continuous work at the pump, the -leak was not being kept under. - -"It'll be as much as we can do to keep going till daylight," declared -Flemming as he "handed over" to his chum. "The best thing we can do -is to get a bucket going. I'll bale, and pass the bucket up to Phil -for him to sling overboard." - -"Good idea," agreed Roche, turning up his sleeves and grasping the -handle of the pump. "We'll keep her afloat, old thing, even if it -snows ink." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -The Adventures of the "Liberty Men" - - -The "liberty men" had rather overdone things. Their ramble through -the Forest of Jumièges was too much of an undertaking for the short -space of time at their disposal. - -Twilight overtook them almost before they were aware of the fact, and -long before they were clear of the forest it was pitch dark. - -"If we keep on in a straight line," declared Mr. Armitage, "we'll -strike the river somewhere. Now, you woodcraftsmen, lead on, or we'll -get no supper to-night." - -It was easy to say "Keep in a straight line", but the accomplishment -was difficult. Not only was the ground thickly covered with trees--it -was hilly, and in places rugged. The recognized methods failed. The -Sea Scouts knew that the wind was an easterly one, but in the depth -of the forest there was no appreciable air-current. The foliage -overhead hid the stars, so another guide was denied the benighted -lads. - -"Moss and lichen always grow on the north side of a tree-trunk," -quoted Hepburn. "Where's your torch, Peter? Shine it this way." - -An examination not only of one, but of many tree-trunks, resulted in -the discovery that mosses and lichen were not in evidence. The third -clue had also let the Sea Scouts down. - -"Carry on, then," suggested Mr. Armitage, "until we find a path. It's -bound to lead somewhere." - -It took twenty minutes' steady progress through the undergrowth -before they found a path. It was narrow and apparently unfrequented. -Once a big animal--about the size of a bullock, declared -Warkworth--crashed through the brushwood about ten feet ahead of the -lads. - -"We must have tramped miles," declared Woodleigh. "I believe we're -going round in circles." - -"I fancy we're nearly out of the wood," said the Scoutmaster. "I can -feel a breeze. Yes, I thought so." - -The edge of the forest at last. It was now nearly eleven o'clock. Far -below could be discerned the sinuous course of the River Seine. -Nearer, and at a fair distance down the hill, lights gleamed from a -small village. - -"That must be Le Mesnil," decided Mr. Armitage, after he had -consulted a map by the aid of an electric torch. "It's all plain -sailing now. We'll follow the river bank. It's only six miles to -Duclair. Come on: Scouts' pace, forward." - -Encouraged by the Scoutmaster's example, the tired and hungry lads -bucked up considerably. Alternately walking and running fifty paces -they covered the intervening distance in an hour and twenty minutes, -arriving at the landing-place at a quarter past twelve. Old Boldrigg, -now sure of his bearings, followed at a leisurely pace. - -"_Olivette_ ahoy!" shouted Peter. - -There was no reply save the mocking echoes of his voice from the -opposite bank. He hailed again, giving the Patrol cry. - -"The lazy blighters have turned in," he declared, and hailed for the -third time. - -"Where's her riding-lamp?" asked Alan. "I believe she's gone--broken -adrift, or something." - -Mr. Armitage already had his doubts on the subject. Bringing out his -night-glasses, he focused them on the spot where the _Olivette_ ought -to have been moored. With difficulty he located the vacant buoy, to -which was attached something low in the water and straining in the -strong tide-way. - -"The _Olivette_ isn't there," he declared. "I don't think she's -broken adrift, or the mooring-buoy would have gone with her. I hope -Roche hasn't got into a panic about our late arrival and gone off in -search of us." - -"He couldn't expect to find us in the river, sir," remarked -Woodleigh. - -"S'pose not," admitted Mr. Armitage. "But to get down to rock-bottom -facts, the _Olivette's_ not on the moorings and we're benighted." - -"Perhaps she was in a prohibited anchorage, sir," suggested Peter, -"and the River Police have shifted her." - -"No, I inquired if she would be all right there," replied the -Scoutmaster. "She can't be very far away. Roche would have dropped -the anchor when he found her adrift. Anyone too tired to join in the -search? How about you, Mr. Boldrigg?" - -"I am a bit, sir," admitted the old man, who had just rejoined the -others. "But it ain't no good hangin' on to the slack when there's a -hammock waiting for me on board. So the sooner we find the hooker the -better for everyone, says I." - -The Sea Scouts retraced their way, keeping to the bank of the river. -There were a few craft under way, but in the darkness it was -impossible to distinguish what they were. - -It must have been soon after 2 a.m. that the search-party arrived at -the village of Jumièges. Here, fortunately a rowing boat containing -a belated fishing-party had just returned. - -In answer to Mr. Armitage's inquiry, the four people who had just -landed--they were Parisian art-students on holiday--all replied at -once. - -"Yes, monsieur, we did see a motor-boat. She passed close, very -close, to our little boat. She was towing a large lighter." - -The Scoutmaster felt disappointed. - -"I am afraid that is not the motor-boat we are looking for," he said. -"Did you happen to notice any of the crew?" - -"I did, monsieur," declared one of the men. "There was but one -visible. He wore a blue blouse and a white hat--so. Like these -messieurs here. The light shone from below upon him, understand; -therefore I could discern. She was going towards Duclair." - -"A white boat with a deck-house, sir," corroborated one of his -companions, tracing an outline with his finger. "Towards the front -one little mast but no funnel. Monsieur is benighted? Then perhaps he -would care to accompany us to our lodgings for refreshments." - -Mr. Armitage demurred, but the students were pressing in their -invitation. Accordingly the whole party went into the village, and -the Sea Scouts found themselves in strange surroundings--a cabaret. - -The landlord rose to the occasion. The sight of a couple of grown -Englishmen and four English Sea Scouts provoked no comment. In five -minutes the hungry search-party were sitting down to hot coffee and -biscuits, a long roll, and plenty of fresh Normandy butter. - -"That is our affair, monsieur," protested one of the students when -Mr. Armitage offered to pay for the refreshment. "When I was a -_poilu_ of the 141st Regiment we were once on the left of an English -battalion. We were hungry and they were well fed--merely a matter of -commissariat, monsieur--and when they found out we were famished, -half their rations were passed into our trench. Monsieur has served, -of course?" - -Greatly refreshed, the Sea Scouts bade their hospitable hosts -farewell, and set out to retrace their way back to Duclair. - -"Guess we know the way by this time," remarked Peter. "Three times in -one night is about the limit. Do we turn out at seven to-morrow--or -rather, to-day, sir?" - -"We're not on board yet, Peter," rejoined the Scoutmaster. "But I -think I'm safe in saying that we'll keep to our hammocks till noon." - -But Mr. Armitage's surmise was out, absolutely out. Grey dawn was -showing in the north-eastern sky when the footsore party arrived on -the quay at Duclair. There in the dim light was the _Olivette_ riding -to the flood-tide. In the stillness of the early morning could be -heard the regular pulsations of the hand-pump, while at intervals one -of her crew--it was not light enough to distinguish who it was--was -toppling pailfuls of water over the side. - -"_Olivette_, ahoy!" - -This time the hail was answered promptly. Out of the deep, open well -clambered Roche and Flemming slowly and laboriously, for they were -pretty well done up with their night of strenuous toil. - -"They seem in no hurry to come for us," observed Warkworth, "after -we've trudged all the blessed night." - -"Ahoy, there!" shouted Roche. "Can you find someone to put you off? -We've no dinghy." - -"Then they have had a mishap," declared Warkworth. "I believe I can -see the dinghy astern. She's waterlogged." - -The difficulty that now arose was how to get on board. There were -dozens of small boats off Duclair, but no one was about. - -"We'll take French leave," decided Mr. Armitage. "Since we are in -France, I take it that in the circumstances it is permissible. Find a -boat with detachable bottom-boards. We can paddle her out all right, -and return her when the owner shows up." - -This suggestion was acted upon. The "liberty men" crowded into the -borrowed boat and made their way to the _Olivette_ with but little -difficulty, for the flood-tide was easing off considerably. - -The Sea Scouts looked grave when the nature of the damage was pointed -out to them. Would it be possible to continue their trip with a boat -in that condition? - -"But we've kept her afloat, sir," declared Flemming triumphantly, as -he displayed his blistered hands. "We've done enough pumping to be -excused duty for the rest of the voyage." - -Roche, from below, added: - -"We're keeping the leak under and no more, sir. If we knock off for -even a minute the water rises over the floor boards." - -"Then it's about time we came," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "We're nearly -on the top of high water. Directly it's slack tide, we'll cast off -and warp into that shipbuilder's yard at the head of the quay. Until -the _Olivette_ is high and dry we cannot see the full extent of the -damage." - -An hour later the _Olivette_ was safely placed upon the slipway. Two -very serious-looking Frenchmen conferred between themselves, shaking -their heads and gesticulating as they examined the damaged bows. The -stem-piece was fractured in two places, the cracks extending diagonal -fashion. Four of the planks above water-line and two below had been -"started", and from the bows to a distance of ten feet aft the -caulking had been forced from the seams. Had it not been for the big -"pudding" fender, the _Olivette_ might have sunk within a few minutes -of the collision. - -Mr. Armitage anxiously awaited their verdict, so did several of the -crew, but Roche, Flemming, and Rayburn were sleeping the sleep of -utter exhaustion. - -"It is a bad business," declared one of the Frenchmen. "We have not -the material for executing repairs here. It will be necessary to -proceed up to Rouen, where, at the _chantier_ of Declos et Cie., the -work can be executed in a proper manner. Meanwhile we ourselves will -stop the leak temporarily, so that your little vessel will, with -safety, make the passage to Rouen." - -He was as good as his word. Procuring some white lead, canvas, and a -sheet of zinc, he contrived to patch up the gaping planks, so that -they no longer let in the water; for, when the _Olivette_ was -launched again, it was as tight as a boat could be. - -When Mr. Armitage asked for the bill, the little Frenchman shrugged -his shoulders. - -"I am but a poor man, monsieur," said the latter, "and these are hard -times. Nevertheless, I, who have been a sailor, would not gain my -bread by overcharging foreign sailormen in difficulties. It is but a -small thing that we have done, monsieur, merely a matter of white -lead and canvas. I therefore charge you twenty francs." - -The Scoutmaster looked at him in astonishment. Allowing for the -present value of the franc, the cost was a little over ten shillings. -Mentally he contrasted the sum with the extortionate bills for -shipwright's work on the other side of the English Channel, and he no -longer wondered why the British merchant ships cross over to French -ports to be "reconditioned". - -He paid up willingly, adding five francs as a _pourboire_, and, with -the wreckage of the dinghy hoisted on deck, the _Olivette_ resumed -her eventful pilgrimage. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -Monsieur Raoul - - -As it was only a distance of thirty-five kilometres, or, roughly, 23 -miles, Mr. Armitage decided to bring up on moorings off Duclair until -the tide changed. This would enable the crew to make up arrears of -sleep, or, at any rate, go a long way towards doing so, while, with -the favourable tide, the boat ought to arrive at Rouen early in the -afternoon. - -The Scoutmaster was dubious as to what would happen when the -_Olivette_ did arrive there. It looked as if the cruise would have to -terminate abruptly, while to repair the damage would probably eat up -the whole of the Troop's finances. - -He said nothing of this to the lads under his care. - -He was content to let events shape their course, and not to meet -trouble half-way. The youngsters were enjoying themselves, and he -would not place their pleasures under a cloud by as much as hinting -that the cruise of the _Olivette_ would be drastically curtailed. - -It was a picturesque stretch of the river that confronted the Sea -Scouts when the voyage was resumed. The Seine made a huge U-shaped -bend, almost encircling the Forest of Roumare on the port hand, and -skirting the Forests of Mauny and du Rouvray to starboard. On either -bank were numerous villages, while occasionally small islands were -passed. - -The _Olivette_ was abreast of the Obelisk at Le Val de la Haye, when -her crew noticed a weird sort of craft approaching at tremendous -speed. At first the Sea Scouts could not make head or tail of it. -There was hardly anything to be seen but a triangular girder -appearing above the apex of a double crest of spray, but the noise -the quaint craft made was terrific. - -"It's driven by an aerial propeller," declared Peter. "I can see the -glint on the blades as they revolve." - -Approaching at a rate of about forty-five miles an hour, the vessel -passed the _Olivette_ "like a streak of greased lightning". That was -Hepburn's definition. - -As she passed, the Sea Scouts saw that she was a hydro-glisseur, her -hull composed of three rectangular floats in line ahead and -supporting an aluminium cabin. Right aft was the motor with a triple -chain-driven air propeller. In the bows a tiny Tricolour stood out -stiffly in the breeze. Her crew consisted of two people--one, a -bareheaded mechanic, wearing a blue overall, the other, a youngish -man, the outstanding features of his costume being a velour Alpine -hat, with a tuft of feathers, and a pair of light-yellow kid gloves. - -Noticing the Red Ensign flying on board the _Olivette_, the Frenchman -took off his hat and made an elaborate bow. Not to be outdone in -politeness, the Scoutmaster gave the order, "Alert!" and while the -crew stood to attention he saluted the owner of the glisseur in scout -fashion. - -"We ought to have dipped our ensign, I suppose," remarked Stratton. - -"There wasn't time," rejoined Woodleigh. "He passed before you could -count five." - -"He's turning!" exclaimed Alan. "I say, what a heel! Oh, look! she's -over!" - -Hepburn's exclamation directed the attention of all hands aft. Even -Flemming, who was in the wheel-house, allowed the _Olivette_ to swing -a couple of points out of her course as he looked astern. - -The air-propelled craft, extremely sensitive to her helm, had made -too sharp a turn, or perhaps the mechanic had not slowed down the -motor sufficiently. In any case she capsized. For a moment, quite -two-thirds of the under-surface of the floats was exposed. Then, with -a rending crash, the rapidly-revolving propeller blades hit the water -and were shattered into splinters. The next instant the violently -racing engine dipped beneath the surface. A cloud of steam, as the -water came into contact with the hot cylinders, momentarily hid the -scene of the disaster. - -Flemming acted promptly. Spinning the wheel hard over, and shouting -to his chum, Roche, to slow down, he brought the _Olivette's_ bows on -to the spot where the glisseur had disappeared on an unpremeditated -submarine excursion. - -The owner of the vanished craft was with difficulty swimming towards -his mechanic, who, unable to keep afloat, had sunk for the second -time. - -The Frenchman was obviously handicapped, because he made no attempt -to use his left arm, but, arriving over the place where the -air-bubbles marked the presence of the unfortunate mechanic, he dived -to the latter's rescue. - -The pair reappeared together, the mechanic desperately grasping his -master round the neck. With a sudden wrench the latter shook himself -partly clear, then, with a short quick jab with his right fist, the -Frenchman hit the struggling man a stunning blow on the left temple, -grasped him by the collar of his overalls, and waited the arrival of -the _Olivette_. - -Quickly the pair were hauled on board. Three of the Sea Scouts -immediately set to work to resuscitate the half-drowned mechanic, -while the others, in their imperfect French, offered their services -to the owner of the lost craft. - -The Frenchman bowed. He had lost his hat. - -"_Permettez-moi, messieurs!_" he exclaimed, and gravely produced a -saturated visiting-card on which were the words "Raoul de la Voie, -Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur". - -Mr. Armitage suggested to his involuntary guest that perhaps the crew -of the _Olivette_ might conduct salvage operations. The boat had -stopped, with her engines running well throttled down, close to the -place where the hydro-glisseur had disappeared, a ready clue being -afforded by the oil rising in a steady, far-spreading stream to the -surface. - -Monsieur de la Voie listened with perfect gravity to the -Scoutmaster's halting attempt to put his thoughts into words in the -French language. Mr. Armitage "stuck" badly. His vocabulary was -usually good, but at the present time he had the greatest difficulty -in finding his words, and his dictionary was in one of his -portmanteaux in the after-cabin. - -"Excuse me," remarked the Frenchman, with an almost perfect English -accent, "but if you will kindly talk in English, no doubt I will be -able to follow you better." - -"Thanks awfully," replied Mr. Armitage, falling back upon his -mother-tongue. Then he added gravely, "I hope you are feeling quite -chirpy now." - -"Chirpy?" queried the Frenchman. - -"Chirpy--bucked," prompted the Scoutmaster. - -Monsieur de la Voie's face wore a puzzled expression. But he would -not admit defeat, for, producing a saturated pocket-dictionary, he -looked up the perplexing words. - -"Ah, yes," he continued, with a smile. "I'm feeling absolutely -top-hole, thank you, notwithstanding an unusual style of bathing in -the Seine. Salvage? Hardly necessary to trouble you, sir; you've done -quite enough for us as it is, but if you will buoy the spot, one of -my barges will conduct the operations. If you will be good enough to -give my mechanic and me a passage to Rouen?" - -Monsieur Raoul was little worse for his immersion, but the condition -of the luckless mechanic gave rise to grave misgivings. Not only had -he swallowed a liberal quantity of water: his knee had been hurt by -coming in contact with the girder supporting the aerial propeller, -while, to make matters worse, his master had been compelled to stun -him in order to free himself from his dangerous clutch. - -The owner of the hydro-glisseur was greatly interested in the Sea -Scouts and their craft. He plied the lads with innumerable questions, -and complimented them upon their sound knowledge of seamanship. - -Very little escaped the notice of the mercurial Frenchman, and when -he caught sight of the scars upon the _Olivette's_ bows he asked how -the damage had been caused. - -"And this happened last night, then? It is just possible that I know -who is the owner of the barge that caused the mischief." - -"He is a careless blighter, sir, whoever he is, to let a barge break -adrift," declared Hepburn. - -"Yes," assented Monsieur de la Vole solemnly. "He is." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -Shore Quarters - - -In spite of the delay occasioned by the rescue of the crew of the -hydro-glisseur, the _Olivette's_ run up to Rouen was accomplished by -four o'clock in the afternoon. The historic old town, viewed from the -river, interested the lads beyond measure, while the sight of the -transporter-bridge, a structure one hundred and seventy feet above -the water, and supporting a travelling car that served as a ferry, -appealed to their mechanical instincts. - -"Where do you propose going to for repairs?" asked Monsieur de la -Voie. - -"We were recommended to the Chantier Declos," replied Mr. Armitage. - -The Frenchman smiled. "You could not have been better recommended," -he remarked. "It happens that I keep my private boats in that yard. -There it is: on your left hand just beyond that crane." - -The _Olivette_ was safely berthed, and the French mechanic, who was -able to walk with assistance, was sent ashore. His condition excited -a fair amount of sympathy and curiosity on the part of the workmen; -but when Monsieur de la Voie jumped on to the quay his reception was -exuberant. - -"One would think they were all touched," remarked Roche. - -The workpeople were crowding round and literally mobbing de la Voie, -talking so quickly that the Sea Scouts were unable to understand a -single sentence. - -Presently the owner of the hydro-glisseur obtained a certain amount -of silence, and, beckoning to one of the men, led him aside. For some -minutes the pair conversed heatedly, Monsieur de la Voie smiting the -open palm of his left hand with his fist, while the other man -shrugged his shoulders and extended his hands. At length the latter, -evidently unable to hold his own, changed his tone completely. He -appeared to be pleading and expressing regrets. Monsieur de la Voie -dismissed him, and returned to the quayside, where the _Olivette_ -lay. - -"I have found out for you who is the cause of your misfortune. That -man is the captain of the tug drawing the barges, and the rearmost -barge broke her tow-rope and ran into your yacht." - -"Then he is the careless blighter, monsieur," said Hepburn. - -Raoul de la Voie shook his head. - -"No, no," he remarked emphatically. "He asked for a new tow-rope two -weeks ago, and the owner neglected to supply him with one. So it is -the owner who is the careless blighter, _n'est-ce pas?_" - -"I should think so, monsieur," agreed Alan. "Do you know who he is?" - -De la Voie laughed. - -"_Mais oui_," he replied. "_C'est moi_--I am the careless blighter." - -Hepburn coloured up and said nothing. The Frenchman eyed him -curiously for some minutes, and then slapped the lad on the shoulder. - -"There is no harm done," he exclaimed. "It is a joke. Let me explain. -I am the actual owner of the Chantier Declos, and these are my -barges. Therefore I am responsible for the damage done to your -_Olivette_, and I must needs make reparation. I have sent for my -foreman to come and make a report, and put the work in hand at once." - -"Awfully sporting of you, monsieur," said Roche. - -"It is a duty," declared Monsieur de la Voie. - -Presently the foreman arrived, and at his suggestion the _Olivette_ -was placed in a cradle and hauled up the slipway. Raoul de la Voie -received his subordinate's report and translated it for the benefit -of the crew. - -"Your yacht will require a new stem-piece, breast-hook, and seven new -planks forward," he announced. "There will also be several seams to -require caulking, and, of course, painting and varnishing. My foreman -says he hopes to complete the repairs in a week or ten days." - -The news was received with mixed feelings by the Sea Scouts. They -were delighted to know that the grim shadow of a very heavy bill had -vanished, since the genial Frenchman had willingly acknowledged his -liability. But a week or ten days! That meant a drastic curtailment -of the cruise. It would be impossible, in view of the delay, to carry -out the programme. - -"We'll have to cut out the Paris trip, lads," said Mr. Armitage. - -Poor old Tom Boldrigg looked very much down in the mouth. The -decision meant a lot to him. The opportunity of paying a visit to the -grave of his soldier son was now denied him. - -"Paris?" echoed Raoul. "Why not? Is it absolutely necessary that you -proceed by water?" - -"Yes, if we went at all," replied Mr. Armitage. "By living on board -we could manage the visit without much expense. Living at an hotel in -Paris is beyond our means. However, we are more fortunate than I -expected. We might have had to return home with empty pockets." - -"But you cannot well live on board your yacht while the repairs are -in hand," said Monsieur de la Voie. - -"I suppose that's so," agreed Mr. Armitage. "With planks out, and wet -paint about, life on board wouldn't be exactly comfortable. Perhaps -we might hire a fairly large tent and camp out somewhere away from -the town?" - -"I think it could be arranged," replied Raoul. "Since I am greatly in -your debt for saving the life of my man Pierre, and for pulling me -out of the Seine, it would be a great pleasure to me if you would be -my guests. My home is at Tourville-la-Rivière, about ten kilometres -up the Seine. There I can provide a tent, and if the weather be -unpropitious there is plenty of room in the house." - -The Scoutmaster gratefully accepted the invitation on behalf of the -lads and himself. - -"And," continued his host, "there is no reason why you should not -visit Paris. Although I cannot well afford the time to go with you, I -can arrange for my car to take you to the city, and perhaps you might -like a tour of the battle-fields." - -"Which ones, please, sir?" asked Tom Boldrigg eagerly. - -"The Aisne and the Marne," replied Monsieur de la Voie. "Why do you -inquire so?" - -"Because, sir," replied the old seaman, "I lost a lad on the Marne." - -The demonstrative Frenchman grasped Tom's hand. - -"And I lost my only brother," he said. "We were on the right of a -British division. Their dash was magnificent. Yes, I remember the -crossing of the Marne. It was there that I gained this and lost -that." - -With a quick, almost apologetic gesture, he touched the ribbon of the -Legion d'Honneur and then his arm. For the first time the Sea Scouts -saw that he had an artificial hand. - -"So now," he continued briskly, "all is practically arranged. If you -will collect what baggage you require, my car will be here at six -o'clock. Meanwhile, excuse me; there are certain business matters to -which I have to attend." - -Punctually at the hour, Monsieur de la Voie arrived in a magnificent -touring-car. He had changed his saturated clothes, and was dressed in -a suit of British cut and material. - -Behind the car came a workmanlike equipage--a Daimler with a -commercial body. Into the latter the Sea Scouts piled their kitbags -and other gear, Roche and Rayburn being told off to act as -baggage-guards. - -"A low-down trick to do us out of a ride in a top-hole car," declared -Dick, laughing. It was an enjoyable journey, but the thing that -impressed the lads most was the fact that the traffic kept to the -right-hand side of the road. They had noticed this--the Continental -rule--before, but it was the first time that they had been in a -vehicle in France. - -"If I had to ride a push-bike out here," declared Warkworth, "I'd -barge into everything, 'cause I'd simply have to keep to the left. -And don't the motors look weird with the left-hand drive?" - -The journey was over only too soon, for in less than ten minutes from -the time the car left the shipyard, Monsieur Raoul pulled up outside -a large house standing in extensive grounds that sloped towards the -river. - -"There is your tent," he said, pointing to a fairly spacious marquee -pitched on high ground about two hundred yards from the house. "I -telephoned to my steward to have it pitched at once. But first let us -have dinner." - -Somewhat awed, the Sea Scouts filed into a big, gorgeously furnished -room, where they were introduced to Madame de la Voie and Madame -Ledoux, Raoul's _belle-mère_. - -Dignified-looking men-servants handed round the various courses, the -nature of most of the dishes being utterly strange to the Sea Scouts. -But even their unfounded misgivings failed to blunt their keen -appetites. Stolidly, and almost in silence, they applied themselves -to the food, while Mr. Armitage chatted to his host and hostess. - -When at length the Sea Scouts proceeded to their shore -sleeping-quarters, they found that there was a camp-bed provided for -each of the crew, and that their kit had been stacked ready for their -use. - -"We've fallen on our feet," declared Woodleigh, as he turned in. - -"You speak for yourself, young fellah-me-lad!" rejoined Roche. "It -isn't usual to fall on your feet when you sleep. This is the proper -way--on one's side." - -Deftly Dick dived between the sheets; the camp-bed tilted sideways, -and the next instant Roche was lying on the grassy floor of the tent. - -Shrieks of laughter arose from his companions, even Mr. Armitage -joining in the mirth at the expense of the discomfited exponent of -the art of "turning in". Without a word Roche picked up his blankets -and remade the bed, then, exercising great caution, he got in again. - -"Someone must have capsized me," he soliloquized. "If it weren't for -the fact that we're not in our own quarters, I'd get my own back." - -Ten minutes later most of the lads were asleep. Roche drowsily turned -over, when to his surprise the camp-bed again deposited its occupant -upon the ground. - -This time all lights were out, and no one saw Dick's unpremeditated -tumble. Mystified, he groped for his bedding and once more turned in. - -At seven the lads were aroused by the old sea-cry of, "Show a leg and -shine!" Already the sun was pouring down upon the dew-covered canvas. -In the woods near by the birds were singing blithely. - -"Been digging yourself in, Dick?" asked Hepburn. - -"No--why?" asked Roche. - -Alan pointed to Dick's bed. The wooden trestles had sunk a good foot -into the ground. The mystery of Dick's double eviction was solved. -The camp-bed had been placed immediately above a mole's tunnel, and, -as the earth gave way, the bed had tilted sufficiently to deposit its -occupant upon the ground. - -"I thought that you had had a hand in it," declared Roche. "But -come-back-all-I-said. Who's cook? Where's the galley?" - -No one knew. The mess-traps had been brought ashore, but apparently -their host had made no provision for cooking breakfast. - -"We're in France, remember," said Mr. Armitage, "and in France we -must to a certain extent do as France does. The first meal of the -day--_petit dejeuner_ it's called--is a very light repast--usually -coffee, roll, and butter." - -"Oh, I say!" ejaculated the Tenderfoot ruefully. He had a typical -British appetite, and always went all-out for a good breakfast. "And -I'm so hungry." - -The Sea Scouts washed and dressed with special care. Somehow they -felt that they must appear "extra smart" as the guests of Monsieur -Raoul. By eight o'clock the interior of the marquee was cleaned up -and the bedding aired and folded; but no signs of a galley-fire were -forthcoming. The lads were reconciling themselves to a cold meal of -bread and tinned beef when a man-servant appeared and announced: - -"Ze breakfast: he is served in ze house, messieurs." - -Monsieur de la Voie was not one who did things by halves, for when -the Sea Scouts trooped into the house they found their host awaiting -them and the table spread with an appetizing meal consisting of -coffee, new steaming rolls, fresh butter, eggs, and a large piece of -delicious ham. - -Bidden to "tuck in", the lads obeyed with the greatest zest, to the -undisguised astonishment of the servants, to whom the sight of half a -dozen healthy young Britons devouring large quantities of food so -early in the day was a decidedly novel one. - -"What is your programme for to-day?" inquired Monsieur Raoul. "As -matters stand, the position is this: you are my guests for ten days, -but I want you to have full liberty of action. You will, of course, -want to watch the progress of the repairs, and no doubt will want to -explore the surrounding country. I assure you it has its good points. -Then, again, there are the projected visits to Paris and to the -Marne. These will take at least three days. It is for you to say when -you will go." - -Mr. Armitage warmly thanked his host. - -"The weather seems settled," he added; "perhaps it would be advisable -to take advantage of it while it is fine. So if your chauffeur could -run us into Paris----?" - -"Certainly," rejoined Monsieur de la Voie. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -Homeward Bound - - -The crew of the _Olivette_ had a splendid time in Paris, but, since -they met with no adventures and had no scouting, their visit can be -lightly passed over. - -They were two days in the French capital, and enjoyed every minute of -the time. Their programme was an ambitious one, carried out at high -pressure. So much so that the Sea Scouts were so excited and tired -upon their return to Tourville-la-Rivière that they were compelled -to "slack" for the whole of the following day. - -Then came the long-looked-for tour of the battle-fields. - -The day was warm and sultry, but the ride in the powerful car as it -rushed at high speed along the tree-bordered roads was simply -exhilarating. - -Old Tom Boldrigg, rigged out in his shore-going kit, was tightly -grasping the bundle done up in the blue handkerchief that he had -brought on board at Keyhaven. Except on the occasion when the kit was -transferred from the _Olivette_ to Tourville-la-Rivière, no one had -set eyes on the bundle until now. It rather puzzled his companions, -and certainly aroused their curiosity; but Tom offered no solution to -the mystery, and the lads refrained from questioning him about it. - -At Senlis traces of the Hunnish invaders were apparent, although much -had been done by the industrious inhabitants to rebuild their -shattered dwellings and efface the devastating traces of war. From -that town right on to Château-Thierry the countryside was fast -recovering from the effects of four and a half years' desolation. -Those of the shell-torn trees which had not been uprooted were hiding -their scars under new foliage. The gaunt expanse of crater-pitted -land was covered with ripening corn. Only in places was it possible -to follow the sinuous course of the trenches, while here and there a -system of dug-outs had been left practically intact as a reminder of -the period when that part of France was under the heel of the -Prussian invader. - -It was a soul-stirring episode for the Sea Scouts. They were shown -the spot where the British engineers built bridges, under a terrific -fire, to enable the remnants of the Old Contemptibles to cross the -Marne and deal von Kluck's army corps a staggering blow. The line of -advance of General Gallieni's army, rushed up from Paris in a motley -collection of taxi-cabs in the nick of time to stem the Prussian -advance upon the capital, was pointed out to them. - -Then to the huge cemetery, where thousands of British lads are laid -to rest, in French soil that is British by sentiment. Here the -_Olivette's_ party was met by a courteous official, who, in answer to -old Boldrigg's inquiry, led the way to a remote portion of the vast -burial-ground. - -"Perhaps, Mr. Boldrigg," suggested the Scoutmaster, "you would like -us to leave you for a few minutes." - -"No, no, sir," replied the old man. "What I'm going to do isn't -anything to be ashamed of." - -He was visibly affected, although he tried to conceal his emotion. He -had completed a pilgrimage that had been the wish of his declining -years, and which might never have been accomplished but for the -assistance of the Sea Scouts. - -Standing bareheaded, the lads saw their old friend slowly untie the -blue handkerchief from the bundle. Then he produced a small plant, -its roots carefully protected with damp moss and straw. - -"Straight from the garden at home," he said. "An' my boy was that -fond of flowers." - -"It will be watered carefully," promised the cemetery official. - -"Thank you, sir," replied old Boldrigg gratefully, and, his mission -accomplished, he turned slowly away. - - * * * * * - -On the ninth day of her compulsory detention at Rouen the _Olivette_ -renewed her acquaintance with her natural element. - -The work of repair had been performed smartly and well, and the bows -were as sound as ever. She had been given a complete coat of paint -that glistened in the bright sunshine. - -"Now, lads," began Mr. Armitage, when the crew had re-embarked and -stowed away their gear, "we have to go into matters pretty closely. -By next Saturday Stratton will have to be home if he's to keep that -appointment with the Steamship Company on Monday week. We have five -clear days to spare. What is to be the programme?" - -"Take advantage of the weather while it is fine, sir, and return by -easy stages." - -"Quite a good idea," concurred Mr. Armitage. "It often happens that, -when a cruise has to be completed by a certain time, a homeward start -is deferred until the last possible moment. Then the weather may be -boisterous, and the crew are 'in the soup'. Either they have to -overstay their time, or else they've got to make a dash for it, at -great inconvenience and possible risk." - -"After all, sir," remarked Peter, "although we haven't carried out -our programme exactly as we planned, it has been a rattling good -holiday." - -"And it's not over yet," added Hepburn. - -At two in the afternoon the _Olivette_ got under way. On the -coach-roof over the engine-room she carried a new "twelve-foot" -dinghy--a gift from Monsieur Raoul to replace the one they had lost -in collision with the barge. - -Their host came on board to wish them _bon voyage_, and, at the Sea -Scouts' invitation, he agreed to go as a passenger as far as -Caudebec. - -"I am hoping," he said, "to raise a troop of Sea Scouts at Rouen. The -only difficulty that presents itself is the time it occupies to carry -out the work properly. I quite understand that an inefficient troop, -run by a Scoutmaster who does not, or cannot, devote sufficient time, -is worse than useless. However, I am serious about it, and if the -scheme matures, then some day you might see a French yacht, manned by -French Sea Scouts, sailing into your Keyhaven." - -"If they do, sir," said Peter, "they'll be sure to meet with a hearty -welcome, although, I'm afraid, I won't be there to join in," he added -regretfully. - -With the strong current, the _Olivette_ made a quick run down to -Caudebec, anchoring under the lee of the Dos d'Ane before sunset. It -was now close upon the neap tides, and the bore was not so much in -evidence. - -"We've been done out of a little excitement," was Hepburn's comment -after the _Olivette_ had encountered the comparatively mild tidal -wave. - -"You speak for yourself, old thing," rejoined Roche. "I've still a -lump on my forehead where I bashed my head against the deck-beam as -the old boat stood on her head. In my opinion, bores are a nuisance, -whether they are of the human variety or otherwise." - -Monsieur Raoul de la Voie took his departure at Caudebec. He bade the -Sea Scouts farewell and _bon voyage_, and the lads heartily thanked -him for his kindness and hospitality. - -"He's a proper sport," commented Roche. - -"There was a time when I thought all Frenchmen wore stove-pipe hats, -pointed moustachios, and tufts of hair on their chins. Going abroad -widens one's outlook," he added sapiently. - -Two days were spent at Caudebec. There was much to be done to prepare -the _Olivette_ for her homeward voyage. Her fuel-tanks had to be -replenished, her oil-supply renewed, provisions and fresh water to be -shipped on board, and various formalities to be carried out with the -port authorities at Havre. - -"We start to-morrow, lads," announced Mr. Armitage. "The fine weather -is holding, but there are indications of a break-up in the course of -the next forty-eight hours. We can't afford to be held up here." - -"At what hour, sir?" asked Peter. - -"Seven in the morning at high-water," replied the Scoutmaster. "With -luck, we ought to be inside the Wight before sunset." - -Promptly to the minute on the following morning the anchor was -weighed, and the motor began its rhythmic purr. To save time, the -Tancarville Canal route was to be cut out in favour of the passage of -the estuary of the Seine, and, in accordance with the port -regulations, a pilot had to be employed. - -The pilot came on board just before seven o'clock. He was a short, -bow-legged, elderly man, differing very little in appearance from the -seafaring fraternity on the other side of the Channel, except that -his knowledge of English was rather meagre. - -Peter Stratton was at the helm, the pilot standing beside him. - -All went well for the first ten minutes or so, then a brigantine in -tow of a tug appeared in sight round a bend abreast of the village of -Villequier. - -"_Tribord tout!_" ordered the pilot. - -Peter, considerably astonished to receive the order, for he was aware -that "tribord" was the equivalent for "starboard", promptly -starboarded his helm. - -The little Frenchman danced with excitement. - -"_Tribord tout!_" he reiterated. - -The Patrol Leader gave the boat still more starboard helm. At that -moment the tug blew a single blast with her steam whistle. - -The pilot, abandoning his post, ran on deck gesticulating frantically -at the tug. Peter, left to his own devices, and knowing that if he -attempted to port helm now there would almost inevitably be a -disastrous collision, kept her helm hard over until the _Olivette_ -had starboarded sixteen points and her bows were pointing in exactly -the opposite direction to her former course. - -Then he ordered the motor to stop, and awaited the pilot's return. - -"P'raps he's got a pal on the tug and wants a yarn," he soliloquized. -"Wonder what he is doing now?" - -As a matter of fact the Frenchman, with tears in his eyes, was -complaining to Mr. Armitage of the wilful disobedience of the -youthful helmsman. - -"I tell him keep to dis side," he declared, "and he vit intent -deliberate 'e put ze ship across de bow of ze tug so. I protest, -Monsieur; I chuck in ze 'and so." - -The pilot folded his arms, stood with his feet well apart, and gazed -stolidly ahead. It was his pose of lofty detachment. - -Mr. Armitage made his way to the wheelhouse, where Peter, unconscious -of the enormity of his offence, was carrying on quite unconcernedly. -Fortunately the _Olivette_ was still a long way from the dangerous -sandbank-encumbered estuary, and the navigation presented no -difficulty. - -"What's the row you've had with the pilot, Peter?" inquired Mr. -Armitage. - -"Row, sir? I didn't have a row. He told me to starboard. I expected -him to tell me to port helm, but I carried out his orders. Then he -began roaring like a lunatic. If I had hesitated and ported helm, -there would have been a most awful smash." - -"There has been a mistake," admitted the Scoutmaster, "and I'm to -blame as much as anyone. I ought to have warned you '_tribord_' is -the French for 'starboard' and '_bâbord_' for port, but that's not -enough. When a Frenchman orders '_tribord_' he means that the boat's -bows are to go to starboard and not the helm. He ought to have made -allowances, for it's pretty certain that this is not the first -British vessel he's piloted. I'll get Hepburn to take the wheel for a -spell, and we'll explain to our worthy pilot." - -The Frenchman was easily mollified after explanations had been given. -With a bow he declared that "ze affaire" was over and forgotten, but -during the rest of the voyage down the estuary he took good care to -say, "Port ze helm dis vay," or, "Turn ze ship's 'ead to ze left." - -In four hours, keeping at full speed, and with a tide under her, the -_Olivette_ was clear of the estuary and pitching to the short, sharp -seas off the Grand Rade of Havre. Here the pilot was dropped, a boat -from the pilot cutter coming alongside to take him off. - -"Do not make ze tarry, monsieur," he said to Mr. Armitage. "Ze -weather it looks not nice. By dark, it blow ver' 'ard." - -"Let's hope he's wrong for once," thought the Scoutmaster. "All the -same, the glass is falling, so the sooner we get into sheltered water -the better." - -He glanced to wind'ard. The sky was of a deep blue, without a cloud -being visible. The breeze blew strongly from the south'ard. It was a -favourable wind for Old England's shores. - -He waved his hand in acknowledgment of the pilot's warning. - -"Let her rip, Flemming," he ordered. "Full speed ahead." - -It was a far different passage from the _Olivette's_ previous -crossing. Even when clear of the land, the waves were short and steep -as the weather-going tide met the breeze obliquely. In spite of the -extra ballast, the boat rolled and pitched until her foredeck was -swept by the white-crested waves, and water poured at intervals over -her quarter. But, protected by the high coaming surrounding the well, -the crew kept fairly comfortable. They had to wear oilskins to keep -themselves dry, for the spindrift was flying inboard. Every movable -article, both on deck and below, had to be lashed down, and it was -soon apparent that, until they were in smoother water, the Sea Scouts -would have to go without hot meals. - -About four o'clock the wind dropped considerably. The _Olivette_ was -now out of sight of land, and, with the exception of an old -wind-jammer running full-and-by up-Channel, not another vessel was in -sight. - -"Make some tea while you have a chance, Woodleigh," suggested Mr. -Armitage. "This lull is only temporary, I fancy." - -To the west'ard inky-coloured clouds were appearing above the -horizon. The southerly breeze was on the point of veering to the -west'ard or sou'west'ard, and when it came it would, in all -probability, come with considerable force. - -"We may get in before it comes on hard," soliloquized the -Scoutmaster. "It's no joke being caught out; but we'll have to make -the best of it." - -After a hastily snatched meal, all the crew, except Roche and -Hepburn, turned in to get a few minutes' sleep, Mr. Armitage giving -strict injunctions to report to him the moment the wind piped up -again. - -"And none of your Brightlingsea stunts, Alan," he added, referring to -an occasion when Hepburn took the _Olivette_ into port on his own -initiative. "That time you managed splendidly, but another attempt -mightn't end quite so well. If the breeze doesn't pipe up soon, turn -me out directly you sight land. You ought to see the high ground -behind Ventnor on your port bow." - -The "watch below" had quite two hours' rest before Alan noticed a -squall bearing down. At the same time he fancied that he saw land -ahead in the clearing of the mirk that preceded the rain. - -"All hands on deck," he shouted to his companions in the forepeak. -"One of you run aft and warn Mr. Armitage." - -The Scoutmaster did not wait to be called. Hearing the commotion -for'ard, he left his cabin and glanced to wind'ard. - -"We're in for it," he mused. - -Just then, Flemming, who was due to relieve Roche in the motor-room, -came up with the disconcerting news that there was a choke in the -carburetter, and could they stop the engine while he and Roche -remedied the defect? - -"Right-o," agreed Mr. Armitage. "Carry on and get it done as sharp as -you can. How long will it take, do you think?" - -"'Bout ten minutes, sir," replied the lad. - -Five minutes later the squall struck the _Olivette_ heavily. Being -without way, and unable to answer to her helm, the staunch little -craft lay broadside on in the trough of the rapidly rising sea. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -Home Waters Again - - -The _Olivette_, although she had a light mast stepped in a tabernacle -for'ard, did not carry sail, relying solely upon her excellent -engine. That the motor had stopped was in no way due to the design. -The best engine on the market will "konk out", if foreign matter -finds its way into the fuel-tank and thence through the feed-pipe to -the carburetter. - -Bracing themselves with their backs up against the tool-locker and -their feet hard up against the engine-bearers, Roche and Flemming -toiled desperately to effect a clearance in record time. In their -haste they neglected ordinary precaution, and in a sudden lurch of -the vessel the jet of the carburetter rolled into the bilges. - -Mr. Armitage, going below to see how things were progressing, found -the two engineers had taken up several of the floor-boards and were -groping in a foot of oily bilge-water to recover the small but highly -necessary article. - -"Sorry, sir, but she lurched," said Eric apologetically. "We'll find -the jet in half a tick." - -A cascade of water pouring into the open well warned the Scoutmaster -that prompt measures must be taken quickly if the _Olivette_ were to -escape being swamped as she lay broadside on. - -Assisted by Stratton, who volunteered for the hazardous task, Mr. -Armitage and the Patrol Leader crawled along the slippery, heaving -deck and laid out the sea-anchor. - -The _Olivette_, drifting rapidly to leeward, snubbed at the rope -attached to the canvas bag. There was a sharp twang. The rope, -apparently sound, had parted like packthread, and the sea-anchor was -irrecoverably lost. - -"We'll have to rig up another, Peter," shouted Mr. Armitage. "A stout -spar, a hammock, and a piece of ballast will do the trick. Be sharp. -She won't stand many of these breakers." - -A hissing, white-crested wave, pouring completely over the boat, -confirmed the Scoutmaster's words. Below, the Sea Scouts were plying -the semi-rotary pump, but their strenuous efforts failed to cope with -the steady inrush of water. Already there was a foot or more swirling -over the engine-room floor, to the detriment of the task of clearing -the choked carburetter. - -As he went below to look out the materials for the improvised -sea-anchor, Mr. Armitage was confronted by old Tom Boldrigg. - -"Try ile, sir," suggested the ex-sailor. "Ile's an excellent thing -for quietin' the waves. I'll see to that, sir, if you wish----" - -"Carry on, please," replied Mr. Armitage. "We're rigging up a -temporary sea-anchor." - -Without another word Boldrigg went about his task. His canvas kit-bag -served the purpose, and he sacrificed it to the common weal, although -it had been his companion for years of service afloat. - -Filling the water-tight bag with heavy lubricating oil, Tom secured -the mouth tightly and bent a stout line to it. Then with the -marlinespike of his knife he pricked half a dozen holes in the -canvas. - -"Belay, there, lads!" he shouted, handing the rope to some of the Sea -Scouts and heaving the bag over the side to windward. - -Although the bag offered very little resistance, the fact that the -_Olivette_ was drifting rapidly to lee'ard enabled the canvas sack to -run out to the full extent of the rope. The oil leaking through the -small holes soon began to take effect. A triangular patch of -comparatively smooth oil-covered water, with its apex at the sack and -its base far to lee'ard of the boat, had the almost instantaneous -result of keeping down the crested waves. The _Olivette_, rolling -still, was no longer in peril, for not a cupful of spray came -inboard. - -"How long will that last?" inquired Mr. Armitage. - -"Best part of an hour, sir," replied the old man. "'Sides, we can -easily pull the sack aboard again and fill up with ile." - -But in less than twenty minutes the engine was running again with her -flywheel well clear of the bilge-water. The Sea Scouts at the pump -had seen to that. - -Slowly the _Olivette_ was brought round head to wind. With strenuous -efforts the canvas bag was hauled inboard, and the order given for -full speed ahead. - -Buffeted by the waves, with spray flying in solid showers twenty feet -above the wheelhouse, the little ship resumed her dash for home. - -Another lift in the rain-laden mirk showed the Isle of Wight now two -points on the port bow. Mr. Armitage hailed the sight with -whole-hearted satisfaction. He was running for the eastern side of -the island in order to get under the lee of the land. Although it was -the longer course, it was far preferable to having the dangerous -stretch of coast between St. Catherine's and The Needles under his -lee. - -Nearer and nearer came Old England's shores. Every revolution of the -propeller was decreasing the distance between the _Olivette_ and -sheltered waters. - -At eight o'clock in the evening, Mr. Armitage went into the -wheel-house, where Woodleigh and Warkworth were doing a double trick -at the helm, for it required more than one strong lad to master the -kicking wheel. - -"I'll take on for a spell," he said. The lads regarded their -Scoutmaster curiously. Knowing the previous arrangement that Mr. -Armitage was not to take any active part in the navigation of the -ship, his decision rather puzzled them. - -"We're quite all right, sir," protested Woodleigh. - -"I'm stiff with doing nothing," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "A tussle with -the wheel will do me good." - -The youthful quartermasters stood aside, and the Scoutmaster "took -on". He knew that, before the _Olivette_ gained the sheltered waters -of Spithead, she would have to negotiate the shallow shoals of the -eastern end of the Wight, where an error of judgment would result in -disaster. He knew the approaches to Spithead by heart. There was no -occasion for him to refer to a chart. - -An hour later the _Olivette_ passed the huge concrete tower on the -Nab shoal. With a strong tide under her, she simply romped past the -Warner Lightship, and turned in the direction of the yellow-and-black -chequered Horse Sand Fort. - -"Up steaming-lights!" ordered the Scoutmaster as the sun sank, a pale -yellow orb in an indigo-coloured sky. "Cooks to the galley! We're in -sheltered water now." - -The masthead, port, and starboard lamps were lighted and displayed. -Down below, the Scouts not on duty were preparing for a belated meal. -Spithead and the Solent were familiar sights to them. In the -well-lighted cabin they sat, ate, and yarned, while Mr. Armitage and -Roche stuck to their respective tasks. - -Presently Peter came on deck. - -"I'll take on now, sir," he reported. "You must be hungry.... Why, -we're past Cowes--we're nearly home!" - -"Yes," replied Mr. Armitage. "There's Hurst Light right ahead. Take -her, Peter. I'll follow your excellent advice and get something to -eat. There won't be enough water for us over the bar, so we'll have -to put into Lymington for the night. Besides, we have to obtain our -clearance from the Customs." - -Without incident the _Olivette_ made Lymington River and brought up -on a vacant pair of moorings. Her crew slept like logs until they -were nearly thrown from their bunks by the wash of the steamship -plying between Lymington and Yarmouth. - -It was blowing very hard from the west'ard--half a gale, in fact. -Had the _Olivette_ been caught out in mid-Channel she would have had -a perilous time. She had won through by a few hours. - -"We've had a jolly time," declared Hepburn, surveying the scene, "but -give me this side of the Channel any old day of the week. Hello, it's -close on eight! I'll have to hoist the ensign." - -Alan was making his way aft, when Peter stopped him. - -"Here, you blighter!" exclaimed the Patrol Leader. "What are you up -to?" - -Hepburn explained. - -"Not the ensign-staff this time," protested Peter. - -"Why not?" demanded the mystified Alan. - -"'Cause, you would-be smuggler," replied Stratton, "we've 'come -foreign'. Ensign at the masthead, please. That's the recognized -rule." - -The Sea Scouts had not finished breakfast when a boat came alongside -with the representative of His Majesty's Excise and Customs. - -The official smiled when he boarded the _Olivette_. He knew her and -her crew well, but duty is duty all the world over. - -"Anything to declare?" he inquired. "Tobacco, tea, spirits, eau de -Cologne, lace, and what not?" - -"I have spirits," announced the irrepressible Hepburn. "High -spirits--so I'm told." - -"They are not liable to duty," rejoined the Exciseman. "Well, I may -as well have a look round." - -He was a man who did his work thoroughly. The _Olivette_ was searched -from stem to stern. Every locker was examined, the floor boards -lifted, and even the skirting tapped in case there might be -contraband hidden between the timbers. - -"Like a game of hunt the slipper," remarked Roche. - -"Aye," replied the man, "and it's my game to hunt slippery ones. I've -caught a few in my time, but they weren't Sea Scouts. I'll give you -your clearance papers, Mr. Armitage." - -The interrupted breakfast dispatched, and the plates and cups washed -up and stowed, the _Olivette_ resumed her homeward run. - -"I don't know about Alan's high spirits," remarked Peter. "Mine are -rather low. It's my last run in the old _Olivette_, I'm afraid." - -"You never know your luck," said Roche. "And you're going abroad -again, you lucky blighter. I hope I'll make as good a Patrol Leader -as you, old man." - -"Without a doubt of it, you will," declared Peter earnestly. -"Starboard.... at that.... Stand by for'ard and pick up the buoy.... -I say, there's Bruin." - -Sure enough Peter's pet and the _Olivette's_ mascot was sitting on -the edge of the quay. - -The moment the _Olivette_ picked up her moorings, Bruin took to the -water and swam off. Willing hands hauled the dog on board, where he -inconsiderately showed his delight by shaking his shaggy coat and -liberally besprinkling the crew. - -"Just to remind us," observed Peter, wiping the moisture from his -face--"just to remind us that we are in home waters again." - - - -PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN -_By Blackie & Son, Limited, Glasgow_ - - - - - [Transcriber's Notes: - - This book contains a number of misprints. - The following misprints have been corrected: - - [exclamed Dick Roche] -> - [exclaimed Dick Roche] - - [the Sea Scouts' calcucations] -> - [the Sea Scouts' calculations] - - [Warborrow Bay] -> - [Worbarrow Bay] - - [a serious of semicircles] -> - [a series of semicircles] - - [Cest moi] -> - [C'est moi] - - [The gaunt exexpanse] -> - [The gaunt expanse] - - [the astern end of] -> - [the eastern end of] - - In chapter I there is a [Alan Hepworth] mentioned - (only once). This should probably be [Alan Hepburn], - but it has not been corrected. - - In chapter IV [Warborrow Bay] is mentioned (once) but the - probable correct notation, [Worbarrow Bay], isn't - mentioned anywhere in this book. The first notation - doesn't seem to exist, the latter does. This, and the fact - that Mr. Westerman mentions [Lulworth Cove] in connection - with it, which lies very close to [Worbarrow Bay], makes - it all the more likely that [Worbarrow Bay] is the correct - notation. - - Two illustrations were missing in the paper version - used for the production of this digitised text. These were: - 'THE HIGH-PRESSURE JET CAUGHT THE TENDERFOOT FULL IN - THE FACE' and 'THE DERELICT'. They are marked with - "(missing from book)" in the Illustrations-list and - on the spot where the image should have been. - - A few cases of punctuation errors were corrected, but are - not mentioned here. - ] - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Sea Scouts Abroad, by Percy F. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Sea Scouts Abroad - Further Adventures of the 'Olivette' - -Author: Percy F. Westerman - -Illustrator: Charles Pears - -Release Date: January 7, 2018 [EBook #56325] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SEA SCOUTS ABROAD *** - - - - -Produced by R.G.P.M. van Giesen - - - - - -</pre> - - -<a name="cover"></a> -<center><img src="images/01_cover.jpg" alt="Cover" style="width:100%; height:auto; max-width:600px;"></center> -<center>[Illustration: cover (front)]</center> -<br> -<a name="spine"></a> -<center><img src="images/02_spine.jpg" alt="Cover" style="width:15%; height:auto; max-width:600px;"></center> -<center>[Illustration: cover (spine)]</center> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center><h1>SEA SCOUTS ABROAD</h1></center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center> -<div class="notebox" style="1px solid #000000;"> -<table style="padding: 1em;" summary="otherbooks"> - <thead> - <tr> - <th>BY - <div class="fontsize133">PERCY F. WESTERMAN</div> - <span class="smallcaps">Lieut.</span> R.A.F.</th> - </tr> - </thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td><hr align="center" width="25%"></td></tr> - <tr><td></td></tr> - <tr><td><center>"No boy alive will be able to peruse Mr. Westerman's pages without a quickening of his pulses."<b>—Outlook.</b></center></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><hr align="center" width="25%"></td></tr> - <tr><td><br></td></tr> - <tr><td><div class="p2"><b>The Third Officer:</b> A Present-day Pirate Story.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - <tr><td><div class="p2"><b>Sea Scouts Abroad:</b> Further Adventures of the <i>Olivette</i>.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - <tr><td><div class="p2"><b>The Salving of the "Fusi Yama": </b> A Post-War Story of the Sea.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>Sea Scouts All:</b> How the <i>Olivette</i> was won.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>Winning his Wings:</b> A Story of the R.A.F.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>The Thick of the Fray at Zeebrugge:</b> April, 1918.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>With Beatty off Jutland:</b> A Romance of the Great Sea Fight.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>The Submarine Hunters:</b> A Story of Naval Patrol Work.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>A Lively Bit of the Front:</b> A Tale of the New Zealand Rifles on the Western Front.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>A Sub and a Submarine:</b> The Story of H.M. Submarine R19 in the Great War.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>Under the White Ensign:</b> A Naval Story of the Great War.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>The Dispatch-Riders:</b> The Adventures of Two British Motor-cyclists with the Belgian Forces.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>The Sea-girt Fortress:</b> A Story of Heligoland.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>Rounding up the Raider:</b> A Naval Story of the Great War.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>The Fight for Constantinople:</b> A Tale of the Gallipoli Peninsula.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>Captured at Tripoli:</b> A Tale of Adventure.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>The Quest of the "Golden Hope":</b> A Seventeenth-century Story of Adventure.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><div class="p2"><b>A Lad of Grit:</b> A Story of Restoration Times.</div></td></tr> - <tr><td> - </td></tr><tr><td><hr align="center" width="25%"></td></tr> - <tr><td></td></tr> - <tr><td><center>LONDON: BLACKIE & SON, <span class="smallcaps">Ltd.</span>, 50 OLD BAILEY, E.C.</center></td></tr> - </tbody> -</table> -</div> -</center> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center> -<a name="hesitation"></a> -<img src="images/03_hesitation.jpg" alt="image: 03_hesitation.jpg" style="width:100%; height:auto; max-width:600px;"> -</center> -<center>[Illustration: WITHOUT HESITATION WOODLEIGH LEAPED INTO THE SEA]</center> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center> -<h1> -SEA SCOUTS ABROAD -</h1> -<h3>Further Adventures of the "Olivette"</h3> -<br> -<br> -<h4>BY</h4> -<h3>PERCY F. WESTERMAN</h3> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<i>Illustrated by Charles Pears</i> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br>BLACKIE AND SON LIMITED -<br><span class="fontsize60">LONDON GLASGOW AND BOMBAY</span> -</center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<h3 align="center">Contents</h3> -<hr width="25%" align="center"> -<table align="center" width="80%" summary="contents" class="smallcaps"> - -<tbody><tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">CHAP.</td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">I. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter01">Afloat once More</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">II. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter02">Stolen</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">III. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter03">A Real Good Turn</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">IV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter04">Repayment</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">V. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter05">Trapped by the Tide</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">VI. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter06">Why the Water Failed</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">VII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter07">The New Hand</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">VIII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter08">The Stowaway</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">IX. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter09">Broken Down in Mid-Channel</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">X. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter10">Alan Speaks French</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XI. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter11">"Wounded"</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter12">"In the Ditch"</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XIII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter13">The Bore</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XIV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter14">The Derelict</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XV. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter15">All Hands to the Pumps</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XVI. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter16">The Adventures of the "Liberty Men"</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XVII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter17">Monsieur Raoul</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XVIII. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter18">Shore Quarters</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XIX. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter19">Homeward Bound</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> -<td align="right" valign="top">XX. </td> -<td align="left" valign="top"> -<a href="#chapter20">Home Waters Again</a></td> -</tr> - -</tbody></table> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center> -<table style="padding: 2em;" summary="illustrations" class="smallcaps"> - <thead> - <tr> - <th>Illustrations</th> - </tr> - </thead> - <tbody> - <tr><td></td></tr> - <tr><td><hr align="center" width="25%"></td></tr> - <tr><td><br></td></tr> - <tr><td><a href="#hesitation">Without hesitation Woodleigh leaped into the Sea</a> - <br><span style="float:right;"><i>Frontispiece</i></span></td></tr> - <tr><td><br></td></tr> - <tr><td><a href="#rescue">"Scouts to the rescue!" shouted Rivett</a></td></tr> - <tr><td><br></td></tr> - <tr><td><a href="#jet">The high-pressure Jet caught the Tenderfoot full in the Face</a> - <br><span style="float:right;">(missing from book)</span></td></tr> - <tr><td><br></td></tr> - <tr><td><a href="#derelict">The Derelict</a><span style="float:right;">(missing from book)</span></td></tr> - </tbody> -</table> -</center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<center><h2>SEA SCOUTS ABROAD</h2></center> -<hr align="center" width="25%"> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<a name="chapter01"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER I</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Afloat Once More</h4> -<br> -<p>"To-morrow the tide serves," declared Patrol Leader Peter Stratton, -stepping back a few paces in order to admire the joint handiwork of -the 1st Milford Sea Scouts. "We'll launch her while the compo's wet. -That's the right thing, I believe."</p> - -<p>It was a blazing morning late in July. The Sea Scouts, with the best -part of seven weeks' holiday in front of them, were engaged in giving -their craft—the 54-foot motor-boat <i>Olivette</i>—a belated refit -before undertaking what Alan Hepworth described as "the stunt of -stunts".</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> rested in her cradle with the stern a good five yards -from high-water mark on the gently shelving patch of gravel that -constitutes the Keyhaven repairing-slip. For just over a week all -hands—namely, Patrol Leader Peter Stratton, Scouts Dick Roche, Eric -Flemming, Will Woodleigh, Reggie Warkworth, Alan Hepburn, and -Tenderfoot Phil Rayburn—had been hard at work from early morn till -dewy eve making the staunch craft look presentable and, what was -more, seaworthy, for the undertaking they had in view.</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts were doing the task of refitting entirely by -themselves. Mr. Armitage, their Scoutmaster, was away in Town on -business, and would not be back until the following Thursday, and it -was "up to" the lads to have the <i>Olivette</i> afloat "all shipshape and -Bristol fashion" on his return.</p> - -<p>Roche, Flemming, and Woodleigh had taken down the powerful 50-60 -horse-power Kelvin engine, decarbonized the four cylinders, fitted -new piston rings, ground in the valves, and adjusted the tappets. At -the end of each day's work they were as black as tinkers and as jolly -as sand-boys.</p> - -<p>Hepburn and Rayburn had been told off to clean down and revarnish the -after-cabin and paint out the fo'c'sle; Stratton and Warkworth, with -the aid of caustic soda and scrapers, had removed all the old paint -from the <i>Olivette's</i> sides, and were on the last stages of applying -the final coat of "battleship grey" paint. Incidentally they had -liberally besprinkled themselves and their overalls with paint and -varnish, while, owing to an incautious use of caustic soda, that -powerful chemical had indelibly stained their nails a dark brown, -which were not only disfigured but positively painful.</p> - -<p>But for the sake of the ship—their very own ship—such discomforts -counted for little: the <i>Olivette's</i> refit was rapidly approaching -completion, and for the present nothing else mattered.</p> - -<p>In their task of getting the boat ready for sea the Scouts received -no human aid, but they were "assisted" by a big curly-haired dog, -with a white patch on his chest, who answered to the name of Bruin.</p> - -<p>Twelve months before, Bruin, then a mere pup, had been rescued by the -Sea Scouts of the <i>Olivette</i> when he was in dire peril on the Buxey -Sands in the Thames estuary. He was now a powerful, wonderfully -good-tempered beast, standing nearly thirty inches high, and -combining the sagacity of a full-grown dog with the high spirits of a -puppy. Nominally Peter's dog, Bruin was the recognized mascot of the -<i>Olivette's</i> crew. He had adopted them all. He obeyed them and no one -else. He was friendly with most human beings with whom he came in -contact, but he took it for granted that his destiny was indissolubly -associated with the blue-jerseyed, white-capped lads who formed the -1st Milford Sea Scouts.</p> - -<p>During the present operations Bruin's activities were mainly -concerned with trotting around with paint-brushes and tools. -Somewhere in the back of his doggie brain he had the idea that these -articles were a hindrance to his youthful masters, since they were so -busy working with them that they couldn't go to sea. Consequently, -Bruin did his best to help things on by running away with -paintbrushes and tools. Whenever anything was missing, Bruin was -dubbed the culprit. In nine cases out of ten the Sea Scouts were -right, and by dint of a little tracking they discovered the dog's -cache—a hole in a cabbage-patch in the coastguards' garden.</p> - -<p>"She looks A1," <span id="cor0001" class="corrected" title="[Original text: exclamed Dick Roche]">exclaimed Dick Roche</span>, backing-up the Patrol Leader's -unspoken satisfaction. "You've put that top coat on splendidly, -Peter."</p> - -<p>"Not so dusty," admitted the Patrol Leader modestly. "The line's a -bit wonky under the starboard quarter. That was when Bruin started -jazzing on my back; but the compo will square that off all right. How -are you getting on?"</p> - -<p>"Finished," declared the motor expert. "The magneto's timed just a -trifle in advance. I fancy she'll do better like that."</p> - -<p>"If she does as well as she did before, I won't complain," rejoined -Peter. "Yes, I've made a good job of those top-sides—a thundering -good job. Now, lads, we'll leave her at that. The paint will be set -hard by to-morrow, if it doesn't rain."</p> - -<p>"I don't fancy it will," said Hepburn. "The glass is high and steady. -What's the next job, Peter?"</p> - -<p>"Final coat of varnish on the dinghy," announced the Patrol Leader. -"Then, the last thing to-night, we'll grease the ways. That will be -enough for one day's work, I fancy."</p> - -<p>"We'll miss you when you go, Peter, old thing," remarked Flemming.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I'm sorry I'm leaving you all," replied Stratton. "But a fellow -can't hang on here for ever. I mean to have a jolly time before I go, -though."</p> - -<p>At the end of August, Peter Stratton was entering the Merchant -Service as a cadet. It was mainly owing to his previous training as a -sea scout that the directors of one of the biggest steamship lines -had accepted Peter.</p> - -<p>With the prospect of losing their present Patrol Leader the Sea -Scouts had decided to have a glorious cruise before he severed his -connection with the <i>Olivette</i>. It was an elaborate scheme. They were -to "go foreign", taking the <i>Olivette</i> across Channel to Havre and -then up the Seine to Rouen, and possibly Paris.</p> - -<p>Scoutmaster Armitage had readily fallen in with the idea. Not only -would the execution of it give his lads another opportunity of -seamanship in the Channel, it would afford them a chance of seeing a -country not their own—a country that, during the last few years, has -been closely united in aims and sympathies with her former enemy.</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts had received several letters from their Scoutmaster -during his stay in town. In them he reported progress: how that he -had already obtained the necessary charts, and had applied for -passports and other forms that had to be produced before the crew of -the <i>Olivette</i> landed on French soil.</p> - -<p>Already Hepburn, the Troop photographer, had been busy on this -account, taking individual photographs of each member of the -<i>Olivette's</i> crew. True to their traditions, the Sea Scouts kept -smiling, and in the resultant prints the smiles appeared to be -grossly exaggerated. The "rogues' gallery", as Stratton termed it, -had been duly sent off to Mr. Armitage, to adorn the necessary -passports.</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> being ready for launching, the Sea Scouts turned their -attention to the dinghy, until the little tender glistened with -varnish and the boat-house was festooned with her various fittings -all wet with "best copal ".</p> - -<p>"Bruin!" exclaimed Stratton, addressing the high-spirited animal. -"Get outside. You're shaking your hairs all over the varnish. And -please don't look so excited. You aren't coming this trip."</p> - -<p>"What?" exclaimed Warkworth in dismay. "Bruin not coming? Why not, -Peter? It wouldn't be the <i>Olivette</i> without Bruin."</p> - -<p>"It'll have to be," retorted the Patrol Leader. "It's rough luck on -Bruin, I admit; but if we took him to France he'd have to undergo six -months' quarantine when we returned. It isn't worth it, old son, is -it?"</p> - -<p>The "old son" looked at his master and solemnly winked one eye.</p> - -<p>"I mean it, Bruin," continued Stratton. Bruin shut one eye again, and -went outside to think things over.</p> - -<p>Early next morning the Sea Scouts reassembled at Keyhaven. First -high-water—for there are double tides on this part of the coast—was -at 10.15, but all preparations had to be completed well before that -time.</p> - -<p>As the lads approached the <i>Olivette</i> the Patrol Leader came to a -sudden stop. He wasn't smiling this time. In fact his jaw dropped -appreciably. The boat's side looked as if it had developed a marine -form of scarlet fever. It was simply peeling all over. The smooth -coat of grey, over the application of which Stratton had spent so -much time and labour, was little better than an expanse of blistering -and flaking paint.</p> - -<p>"What's happened, Peter?" asked Hepburn. "Has someone been fooling -about in the night?"</p> - -<p>"Goodness knows," replied the Patrol Leader. "Frost might account for -it but we don't get frosts in July. The paint hasn't taken. We'll -have to scrape it all off. And Mr. Armitage is due back to-morrow."</p> - -<p>While the Sea Scouts were still contemplating the unaccountable -misfortune, an old man approached. They knew him very well. His name -was Boldrigg, and he was a pensioned naval seaman, who, having served -as a coastguard, had settled down at Keyhaven. He was a widower, and -had lost both his sons in the War—one a seaman gunner, in the -Jutland Battle, and the other a corporal in a line regiment, -"somewhere in France".</p> - -<p>"Ahoy, there!" shouted the old man. "Tied up in knots about something -I'll warrant. What's adrift?"</p> - -<p>Peter pointed to the oyster-shell markings and blisters.</p> - -<p>"Fresh on yesterday, Mr. Boldrigg," he declared, "and look at it now. -Paint's rotten."</p> - -<p>The ex-coastguard walked to the side of the <i>Olivette</i> and prodded -the sticky mess with a horny finger.</p> - -<p>"It's got to come off, anyway," he remarked apologetically, "so it -don't hurt to touch it. No, Master Stratton, 'tain't the paint that's -at fault. You've been a-usin' sooji mooji."</p> - -<p>"Yes," admitted the Patrol Leader, glancing at his discoloured -finger-nails. "Caustic soda. We had to; the old paint was on so -hard."</p> - -<p>"There you are; there you are!" exclaimed the old sailor, shaking his -head. "You puts on stuff to take paint off, an' expects new paint to -stick over the sooji mooji. 'Tis like destroying weeds with -weed-killer and expecting seed to grow on the same ground that's been -poisoned, so to speak."</p> - -<p>"Then how——" began Roche.</p> - -<p>"Half a shake, my lad," continued Boldrigg. "Live and learn. You want -to get the paint off. An old brush'll do that. Then wash your wood -down with vinegar and water to kill the caustic soda in it. When it's -dry, paint away, and you'll find that coat'll be all correct an' -above board."</p> - -<p>All hands set briskly to work. It was one thing trying to repair a -fault for which no reason was forthcoming; another to profit by -experience, with the knowledge that the mistake could be rectified. -By eleven in the morning the <i>Olivette</i> was once more resplendent in -a glistening garb of grey.</p> - -<p>"We'll have to make one coat do," decided Stratton, "and whack on the -final one at the first favourable opportunity. Bruin! Come away from -that varnish. It's not treacle, old son."</p> - -<p>"When do we launch her?" inquired Woodleigh.</p> - -<p>"When the paint's dry," replied the Patrol Leader. "It ought to be -set by seven o'clock to-night. We might try launching her on the -evening tide. Are you all game?"</p> - -<p>A chorus of assent greeted Stratton's suggestion.</p> - -<p>"Right-o," continued Peter. "We've done all that is to be done for -the present."</p> - -<p>"The ballast?" queried Hepburn.</p> - -<p>"Is tarred and perfectly dry," replied the Patrol Leader. "But we can -stow that to-morrow. By the time we've launched the <i>Olivette</i> we'll -have done quite enough. There are limits. Besides, we want daylight -for that job."</p> - -<p>At eight the same evening the Sea Scouts assembled once more. It was -now about half-flood and too early for the actual launching -operations, but the lads busied themselves by getting the dinghy out -of store, greasing the ways, and in a variety of odd but necessary -tasks.</p> - -<p>Night fell, but the moon, almost approaching its full, gave -sufficient light for the Sea Scouts to proceed with their work.</p> - -<p>"Tide's high enough now," declared Peter, grasping a sledge-hammer. -"Start knocking out those dog-spikes, lads. Stand clear of the ways -in case she starts off unexpectedly."</p> - -<p>"All clear this end!" announced Roche.</p> - -<p>"Same here," added Flemming.</p> - -<p>"Right-o," rejoined Peter.</p> - -<p>The last restraining bond was removed, but the <i>Olivette</i> obstinately -refused to budge an inch. Levers were brought into action without -effect. In theory the fifty-four feet of hull ought to have glided -down the greased ways in style to the accompaniment of ringing cheers -from her crew. It was, therefore, a decided "damp squib" when she -chose to remain seemingly as immovable as the pyramids of Egypt.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps the ways have sunk," suggested Alan.</p> - -<p>"Tide's falling," announced Roche, wiping his heated brow. "It's -dropped a couple of inches."</p> - -<p>"We must get her off," declared Peter. He felt that it was a slur -upon his shipwright's knowledge. He had been responsible for the -construction of the ways and the hauling out of the boat. The latter -task had been performed without a hitch, and now, unaccountably, what -ought to have been a relatively easy task had proved a regular -teaser.</p> - -<p>"I vote we borrow Dr. Mallerby's motor-jack," suggested Flemming. -"That would start her on the downward path, I think." The suggestion -was adopted, and the Sea Scouts proceeded to the doctor's house, -which was situated at the remote end of Keyhaven village.</p> - -<p>"How many fellows do we want for the stunt?" demanded Stratton, -addressing his six companions. "Some of you ought to be standing by -the boat."</p> - -<p>"She won't move, worse luck," commented Roche.</p> - -<p>A knock at the door was promptly answered by the doctor in person. It -was now after eleven o'clock and the maids had gone to bed.</p> - -<p>"Hello!" was his greeting when he recognized the Sea Scouts. "What's -the game, eh? Are you going to do your good turn for to-morrow now, -and get ahead of the clock?"</p> - -<p>"We want you to do us a good turn, sir, if you please," said -Stratton. "Can you lend us your motor-jack?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly," replied Dr. Mallerby. "Where's the breakdown? Here's the -key of the garage, Stratton. Take the jack, and, when you return it, -lock up and put the key through the letter-box. Good-night!"</p> - -<p>"Why," exclaimed Roche, as the lads approached the slipway, "I do -believe she has moved."</p> - -<p>"Yes," added Rayburn, the Tenderfoot; "she's turned round."</p> - -<p>There was a laugh at this. The idea that the heavy boat could have -swung round seemed preposterous. But the Tenderfoot was right after -all. The <i>Olivette</i> had unaccountably launched herself, and was now -riding to her bow-rope and the ebb tide.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter02"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER II</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Stolen</h4> -<br> -<p>"Well, I'm blest! How did that happen? Quick with the dinghy, lads. -No, Bruin, you stop there. It's much too late for little dogs to go -afloat."</p> - -<p>Four of the Sea Scouts manned the dinghy and pushed off to the -<i>Olivette</i>. The bow-rope was cast off from the shore and made fast -through the dinghy's stern ring-bolt to the transom. Then, with the -gentle tide, the lads towed the <i>Olivette</i> to her moorings.</p> - -<p>"Not such a bad day's work after all," commented Stratton after they -had rowed back to the beach and taken the unnecessary jack back to -the garage. "Ten o'clock to-morrow will be early enough. It's no use -burning the candle at both ends."</p> - -<p>Bidding his companions good-night, Peter whistled to Bruin and walked -briskly home. His house lay half a mile inland from Milford-on-Sea, -and to reach it he had to cut across a field, rejoining a main road -within a few yards of the old church.</p> - -<p>It was now past midnight, but the crew of the <i>Olivette</i> had told -their people that they would be late home, and, being used to sea and -ships, and knowing how dependent seafarers are upon the tide, the -lads' parents realized the necessity for late hours on this occasion.</p> - -<p>Peter had just cleared the stile when he noticed two men approaching. -The moon was behind a cloud, but there was sufficient light to enable -him to see that they were two strangers, and apparently fisherfolk. -They were wearing jerseys, grey trousers, and canvas shoes. Slung -over their shoulders were their pilot coats and sea boots, while one -man carried a large canvas sack and was grumbling about its weight.</p> - -<p>"Good night!" said the Patrol Leader, but the men passed him by in -silence.</p> - -<p>"Surly blighters," soliloquized Peter. "Wonder what they're doing -this time of night. Fishermen from 'up along' most likely, who've had -to wait for a fair tide back."</p> - -<p>A few minutes later Peter was sleeping the sleep of healthy -exhaustion, nor did he wake until eight o'clock next morning, when he -was roused by his father announcing that Tom Boldrigg was waiting to -speak to him.</p> - -<p>"It's about the <i>Olivette</i>, Peter," added Mr. Stratton.</p> - -<p>Hastily throwing on his clothes, the Patrol Leader went downstairs.</p> - -<p>"Good morning, Mr. Boldrigg," he said.</p> - -<p>"Good morning, Master Peter," rejoined the ex-coastguardsman, getting -to the point at once. "Do you know that craft of yours ain't on her -moorings?"</p> - -<p>"No!" replied the astonished Peter. "She was there all right last -night, and I made sure the bridle of the moorings was firmly secured -to the bitts."</p> - -<p>"Well, she ain't there now anyway," declared Boldrigg. "I was up and -about at seven, and I believe I seed her making up t'east'ard, but my -eyes ain't what they used to be, not by a long chalk. I went up to -the station to borrow a glass, but all the men are away on -manoeuvres. There's not a gobby in the place. So I came to see you, -an' I've passed the word on to Master Roche an' Master Flemming, and -told them to warn their opposite numbers."</p> - -<p>"Then she's been stolen?"</p> - -<p>The old man nodded.</p> - -<p>"Seems like it, Master Peter. 'Tain't the first time a craft's been -pinched. I calls to mind when I were stationed at Pitt's Deep, back -in '97. But I'll spin that yarn another time. What are you going to -do, Master Peter?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know yet," answered the Patrol Leader. He was thinking hard. -It seemed to him that the best step was to telephone to the various -coastguard stations in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Several of -the smaller and less important ones were temporarily closed down, but -there would almost certainly be men on duty in the large ones.</p> - -<p>"I'll run as hard as I can down to Keyhaven," he continued—"if you -wouldn't mind my hurrying on, Mr. Boldrigg," he added apologetically.</p> - -<p>Peter Stratton took to his heels, Bruin running with him, barking -excitedly as if in his doggy mind he realized that something of -extreme moment was troubling his young master.</p> - -<p>Arriving at Keyhaven, the Patrol Leader found that Roche, Flemming, -Woodleigh, and Warkworth were already there.</p> - -<p>"I've telephoned through to Lymington, Peter," reported Roche. "The -<i>Olivette</i> can't be very far away. Her paraffin tank's empty, and -there's only enough petrol for an hour's run."</p> - -<p>"Then," added Peter, with fierce determination, "we'll go after her -in the dinghy."</p> - -<p>"Dinghy's gone too," declared Flemming. "Two men collared her. I -followed the track of her keel-band; two men with rubber boots, size -tens, with lozenge-pattern-stamped soles."</p> - -<p>Just then Alan and Rayburn joined the others, while down the road old -Boldrigg could be seen moving at a smart pace.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Boldrigg," hailed Peter, "may we borrow your boat?"</p> - -<p>"Sure, certain," shouted the old seaman. "Take her. What be you goin' -to do?"</p> - -<p>"Stand in pursuit," explained the Patrol Leader, when Boldrigg, -breathless with his exertions, gained the shore. "They've only enough -petrol for an hour's run. If they stop in mid-Solent, the west-going -tide will sweep them back, and we'll nab them."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll come along with you," declared Boldrigg. "There's an old -fowling-piece in the boat, and though it ain't a 12-pounder Q.F., -I'll guess 'twill make those blokes think twice if we gets within -range. All the gear's aboard, Master Peter. The lot of us'll manage -to launch her down the beach."</p> - -<p>The <i>Mudlark</i> was a decrepit old tub. Tom Boldrigg, although he had -been pensioned for a good number of years, had not arrived at that -stage when "there shall be no more sea". The boat was a centre-board, -flat-floored craft about twenty feet in length, decked in for'ard and -with a "fish-tray" aft. She was a suitable craft for running over the -flats and working the small unbeaconed creeks on the Hampshire shore; -but only in fine weather was she fit for the strong tides of the -Solent.</p> - -<p>Willing hands hauled the <i>Mudlark</i> down the beach. The mast was -stepped and the tan sprit-sail set. Into the boat crowded the six Sea -Scouts, with old Boldrigg at the helm. The Tenderfoot was left -behind. The fact that none of the crew had had breakfast passed -unnoticed in the excitement, but would be realized later, as would -also the mistake of omitting to provision and water the little craft.</p> - -<p>"We'll keep well over agen the flats," said Tom. "There'll be a mort -less o' tide. You say there ain't but an hour's supply of oil aboard? -Well, at seven or eight knots she won't be as far up along as Cowes, -and now she's got a foul tide. We'll sight her in a couple of hours, -Master Peter."</p> - -<p>Stratton and the other Sea Scouts were equally sanguine. From -experience they knew the helplessness of the <i>Olivette</i> when deprived -of motor power. There were no sweeps on board, and she carried no -canvas. The only means of propulsion would be by towing her from the -dinghy, and it would take a terrific amount of energy in that -direction to move her through the water at a mile an hour.</p> - -<p>Inquiries of the skipper of an eight-ton ketch yacht, abreast of -Jack-in-the-Basket, resulted in the information that no motor craft -had put into Lymington River since five that morning, so one possible -hiding-place was eliminated.</p> - -<p>With the sail drawing steadily, the <i>Mudlark</i> slipped rapidly over -the tide, keeping close to the fringe of mud-banks on the northern -shore of the Solent. Pitt's Deep, open to full view, was a blank. So -was the long expanse of shore between it and the entrance to Beaulieu -River.</p> - -<p>"She might have got in through Bull Run," suggested Hepburn.</p> - -<p>"Might," agreed Peter, "but it would take a fellow jolly well -acquainted with the place to get the <i>Olivette</i> through. We'll try it -and see."</p> - -<p>Close hauled on the port tack, the <i>Mudlark</i> skimmed through the -narrow channel that affords a short but intricate cut into one of the -most picturesque creeks on the south coast. As the boat passed one of -the numerous "hards", the crew noticed a coastguardsman running -towards them.</p> - -<p>"Up centre-board. Down helm."</p> - -<p>The boat's forefoot grounded on the shingle, Stratton and Roche -jumped ashore to meet the bluejacket.</p> - -<p>"You're looking for a motor-boat," announced the coastguard. "I had a -telephone message through half an hour ago. She hasn't put into this -river, and I've seen nothing answering to her description making to -the east'ard."</p> - -<p>Then, catching sight of old Boldrigg, he shouted: "Hello, chum. What -ship now? Bit of a change from the old <i>Polyandra</i>."</p> - -<p>Tom blinked his eyes as he studied the features of the coastguard.</p> - -<p>"Can't recall your tally, mate." he replied.</p> - -<p>"Not Tubby Young, boy 1st class aboard the old <i>Polyandra</i> back in -'nought nine, an' you chief bos'un's mate?"</p> - -<p>"Sure I do," exclaimed Boldrigg. "But you've altered the cut of your -figurehead. How's things?"</p> - -<p>The old shipmates conversed for a few moments. Then the coastguard -suggested trying the creeks on the Isle of Wight shore.</p> - -<p>"I've had my glass on Thorness Bay and as far down as Hamstead," he -added. "There's no craft up again the beach. Like as not she's pushed -into Newtown."</p> - -<p>The Scouts now re-embarked. It occurred to them that not only was the -possibility of success diminishing but that they were hungry.</p> - -<p>"We'll carry on as far as Cowes, anyway," decided Peter. "We'll make -inquiries there, and buy some grub at the same time. All ready? Get -her head round, Alan."</p> - -<p>It was a long business stemming the now fierce tide. Half-way across -the Island shore they spoke a coaster anchored while waiting for a -fair tide. From her master they learnt that there had been someone on -deck since sunrise, and certainly no motor-boat answering to -<i>Olivette's</i> description had passed between Egypt Point and Stone -Point.</p> - -<p>"No use carrying on." said the Patrol Leader. "We'll stand across to -the opposite shore and put into Newtown for grub. A pull on that -mainsheet, Dick. Sit more to windward, you fellows."</p> - -<p>Peter was now at the helm. Old Boldrigg, having handed over the -tiller, was sitting on the bottom-boards puffing contentedly at a -black clay pipe.</p> - -<p>"Look!" suddenly exclaimed Hepburn, pointing astern. "There she is."</p> - -<p>All hands looked in the direction indicated.</p> - -<p>"Yes," agreed Peter, after a lengthy survey. "It's the <i>Olivette</i> -right enough, and under power, too."</p> - -<p>The motor-boat was about a mile and a half away, but by the "bone in -her teeth", as her bows cut through the choppy waves of the -weather-going tide, it was evident that she was moving at full speed.</p> - -<p>That rather upset <span id="cor0007" class="corrected" title="[Original text: the Sea Scouts' calcucations]">the Sea Scouts' calculations</span>. A man and six strong, -healthy boys, backing their arguments with a shot gun, could compel -the unlawful crew of the <i>Olivette</i> to surrender if the boat were -motionless. It would be an entirely different proposition to hold her -up when she was forging ahead at eight knots. The <i>Olivette</i> could -run down the <i>Mudlark</i>, or else turn away and leave her hopelessly -astern.</p> - -<p>Peter knitted his brows. All the scoutcraft and seamanship at his -command failed to suggest a satisfactory solution to the problem. As -a preliminary he told Roche to signal to her to stop.</p> - -<p>Even as he cudgelled his brains as to the next step, he was -interrupted by Dick Roche's voice exclaiming:</p> - -<p>"She's not the <i>Olivette</i> after all. There's a number painted on her -bows."</p> - -<p>In a moment or so there was no doubt about it. The on-coming vessel -was identical in design, colour, and size with the <i>Olivette</i>, so -that the mistake was pardonable. There was a difference: on each bow -she bore the legend "R.A.F. No. 5", while her crew were rigged out in -the characteristic blue uniform of the Royal Air Force.</p> - -<p>The motor-boat headed towards the <i>Mudlark</i>, slowed down, and -reversed engines.</p> - -<p>"Pretty asses we look," soliloquized Peter, "getting those fellows to -stop. Jolly sporting of them, though."</p> - -<p>"What's amiss?" demanded the officer in command, as he scrambled out -of the cockpit. "Joy riding and feeling sorry you came?"</p> - -<p>"Not at all, sir," replied Peter, saluting. "We've lost a boat and -she's almost exactly the same as yours."</p> - -<p>"S'long as she isn't exactly the same I don't worry," replied the -flying officer. "Come alongside and tell me all about It."</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts did so.</p> - -<p>"All right," continued the officer. "If we spot the <i>Olivette</i> we -know what to do. There were about a dozen boats of this class built -during the war, and no doubt yours was one of them. We're off to -Studland Bay to pick up a derelict flying-boat and are taking her -back to Calshot. Throw us your painter. We'll tow you back to Hurst."</p> - -<p>"Cast us off opposite Newtown, sir, if you please," said the Patrol -Leader. "We want to see if our boat has put in there."</p> - -<p>It did not take No. 5 long to arrive at the black buoy marking the -entrance to the complicated, five-armed estuary known as Newtown -River. Here the <i>Mudlark</i> was cast off; sail was hoisted and with a -beam wind the Sea Scouts were quickly within the entrance.</p> - -<p>Inquiries at the Coastguard Station were fruitless, so, having -practically cleared the little general shop of provisions, the lads -reembarked, and with the last of the west-going tide managed to -arrive at Keyhaven by six in the evening.</p> - -<p>"There's Mr. Armitage and Rayburn," exclaimed Warkworth.</p> - -<p>The Scoutmaster and the Tenderfoot were waiting at the edge of the -quay. Judging by the expression upon his face, Mr. Armitage showed no -concern over the obvious fact that the crew of the <i>Olivette</i> had -returned without bringing with them the missing craft.</p> - -<p>"Good evening, boys!" he exclaimed when the <i>Mudlark</i> came within -easy hailing distance. "Any clues?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," replied the Patrol Leader despondently.</p> - -<p>In present circumstances Stratton felt it a matter of impossibility -conscientiously to carry out the Scout maxim, "Keep smiling". It -simply couldn't be done. Dead tired with their long exertions, and -dispirited at their utter failure to find a trace of the stolen -<i>Olivette</i>, the crew could not raise as much as a suspicion of a -smile.</p> - -<p>"Buck up, you fellows," exclaimed Mr. Armitage, holding aloft a -buff-coloured envelope. "I've just received a wire. The <i>Olivette</i> is -safe and sound and in good hands!"</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter03"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER III</h3> - -<h4 align="center">A Real Good Turn</h4> -<br> -<p>"It's been a perfectly topping day," declared Patrol Leader "Rusty" -Rivett, of the 5th Weymouth Troop. "The way you followed that trail, -Phillips, was awfully good!"</p> - -<p>The Troop members of the junior school of Weymouth College had had a -long day's scouting. The Midsummer Term exams were over, and, as two -clear days remained before that long-anticipated event "breaking up", -the Scouts had taken advantage of the time to put in a final tracking -practice.</p> - -<p>It was now about five in the afternoon. "Dentibus" Dence, "Boney" -Barnicott, "Mutt" Thurgood, John Phillips, "Cock Sparrow" Rogers, and -Ben Legge had rallied round their Patrol Leader, and were lying on -the grass at the edge of the cliffs between Redcliff Point and -Osmington Mills.</p> - -<p>Upon second thoughts, it was hardly correct to say they were lying on -the grass. The Scouts knew better than to rest their heated bodies on -the turf. Each lad had under him his now empty haversack, the -generous contents of which had found other homes since the Troop had -set out from Weymouth that morning.</p> - -<p>It was a glorious view that met their gaze. The blue waters of the -bay were ruffled by the faintest suspicion of an on-shore breeze. The -sky was cloudless, meeting the expanse of open sea in a blurred -undefined line, cut by the misty shape of the Shambles Lightship. On -their right they could see the crescent-shaped terrace comprising the -town of Melcombe Regis, and the entrance piers of Weymouth Harbour. -Beyond lay the spacious sheet of water, enclosed by Portland -Breakwater, and dotted with war-ships of all sizes, from gigantic -battleships to long, low-lying destroyers. Still farther beyond, the -gaunt outlines of Portland cut the skyline until they sloped -gradually to the famous Bill, off which the dreaded "race" was -swirling and roaring as if fretting for its prey.</p> - -<p>"I say," remarked Dentibus, pointing seaward, "what's that boat -doing? Looks as if there's something wrong."</p> - -<p>The others followed the direction of the extended forefinger. At -about a quarter of a mile from shore was a large, grey-painted -motor-boat being towed by two men in a dinghy. The men were straining -at the oars, but progress was slow. They were evidently not making -for Weymouth, but towards the beach immediately underneath that part -of the cliffs upon which the Scouts were lying.</p> - -<p>"Motor broken down," observed Rusty Riven, laconically. "Wouldn't -like their job, swotting in the sun."</p> - -<p>"Why do they want to land here?" asked Phillips. "There's no shelter -if it should come on to blow."</p> - -<p>"Ask me another," rejoined the Patrol Leader. "Perhaps they're fed up -and are going to walk into Weymouth and get another motor-boat to tow -them in."</p> - -<p>"Can you make out her name?" asked Ben Legge.</p> - -<p>"Hanged if I can," replied the Patrol Leader. "There is a name on the -bows, but she's too far off to see what it is. My word, she's bigger -than I thought!"</p> - -<p>For some moments the Scouts watched in silence the tedious progress -of the broken-down motor-boat. They could see the two rowers glancing -frequently over their shoulders, as if gauging the distance that -remained between them and the beach.</p> - -<p>Presently the rowers found themselves on the fringe of the light -ground-swell that was breaking upon the shore. Here they lay on their -oars until the towed craft ranged up alongside the dinghy. Then, -jumping on board the motor-boat, the pair proceeded to anchor.</p> - -<p>"Here, you fellows!" exclaimed Phillips. "She's the <i>Olivette</i>. I can -see the name distinctly now. Doesn't she belong to the Milford Sea -Scouts? We read her log last year."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps she isn't that <i>Olivette</i>," objected Thurgood.</p> - -<p>"She looks like the drawing in the log," persisted Phillips.</p> - -<p>"If she is," said the Patrol Leader, "there don't appear to be any -Sea Scouts on board. You've struck a false trail, Phillips."</p> - -<p>John wasn't at all sure that he had. Being of an observant nature, -and fairly smart at making feasible deductions, he wasn't going to -abandon his theory until he was firmly convinced that his reasoning -was at fault.</p> - -<p>He said nothing, but thought the more. Meanwhile, one of the men had -jumped into the dinghy and was holding her alongside. The other -fellow went below, presently to reappear with a canvas sack. This he -lowered into the stern-sheets of the dinghy, and casting off the -painter, rejoined his companion.</p> - -<p>After about twenty strokes the rower rested on his oars and said -something to his chum, who was sitting on the dinghy's transom with -his feet resting on the canvas sack. Apparently they did not like the -aspect of the surf, for the fellow aft pushed the sack under the -stroke thwart, and lowered himself on the stern bench.</p> - -<p>With that the rower gave another glance shoreward over his shoulder, -spat on his hands, and began pulling his hardest.</p> - -<p>The dinghy rode the breaking swell in capital style until her -forefoot touched the beach. Smartly the two men sprang out, knee deep -in water, but they were not quick enough. Before they could haul the -dinghy clear of the waves a sea poured over her quarter.</p> - -<p>"Scouts to the rescue!" shouted Rivett.</p> - -<p>There was no hanging back. Simultaneously the lads swung themselves -over the shelving cliff, dropping or sliding from ledge to ledge; -then, gaining the beach, they ran at top speed to the assistance of -the two strangers.</p> - -<p>The Scouts were hardly prepared for what happened next. The two men, -after gazing dumbfoundedly for a few seconds at the apparition of -seven active youngsters racing towards them, suddenly took to their -heels and fled.</p> - -<p>Checking his first impulse to follow in pursuit of the two men, Rusty -Rivett halted his charges. Though the running figures appealed to the -Scout's instincts much in the same way as a startled hare does to a -dog, there was, after all, no justification for the chase, since no -reason was apparent why the men should take to their heels.</p> - -<p>"Get the boat above high-water mark," ordered the Patrol Leader. "All -hands. Never mind getting your shoes wet."</p> - -<p>It was a strenuous task, for by this time the dinghy had filled with -water to the level of the transom. Watching their opportunity as the -waves receded, the lads tilted the boat until she was nearly empty, -and then, using the bottom boards to prevent the keel sinking in the -soft beach, they eventually hauled their prize clear of the surf.</p> - -<p>"What's in the sack, Rusty?" asked Thurgood.</p> - -<p>The Patrol Leader hesitated before satisfying his curiosity. It -seemed too much like meddling with someone's private property.</p> - -<p>"Pots and pans, I think," said Barnicott, stirring the bulging sack -with his foot.</p> - -<p>Rivett unlashed the mouth of the sack.</p> - -<p>"I say, you fellows," he exclaimed, "this is a rummy stunt. The bag's -chockfull of silver. No wonder those blighters made themselves -scarce; they're burglars." Here was a climax to a day's scouting, -despoiling robbers of their booty. Still, the situation required -careful handling. If the Scouts left the boat unattended, the thieves -might return. If they separated forces, one party standing by while -the others tracked the rogues, either part of the divided Troop would -be insufficient to cope with two powerful and desperate men. It -seemed remarkable that the two fellows should have landed with their -booty in broad daylight instead of waiting until darkness set in.</p> - -<p>"Any of you fellows know how to row?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I do," replied Phillips. "My father has a boat, and in the 'hols' I -go fishing with him."</p> - -<p>"Good man!" exclaimed the Patrol Leader approvingly. "You and I are -going off to the motor-boat to take charge of her. Dentibus, old son, -imagine you're doing the mile in the College sports, and cut off as -hard as you can to Weymouth. Find our Scoutmaster, and tell him what -has occurred. Ask him to bring a motor-boat along to tow us into the -harbour. The others will double along to Osmington Mills and warn the -coastguard. Phillips and I will keep a sharp look-out for signals if -you have to semaphore to us. Give a hand with the dinghy first. The -silver? We'll take that on board."</p> - -<p>The little boat was successfully launched with no other casualty than -a couple of wet shirts.</p> - -<p>"Take care not to destroy the trail," cautioned Rusty from the -dinghy, addressing the party told off for the purpose of reporting -the incident to the coastguard.</p> - -<p>Without much difficulty Rivett and Phillips boarded the <i>Olivette</i>. -An examination of the boat resulted in the discovery, amongst other -things, of a bundle of charts on each of which appeared the words: -"1st Milford Sea Scouts".</p> - -<p>"You're right then, John," remarked</p> - -<br> -<center> -<a name="rescue"></a> -<img src="images/04_rescue.jpg" alt="image: 04_rescue.jpg" style="width:100%; height:auto; max-width:600px;"> -</center> -<center>[Illustration: "SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE!" SHOUTED RIVETT]</center> -<br> - -<p>Rusty. "This boat's been stolen. There's no doubt about that. It's up -to us to do the Milford chaps a good turn by taking care of the -<i>Olivette</i> until they claim her."</p> - -<p>Before very long a semaphore message was received from Barnicott.</p> - -<p>"Coastguard has telephoned to Weymouth police," read the message.</p> - -<p>"There's a boat coming this way," announced Phillips.</p> - -<p>The Patrol Leader, who had been examining the motor, called back:</p> - -<p>"Where from? From Weymouth?"</p> - -<p>"No," replied the scout. "From Osmington. There are two -coastguardsmen in her."</p> - -<p>Rusty Rivett showed no enthusiasm over the intelligence. He wanted -the rescue of the <i>Olivette</i> to be a Scout "stunt", and he rather -resented the coastguards butting in. That meant complications.</p> - -<p>"Cheerio, my hearty!" exclaimed one of the "Bobbies", as the -skiff-dinghy ranged alongside. "We'll relieve you. Jim, put these -Scouts ashore in our boat."</p> - -<p>Rusty got his back up. He belied his nickname, for there was precious -little oxydization of grey matter about him.</p> - -<p>"Thanks," he replied. "We're staying on board."</p> - -<p>"You'll be sea-sick for a dead cert," said the coastguard -insinuatingly. "There's a bit of a lop on. Best go ashore afore you -musters your bag."</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon," rejoined Rusty politely, "I haven't a bag to -muster. There's a sack on board, but that's going to be handed over -to the Weymouth police."</p> - -<p>The man began to grin at the first part of the Patrol Leader's reply, -but towards the end he looked decidedly glum. Unless he could -persuade the Scouts to leave the vessel, he and his mate were "out of -it" as far as salvage was concerned. Rusty knew that. He was -determined to do the Milford Sea Scouts a good turn, which included a -saving of money that otherwise would have to be paid to the Receiver -of Wrecks.</p> - -<p>"You weren't born yesterday, I see," observed the coastguard -caustically.</p> - -<p>"No," replied the Patrol Leader sweetly. "In 1906. But that's neither -here nor there, is it?"</p> - -<p>"Are you staying on board all night?" inquired the man. "If so, like -as not this 'ere boat'll drag and come up on the beach. You'd -better——"</p> - -<p>"Stay where I am," interrupted Rivett. "For a little while: yes. As a -matter of fact we're expecting a motor-boat from Weymouth to tow her -in."</p> - -<p>The two coastguards, finding that the <i>Olivette</i> was in no immediate -danger, thereupon rowed off. As they went, the Patrol Leader -overheard one remark: "There ain't no flies on that Scout, Bill. -Well, jolly good luck to him, says I."</p> - -<p>Rusty repented his action. The whole-hearted opinion of the -bluejacket showed that he was a good sort.</p> - -<p>"Ahoy, there!" shouted the Patrol Leader. "Come back, please."</p> - -<p>The men backed their oars and came alongside once more.</p> - -<p>"Thought better on it?" asked the one addressed as Bill.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and no," replied Rusty; "Look here: you think we're after -salvage?"</p> - -<p>"Sure," said the man.</p> - -<p>"We're not," declared the Patrol Leader. "This boat belongs to the -Milford Sea Scouts. She was stolen; we found her, and we mean to hand -her back. Scouts do not receive rewards for doing good turns, -especially to one another. And I quite see you wanted to stand in."</p> - -<p>"That's so, sir," agreed Bill respectfully.</p> - -<p>"Then take charge of the bag. It's full of silver stuff, probably -stolen from somewhere. If there's a reward offered for its recovery, -the money's yours."</p> - -<p>With many expressions of thanks the two coastguards rowed of with the -booty, and before their boat reached the beach of Osmington Mills, a -motor-boat was observed leaving Weymouth and heading for the -<i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>It was the rescue party, consisting of the Scoutmaster of the 5th -Weymouth Troop, the skipper and owner of the motor-boat, Dentibus -Dent, and two other members of the Troop, who had not taken part in -the day's operations.</p> - -<p>"Well done, Rivett," exclaimed the Scoutmaster. "We'll take the -<i>Olivette</i> in tow. Signal to the rest of the Troop to make their way -back to the college. Can you two fellows manage the anchor by -yourselves?"</p> - -<p>An hour later the <i>Olivette</i> was safely moored close to the bridge in -Weymouth Harbour. The Scoutmaster and the Patrol Leader proceeded at -once to the Post Office, where they dispatched a telegram to the -Milford Sea Scouts: "Yacht <i>Olivette</i> here in charge of 5th Weymouth -Troop. Undamaged. Come for her at any time."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter04"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER IV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Repayment</h4> -<br> -<p>This was the reassuring message that Mr. Armitage read. It had a -great effect upon the hitherto tired, jaded, and dispirited Sea -Scouts. Smiles came back to their bronzed features, and the -disappointing cruise in the <i>Mudlark</i> in search of the <i>Olivette</i> was -almost forgotten.</p> - -<p>"The police have been active too," said Mr. Armitage. "There's been a -burglary at Hordle, and a quantity of valuable silver plate stolen. -The theory is that the burglars found their way to Keyhaven and -embarked on the <i>Olivette</i> with the swag. There's a reward of fifty -pounds for the recovery of the missing property."</p> - -<p>"I met a couple of fellows about midnight, sir," reported Stratton. -"They were carrying a heavy sack, and didn't answer when I said -'Good-night!' Of course, the idea never entered my head that they -were going to steal the <i>Olivette</i>."</p> - -<p>"And they went westward," added Hepburn. "All the time we thought -they were making for Cowes or Southampton."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps they started in that direction purposely to deceive anyone -on the look-out on shore," suggested Mr. Armitage. "If the morning -were at all misty here (it was at Southampton when I came through by -train) they might easily slip over to the Isle of Wight shore and -through the Needles Channel."</p> - -<p>"What puzzles me," remarked Roche, "is how they got so far with no -paraffin and only a gallon or so of petrol on board."</p> - -<p>"That is an interesting point," agreed the Scoutmaster. "No doubt -we'll find out more about it later on. Now the best thing you can do -is to turn in and make up arrears of sleep, because to-morrow we -journey to Weymouth to bring the truant home."</p> - -<p>At seven the following morning the Sea Scouts assembled for their -long march to the railway station. Each lad carried a couple of -blankets, toilet requisites, and a well-filled haversack. Somewhere -in the vicinity, but making his presence as inconspicuous as -possible, was Bruin. The dog, with that unerring instinct which -animals possess, knew that something was on the cards, and he didn't -mean to be out of it if he could help it.</p> - -<p>Peter had left him at home in spite of the pleading look in the -animal's eyes, but had not been gone five minutes before the dog -succeeded in making his way upstairs and jumping through an open -window on to the veranda. The ensuing eight-feet drop was nothing to -him. He alighted on the ground, and was off like a young tornado, in -spite of the admonition of Peter's mother to "come back like a good -doggie".</p> - -<p>Having decided that the <i>Olivette's</i> crew were about to travel -somewhere by train, Bruin took time by the forelock and preceded the -Sea Scouts to the station. Then, crouching behind a pile of luggage, -he awaited developments.</p> - -<p>Upon arriving at the station Mr. Armitage took the tickets. When the -train steamed in there was a rush for seats, the Scoutmaster, Roche, -Flemming, and Woodleigh finding room in one compartment, and the rest -of the crew in another, which happened to be immediately in front of -the guard's van.</p> - -<p>Bruin waited. He saw the carriage door being shut, but beyond -stiffening himself he made no attempt to quit his place of -concealment.</p> - -<p>The guard blew a whistle and waved a green flag.</p> - -<p>That was what the knowing dog was waiting for. With a flying leap -Bruin jumped through the open window of the compartment where Peter -was, landing on the knees of the astonished Patrol Leader.</p> - -<p>"It's too late to chuck me out now," said Bruin, in doggie language. -"But, after all, you don't mind, do you?"</p> - -<p>Peter patted the dog's head with one hand, while with the other he -felt for his purse, making a mental calculation of the fare for a dog -from Milton (the nearest railway station to Milford) to Weymouth.</p> - -<p>When at length the Sea Scouts detrained at their destination, they -quickly realized that they were not strangers in a strange land, for -they were met by a number of Scouts, whose shoulder badges announced -them as belonging to the 5th Weymouth Troop.</p> - -<p>"Awfully good of you to take charge of the <i>Olivette</i>," said Mr. -Armitage to the Weymouth Scoutmaster.</p> - -<p>"Not at all," protested the other. "All in a day's work, so to speak. -No; the thieves are not yet in custody, but the police have several -very good clues. The rascals apparently couldn't manage the motor, -or, rather, they ran short of fuel; because they hailed a motor-boat -off Christchurch Head and borrowed a couple of tins of petrol. They -left the compass—your compass—as a security for payment. The crew -of the boat supplying the petrol read of the robbery and the -disappearance of the <i>Olivette</i> when they returned to Poole, and they -immediately reported the matter of the meeting at sea to the police."</p> - -<p>"That solves the mystery of how they carried on so far," said Roche. -"I know they had only enough petrol for about an hour's run. But our -compass?"</p> - -<p>"You'll get that back all right," declared the Weymouth Scoutmaster. -"It will probably cost you the price of two tins of petrol, but it -will be worth it. They left you your magneto, remember."</p> - -<p>Scouts and Sea Scouts wended their way to the long narrow harbour. -There, moored alongside a steam yacht, lay the <i>Olivette</i>, looking, -outwardly at least, none the worse for her unauthorized jaunt.</p> - -<p>"I've left the dinghy at the steps of the bridge," said Patrol Leader -Rusty Rivett. "Sparrow Rogers is in charge of her. You are not -starting away at once, I hope."</p> - -<p>"'Fraid so," replied Patrol Leader Peter Stratton. "As soon as we -take in enough paraffin for the run home. You see, we've started our -hols, and we are planning a voyage across Channel. We may even get to -Paris."</p> - -<p>"How pricelessly topping!" ejaculated Rusty enviously. "It makes me -wish I were a Sea Scout, although we Scouts don't have half a bad -time. Sorry you can't stay, though we should have liked to show you -round. But you must come to Weymouth again, and then we can give you -a good time."</p> - -<p>Peter went up to Mr. Armitage and saluted.</p> - -<p>"Couldn't we invite the 5th Weymouth Troop for a trip, sir?" he -asked. "We could land them at Lulworth on the way home."</p> - -<p>"Certainly," was the reply. "That is, of course, if they don't mind -padding the hoof from Lulworth."</p> - -<p>The Scouts were quite enthusiastic over the proposal, while the -Scoutmaster seemed quite keen to prolong his acquaintance with Mr. -Armitage, for they had discovered that they had another thing in -common besides Scoutcraft—both had held commissions during the war, -one in the R.N.V.R., the other in the army.</p> - -<p>The Weymouth Scouts hurried off to provide themselves with food: -Roche and Flemming departed to interview a garage proprietor with a -view to obtaining petrol and paraffin, while the rest of the Sea -Scouts proceeded on board the <i>Olivette</i> to see if anything besides -the compass were missing, and to clear up and snug down before their -guests came off.</p> - -<p>Just before twelve o'clock the <i>Olivette</i> started with her double -complement on board. It was not an ideal time for a quick passage, as -the tide was setting to the west'ard. Fortunately the motor started -up easily, in spite of the fact that the two rascals who had stolen -the boat had been too lavish in the use of lubricating oil.</p> - -<p>"That's better than giving her too little," declared Roche the -optimist. "She's running like a clock."</p> - -<p>The day was clear and bright, with a calm sea and a hot sun shining -in an unclouded sky. What little wind there was blew off the land. -Provided the range of visibility held, the absence of a compass -mattered but little.</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> kept close inshore, so that the guests could point out -the interesting features of the Dorset coast, which they knew -intimately; but presently some of the Weymouth lads looked rather -puzzled.</p> - -<p>They were too polite to express their perplexity at the manoeuvres of -Hepburn, who was at the helm of the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>Alan, constantly referring to the chart, was feeling none too certain -of his position. He kept looking shorewards, trying to determine the -various prominent objects.</p> - -<p>Presently Phillips, who had been sitting on the coach-roof, descended -into the well, made his way past the motor, and climbed upon the -raised bench in the wheel-house.</p> - -<p>"I say," he remarked, "are you taking us straight to Keyhaven?"</p> - -<p>"Dash it all, no," replied Hepburn. "What put that idea into your -head? We are going to land you at Lulworth."</p> - -<p>"Really," rejoined John. "Do you know you are past Lulworth already?"</p> - -<p>On deck the two Scoutmasters were enjoying the joke, although it was -rather a set-back to Mr. Armitage, who had been dilating upon the -youthful helmsman's skill in coastal navigation.</p> - -<p>To them came Stratton.</p> - -<p>"One of the Weymouth fellows says we have overrun Lulworth, sir," he -reported.</p> - -<p>"'Fraid you have," agreed Mr. Armitage. "It's over there."</p> - -<p>He pointed over the port quarter to what appeared to be a small rift -in the cliffs.</p> - -<p>"That's Lulworth, Peter," he added.</p> - -<p>"Why, sir," exclaimed the astonished Patrol Leader, "it's so small we -couldn't possibly take the <i>Olivette</i> in there."</p> - -<p>"You are not the first to make that remark," observed the Weymouth -Scoutmaster. "Many yachtsmen have mistaken Mupe Bay and -<span id="cor0006" class="corrected" title="[Original text: Warborrow Bay]">Worbarrow Bay</span> -for Lulworth Cove. The coastguard look-out hut on the western cliff -is the best mark to distinguish it."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Alan had put the helm hard-a-starboard, "meeting" it when -the boat's head pointed towards the entrance.</p> - -<p>As the distance decreased, the real magnitude of the entrance became -apparent. In reality, instead of being only twenty yards in width, as -Peter had imagined, it was more than four times that distance. On -either hand the cliffs rose sheer, with a heavy ground-swell lashing -the base of the rocks.</p> - -<p>"Keep a bit more over to the eastern side," cautioned Mr. Armitage. -"Right—at that. There's plenty of water."</p> - -<p>"Hadn't we better clear away the anchor, sir?" asked Stratton.</p> - -<p>"Not yet," was the reply. "There'll be heaps of time when we're -inside the cove. Anchor work on the foredeck with this swell on is a -bit too risky, especially when it's not really necessary."</p> - -<p>The entrance was farther away than the crew imagined, and when at -length the <i>Olivette</i> glided into the landlocked cove, they were too -busy getting ready to anchor fully to appreciate their surroundings.</p> - -<p>"Easy.... Stop.... Touch astern!" ordered Stratton. Then, "Let go!"</p> - -<p>The anchor plunged to the bottom of the cove, and when the disturbed -sand settled, the lads could distinctly see the "hook" embedded in -the ground two fathoms beneath the keel.</p> - -<p>"I say," remarked Flemming. "We're too close inshore, aren't we?"</p> - -<p>He pointed to a pebbly beach at the base of a frowning cliff. The -rounded stones appeared to be less than fifty yards away, but -presently a man walking along the shore banished the deception, for -the "pebbles" were really large boulders, and the size could not be -estimated with any degree of accuracy unless by comparison with the -height of a known object.</p> - -<p>"It's a place for surprises," observed the Weymouth Scoutmaster. "The -stupendous cliffs destroy one's sense of proportion. As a matter of -fact we are quite a hundred and fifty yards from the beach. Are you -coming ashore?"</p> - -<p>"We can spare two hours for exploration," replied Mr. Armitage. "By -that time we'll pick up a fair tide round St. Alban's Head. I'm -thinking of putting into Poole to-night in order to recover our -compass."</p> - -<p>Three times the dinghy ferried parties of Scouts to the beach, until -the <i>Olivette</i>, deserted, lay rolling heavily in the sheltered basin.</p> - -<p>"How would you like to tumble from the top of that cliff to the -bottom, Rayburn?" asked Patrol Leader Rusty Rivett, addressing the -Sea Scout Tenderfoot.</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't like it at all," replied Rayburn, throwing back his head -and looking upwards. "Why do you ask?"</p> - -<p>"'Cause it's been done," replied Rivett. "A girl fell over the cliff, -a height of between three hundred and four hundred feet, and landed -alive at that spot where you see a notice board. The notice tells you -all about it."</p> - -<p>"Stratton's brother jumped out of a balloon over a thousand feet up," -declared the Tenderfoot, not to be beaten in the anecdote line. "He -fell five hundred feet before the parachute opened, didn't he Peter?"</p> - -<p>The lads roamed over the downs surrounding the cove, and inspected -the remarkable Stair Hole, where the strata shows curious "faults", -the lines resembling <span id="cor0002" class="corrected" title="[Original text: a serious of semicircles]">a series of semicircles</span>. They climbed to the -look-out hut, whence by the aid of the coastguard's telescope they -could see a wide expanse of cliff, terminating at the frowning -headland of St. Albans; while from the elevated post the cove looked -little bigger than a bath-tub, and the <i>Olivette</i> like a toy boat -floating on it.</p> - -<p>"Time for us to part company," announced Mr. Armitage. "You've had -more than two hours."</p> - -<p>Reluctantly the Scouts and Sea Scouts bade each other farewell. The -former expressed themselves as being more than repaid for their good -turn by the trip in the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>"And mind you come to Weymouth again when you have the chance," said -Phillips. "Right-o," replied Peter. "But I hope we don't have to come -for the same purpose. We had a rotten time until we knew the -<i>Olivette</i> was safe."</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts re-embarked in the dinghy. Bruin preferred to swim off -to the boat, but before he was hauled on board he felt very sorry for -himself.</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> was still rolling heavily in the long gentle swell. It -was quite a different motion from that in a seaway—a long swing-like -movement that would quickly put the most experienced seafarer on his -mettle.</p> - -<p>Watching their opportunity as the <i>Olivette</i> rolled towards them, the -Sea Scouts gained the deck. Roche made the painter fast, while Peter -and Eric Flemming lay at full length on the waterways in order to -haul Bruin on board.</p> - -<p>It was a ticklish task, for the dog realized the danger of being -crushed by the boat's bilge keel as she rolled. Twice the Patrol -Leader made a grab at the animal's collar as the gunwale dropped to -within a few inches of the water.</p> - -<p>At the third attempt his fingers closed round the scruff of Bruin's -neck.</p> - -<p>"Got him!" he shouted. "Bear a hand, Eric."</p> - -<p>Flemming leaned outboard to assist his chum. As he did so the -<i>Olivette</i> began to roll in the opposite direction. Peter, still -hanging on to his pet with one hand, grasped Eric's wrist with the -other. Bruin's weight when clear of the water considerably exceeded -Stratton's expectations, with the result that the Patrol Leader lost -his balance and toppled overboard, bringing Flemming with him.</p> - -<p>A roar of laughter from the rest of the crew greeted the reappearance -of the two lads. Both were good swimmers, and as they came to the -surface well clear of the <i>Olivette's</i> hull, they were in no danger. -Even Peter and Eric grinned when they shook the water from their hair -and eyes, while Bruin, delighted beyond measure at the idea that his -master and Flemming were sharing his bath, began tugging at -Stratton's sleeve.</p> - -<p>At length Roche jumped into the dinghy and hauled Peter over the -transom. Then the Patrol Leader hiked his pet over the stern and -assisted Flemming into the dinghy, while Roche scrambled into the -bows in a vain attempt to escape a shower-bath as the dog vigorously -shook himself.</p> - -<p>A few minutes later the <i>Olivette's</i> motor was running. The anchor -was weighed and secured, then with three ringing cheers for the 5th -Weymouth Troop, who still lingered on the beach, the Sea Scouts -resumed their homeward voyage.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter05"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER V</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Trapped by the Tide</h4> -<br> -<p>It was one of those ideal days for cruising under power. The sea was -smooth, visibility good, with the sun shining brightly overhead. The -rugged coast, never more than a mile away on the port hand, presented -an ever changing panoramic view of the picturesque Dorset coast.</p> - -<p>With Woodleigh at the helm and Roche giving an occasional look at the -smoothly-running motor, the rest of the crew knew that they had -nothing to worry about. Slipping off their jerseys, they lay upon the -deck, basking in the glorious sunshine, too happy and contented even -to indulge in conversation beyond a few words of appreciative -admiration or the superb view.</p> - -<p>"Port helm a couple of points, Woodleigh," ordered the Patrol Leader, -after consulting the chart. "We'll have to give Kimmeridge Ledges a -wide berth."</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage, hearing the caution, nodded his head approvingly. -Stratton had acted upon his own initiative in spite of being a -stranger to this part of the coast. The Scoutmaster had placed the -responsibility upon the lad's shoulders, and Peter had shown that the -trust had not been accepted lightly.</p> - -<p>"Isn't that where the <i>Treveal</i> was wrecked two winters ago, sir?" -asked Flemming.</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Mr. Armitage, pointing shorewards. "About there. Every -vestige of the vessel has disappeared by this time. It's a bad piece -of coast, with parallel reefs extending seawards. A vessel doesn't -stand a dog's chance if she gets held up on those ledges."</p> - -<p>"Why don't they have a lighthouse?" asked Hepburn. "One on St. -Alban's Head would warn seamen."</p> - -<p>"I don't know," replied Mr. Armitage. "If there had been one where -you suggest, Alan, it would have saved a good many precious lives. -You see, Anvil Point Lighthouse, which is hidden by St. Alban's Head, -is useless to a ship that is driven too close inshore. Now then, you -fellows, unless you want a ducking, you'd better come aft. We're -nearing the Race."</p> - -<p>Less than half a mile ahead the otherwise smooth sea was agitated -with a patch of white-crested breakers extending seawards for more -than a couple of miles. Even at that distance the waves looked -decidedly dangerous.</p> - -<p>"We've got to go through that, sir?" asked Warkworth. "Isn't there -any way to avoid it?"</p> - -<p>"By keeping a tremendous way out," replied the Scoutmaster. "It's -fairly rough, but I've known it decidedly worse. Woodleigh."</p> - -<p>"Sir?"</p> - -<p>"Steer straight for the headland now. There's plenty of water. We -shall probably miss a lot of the race by keeping close to the -cliff—twenty yards will be near enough."</p> - -<p>"What causes a race, sir?" asked the Tenderfoot.</p> - -<p>"The tide surging over a submerged ledge," replied Mr. Armitage. -"It's deep water on both sides of the headland and only a few fathoms -over the rocks extending seawards from it. Now, you fellows, all -hands into the well; we don't want anyone slung overboard into the -ditch."</p> - -<p>"The dinghy, sir?" inquired Flemming.</p> - -<p>"She won't hurt. Her painter's sound," replied the Scoutmaster. -"There's enough scope to prevent her overrunning us and smashing her -bows under our counter."</p> - -<p>In another minute the <i>Olivette</i> was within the influence of the -race. At first she began to yaw in spite of the helmsman's efforts to -keep her on her course. It seemed as if a giant hand was gripping the -boat's keel and playfully shaking the hull.</p> - -<p>Then, almost without warning, a sea poured over the starboard -quarter. Much of the water was checked by the coaming, but a -considerable quantity found its way below, liberally besprinkling the -crew. Almost immediately after, another cataract poured in over the -port quarter. For a moment it felt as if the <i>Olivette</i> were dropping -vertically, then another sea, slapping viciously against her -starboard bow, threw her head off a good four points.</p> - -<p>The helmsman ported helm to meet the deflection, but for some seconds -the vessel refused to answer. Almost the whole of the rudder was out -of water, while the propeller was racing madly in the air.</p> - -<p>The passage through the race was of short duration, but it was fairly -strenuous while it lasted. Then, as suddenly as she had entered the -turmoil, the <i>Olivette</i> glided into practically calm water.</p> - -<p>"Ugh!" ejaculated Flemming, shaking the water from his clothes. "I -don't like races; give me a straightforward heavy sea any old day. I -expected the old boat to break her back."</p> - -<p>"It is a disconcerting motion, I admit," said Mr. Armitage. "The -waves are so hollow that the boat was not evenly supported. But it -would take more than that to break her back, Eric."</p> - -<p>Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point were quickly passed. The crew were -deeply interested in the famous Tilly Whim Caves, where for centuries -smugglers and wreckers were in almost indisputable possession. Then -the lads had a clear view of the granite "globe", although they were -a bit disappointed at its size.</p> - -<p>"It's not much bigger than a football," declared Woodleigh.</p> - -<p>"Isn't it?" remarked Mr. Armitage drily. "You wouldn't care to have -to kick it, Will. You've lost your sense of proportion. The magnitude -of the cliffs deceives you. See a buoy ahead?"</p> - -<p>"On our starboard bow, sir."</p> - -<p>"Then keep it well to port. That marks the tail of Peveril Ledge. -You'll see Swanage opening out in a minute or so."</p> - -<p>A few miles farther on and the granite cliffs gave place to frowning -walls of glistening white chalk, terminating in the well-known -pinnacle of Old Harry.</p> - -<p>"We're getting into familiar waters now," said the Scoutmaster. "We -were close—rather too close—to that point when we rescued the S.S. -<i>Pent-y-coote</i>."</p> - -<p>"But we never saw the land," added Flemming.</p> - -<p>"No; but we might have hit it," remarked Mr. Armitage gravely. -"Providence was kind to us that day. Hello, Peter what is interesting -you—the Parson's Barn?"</p> - -<p>The Patrol Leader was gazing landwards towards a large cave close to -Old Harry.</p> - -<p>"There are some people waving to us, sir," he replied.</p> - -<p>"Eh?" exclaimed Mr. Armitage sharply; then raising his binoculars he -brought them to bear upon the spot indicated by the Patrol Leader. -"Friends of yours, Peter?" inquired Flemming facetiously. The -Scoutmaster returned his binoculars to their case.</p> - -<p>"Stand in a bit," he ordered. "There's plenty of water. Slow her -down, Roche, and stand by. Unless I'm greatly mistaken, those people -are cut off by the tide."</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> approached at half speed to within a cable's length of -the shore. Mr Armitage was correct in his surmise, for, standing on a -narrow strip of beach were two men and two girls. The men were -barefooted, as if they had vainly attempted to wade past the foot of -the cliffs. Already the tide was rising rapidly, and in less than an -hour their refuge would be invaded by the sea.</p> - -<p>"Away dinghy's crew!" exclaimed the Scoutmaster. "Be careful how you -land. There's a ground swell running."</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> lost way. The dinghy was hauled alongside, and into -her jumped Stratton and Flemming, each manning an oar.</p> - -<p>Proceeding cautiously, they allowed the dinghy's forefoot to ground -lightly on the pebbly beach. Flemming, with an oar, kept the stern -end on to the waves, while the Patrol Leader held on to the bows.</p> - -<p>"Think we'll manage the lot, Peter?" asked Flemming in a low voice. -"Four of them?"</p> - -<p>"I think so," replied the Patrol Leader.</p> - -<p>"Now, please," he added, raising his voice. "As sharp as you can. -We're bumping a bit."</p> - -<p>It was a tricky operation, embarking the rescued persons, for none of -them seemed at home in a small boat.</p> - -<p>"Sit down, please," ordered Stratton firmly. "You'll be quite all -right if you keep still. Ready, Eric? Right-o, push off."</p> - -<p>By the united efforts of the two Sea Scouts the dinghy was backed -clear of the beach. Then, when clear of the swell, the boat was -turned until her bow pointed seaward.</p> - -<p>"Give way together!" exclaimed Peter.</p> - -<p>Awkwardly the four trippers climbed out of the dinghy upon the -<i>Olivette's</i> deck, whence they were assisted into the well.</p> - -<p>"Rather an experience, isn't it?" remarked Mr. Armitage. -"Experience?" echoed one of the men bitterly. "It was a disgraceful -bit of work. A boatman told us we could walk right round the point. -We could—but we couldn't get back. He never said a word about the -tide rising."</p> - -<p>"And you never thought to ask," mused the Scoutmaster. "There's not -much harm done," he added aloud. "We'll land you in half an hour. Are -you staying at Swanage?"</p> - -<p>"No, at Bournemouth," replied one of the girls, who, now that the -danger was over, showed more spirit than either of her male -companions.</p> - -<p>"So much the better, then," observed Mr. Armitage. "We can land you -without going out of our course."</p> - -<p>"We are awfully grateful," said the girl.</p> - -<p>"And we are glad to be able to do you a good turn," rejoined Mr. -Armitage. "That's where Sea Scouts come in handy."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter06"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER VI</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Why the Water Failed</h4> -<br> -<p>"Are we staying here long, sir?" asked Hepburn.</p> - -<p>"That depends upon how soon we recover our compass," replied the -Scoutmaster. "Why did you ask?"</p> - -<p>"Because I'd like to take these films ashore and get them developed, -sir," explained Alan.</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage looked rather surprised.</p> - -<p>"I thought you did your own developing and printing," he remarked.</p> - -<p>"Usually, sir," replied the lad, "but I've taken something that might -be a bit exciting, and I'm in a hurry to see the result."</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> was lying off Poole, in an anchorage locally known as -"off Stakes".</p> - -<p>It was well above the approach-channel to the quays, and -consequently, out of the way of traffic, except for a few yachts and -fishing-boats and an occasional barge engaged in carrying clay.</p> - -<p>"Right-o," agreed Mr. Armitage. "I'm going ashore now to make -inquiries. Anyone else for the beach?"</p> - -<p>At length the dinghy pushed off, Hepburn and Warkworth rowing, and -the Scoutmaster in the stern-sheets. The rest of the crew elected to -remain on board, especially after seeing a man in a neighbouring -yacht hook a couple of flounders in quick succession. They, too, -meant to try their luck with hook and line.</p> - -<p>"How about bait?" inquired Flemming. "There's a youngster digging for -ragworms on the mud-flats. We'll hail him and get him to sell us -some."</p> - -<p>The boy quickly responded to the hail, and plodding along on -mud-pattens to the water's edge, jumped into a flat-bottomed punt and -rowed off to the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>A bargain was soon struck, and for the sum of sixpence Flemming -obtained a rusty tin containing between thirty and forty slimy, -writhing worms. The hooks were baited and the lines paid out. -Patiently the "band of hope" waited, but save for the quivering of -the lines in the tideway, the ground tackle was quite idle.</p> - -<p>"Slow work this," observed Roche, giving envious glances at the -fellow on the neighbouring yacht, who was hauling in prizes with -unfailing regularity. "How is it that that merchant has all the fun, -and we don't get so much as a bite?"</p> - -<p>The sun set in a blood-red sky, betokening a continuance of fine -weather. As the orb of day disappeared behind the distant hills the -young flood set in.</p> - -<p>Then did the Sea Scouts' luck change. "Dabs", plaice, and flounders -were hauled on board in quick succession, until a pailful of fish -represented the combined efforts of four lads in under half an hour.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Flemming gave a shout of astonishment as his line was almost -jerked out of his hand.</p> - -<p>"I've hooked a whopper!" he exclaimed. "Doesn't the thing tug?"</p> - -<p>"Play with him, then," suggested Peter. "He'll break your line if you -don't."</p> - -<p>"He's almost broken my fingers," rejoined the excited sportsman. -"That's the whole of my line, too."</p> - -<p>"Haul in gently," cautioned the Patrol Leader. "For goodness sake -don't lose the fish."</p> - -<p>Inch by inch, foot by foot, the thin line came inboard, until a -furious swirl announced that the "catch" was not far from the -surface.</p> - -<p>The rest of the Sea Scouts left their lines and crowded round the -wildly excited Flemming.</p> - -<p>"It's a twenty-pounder, Eric," declared Woodleigh. "You're in luck."</p> - -<p>"Twenty-pounder!" ejaculated the wellnigh breathless Flemming -scornfully. "Feels like a ton.... Hello! What is it?"</p> - -<p>"An eel—conger, most likely," declared Stratton, as a hideous head -appeared. "Stand by with your knife, Woodleigh, and nick the brute -behind the neck when Flemming gets it on board."</p> - -<p>Resisting to the last, the salt-water reptile was hauled up the side -and thrown on deck. At the second attempt Woodleigh succeeded in -hacking the eel just behind its head.</p> - -<p>"That's settled it!" he declared. "What an ugly brute. Now, if old -Boldrigg were here, he'd have the eel skinned in a brace of shakes, -and would wrap the skin round his ankle."</p> - -<p>"What for?" asked Rayburn.</p> - -<p>"He says an eel's skin is a certain cure for his rheumatism," replied -Woodleigh.</p> - -<p>"Old sailor's superstition, more'n likely. When——"</p> - -<p>"Coil down and stand by, lads," ordered the Patrol Leader. "Here's -Mr. Armitage coming off in the dinghy."</p> - -<p>"Well, lads, I see you've had some luck," was the Scoutmaster's -greeting as he boarded the <i>Olivette</i>, nearly slipping on a flat-fish -as he did so.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," replied Peter; "more than a pailful of them. The one that -nearly threw you must have wriggled on to the deck."</p> - -<p>"What do you think of this eel, sir?" asked Flemming.</p> - -<p>"It's certainly of a decent size," said Mr. Armitage, turning the eel -over with his foot. "Ready for supper? I am."</p> - -<p>"Roche is cook, sir," announced the Patrol Leader. "He's in the -galley now cleaning fish, I think."</p> - -<p>"They're cleaned already and in the frying-pan," shouted the cook, -who had overheard the dialogue between Mr. Armitage and Stratton. -"Get the gear out on the table, Alan, and everything will be ready in -a quarter of an hour."</p> - -<p>By the time the anchor-lamp was lighted and hoisted, and everything -on deck made snug for the night, supper was announced.</p> - -<p>"How about the eel?" asked Flemming. "Where is it? Has anyone taken -it below?"</p> - -<p>No one had seen it during the last ten minutes. A search on the -foredeck produced no satisfactory result.</p> - -<p>"P'r'aps the thing wasn't dead after all," suggested Warkworth.</p> - -<p>"It was as dead as a door nail," declared Flemming, somewhat -disappointed at the loss of his trophy. "Did any careless blighter -kick it overboard, I wonder?"</p> - -<p>"I don't see that it matters very much," said Peter. "None of us like -stewed eels, but of course we might have given it away to someone."</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts trooped below to the after cabin, where the supper -things were already laid.</p> - -<p>Roche thrust his head through the open doorway.</p> - -<p>"We're short of water," he declared. "It took quite a time to fill -the kettle."</p> - -<p>"What?" exclaimed Stratton. "Why, we only filled the tank the day -before we launched the boat. Are you sure it's empty?"</p> - -<p>"Look for yourself, my festive," suggested Flemming.</p> - -<p>Peter went for'ard. Under the wheel-house was a tap communicating -with the fresh-water tank under the foredeck. Upon turning the tap -the Patrol Leader had to come to the conclusion that the cook's -report was correct. There was only a slight trickle of water.</p> - -<p>"Evidently our friends the thieves were a bit heavy on the fresh -water," remarked Mr. Armitage. "Wonder what they used such a quantity -for? Fortunately there's enough to make the cocoa with. To-morrow -we'll run alongside the quay and fill up by means of a hose."</p> - -<p>The night passed without incident, although Bruin persisted in -barking at the few belated craft that were making for their moorings. -The Sea Scouts were getting used to this sort of thing, for whenever -the <i>Olivette</i> was in a strange harbour, the dog seemed to have a -fixed idea that no other boat ought to be in the vicinity; and when, -as often happened, there was another dog to be seen, Bruin simply -bristled with indignation and barked the more. "Water rats," as the -longshore thieving fraternity are called, wouldn't have much chance -surreptitiously to acquire the <i>Olivette's</i> gear when Bruin was on -board.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<center> -<a name="jet"></a> -</center> -<center>[Illustration: THE HIGH-PRESSURE JET CAUGHT THE -TENDERFOOT FULL IN THE FACE (missing from book)]</center> -<br> -<br> - -<p>Next morning Hepburn, who was "cook of the day", could only obtain -enough fresh water for half a cup of tea per head, and then only by -waiting patiently at the full-open tap while the water trickled -slowly.</p> - -<p>So directly the dry meal was over the crew set to work to take the -<i>Olivette</i> into the harbour. Here they found no vacant berth -alongside the quay, but under the harbourmaster's directions they -brought up against a three-masted schooner flying the Italian ensign.</p> - -<p>"The <i>Giuseppe Emilio</i>," said Roche, reading the name on her stern. -"She's a whacking big craft. Wonder what she's for?"</p> - -<p>"Loading clay," replied Mr. Armitage. "There's a great quantity of -clay shipped away from Poole. Stand by: here comes the hose."</p> - -<p>As a matter of fact there were two hoses coupled together, leading -from the hydrant on the quay across the <i>Giuseppe Emilio's</i> deck to -the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>"How many gallons do you want, sir?" shouted the harbourmaster's -assistant.</p> - -<p>"Two hundred, please," replied the Scoutmaster; "we're all ready."</p> - -<p>Roche had opened the deck-plate, and had inserted the nozzle of the -hose into the three-inch pipe leading to the tank. There was a -preliminary gurgle, and then like a young torrent the water poured -into the tank.</p> - -<p>"This is some stunt," declared Roche. "Better than pouring it in -bucket by bucket as we usually do."</p> - -<p>Before anyone could offer any remark, the tank overflowed. Roche, -attempting to point the hose overboard, slipped on the streaming -deck. Still grasping the nozzle, he sprawled at full length, while a -high-pressure jet caught the Tenderfoot full in the face, hurling him -backwards into Flemming's arms, and simply soaked every Scout in the -well.</p> - -<p>Before anyone could go to Roche's assistance, gallons of water had -flowed into the boat. The Italian seamen, who were leaning over the -bulwarks, screamed with amusement, until Woodleigh, grasping the -nozzle, directed the jet upwards into their faces. Then their -laughter gave place to furious gesticulations.</p> - -<p>"Turn off!" shouted Stratton to the invisible attendant at the -hydrant.</p> - -<p>There was no response. It was not until the Patrol Leader hoisted -himself on to the <i>Giuseppe Emilio's</i> chain-plates and crossed her -deck and sprang ashore that the flow of water ceased.</p> - -<p>"You said two hundred gallons," said the man, pointing to the meter -attached to the hydrant, "and you've had less than eighty."</p> - -<p>"And at least half of that wasted," added Stratton. "Something's -wrong somewhere."</p> - -<p>There was. Subsequent examination of the tank, which was possible by -removing a watertight cover-plate, resulted in the discovery of -Flemming's eel with its head wedged firmly in the outlet pipe. -Although its head had been half severed, the eel had contrived to -insert his tail under the deck-plate, and had prised open the metal -cover sufficiently to enable it to wriggle down the feed-pipe into -the tank. Then in a futile attempt to escape, the eel had jammed its -head into the outlet, thus preventing the water to flow.</p> - -<p>"There's some satisfaction in finding out why the water failed," -remarked Mr. Armitage as he retired to his cabin to change his -saturated garments.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter07"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER VII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">The New Hand</h4> -<br> -<p>"And how did your photographs turn out, Alan?" asked Mr. Armitage, -when he reappeared on deck, none the worse for his involuntary shower -bath.</p> - -<p>"I haven't any prints yet, sir," replied Hepburn. "The man at the -photographer's shop said he could only develop the films in the time. -Here they are, sir."</p> - -<p>The Scoutmaster took the proferred envelope, and from it extracted -six films.</p> - -<p>"Ah, that's good!" he exclaimed. "The 5th Weymouth Scouts on board -the <i>Olivette</i>. Bruin begging—that's capital. Lulworth Cove—rather -a large subject for so small a film, Alan. No. 4: Old Harry viewed -from seaward. You'll have a good light-and-shade effect there when -the film's printed. Hello! What in the name of creation is this—and -this?"</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage held up the fifth and sixth films, first longway and -then upright. Alan watched the Scoutmaster's puzzled expression with -amusement, but offered no explanation of what the negatives were -supposed to be.</p> - -<p>"I can't make either of them out," he declared. "It might represent a -view of St. Alban's Race taken from the masthead, but I know that you -didn't go aloft, Alan. Perhaps some of the other fellows would like -to have a shot at solving the mystery."</p> - -<p>The two films were passed round, after the general caution being -given to avoid touching or scratching the gelatine face.</p> - -<p>"Looks like a complicated contour map," hazarded Flemming, "or fancy -furrows on a hill-side. Is it?"</p> - -<p>Alan smiled and shook his head.</p> - -<p>"Give it up, then," said Flemming resignedly.</p> - -<p>"Finger-prints," explained Hepburn. "Greasy finger-prints on the -induction pipe of the engine. I spotted them directly we came on -board, so I used the double extension of my camera and took a couple -of time exposures. The finger-prints are almost certainly those of -one of the thieves."</p> - -<p>"Unless some of the Weymouth fellows touched the pipe," objected -Roche.</p> - -<p>"I don't think so," replied Hepburn. "For one thing they were made by -rather a big man, for the actual marks were an inch and one-eighth -wide."</p> - -<p>"If your surmise is a correct one, Alan," said Mr. Armitage, "those -negatives ought to be most useful to the police."</p> - -<p>"That's what I thought, sir," replied the young amateur detective.</p> - -<p>"Then you had better come ashore with me and see the superintendent," -suggested the Scoutmaster. "It is the duty of every citizen to assist -the police; but I hope by so doing we don't have to put off our trip -across Channel."</p> - -<p>"Might we have to do that, sir?" asked Roche in awestruck tones.</p> - -<p>"More than likely," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "Especially if the thieves -are arrested. The police will certainly call us, or some of us, as -witnesses. Now, then I'm going ashore to interview the harbourmaster -and find out the owner of the motor-yacht who supplied the thieves -with petrol in exchange for our compass. One hand will have to remain -on board. The others can have leave till eleven o'clock."</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage's task was accomplished quicker than he had anticipated. -Inquiries resulted in the information that the holder of the -<i>Olivette's</i> compass was a well-known yachtsman, who, upon hearing -the circumstances under which he had befriended the two thieves, -handed back the gear without hesitation. At the police-station the -Scoutmaster had to sign a statement, and when he produced the -negatives of the finger-prints, the station-sergeant positively -beamed with satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"These ought to work the trick, sir," he remarked. "Scotland Yard -will no doubt be able to identify the criminals. It's my belief that -they are not fishermen but cracksmen well known to the Yard. You'll -hear from us before very long, sir, I don't doubt."</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage made no audible comment. Personally he was not at all -anxious to have to spoil his lads' holiday by attending police courts -and the assizes. Mentally he decided to hurry up matters as far as -the Paris trip was concerned, since there were witnesses sufficient -to prove the culprits' guilt without the Sea Scouts being called upon -to give evidence.</p> - -<p>At noon the <i>Olivette</i> cast off and proceeded on the last stage of -her homeward voyage. It was now blowing steadily from the -sou'-west'ard, and with a fair tide outside the harbour the run -seemed likely to be quickly performed.</p> - -<p>With the last of the ebb the <i>Olivette</i> made short work of the -distance between Poole Quay and the Bar Buoy; then starboarding helm, -shaped a course to pass a mile to the south'ard of Christchurch -Ledge.</p> - -<p>Exactly two hours after leaving Poole, the staunch little craft -arrived at her moorings in Keyhaven Lake.</p> - -<p>"Now, lads," said Mr. Armitage, "the sooner we make a proper start -the better. It will take us the rest of to-day and the whole of -to-morrow to get ready for our cross-Channel trip. You know your -respective duties, so 'get on with it', as the Service saying goes. -By the by, Hepburn, you're steward. There's one thing I want to -remind you about. Don't take too many boxes of matches, or we may -have trouble with the <i>douaniers</i> on the other side. Matches are -taxable articles in France."</p> - -<p>During the afternoon Mr. Armitage cycled over to Lymington to obtain -the necessary clearance papers from the Customs, and to collect a -bundle of charts and sailing directions for the French coast lent him -by a yachting acquaintance.</p> - -<p>In their Scoutmaster's absence the Sea Scouts toiled hard, for there -was a lot to be done before the interrupted refit of the <i>Olivette</i> -was accomplished. Fresh water, fortunately, they had in plenty, but -the paraffin- and oil-tanks required replenishing, and there was a -considerable amount of spare gear to be brought down from the store.</p> - -<p>That night Stratton, Roche, and Bruin were to sleep on board. In view -of previous events the Patrol Leader decided to take no risks of -another postponement.</p> - -<p>After supper Peter and Roche took Bruin ashore for a run, and on the -quay they encountered old Boldrigg.</p> - -<p>"We're off to France the day after tomorrow, Mr. Boldrigg," announced -Stratton, after he had related the circumstances under which the -<i>Olivette</i> had been taken to Weymouth and back again. "We're hoping -to go right up to Paris, and perhaps we may get a chance of seeing -some of the battlefields."</p> - -<p>"Don't I wish I were a-comin' with ye, Master Peter," said the old -man wistfully. "My boy, Jim—him as was a corporal—lies out yonder. -I'd like to see his grave, but travellin' costs a sight o' money, an' -I'm no hand at speaking the Frenchies' lingo. I'd be all adrift if I -found myself over t'other side, I'm thinkin'."</p> - -<p>"Haven't you been to France, Mr. Boldrigg?" asked Roche.</p> - -<p>"Ay, sure," was the reply. "When I was in the old <i>Aldebran</i> on the -Mediterranean Station back in the 'nineties I was ashore at Toulon. -Things were a bit different to what they are now. We'd just had a bit -of a tiff with Johnny Crapaud, an' he was still feeling a bit sore -over it. We of the lower deck kept ourselves to ourselves, in a -manner o' speaking, and didn't have no truck with the French -bluejackets. That was long afore the 'Intent Cordyal', or whatever -they calls it, came along. Are you taking Bruin with you?"</p> - -<p>Peter shook his head.</p> - -<p>"We can't, unfortunately. We'll miss him, but it cannot be helped. -Well, we must be getting on board, Mr. Boldrigg, so we'll wish you -'Good night'."</p> - -<p>Early next morning the task of provisioning and preparing the -<i>Olivette</i> for her voyage was resumed, and so quickly did the work -progress that by noon everything was in readiness.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Mr. Armitage, who had been consulting charts, navigation -books, and tide tables, made an unexpected declaration.</p> - -<p>"The wind's light and the glass steady," he observed. "I think it's a -pity not to take advantage of the favourable weather conditions; so -it would be advisable to make a start this evening. To my mind it is -better to arrive off a strange coast soon after daybreak than just -before sunset. It gives one a better chance of getting into harbour, -especially as the mornings at this time of the year are generally -calm. The wind, if you notice, usually pipes up about noon."</p> - -<p>This announcement was greeted with cheers.</p> - -<p>"And so," continued the Scoutmaster, "you had all better cut off to -your respective homes and tell your parents of the alteration of -plans. Don't forget to leave Bruin behind, Peter."</p> - -<p>"Ay, ay, sir," replied the Patrol Leader. Then, after a pause, he -added, "There's one other matter I'd like to mention, sir, and we all -hope you'll have no objection. I've been talking about it to the -other fellows, and they are all keen about it."</p> - -<p>"Fire away, then," said Mr. Armitage encouragingly.</p> - -<p>"It's about old Boldrigg, sir," explained Stratton. "You know he's -got a son buried out in France. He'd be awfully grateful if we'd give -him a passage across and back."</p> - -<p>"That will be a very practical good turn," agreed Mr. Armitage. -"Right-o; call at his cottage on your way up, and tell him to be -ready and on the quay at 4 p.m. He'll have to bring his own bedding -and messtraps, but we've plenty of grub, tell him."</p> - -<p>Joyfully the Sea Scouts rowed ashore, with Bruin between the -Scoutmaster and the Patrol Leader in the stern-sheets.</p> - -<p>Bruin was the only member of the party who displayed no enthusiasm. -He seemed to know that, as far as he was concerned, there was -"nothin' doin'"; but a close observer would have noticed a wrinkling -of the hairy brows, and a pensive look in the animal's eyes, as he -pondered the possibility of getting himself included in the ship's -complement for the forthcoming trip.</p> - -<p>Having told Mr. Boldrigg the joyful news that he could accompany the -Sea Scouts across Channel, the lads dispersed to their several homes.</p> - -<p>Profiting by previous experience, Peter did not lock his pet in his -bedroom. Bruin was placed in a large shed that served as a workshop -at the end of the garden, Mr. Stratton promising not to let the -animal out until an hour after the <i>Olivette</i> had slipped her -moorings.</p> - -<p>"That's right, old boy," said Peter, patting his pet's head. "Stop -there a bit, and be a good little dog."</p> - -<p>Bruin looked up at his master's face and gave a piteous howl.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know," continued Peter. "It's rough luck, old boy, very. You -know I'd like to take you, but it's impossible."</p> - -<p>Well to time, the crew of the <i>Olivette</i> assembled on the shore. With -them was old Tom Boldrigg, clad in canvas trousers and jumper, and a -blue pilot-coat over his arm.</p> - -<p>His luggage consisted of a rolled hammock and blankets, a canvas bag -containing his shore-going kit, and a bundle done up in a blue -handkerchief.</p> - -<p>"You managed to get here, then, Boldrigg," was Mr. Armitage's -greeting.</p> - -<p>"Ay, ay, sir," was the cheery reply. "I fetched up along all right -with my kit. It's mighty good of you, sir, to put up with the likes -o' me."</p> - -<p>"Not at all," protested the Scoutmaster. "You've the lads to thank. -And we'll make good use of you, never fear."</p> - -<p>"Glad of that, sir," rejoined the old sailor. "It shows you don't -think I'm a worn-out old shell-back, like some of 'em does -hereabouts."</p> - -<p>The dinghy had to make two trips before the crew of the <i>Olivette</i> -and their belongings were placed on board. Then, while Roche and -Flemming were "starting up" the motor, the others hoisted out the -dinghy, and lashed her, keel uppermost, on the raised coach-roof over -the engine.</p> - -<p>"Now," announced Mr. Armitage, "we'll work in watches in the -cross-Channel run. Peter, pick three of the hands and carry on till -ten o'clock. I'll give you the course, but you must act entirely on -your own account. I'll relieve you at ten, and carry on till -daybreak."</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir," replied Peter.</p> - -<p>"Take her out by the Needles Channel," continued the Scoutmaster, -"and shape a course to pass about a couple of miles south of St. -Catherine's. You'll take your departure from that point, steering a -compass course of S. 26° W. That's making allowance for deviation. -Have you got that?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, S. 26° W. from St Catherine's," repeated the Patrol -Leader.</p> - -<p>"Good; now carry on, please. I'm off duty until ten o'clock."</p> - -<p>Feeling vastly proud in the realization of his responsibility, -Stratton proceeded to carry out instructions. He chose Roche, -Woodleigh, and Rayburn to be in his watch, the Tenderfoot being -included so that he would escape the night-watch from 10 p.m. till -dawn.</p> - -<p>"All ready, Roche?" inquired Peter, giving the wheel a preliminary -turn. "Let go, for'ard."</p> - -<p>Phil Rayburn, in spite of being termed a Tenderfoot, was no -greenhorn. He knew his part of the task of casting loose the -moorings.</p> - -<p>"All gone, sir," he shouted, as the buoy splashed into the water.</p> - -<p>"Touch astern!"</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> glided more than her own length astern, until from the -wheelhouse Peter could see the buoy bobbing in the water.</p> - -<p>"Easy ahead!"</p> - -<p>The boat quickly responded to the action of the propeller. A turn of -the wheel gave her sufficient helm to avoid the buoy. Stratton was -too good a helmsman to delay the start by getting his propeller mixed -up with the mooring rope and chain.</p> - -<p>"Full ahead!" shouted the Patrol Leader, in order to make himself -heard above the noise of the engine. Then, with a grunt of -satisfaction, Peter realized that the big adventure had actually -started.</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> was on her way across to La Belle France.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter08"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER VIII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">The Stowaway</h4> -<br> -<p>Although all on board were by this time well acquainted with the Isle -of Wight coast, none of the "watch below" had any inclination to -"turn in". The fact that they were actually on a voyage of a -different nature from any they had previously undertaken was -sufficient to keep all hands on deck.</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage offered no protest. He knew from experience that it was -next to impossible to get the thoroughly excited youngsters to rest -and sleep. With old Boldrigg it was another matter. He had -volunteered to share Mr. Armitage's "trick", and he was too much of -an old salt to stay on deck when there was an opportunity of a -"caulk" below.</p> - -<p>Before the <i>Olivette</i> was abreast of Hurst High Light, Tom Boldrigg -had descended to the fo'c'sle, where he immediately "got busy" by -slinging his hammock. Just as he was about to turn in, a faint -scuffling attracted his attention.</p> - -<p>"Rats aboard this hooker," he soliloquized. "I'd best trice up my -boots and gear clear of the deck or the blighters'll be nibbling 'em -come morning."</p> - -<p>With this resolve, Tom Boldrigg began to collect his "duds", when he -heard a decided sneeze.</p> - -<p>"Stowaway, eh?" he exclaimed. "Now, then, my hearty, whoever you be, -out you come!"</p> - -<p>Boldrigg waited for about half a minute, then, having decided that -the stowaway was hiding in the tapering part of the fo'c'sle abaft -the chain-locker, began to investigate in that direction.</p> - -<p>Expecting to find a human being, he was considerably surprised when a -moist tongue licked his hand.</p> - -<p>"Why, it's a dog!" he exclaimed. "It's Bruin."</p> - -<p>Realizing that the need for his concealment was over, Bruin emerged -from his retreat, wagging his stumpy tail, but, contrary to custom, -the animal made no attempt to bark.</p> - -<p>"'Ere's a proper lash-up," soliloquized the old man. "That dog can't -come along with us. That's a dead cert. But what's to be done with -him? I'd best inform Master Stratton."</p> - -<p>Peter's amazement at the news was too great for words. He could give -no satisfactory explanation as to how his pet had escaped from the -shed, evaded the crew, and succeeded in getting on board the -<i>Olivette</i> unperceived. Obviously Bruin could not have leapt from the -water on to the boat's deck.</p> - -<p>"He must have pulled himself up by the cable," suggested Roche. -"Plucky little beggar. Let's take him along. No one will be any the -wiser. We can smuggle him ashore."</p> - -<p>It was a tempting suggestion. As Roche had said, it would be a -comparatively easy matter to land Bruin in the almost unfrequented -Keyhaven on their return, but——</p> - -<p>"Can't be done," decided Peter. "For one thing, it's against the -regulations; for another, it wouldn't be fair to other dog-owners. -Suppose Bruin did get in contact with a French dog infected with -rabies? We'll have to put back and land him."</p> - -<p>"It's bad luck to put back, sir," declared Tom Boldrigg. "Ask any -sailorman and he'll tell you. Times I've been on board a ship that's -put back for something or other, and, sure as fate, there's been a -run of bad luck."</p> - -<p>It was certainly a bit of a dilemma. The Sea Scouts were reluctant to -turn back now that they had started fairly upon the voyage; but, on -the other hand, they knew that it was impossible to proceed with -Bruin on board.</p> - -<p>"I'll report to Mr. Armitage," declared the Patrol Leader.</p> - -<p>But Bruin had already done so. Scratching with his fore paws, he -succeeded in pushing open the door of the after cabin, where Mr. -Armitage had retired to consult his charts and nautical books.</p> - -<p>"What does this mean, Peter?" in a tone of marked disapproval. -"Smuggling your dog on board at this time is a very serious matter."</p> - -<p>"But I didn't smuggle him, sir," protested Stratton. "He found his -way on board. None of us knew until Mr. Boldrigg found him in the -forepeak."</p> - -<p>"You locked him up at home?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. I cannot understand how he got loose. I suppose we must -turn back."</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage climbed the iron ladder out of the cockpit and glanced -shorewards. Hurst Castle and the Hampshire shore were now a couple of -miles astern. Broad on the port beam lay Totland Bay and the cliffs -of the western end of the Isle of Wight. Ahead, and slightly on the -port bow, were the Needles.</p> - -<p>"No," he replied after a brief survey. "Unless I'm much mistaken we -won't have to retrace our course. Do you see that craft coming out of -Alum Bay, Peter? I rather fancy she belongs to the Totland Sea -Scouts."</p> - -<p>The Patrol Leader focused his binoculars upon the little craft—an -ex-service whaler with a dipping foresail and gaff mainsail. "Yes, -sir," he agreed. "There's Mr. Mostyn, their Scoutmaster, in the -stern-sheets."</p> - -<p>"That's good enough, then," continued Mr. Armitage. "Run alongside -and get them to take Bruin ashore. If they've no particular object in -view, they will, I feel sure, land him on Milford beach for us."</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette's</i> course was altered in order to intercept the whaler. -When within a couple of hundred yards of the Totland Sea Scouts, -Hepburn, holding a pair of hand-flags, stood erect upon the -coach-roof.</p> - -<p>It was not long before the Totland lads acknowledged the preparatory -sign, and Alan proceeded to spell out a message, asking them if they -would do a real good turn.</p> - -<p>The whaler's canvas was lowered and the boat lost way, waiting for -the <i>Olivette</i> to range up alongside.</p> - -<p>Briefly Mr. Armitage explained the nature of his request.</p> - -<p>"Certainly," replied Mr. Mostyn. "We're just out for a practice spin, -and we may as well run across to Milford as anywhere. Your dog will -find his way home from there, I hope? So you're off across Channel? -My word, Armitage, your lads are lucky fellows."</p> - -<p>Bruin was obviously most reluctant to part company with the -<i>Olivette</i>. Peter had to speak sternly to his pet, and even then the -animal refused to enter the whaler.</p> - -<p>There was no help for it. Knowing that Bruin would attempt to jump -overboard from the whaler and swim after the <i>Olivette</i>, Stratton and -Flemming lashed the dog's paws together and tied a bandage over his -eyes. Then, in this helpless condition Bruin was passed over the side -and placed in the stern-sheets of the Totland Sea Scouts' boat.</p> - -<p>"Good-bye and good luck!" shouted Scoutmaster Mostyn, as the two -craft drew off from one another. "We'll take care of your mascot, and -see him safely ashore at Milford."</p> - -<p>Amidst an exchange of farewells the whaler rehoisted her canvas, and, -close hauled on the port tack, headed for the Hampshire shore, while -the <i>Olivette</i>, increasing speed to eight knots, resumed her -interrupted voyage.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter09"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER IX</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Broken Down in Mid-Channel</h4> -<br> -<p>Peter Stratton carried out his instructions to the letter. Upon -rounding the Needles he steered in the direction of St. Catherine's, -keeping a mile and a half from shore, in order to give a wide berth -to the dangerous Atherfield Ledges, ridges of sharp rock that have -sealed the fate of many a gallant ship and her crew. It was slow work -plugging against a strong west-going tide, but, as Mr. Armitage had -remarked, it was better to have a foul tide to begin with and a fair -one when the <i>Olivette</i> approached the French coast, than the -reverse.</p> - -<p>At seven o'clock the <i>Olivette</i> was in a position to "make her -departure", and accordingly she was set on the given course for her -eighty odd miles' run across the Channel.</p> - -<p>"We're a long time losing sight of land," observed Woodleigh, when an -hour later the chalk cliffs of St. Catherine's were still visible in -the slanting rays of the sun.</p> - -<p>"It's the height that tells," rejoined Peter. "We're a good ten miles -off. We're running at eight knots only."</p> - -<p>"Why only eight?" asked Rayburn.</p> - -<p>"Because, if we cracked on at full speed we'd stand to pile ourselves -upon the rocks on t' other side in the darkness," replied the Patrol -Leader.</p> - -<p>Stratton was kept fairly busy. The <i>Olivette</i> was now in the steamer -track, where vessels proceeding up and down Channel make it a -practice of keeping within certain limits of St. Catherine's. There -were ships of all sizes and descriptions. A P. & O. liner, homeward -bound, was passing a Bullard mail-boat on the way to the Cape and -East Africa. Ambling along at a very modest speed were colliers, -"tankers", and tramps, while a full-rigged Dutchman, carrying every -stitch of canvas, formed a striking contrast to the mechanically -propelled craft.</p> - -<p>A little later a couple of destroyers, in line ahead, came pelting -down Channel. Although they passed not less than a quarter of a mile -from the <i>Olivette</i>, their "wash" broke furiously over the boat's -bows, sending spray high above the wheelhouse.</p> - -<p>Then, as the <i>Olivette</i> drew away from the "lane", the stream of -shipping ceased, and as sunset approached she was alone on a waste of -placid water.</p> - -<p>At ten the relief watch was called. Mr. Armitage came on deck wearing -his pilot coat. He made no attempt to check the course or to offer -any suggestions. He was placing his crew entirely on their mettle, -but from what he saw he had no cause to criticize.</p> - -<p>Stratton, having "handed over" to Warkworth, went below, where -Hepburn had a hot supper ready for those of the crew who had come off -duty.</p> - -<p>"Where's Roche?" he inquired, seeing that the rest of the -watch—Woodleigh and Rayburn—were already "tucking in" with avidity.</p> - -<p>"Yarning with Flemming about something," replied Woodleigh. "I fancy -there's trouble in the engine-room."</p> - -<p>Presently Roche appeared.</p> - -<p>"Lend me your torch, Peter, old son," he said.</p> - -<p>"Aren't you grubbing?" asked the Patrol Leader.</p> - -<p>Roche shook his head.</p> - -<p>"I'm seeing this thing through first," he replied. "She's not been -running well this last hour or two. Too rich a mixture, I think. -Flemming and I are going to take the jet out, but before we start I -want to see how much oil there is in the main tank."</p> - -<p>Peter handed Roche his torch.</p> - -<p>"We'll keep your grub hot," he added as the engineer hurried out of -the cabin.</p> - -<p>In less than a minute Roche returned.</p> - -<p>"We're in a bad way," he announced. "She's been mopping up the juice -like anything. The paraffin tank's nearly empty."</p> - -<p>"Why, how's that?" asked Stratton.</p> - -<p>"Punctured float, I'm afraid," replied Roche. "We'll have to stop the -motor for half an hour or so."</p> - -<p>"Right-o," assented the Patrol Leader, pushing away his cup, saucer, -and plate. "I'll come and bear a hand. Have you reported to Mr. -Armitage?"</p> - -<p>The Scoutmaster received the news without expressing any suggestion.</p> - -<p>"Carry on," he remarked.</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts accordingly "carried on". They had but one red lamp on -board in addition to the port light. Two red masthead lights were -required to indicate that the <i>Olivette</i> was not under command. It -was the Tenderfoot who solved the problem by suggesting that the -white masthead light should be covered with the fold of the Red -Ensign.</p> - -<p>The "not under command" lights were hoisted, and the port and -starboard ones extinguished. The ignition to the motor was switched -off, and Stratton, Roche, and Flemming proceeded to take down the -carburetter, while Woodleigh held the electric torch to enable them -to see what they were doing.</p> - -<p>They worked methodically, placing a piece of canvas under the -carburetter to catch any nut that might be accidentally dropped, -while all the loose parts were carefully placed in a small tin box.</p> - -<p>The float was deftly removed.</p> - -<p>"It feels suspiciously heavy," declared Flemming. "Yes, it's chock -full of paraffin or petrol."</p> - -<p>"Take it into the after-cabin," said Peter. "We'll solder it there. -It will be a jolly sight safer away from the engine-room. Get the -Tinol box out, Dick."</p> - -<p>The first part of the operation was the boiling of the float. The hot -water would not only cause the confined air to escape and indicate -the position of the leak, it would also expel the petrol.</p> - -<p>The task was proceeding most satisfactorily when the <i>Olivette</i> -suddenly began to roll in the swell of a distant steamer. Before the -Sea Scouts could prevent it, the stove capsized, throwing the -saucepan and its contents upon the floor. Instantly the -petrol—fortunately only a few teaspoonfuls—burst into flames.</p> - -<p>Flemming made a dash for the Pyrene extinguisher, but before he -returned, Roche and the Patrol Leader had quenched the flames by -smothering them with a blanket. But the worst was to come, for, when -Peter picked up the still hot brass cylinder, the solder had melted -and the float was irreparably damaged.</p> - -<p>Without the float the motor couldn't function. There the Scouts were, -almost in mid-Channel, in a boat that was now at the mercy of wind -and tide.</p> - -<p>"There's one blessing," remarked Roche. "We've got the fire out."</p> - -<p>"At the expense of a jolly good blanket," added Flemming.</p> - -<p>"Better a burnt blanket than a burnt boat," rejoined Roche. "What's -to be done now?"</p> - -<p>"Never say die," quoted Stratton. "Find a chunk of cork, someone. -There's plenty on board. We'll make a cork float."</p> - -<p>"No good without shellac," objected Roche. "It will go to pieces in -the petrol."</p> - -<p>"Let it, then," said Peter with a laugh. "The pieces can't come out -of the old metal float. I'll pack it full of cork and tap over the -ends. We'll have the old hooker making way in another twenty -minutes."</p> - -<p>The suggestion was quickly acted upon. By the aid of a light hammer -Stratton succeeded in refixing the unsoldered end of the float, -having previously filled it with cork. Although not so buoyant as an -air-filled float, the substitute served its purpose, the only -drawback being a rather heavy consumption of fuel; but directly the -carburetter was replaced, the motor restarted without hesitation.</p> - -<p>"Phew!" ejaculated Stratton, wiping his heated brow. "Do you know -what the time is? A quarter past twelve. I'm turning in."</p> - -<p>Before so doing, the Patrol Leader went on deck to have a look round. -The night was dark, the sea calm. Almost dead ahead a white glare -appeared above the horizon every five seconds. It was from the -lighthouse of Cape de la Hogue.</p> - -<p>Right astern a powerful beam seemed to travel across the sky, with -the same speed and regularity as the light ahead. It was St. -Catherine's, making a gesture of farewell from the shores of England, -now nearly forty miles astern.</p> - -<p>Aloft, the <i>Olivette's</i> two red lights had been replaced by her -ordinary white masthead light; her port and starboard lamps were once -more burning brightly. Inside the wheel-house, the faint glare from -the binnacle shone upon Warkworth's solemn features as the lad kept -the boat on her course.</p> - -<p>Right in the eyes of the ship stood the motionless figure of Tom -Boldrigg. No doubt his thoughts were going back to those far-off -times when he performed a similar duty as look-out man upon one of -His Majesty's ships, or perhaps he was thinking of the still-distant -land where his soldier son slept his long rest.</p> - -<p>Right aft, with his feet placed firmly apart and his hands clasped -behind his back, stood the Scoutmaster. No doubt he, too, was -thinking of how he stood thus under the shadow of the White Ensign, -and was recalling vivid yet pleasant pictures of those strenuous days -of the Great War.</p> - -<p>Seeing Stratton appear on deck, Mr. Armitage walked towards him.</p> - -<p>"All correct, sir," reported the Patrol Leader.</p> - -<p>"That's good," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "When the motor gave out, I -guessed you fellows would be equal to the task of getting it going -again. And I was not mistaken."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter10"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER X</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Alan Speaks French</h4> -<br> -<p>Sunrise—a grey sky and a high dawn; long drab-coloured rollers -driven on by the steady westerly wind; away to the south'ard a line -of dark-grey cliffs, hardly distinguishable from the sombre hues of -sea and sky. This was the first impression of the French coast upon -the minds of the Sea Scouts of the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>Here and there the coastwise lights were vainly endeavouring to hold -their own against the steadily increasing dawn. The powerful beams -from the lighthouses of Cape de la Hogue and Cape Levi had already -been extinguished, but from the Digue and the high ground above the -town of Cherbourg there were still faint pinpricks of luminosity.</p> - -<p>Away to the east'ard a couple of tramps were ploughing against the -strong ebb, making apparently for Havre. Between the <i>Olivette</i> and -the shore were about twenty fishing-boats, their dark-tanned sails -close-hauled to the breeze as they raced homewards with the fruits of -their night's toil.</p> - -<p>"We haven't made a bad passage, sir," remarked Stratton as he came on -deck.</p> - -<p>"We're not there yet, Peter," replied Mr. Armitage. "We've hit a -pretty hot ebb tide, and it's sweeping us to the west'ard. I'm afraid -we won't do much till the young flood sets in."</p> - -<p>"How fast is the tide running, sir?" asked the Patrol Leader.</p> - -<p>"A good six knots, I imagine," was the reply. "Six knots broad on our -port beam, and we're doing about eight. We'll be in luck if we're -inside the breakwater by six o'clock. It's now eight minutes to -four."</p> - -<p>"Hello, Mr. Boldrigg!" exclaimed Peter, as the old seaman stumped -aft, swinging his arms. "You've had a long trick."</p> - -<p>"Yes," agreed Tom. "A middlin' long trick; but it's only making up -for lost time, so to speak."</p> - -<p>"There's hot cocoa below," announced the Patrol Leader.</p> - -<p>"He insisted upon being look-out man," remarked Mr. Armitage after -Boldrigg had disappeared below. "I offered to send for'ard a relief, -but he wouldn't let me. He's been up in the bows ever since ten -o'clock. He's certainly earned his passage. Sleep well, Peter?"</p> - -<p>"Toppingly, sir," replied the lad. It was his first night on board -while the boat was under way, and in spite of the motion and the -rumble and vibration of the propeller, he had slumbered soundly and -well.</p> - -<p>"Good!" rejoined the Scoutmaster. "Then I think I'll turn in for an -hour or so. You'll find a chart of Cherbourg in the wheel-house. -Provided you make due allowance for the set of the tide, there is -nothing of a difficult nature to contend against. You can just -distinguish the central breakwater—the Digue. The eastern entrance -is the one for us."</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage went below, while Stratton entered the wheel-house and -"took over" from Flemming.</p> - -<p>The next hour passed slowly. Although the young helmsman kept the -<i>Olivette</i> well against the tide, her progress seemed painfully slow. -It was not until the tide slackened and changed that the boat made -any appreciable headway.</p> - -<p>"Call Mr. Armitage," said Stratton as the <i>Olivette</i> rounded the Fort -de l'Est—the easternmost point of the Digue—and the whole of the -vast enclosed Cherbourg Harbour came into view.</p> - -<p>The Scoutmaster was quickly on deck. "We're in, then?" he remarked. -"Fine breakwater that. Have you any idea of what it cost?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," replied Peter.</p> - -<p>"Roughly, £220 a linear foot," declared Mr. Armitage. "It took more -than seventy years to build, and is 4060 yards in length, or two and -a half times the length of Plymouth Breakwater. Now, Roche, slow down -to five knots, and stand by the reversing-lever."</p> - -<p>"Do we anchor, sir?" asked Peter.</p> - -<p>"No," was the reply. "We'll go into the Avant Port and afterwards -into the Bassin à Flot—that's a sort of dock with gates to prevent -the water running out. Get the hands ready with the warps and -fenders."</p> - -<p>Very gently the <i>Olivette</i> brought up alongside the weed-covered -walls of the quay. As the tide had only just begun to rise, the -masonry towered nearly thirty feet above her deck. Willing hands -ashore helped to secure the little English craft, from the stern of -which the Red Ensign drooped in the calm, sheltered basin.</p> - -<p>Although it was yet early, the Sea Scouts had to receive a visitor. A -short thick-set bearded Frenchman, with a sheaf of papers under his -arm, ponderously descended the vertical ladder and scrambled upon the -<i>Olivette's</i> deck.</p> - -<p>"Your papairs, ef you please," he demanded. "From England, eh? you is -capitaine, monsieur? Have you anyt'ing to declare?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Quelques boîtes d'allumettes, un peu de sel, pas de vin, pas de -whisky, pas de tabac,</i>" replied Mr. Armitage.</p> - -<p>The <i>douanier's</i> face had grown graver and graver as the recital -proceeded. This craft was different from those with which he usually -had to deal. English yachts generally had spirits and beer on board, -and as a result he had obtained a glass of whisky and a generous -<i>pourboire</i>. This time he had struck a "dry" ship.</p> - -<p>"I must ze search make," he declared.</p> - -<p>"Certainly, Monsieur Jules," rejoined the Scoutmaster in French. "It -will not be the first time you have explored my lockers."</p> - -<p>The custom house official started and looked intently into Mr. -Armitage's face. Then with an exclamation of surprise he flung his -arms round the Scoutmaster's neck, and to the amusement of the crew, -kissed him on both cheeks.</p> - -<p>"<i>Ma foi,</i>" he exclaimed, "<i>c' est le capitaine de vaisseau</i> -Armitage. I am charmed to see you again, monsieur, but I failed to -recognize you. No, the search is unnecessaire. I vill sign your -papairs <i>tout de suite</i>."</p> - -<p>He went with the Scoutmaster into the after cabin.</p> - -<p>"Queer bird that," remarked Hepburn. "Fancy one man kissing another."</p> - -<p>"Custom of the country, I suppose," rejoined Roche. "Wonder how he -knew Mr. Armitage?"</p> - -<p>The question was answered after the douanier had taken his departure.</p> - -<p>"I met Jules when I was in R.N.V.R.," explained Mr. Armitage. "Our -M.L.'s frequently put into Cherbourg, and as we generally had plenty -of provisions on board and people ashore here were on very short -allowances, we were made most welcome. Now, lads, we have to wait -until nine o'clock before the dock gates open, so suppose we pipe all -hands to breakfast."</p> - -<p>"Fine idea, sir," replied Hepburn, who was always a good trencherman.</p> - -<p>"It is," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "So you can nip ashore, Alan, and get -some bread. The bakers open early here. Take this money. I took the -precaution of getting Jules to change some for me."</p> - -<p>He handed Hepburn a roll of papers, which at first sight looked like -a bundle of Treasury notes. Actually these were franc notes, each of -the value of about fivepence or sixpence.</p> - -<p>Thrusting the money into his pocket, Alan swarmed up the ladder -against the quay. At the top he paused and looked down upon his -chums.</p> - -<p>"I'm the first of you fellows to set foot on French soil at all -events," he remarked proudly.</p> - -<p>Then making his way between a crowd of interested waterside loafers, -Hepburn set off on his quest.</p> - -<p>It did not take him long to find a baker's shop.</p> - -<p>He kept his eyes open for the word "<i>boulangerie</i>", and his sense of -smell on the alert for the appetizing odour of new bread.</p> - -<p>Alan was rather proud of his French. He had gained two prizes at -school for his knowledge of that language, but when he found himself -confronted by a portly pleasant-faced woman he was literally -tongue-tied.</p> - -<p>"Let me see," he soliloquized desperately; "what was that wheeze old -Patinot taught us: If you eat new bread you'll have an 'ache'. Yes, -that's it; ache is the French for bread—<i>Deux aches, s'il vous -plaît, madame.</i>"</p> - -<p>Madame looked decidedly puzzled and shook her head.</p> - -<p>"Oh, dash it all!" ejaculated the Sea Scout. "It wasn't ache; it was -pain—same thing, only different: <i>Deux pains, s'il vous plaît.</i>"</p> - -<p>This time Madame was pleased to understand, and Alan was the -recipient of a couple of loaves of about four inches in diameter and -nearly a yard in length.</p> - -<p>Triumphantly Hepburn carried his purchases back to the quay, and -threw them into the outstretched arms of Warkworth.</p> - -<p>"Since you've made such a success of your expedition, Alan," said Mr. -Armitage, "I wish you'd take these letters to the postoffice. -Remember to put a five centimes stamp on each. By the time you return -breakfast will be ready."</p> - -<p>Alan took the envelopes, reascended the ladder, and crossed the -pavé-covered quay. After wandering for some distance without finding -the post-office, it occurred to him to inquire the way.</p> - -<p>A magnificently uniformed gendarme was walking down the street. Alan -went up to him and saluted Scout fashion, and the gendarme replied -with an elaborate military salute.</p> - -<p>"<i>Au poste, monsieur!</i>" exclaimed Hepburn, sure of his ground this -time.</p> - -<p>"<i>Mais oui certainement,</i>" was the reply. "<i>Par ici, monsieur.</i>"</p> - -<p>The gendarme escorted Alan, and a steadily increasing crowd of idlers -and children followed the pair. Hepburn felt rather elated. It was -his Sea Scout's rig, he decided, that was such an attraction.</p> - -<p>Throwing his shoulders back and holding his head high, he walked -proudly by the side of his uniformed guide.</p> - -<p>But he felt far from elated when the gendarme led him through a -doorway into a low-ceilinged room where half a dozen armed men were -standing. The door closed behind him, a gendarme planted his back -against it, and half a dozen pairs of eyes were fixed upon the now -astonished lad.</p> - -<p>One thing was certain. Instead of being taken to the post-office, he -had been shown into the police-station. It was an easy matter to -enter, but would it be so easy to get out?</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter11"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XI</h3> - -<h4 align="center">"Wounded"</h4> -<br> -<p>"Alan's not hurrying himself," remarked Roche, when the appetizing -breakfast was half consumed.</p> - -<p>"He certainly ought to have been back by this time," agreed Mr. -Armitage. "Perhaps he is entering into conversation with some French -Scouts."</p> - -<p>"That reminds me," said Flemming, who also prided himself upon a -knowledge of the French language. "I was wondering what to say as an -exclamation when we are talking to these Scouts. For instance, what -is the usual translation of 'Well, I'm jiggered'?"</p> - -<p>"I've rarely heard you say that, Flemming," observed Peter. "You -generally exclaim, 'Well, I'm blest', I notice."</p> - -<p>"That's easily translated, then," rejoined Flemming. "It's merely: -<i>Je suis blessé.</i>"</p> - -<p>Apparently Eric's rendering of the phrase satisfied his companions. -Mr. Armitage smiled to himself, but said nothing. He was rather -curious to know what would happen when Flemming expressed himself -thus.</p> - -<p>"I'll let it go at that," concluded Flemming. "Now, what about Alan, -you fellows? Hadn't we better send out a search-party?"</p> - -<p>Stratton and Roche volunteered to accompany Eric, and receiving the -Scoutmaster's permission, they went ashore.</p> - -<p>Inquiries of people on the quay soon put the searchers on the track. -The young English Sea Scout had been a fairly conspicuous feature on -the French landscape. After proceeding down three or four streets, -Flemming received the startling information that the lost youth had -been seen taken into the police-station under the care of a gendarme.</p> - -<p>"What's he been doing, I wonder?" asked Roche. "Butting up against -some rotten red-tape regulation, I expect. Hadn't we better inform -Mr. Armitage?"</p> - -<p>"Let's make certain that Alan's under arrest first," suggested the -Patrol Leader, and, led by a gamin, the Sea Scouts proceeded to the -police-station.</p> - -<p>At the door they nearly collided with the lost youth. Hepburn, -looking rather red in the face, showed no enthusiasm at seeing his -chums.</p> - -<p>"I made a mistake," he admitted. "I mistook the police-station for -the post-office, and it took me some time to explain."</p> - -<p>Flemming roared with merriment.</p> - -<p>"You're a bright one!" he exclaimed. "I know what you did: you asked -for '<i>le poste</i>' instead of '<i>la poste</i>'. The first means a -police-station, the second a post-office. That's one up against you, -my festive."</p> - -<p>The letters having been stamped and posted, the four Sea Scouts -returned to the <i>Olivette</i>, where Hepburn made a belated breakfast to -the accompaniment of a running fire of chaff from his chums.</p> - -<p>"You wait," declared Alan, imperturbably; "I'll score off you fellows -yet."</p> - -<p>The breakfast things having been washed up and stowed away, the Sea -Scouts set to work to scrub decks and make the <i>Olivette</i> look a -credit to them. By the time this task was accomplished the gates of -the Bassin-à-Flot were opened. In four hours the <i>Olivette</i> had been -lifted vertically through a height of eighteen feet by the rising -tide.</p> - -<p>"You see now why I want to try and bring the boat into the -floating-dock," observed Mr. Armitage. "If we remained in the tidal -harbour we would have to be continually altering the scope of the -warps as the level of the water changed. Here we are relieved of that -trouble and responsibility, and there is no necessity to have to -ascend and descend the long ladder to get ashore or on board at low -water."</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> safely moored, the Sea Scouts prepared for a ramble -ashore, to see the sights of the town. Flemming was not one of the -party, having been told off to act as ship-keeper; while old Tom -Boldrigg was making up for his prolonged trick as look-out man by -sleeping soundly on one of the locker seats in the well.</p> - -<p>While his comrades were seeing the sights, Eric Flemming had by no -means a dull time. It quickly dawned upon him that the many -advantages of the Bassin-à-Flot were outdone by the obvious -disadvantages of the place. The hot sun pouring down upon the -enclosed space of water was too strong to be pleasant, especially -when the heat caused the garbage floating upon the surface to emit -most unpleasant odours.</p> - -<p>It was Flemming's first experience of a "wet" dock, and before very -long he sincerely hoped it might prove his last.</p> - -<p>After a while Eric went below to escape the glare. He had not been in -the cabin more than five minutes before a dull thud sounded on the -deck over his head. Then came another thud, followed by others in -quick succession, until Flemming realized that the <i>Olivette</i> was -being bombarded.</p> - -<p>Putting on his cap, the lad gained the well. Almost as soon as he -stepped outside the cabin door a missile hit him on the head. -Fortunately the thick sailor's cap with its white cap-cover mitigated -the blow, but even then it was sufficient to make the lad wince.</p> - -<p>He quickly took in the situation. Ten or twelve ragged gamins were -gathered on the edge of the quay, engaged in the pleasant and -congenial task of hurling stones and cabbage-stalks upon the -<i>Olivette's</i> deck and raised cabin-top.</p> - -<p>"<i>Alles-vous-en!</i>" shouted Flemming. The boys retreated a few steps, -but seeing that the Sea Scout made no attempt to follow up his -advantage, they held their ground, jeering and redoubling their fire.</p> - -<p>Eric hardly knew what course to pursue. It was not good form to start -scrapping on foreign soil. A jolly sound hiding, he reflected, would -do the gamins a world of good, but there were the after results to be -taken into consideration. If each of the aggressors went away and -returned with two or three pals, the <i>Olivette</i> would hardly be -tenable under a terrific fusillade of stones and garbage. On the -other hand, he could not allow the boat to be made into a sort of -maritime Aunt Sally for the edification of a crowd of juvenile -ruffians.</p> - -<p>He might have parleyed with them, or bribed them to go away quietly, -but this method did not appeal to his British spirit. He was alone. -Old Boldrigg was sleeping profoundly, quite oblivious to the tocsin -sounding over his head.</p> - -<p>Springing ashore, Flemming rushed at his tormentors. They turned and -fled incontinently, although several of them were bigger than Eric. -He chased them for about fifty yards along the quay, and then -returned to the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>But the retreat was only temporary. The moment Flemming regained the -deck the gamins returned, the number considerably augmented, while a -crowd of men engaged in unloading a schooner ceased their work to -watch and enjoy the scene.</p> - -<p>Flemming waited until the first missile of the renewed attack hurtled -through the air, then he charged his assailants. Again the latter -took to their heels, but Eric meant to see the business through this -time.</p> - -<p>Overtaking and ignoring the smaller and weaker of the boys, he held -on until he collared a tall, hulking fellow, who was one of the -ringleaders. Applying a very effective arm-lock, Flemming made his -captive accompany him to the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>"Now I've found a hostage," thought Eric, as he deftly drew the lad's -arms behind him and round the mast and lashed the wrists together. -"They won't dare to hurl things on board now."</p> - -<p>But he was mistaken. The gamins found increased delight in pelting -their former leader. Perhaps they had a grudge against him. There he -stood, yelling and bawling threats against his fellows until Flemming -felt obliged to release him.</p> - -<p>"'Spose I must grin and bear it until the others return," he -soliloquized, as the boys renewed the bombardment.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the gamins, uttering shouts of warning, took to their heels.</p> - -<p>Looking to see what had caused the flight, Flemming saw a troop of -French Scouts doubling along the quay. There were two patrols—about -fourteen Scouts in all—but before them, the gamins, numbering -between forty and fifty, simply melted away.</p> - -<p>The Patrol Leader saluted Flemming courteously, and the Sea Scout -smartly returned the salute. Then in a curious mixture of French and -English and a broken attempt at both, the Scouts and the Sea Scout -engaged in a "palaver".</p> - -<p>It was rather a one-sided affair. A dozen French Scouts were talking -and asking questions simultaneously, while the English Sea Scout -hardly knew which remark to reply to.</p> - -<p>"I have been to l'Angleterre," declared one of the Scouts. "Ze last -summaire I vas at Sout'ampton at ze rally."</p> - -<p>"I was there, too," replied Flemming; then using his Gallicized -version of his favourite ejaculation, he added, "<i>Je suis blessé.</i>"</p> - -<p>The effect was startling and electrical. There was a brief pause -following Eric's words. A dozen Scouts invaded the <i>Olivette</i>. -Grasped by several pairs of hands, the astonished Flemming, too taken -aback to offer any resistance, was gently deposited upon the deck. A -confused babel greeted his ears, one of the most frequently used -words being "<i>blessé</i>". Several of the French Scouts produced a -packet of bandages and a first-aid outfit, while there were shouts -raised for "<i>le médecin</i>".</p> - -<p>"What's the game," thought the bewildered Flemming. "Are they giving -a first-aid demonstration and using me as a subject, just to show how -they go about it?"</p> - -<p>Someone placed a pile of rolled coats under his head. His shoes and -stockings were deftly removed. His jersey was peeled off, although it -looked at one time as if the French Scouts meditated cutting it away. -They felt his heart and his pulse, and tried to examine his tongue.</p> - -<p>In the midst of the demonstration, the timely arrival of Mr. Armitage -and the rest of the Sea Scouts saved Flemming from further unrequired -attention. Quickly the well-meaning and excitable French lads were -induced to desist, and Eric was allowed to regain his feet.</p> - -<p>"What have you been doing, Flemming?" asked his Scoutmaster. "Have -you hurt yourself?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," replied Eric.</p> - -<p>"Then why are these Scouts on board with their first-aid bandages?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know, sir; I'm blessed if I do!" declared Flemming. "I was -just talking to them, and——"</p> - -<p>"I suppose you said, 'Well, I'm blessed' in French," added Mr. -Armitage with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.</p> - -<p>"I certainly remember saying '<i>Je suis blessé</i>'," admitted Flemming, -who was beginning to feel a bit dubious as to whether what he had -said was what he meant to say.</p> - -<p>"That did it," continued Mr. Armitage. "I knew it would happen before -very long. '<i>Je suis blessé</i>' is not 'I'm blessed' but 'I am -wounded'. Hurry up and go below and get dressed properly."</p> - -<p>The discomfited Flemming beat a hasty retreat amidst the laughter of -his companions.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter12"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">"In the Ditch"</h4> -<br> -<p>The French Scouts remained on board for another half-hour. They -inspected and were duly impressed by the <i>Olivette</i> and her -equipment; they exchanged confidences with their brother Sea Scouts, -to whom difference of nationality counted for little as far as the -Universal Brotherhood of Scouts went. Before they took their -departure, the French boy's invited the <i>Olivette's</i> crew to a picnic -at Equeurdreville—a seaside hamlet a few miles to the west of -Cherbourg—on the following morning.</p> - -<p>"I do not think we shall be able to accept," said Peter. "We are -sailing for Havre early to-morrow, if all's well."</p> - -<p>One of the French Patrol Leaders shrugged his shoulders and threw out -the palms of his hands in a characteristic Gallic attitude.</p> - -<p>"I do not think you vill sail," he remarked.</p> - -<p>"Why not?" asked Stratton.</p> - -<p>The lad pointed in the direction of Fort l'Onglet, above which a -cone, point uppermost, had been hoisted to the yard-arm of a mast.</p> - -<p>"<i>Regardez bien!</i>" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage, following the direction of the French Patrol Leader's -outstretched finger, noted the signal. It meant that bad weather—a -gale from the nor'ard—was approaching. If any confirmation were -necessary the barometer proved it. The glass had fallen four-tenths -in less than a couple of hours.</p> - -<p>"There's one thing," observed Stratton, after the visitors had taken -their departure. "It's one of those short, sharp summer gales:</p> - -<div class="indent10" style="font-size:75%">'Long foretold, long last, -<br>Short warning, soon past'.</div> - -<p>It's a good thing we're in a secure harbour."</p> - -<p>Flemming made a wry face.</p> - -<p>"It's too much of a good thing," he protested. "I've never, never -been in a basin before, and this one's quite enough. Doesn't it -whiff?"</p> - -<p>"It does," admitted Peter. "Now you come to mention it, there is an -odour of sorts."</p> - -<p>"And those little bounders the French ragamuffins," continued Eric. -"The stuff lying on the decks is only a small part of what they -threw. I cleared up three times before the Cherbourg Scouts came upon -the scene and chased them off. Hello, what's this coming?"</p> - -<p>The lock gates were open and a large tramp steamer was being warped -into the Bassin-à-Flot. From where the <i>Olivette</i> lay, the steamer's -stern was masked by the rise of her deckhouse and bridge, but the -ensign was just visible—a dirty, wind-frayed, coal-grimed piece of -red bunting with a Union Jack in the upper quarter next the staff.</p> - -<p>That nondescript piece of bunting meant something real to the British -Sea Scouts. Even though they had not long left their native shores -they were already fully aware that they were strangers in a foreign -land, but here was a bit of England—technically British soil -although afloat—and the sight of it was cheering.</p> - -<p>The harbourmaster, purple with incoherent shouting, hurried along the -quay-side, waving his arms and pointing frenziedly at the on-coming -tramp.</p> - -<p>"What does he want?" exclaimed Hepburn.</p> - -<p>"I rather fancy he wants us to shift," remarked Peter.</p> - -<p>The Patrol Leader's surmise was confirmed by a voice hailing from the -tramp's bridge.</p> - -<p>"Ahoy, there!" shouted a short, thick-set, jovial-looking officer -clad in a salt-stained serge uniform. "Can you drop astern a couple -of lengths?"</p> - -<p>"Ay, ay," replied Peter, and in a very short time the <i>Olivette's</i> -warps were cast off and the boat tracked aft along the quay.</p> - -<p>When the <i>Acacis</i>—for that was the tramp's name—was safely berthed, -the officer who had hailed the <i>Olivette</i> came aft.</p> - -<p>"Thanks!" he exclaimed. "You Sea Scouts know your job, I can see."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," replied Peter. "May we come aboard you and have a look -round?"</p> - -<p>"Right-o," was the reply.</p> - -<p>The skipper of the <i>Acacis</i>—bound from Cardiff to Cherbourg and Le -Havre—made the Sea Scouts right welcome. It was, for the majority of -them, the first opportunity they had had of "looking over" a big -vessel.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it'll blow before night," the skipper observed in answer to -Peter's question. "We struck it pretty bad off the Longships, and -right across the Channel there was a tidy roll on. That generally -means a bit of a blow. You'll be here for the best part of a week, -I'll allow."</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts showed no enthusiasm over this piece of information. -Flemming was positively downhearted.</p> - -<p>"Look here," suggested the <i>Acacis</i>' Old Man, when he learnt of the -unwelcome attentions of the Cherbourg gamins, "why not lie alongside -of us? You'll get a tidy bit of coal-dust, but that's a jolly sight -better than cabbage-stalks and dead cats dumped on your deck."</p> - -<p>The offer was gladly accepted. The <i>Olivette's</i> bow-warp was passed -on board the tramp and the boat hauled alongside the <i>Acacis</i>' -starboard side. Sheltered by the latter vessel's towering hull, the -<i>Olivette</i> was no longer a target for the ragamuffins of the port.</p> - -<p>As the skipper had predicted, it blew hard at sunset, the gale -continuing all the following day, accompanied by heavy showers. But -the <i>Olivette</i> was in snug shelter, the basin being completely -landlocked, while the rain did not prevent the Sea Scouts enjoying -the hospitality of their French friends.</p> - -<p>At length the storm moderated, and on the fourth day the sea had -subsided sufficiently to enable the <i>Olivette</i> to resume her voyage. -The <i>Acacis</i>, having discharged a portion of her cargo, was also due -to leave Cherbourg for Le Havre. Directly the gates of the -Bassin-à-Flot were opened, the <i>Olivette</i> motored through into the -Avant-Port. Here she tied up, for it was inadvisable to make a start -for the east'ard before half-ebb. By so doing the <i>Olivette</i> would -"carry her tide" for eight or nine hours, and as the tides run -strongly off the French coast, the question of "working them" was an -important one.</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage had to obtain clearance papers and lay in sundry stores, -so that the time was not wasted, and when the <i>Olivette</i> headed -seaward, the <i>Acacis</i> was steaming through the East Channel.</p> - -<p>"We've about one knot advantage in speed," remarked the Scoutmaster, -"but we'll slow down a bit and let her pilot us. It's rather a -dangerous bit of coast between here and Cape Levi. Look at that -broken water. Anyone would think that there was a gale raging off -that point, but it's merely a tidal race."</p> - -<p>Dead in the wake of the tramp, and about a cable's length astern, the -<i>Olivette</i> kept. At intervals members of the <i>Acacis</i>' crew -semaphored jocular messages to the Sea Scouts, to which the latter -replied with the greatest zest.</p> - -<p>About five miles beyond Cape Barfleur the <i>Olivette</i> overtook a -French fishing smack. One of the crew of the latter, noticing that -the Sea Scouts were semaphoring, attempted to send them a message.</p> - -<p>"Dashed if I can make out what that fellow is saying," exclaimed -Hepburn with a puzzled look. "Can you, Reggie?"</p> - -<p>Warkworth shook his head. He was reckoned to be a good signaller, but -the Frenchman's semaphoring was beyond him.</p> - -<p>"I'm not surprised," said Peter. "The French system is different from -ours. Don't you remember when we were at Dover——"</p> - -<p>The Patrol Leader's reminiscence was interrupted by a warning shout -from old Tom Boldrigg, who was in his favourite post as look-out man. -Simultaneously the <i>Acacis</i> put her helm over to starboard, while a -white object was hurled from her port quarter.</p> - -<p>"Man overboard," shouted Boldrigg. "A hand from the tramp's in the -ditch."</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage opened the window of the wheel-house and warned Roche to -stand by with his reversing-lever.</p> - -<p>"There he is!" exclaimed Peter. "A point on our port bow."</p> - -<p>"Easy ahead!" ordered the Scoutmaster, then "Stop!"</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> was now within fifty yards of the man, who was -swimming towards the buoy. It was evident that he was not a good -swimmer. He was splashing violently, and making very little headway -in proportion to the energy he displayed, and already his strength -was diminishing. It was a question whether he might succeed in -gaining the buoy before he became exhausted.</p> - -<p>Flemming, Woodleigh, and Warkworth ran for'ard, the former with a -boat-hook and the others with life-lines. Eric shouted encouragement -to the swimmer, and for the first time the man seemed conscious of -the approach of the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>"He's almost done for!" exclaimed Woodleigh.</p> - -<p>The time taken by the <i>Olivette</i> to approach the man seemed -interminable, but as there was a considerable "lop" on, Mr. Armitage -dare not risk holding on at any speed for fear of running down the -swimmer. The Scoutmaster was manoeuvring to bring the boat to a -standstill dead in the eye of the wind and close to the man. Once the -<i>Olivette</i> got broadside on to the wind she would be swept far to -leeward of the swimmer, and lose valuable time before she could again -get within close distance.</p> - -<p>Flemming held the boat-hook stave towards the man, but the latter had -not the strength to grasp the ash pole. Before the Sea Scout could -reverse the boat-hook and catch the swimmer with the metal hook, the -man was beyond reach.</p> - -<p>Warkworth hurled a line, but the rope being new, the coils failed to -free themselves, and the bight fell short.</p> - -<p>Without hesitation, Woodleigh leapt into the sea, taking one end of -the line with him.</p> - -<p>Half a dozen strokes brought him to the man, who was actually on the -point of sinking. The fact that his chums were holding on to the end -of the rope gave Woodleigh confidence. Regardless of the risk of -being clutched by a drowning man, Will allowed himself to be caught -in a desperate grip. Down he went, rescuer and rescued in a mutual -embrace; then the line tautened, and in another fifteen seconds -willing hands grasped the plucky Scout and his now almost senseless -burden and hauled them into safety.</p> - -<p>Woodleigh, none the worse for his immersion, beyond the fact that he -had swallowed a good half-pint of salt water, went below to change -his clothes. Flemming, Hepburn, and Warkworth attended to the rescued -man, who was now quite insensible.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, the <i>Acacis</i> had starboarded helm and reversed her -engines. Her skipper had seen that the <i>Olivette</i> was proceeding to -the rescue, and, having witnessed the successful issue of the -attempt, had given orders for a boat to be lowered to bring the man -back.</p> - -<p>"Semaphore the <i>Acacis</i>, Alan," ordered the Scoutmaster. "Tell them -to carry on, and we'll hand over the man at Havre. He's not in a fit -state to be moved at present."</p> - -<p>The tramp acknowledged the signal, and replied that the arrangement -would be most satisfactory; then both vessels, having resumed their -former course, headed for the still distant port of Le Havre.</p> - -<p>"You managed that awfully well, sir," exclaimed Peter.</p> - -<p>"Did I?" rejoined Mr. Armitage. "As a matter of fact it was quite an -easy matter, because we were in the wake of the tramp. Supposing one -of us had fallen overboard, what would you have done?"</p> - -<p>"Thrown over a life-belt, sir," replied the Patrol Leader.</p> - -<p>"And what then?"</p> - -<p>"Gone astern," was the reply.</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage shook his head.</p> - -<p>"Never in a light-draughted, single-screwed boat," he declared. -"She'd never answer to her helm while going astern, and if the wind -were abeam, she'd be blown to lee'ard of the man in the water. Now -remember, if there's time, put the boat's helm over so that the -boat's stern flies away from the person overboard. That is to avoid -hitting him with the propeller, since men who have fallen overboard -almost invariably try to swim towards the boat. Then, keeping 'easy -ahead', make a complete circle and come up bows on to the man, -keeping just enough way for the boat to answer her helm, and still -get there quicker and with far more chance of success than by any -other way."</p> - -<p>"I'll remember that, sir," said Peter. "But I hope I'll never have to -try it."</p> - -<p>"And I, too," added Mr. Armitage fervently. "But one never knows."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter13"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XIII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">The Bore</h4> -<br> -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> saved her tide into the outer basin of Le Havre. She -was just in time to enter the lock gates of the Bassin de l'Eure -before they were closed on the falling tide. Meanwhile, the <i>Acacis</i> -had berthed in the Bassin Vauban.</p> - -<p>"More floating docks!" exclaimed Flemming ruefully, as he surveyed -the stagnant water. "How long do we stop here, sir, please?"</p> - -<p>"Only until we've handed back the man belonging to the <i>Acacis</i>, and -shown our papers to the authorities," replied Mr. Armitage. "We are -going to bring up in the Tancarville Canal to-night."</p> - -<p>"Canal, sir?" echoed Roche. "I thought we were going up the River -Seine."</p> - -<p>"So we are, Dick," replied the Scoutmaster. "This canal, however, -saves us a dangerous bit of navigation. The estuary of the Seine is -full of shifting sandbanks, and if we did happen to get aground, the -<i>Olivette</i> would stand a great risk of becoming a total loss. There -have been numerous instances of quite large vessels grounding in the -estuary and heeling over and filling. You see the bore complicates -matters."</p> - -<p>"The bore, sir?" exclaimed Flemming.</p> - -<p>"Yes, you'll make its acquaintance before very long," replied Mr. -Armitage. "We'll get the tail end of it several times before we reach -Rouen."</p> - -<p>Just then the skipper of the <i>Acacis</i> arrived with a couple of -"hands" to take the absent member of the crew back to the ship.</p> - -<p>"Who was the Sea Scout who took to the ditch?" inquired the Old Man, -after he had expressed his warmest thanks for the rescue and care of -the man who had fallen overboard. "Wasn't much, eh? I don't know -about that. I call it pretty plucky. I mean to report the -circumstance to the Royal Humane Society when I get back—which may -be in a couple of months or more. On this job one never knows when -the trip's going to end."</p> - -<p>The next caller was a Port official. To him Mr. Armitage handed a -document, signed by the French Minister responsible for the -splendidly organized inland waterways of the Republic. The paper was -a permit for the <i>Olivette</i> to make use of the Tancarville Canal, and -it was expressly stated that the passage through the locks was free.</p> - -<p>"This is one of the things they do better in France," observed Mr. -Armitage. "Not only do they provide a safe means of avoiding the -dangerous estuary, but they grant us a free passage. If the canals of -England were half as well looked after as they are on this side of -the Channel——"</p> - -<p>By six o'clock in the afternoon the <i>Olivette</i> had traversed four and -a half kilometres of the canal, and had tied up for the night close -to a "cut" leading to the town of Harfleur.</p> - -<p>"We must see the sights of Harfleur," declared Mr. Armitage. "It is -only a little town, but it's full of interest. You remember, perhaps, -how it was besieged and captured by Henry V before he won the Battle -of Agincourt."</p> - -<p>Accordingly the dinghy was launched and manned. It was the first time -the little craft had been used since the <i>Olivette</i> left Keyhaven, -and even then, it was not absolutely necessary. The Sea Scouts could -have landed and walked along the canal bank.</p> - -<p>It was dark by the time they returned. Tom Boldrigg had lighted the -cabin lamps, and had prepared supper. Eagerly, the hungry lads sat -down to enjoy what promised to be an appetizing repast, but their -anticipated pleasure failed in its realization.</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> was invaded. Thousands of little green flies swarmed -everywhere. The lamp glasses were thick with them; so much so, that -in spite of frequent cleaning, the light was almost entirely obscured -by the writhing insects. These covered the table, settled on the food -and in the hot cocoa. In the circumstances, making a meal was out of -the question.</p> - -<p>"It's the light that does it," declared Boldrigg. "Put out the light -an' the midges'll sheer off."</p> - -<p>This suggestion was acted upon. In addition, the <i>Olivette's</i> riding -lamp was hoisted to attract the flies. The result justified the -experiment. As if by magic, the insects disappeared, leaving hundreds -of small corpses in the cabin. Hungry, the crew had to make a sorry -meal in the darkness, munching hard biscuits and trusting to luck -that they were not swallowing dead flies; and in darkness, too, they -sought their bunks.</p> - -<p>At six the following morning, the "hands" were roused in true -nautical style. It was a glorious morning, and the waters of the -canal looked temptingly clean and fresh. Soon all the crew were -swimming about, and so thoroughly did they enjoy it, that Mr. -Armitage had difficulty in getting them to come out of the water.</p> - -<p>Before breakfast could be served, Roche and Flemming had to walk into -Harfleur to obtain fresh provisions, for everything of an edible -nature on board had been spoiled by the flies.</p> - -<p>While the two Sea Scouts were away on their errand the rest cleaned -ship thoroughly, all hands hoping that a repetition of the visitation -would not occur on the following night.</p> - -<p>In about an hour Roche and Flemming returned, having had a successful -marketing, in spite of the language difficulty. Their French was -unintelligible to the Harfleur shopkeepers, and the <i>patois</i> of the -latter equally so to the Sea Scouts, but by means of disjointed words -and dumb show, Flemming and Roche had bought a goodly supply of -necessaries.</p> - -<p>"Another eleven miles before we're through the canal, lads," -announced Mr. Armitage as the <i>Olivette</i> prepared to get under way. -"You'll have to cut out a couple of cylinders, Roche, as we did in -the Thames. Five miles an hour is the speed limit here."</p> - -<p>It was not a case of plain seamanship. The traffic on the canal was -heavy, comprising small steamships and barges. Most of the latter -were motor-propelled, but several were towed by steam-tugs, often -three abreast in a string. More than once the <i>Olivette's</i> stout -rubbing-strake saved her from serious damage as the tail end of a -line of barges took a sheer and swung nearly across the wide canal.</p> - -<p>Kilometre after kilometre was passed, but the long, perfectly -straight canal seemed to have no ending, until early in the afternoon -the <i>Olivette</i> entered the Tancarville Lock, through which she had to -pass to gain the River Seine.</p> - -<p>"We've a hot tide against us, sir," remarked Peter when the boat was -breasting the swift current of the river. "Oughtn't we to bring up -until the flood sets in?"</p> - -<p>"No," replied Mr. Armitage. "We must push on and try and reach -Quillebeuf before then."</p> - -<p>Stratton looked puzzled. Knowing the Scoutmaster's usual keenness in -"working the tides", it seemed strange that he should show anxiety to -proceed against a strong current; while, by waiting a few hours, the -<i>Olivette</i> could easily make up for lost time by taking advantage of -the flood tide.</p> - -<p>"We have the bore to take into consideration," was Mr. Armitage's -enigmatical answer. "Let her all out, Flemming, and keep within easy -distance of the reversing-lever; it may be wanted in a hurry."</p> - -<p>It took nearly an hour to cover the five and a half miles to -Quillebeuf, but the Sea Scouts rather enjoyed the unusual scenery; -Those not on duty were basking on deck until Mr. Armitage told them -to go below.</p> - -<p>As the lads scrambled down the iron ladder into the well, they heard -a faint distant rumble.</p> - -<p>"Thunder, by Jove!" exclaimed Warkworth.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes the roar increased. It certainly was not thunder. -The Sea Scouts looked at each other inquiringly.</p> - -<p>They observed, also, that there was great activity on board the small -boats at Quillebeuf. Men were busy casting off moorings and rowing -the little craft into the centre of the stream.</p> - -<p>Suddenly round a bend in the river, down-stream, a huge wall of water -was seen approaching at a furious rate and breaking heavily against -both banks. To the lads this moving mass appeared to be quite twenty -feet high, but in reality it was about one third that height.</p> - -<p>It was the bore, or "La Barre"—a tidal wave caused by the flood tide -forcing its way into the funnel-shaped estuary and overwhelming the -ebb.</p> - -<p>"Hang on to something, all hands!" shouted Mr. Armitage. -"Hard-a-starboard, Peter."</p> - -<p>Round swung the <i>Olivette</i> until her bows pointed down-stream.</p> - -<p>"Easy ahead!" was the next order.</p> - -<p>Straight for the centre of the bow-shaped wall of water the staunch -little craft headed. Into it she plunged, thrusting her bluff snout -deep into the wave. A foaming torrent swept the foredeck, and, -breaking against the wheel-house, flew high in the air in a cloud of -spray.</p> - -<p>For a few seconds it seemed as if the <i>Olivette</i> were standing on her -heel. Her momentum was temporarily stopped. Somewhere below, the -sound audible above the roar of the bore, came the crash of broken -glass. Then with a dizzy, disconcerting movement the boat slid down -the reverse side of the liquid wall into the agitated water beyond.</p> - -<p>"There's another one, sir!" exclaimed Peter as soon as the moisture -on the wheel-house windows cleared sufficiently to enable him to see -ahead.</p> - -<p>Three more times in quick succession the <i>Olivette</i> charged moving -walls of roaring surf-crested water; then she found herself in a -turmoil of dangerous waves, steep, irregular, and silent as they -surged onwards in the wake of the bore. In a few moments the -agitation died away; the <i>Olivette</i> ported helm, and, with a six-knot -tide to aid her on her way, progressed rapidly up-stream.</p> - -<p>"Jolly exciting, eh, what?" exclaimed Peter. "Does that happen twice -every day, sir? If so, what do we do when there's a bore at night?"</p> - -<p>"We'll certainly have a repetition of it," replied Mr. Armitage, "but -I hope we'll be in fairly sheltered water to-night. We've struck it -at rather an awkward time, as we're right on the top of the spring -tides. At neaps the bore is hardly noticeable."</p> - -<p>Before the tide changed again the <i>Olivette</i> had passed Caudebec and -followed the wide and sharp curve that the Seine makes round the -forest of Jumièges, and brought up off the little town of Duclair.</p> - -<p>"We won't feel much of the bore here," said Mr. Armitage, when the -<i>Olivette</i> had picked up a set of moorings lent by a courteous -Frenchman. "It will be safe to leave the boat; so who's for the -shore? A jolly good walk will do us good. Are you coming with us, -Tom?"</p> - -<p>Old Boldrigg expressed his readiness to go. Hitherto he had spent -most of his time on board while the <i>Olivette</i> was in port.</p> - -<p>"And what did you think of the bore, Mr. Boldrigg?" asked Peter, -while the old seaman was changing into "shore rig".</p> - -<p>"Not much, by a long chalk, Master Peter," was the reply. "When I saw -that there a-bearing down on us, I wished I was properly -afloat—plenty of sea-room, you'll understand. Rivers is all very -well, but give me the deep sea—it's safer."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter14"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XIV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">The Derelict</h4> -<br> -<p>It was six o'clock when the "liberty men" landed on the quay at -Duclair. Roche, Flemming, and Tenderfoot Rayburn, who had volunteered -to remain on board as watch-keepers, went off with the others in -order to bring back the dinghy.</p> - -<p>"We'll be back at sunset, or soon after," said Mr. Armitage when the -party had been safely landed.</p> - -<p>"Aye, aye, sir," replied Roche. "We'll keep a look-out for you."</p> - -<p>Returning on board, Roche made the dinghy fast, and hung a canvas -bucket over the stern to prevent the little craft from bumping -against the <i>Olivette's</i> counter, as the wind was against the tide.</p> - -<p>"Now we're all snug, Phil," exclaimed Roche. "I'm going on deck to -write letters."</p> - -<p>"So am I," added the Tenderfoot.</p> - -<p>"Then we can post them when we go ashore for the other fellows," said -Roche.</p> - -<p>Having attended to their home epistles, the two Sea Scouts read books -until it was nearly sunset.</p> - -<p>"Lay the table in the after-cabin, Phil," said his companion "I'll -start up the stove. We'll have a jolly good feed ready for them when -they return. They'll be here in twenty minutes or half an hour."</p> - -<p>An hour passed, and no sign of the returning "liberty men". Roche -took the hard-boiling kettle off the stove, lit the cabin lamp, and -went on deck.</p> - -<p>It was now quite dark, except for a few lights from the houses ashore -and the distant gleam of the Fanal St. Paul against the sombre -outlines of the Forêt du Trait.</p> - -<p>The Tenderfoot, on his own initiative, had trimmed, lighted, and -hoisted the riding-light.</p> - -<p>"That's the sort!" exclaimed Roche approvingly. "You're getting quite -a smart sailorman. How's the tide? Why, it's ebbing and we've swung -down-stream."</p> - -<p>"What's happened to the others, I wonder?" asked Rayburn, whose -notions of a foreign country included danger for man and beast.</p> - -<p>"Lost their way, perhaps," replied Roche. "'Twouldn't be the first -time a Scout has done that, by any means. We'll hear them hail us -very soon."</p> - -<p>"P'r'aps Hepburn's been run in again," suggested Flemming, "and the -others are trying to bail him out."</p> - -<p>He looked meditatively over the side, and added:</p> - -<p>"My word, isn't the tide running hard; I wouldn't like to have to go -overboard on a dark night like this."</p> - -<p>The ebb was now running at a good four knots, the water gurgling past -the sides of the <i>Olivette</i> as she rode to her tautened -mooring-bridle.</p> - -<p>A tug, towing a train of barges, was laboriously creeping up-stream -in an endeavour to make Rouen before morning. Farther down, the -triple lights of a large steamer under way could be discerned -rounding the bend abreast of Le Marais. Presently the red and green -lights were extinguished. She had anchored for the night, preferring -to negotiate the intricate channel by daylight.</p> - -<p>"I'll get the dinghy alongside ready to go ashore," said Flemming. -"She'll lie there quietly now we're head to wind."</p> - -<p>"Don't forget to haul in the bucket," Roche reminded him, "or when we -begin to row we'll be wondering what's wrong with the dinghy."</p> - -<p>Eric brought the dinghy alongside on the starboard quarter and -clambered on board.</p> - -<p>"She'll do," he reported. "She's as quiet as a lamb. Wonder what -those fellows are doing ashore? It's nearly midnight. You'd better -turn in, Rayburn."</p> - -<p>The Tenderfoot was about to go below, when he startled the others by -exclaiming:</p> - -<p>"What's that coming towards us?"</p> - -<p>It was a heavily laden barge, drifting broadside on to the wind and -tide. Already it was close upon the bows of the <i>Olivette</i>, its long, -low-lying outlines grotesquely magnified in the darkness.</p> - -<p>"She'll hit us!" shouted Roche. "Stand by and fend her off. Phil, put -the helm hard over, and see if we can sheer clear of her."</p> - -<p>Flemming and Roche ran for'ard, each with a boat-hook. They might as -well have tried to stop an armoured car with a broomstick. Rayburn -promptly put the helm hard over, but the scope of chain to which the -<i>Olivette</i> was riding was not sufficient to enable her to sheer out -of the course of the derelict barge.</p> - -<p>The next moment the impact came. It was a severe shock, although the -<i>Olivette</i> gave to the momentum of the barge. Round swung the latter -under the irresistible strength of the tide, although her side was -still grinding against the <i>Olivette's</i> stem.</p> - -<p>"Look to the dinghy!" shouted Roche, still pushing with the boat-hook -with all his strength.</p> - -<p>Flemming realized the danger. Dropping his boat-hook, he raced aft, -dropped into the dinghy, and began to cast off the painter.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<center> -<a name="derelict"></a> -</center> -<center>[Illustration: THE DERELICT (missing from book)]</center> -<br> -<br> - -<p>The rope—a new one—had swollen with the night dew. Before Eric -could untie the stubborn clove-hitch, the barge, still swinging -round, crashed heavily against the frail dinghy.</p> - -<p>Nipped between the sides of the two larger craft, the dinghy was -literally split asunder. Flemming barely contrived to jump upon the -deck of the low-lying barge. A second or so later and he would have -shared the fate of the dinghy.</p> - -<p>Baffled by the darkness and by the fact that he was on a strange -craft, Flemming attempted to run for'ard and regain the <i>Olivette</i>. -Stumbling over a ring-bolt, he fell awkwardly upon the barge's -waterways, and by the time he recovered himself the two craft had -drifted apart.</p> - -<p>He was marooned upon a derelict at the mercy of the swiftly running -Seine.</p> - -<p>It was a time of agonizing suspense for Dick Roche. He knew that his -chum had gone to save the dinghy; he had heard the rending crash as -the frail craft was nipped between the sides of the <i>Olivette</i> and -the barge.</p> - -<p>A prey to the liveliest apprehension, Dick ran aft, encountering the -Tenderfoot, who, having placed the helm amidships, had hurried from -the wheel-house.</p> - -<p>"Where's Eric?" shouted Roche. "He was in the dinghy."</p> - -<p>"On board the barge," replied Phil; "I saw him jump for it."</p> - -<p>Roche ran aft and shouted. By this time the derelict had drifted so -far that she was a mere shadow in the darkness.</p> - -<p>"Ahoy!" came a faint shout, barely audible against the down-wind.</p> - -<p>Dick hailed again, but Flemming's reply could not be heard.</p> - -<p>"We'll have to get him off the barge somehow, Phil," declared Roche. -"We can't wait for the others, and I don't know how they'll get on -board. Now, look here: do you think you can manage the helm if I -start up the motor?"</p> - -<p>"I'll do my best," replied the Tenderfoot resolutely.</p> - -<p>"You can't do more," rejoined Roche encouragingly. "So let's get to -work and get about it."</p> - -<p>The first task was to bring the painter of the crashed and -water-logged dinghy for'ard and make it fast to the mooring-buoy. -Then Roche and the Tenderfoot fixed the sidelights and got the engine -going—the last was a fairly easy task, since the cylinders were -still warm.</p> - -<p>"Now," exclaimed Roche breathlessly, "go for'ard and cast off. By the -time you're back at the wheel we'll have drifted astern and clear of -the buoy. You're skipper now, Phil. Keep your head, and shout your -orders clearly, and you'll do all right."</p> - -<p>Making his way for'ard, the Tenderfoot managed to unfasten the heavy -mooring-chain. The buoy disappeared overboard with a mighty splash, -and the <i>Olivette</i>, with her engine running free, dropped astern, her -head paying off to leeward as she did so.</p> - -<p>Back to the wheel-house the Tenderfoot hurried. It was not exactly a -novel sensation to steer, but it was to realize that he was now -solely responsible for the direction and safety of the boat.</p> - -<p>"Ahead!" shouted Phil in a shrill voice.</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> quivered as Roche put in the clutch. Then, gathering -way, she headed down-stream.</p> - -<p>Roche kept her at "Easy ahead". With both hands resting on the top of -the reversing-lever, he fixed his eyes upon the youthful helmsman. It -was a daring experiment, but circumstances justified the risk. -Flemming was in great danger, and that was sufficient reason.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile the Tenderfoot had opened the for'ard windows of the -wheel-house and was peering through the darkness. Nearly all the -shore lights were now extinguished, but there were the lighthouses -with their red and white lamps—those showing red being on the left, -and the white on the right bank.</p> - -<p>It took a great amount of careful handling to avoid the numerous -boats anchored off Duclair. Beyond was the steamer that had brought -up earlier in the evening.</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> swept past within fifty yards of her. Not a soul was -visible on deck, so it was safe to assume that the derelict barge had -drifted past her without colliding with that vessel—otherwise there -would have been great commotion on board.</p> - -<p>Rayburn was beginning to think that in the darkness he had overtaken -the barge without sighting her, when he heard a faint shout, just -audible above the noise of the motor. There was no mistaking that -shout: it was one of the Patrol cries of the Milford Sea Scouts.</p> - -<p>A hundred yards or so on the <i>Olivette's</i> port bow was the barge, -drifting broadside on to the current. Not so very far down-stream -were three masthead lights, denoting that vessels were at anchor. -Unless the derelict were promptly secured and towed out of the -fairway there seemed no way of preventing the barge from crashing -disastrously across the hawse of at least one of the three vessels.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" ordered Phil, putting the helm over gently. "Touch astern."</p> - -<p>In spite of his efforts the <i>Olivette</i> bumped heavily against the -side of the barge. In a trice Hemming jumped and gained the -<i>Olivette's</i> deck but not to stay. He too realized the danger of the -heavily laden barge drifting upon the anchored ships. Picking up the -bow-warp and taking a turn round the bitts, he jumped upon the deck -of the barge and made the end of the warp secure to a bollard.</p> - -<p>"Come on, you fellows," he shouted. "Bear a hand."</p> - -<p>"Can't," replied Rayburn. "There are only two of us on board. Roche -is at the motor and I at the wheel."</p> - -<p>Making his way aft, Flemming took another warp on board, so that the -<i>Olivette</i> was secured alongside the derelict.</p> - -<p>"All fast!" he shouted as he regained the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>"Easy ahead!" ordered Phil. The initial excitement over, he was now -as cool as the proverbial cucumber.</p> - -<p>Very gently Roche let the clutch in, throttling well down so that the -strain on the two hawsers would be taken up gradually and evenly. A -sudden jerk might result in both ropes carrying away, in which case -the barge would be foul of the anchored vessels before she could be -again secured.</p> - -<p>By this time the look-out on board the nearmost of the stationary -craft realized that something was amiss. He began hailing in French, -keeping up a torrent of exclamations until the <i>Olivette</i> and her tow -were clear.</p> - -<p>"What are we going to do with her?" asked Roche.</p> - -<p>"Tow her clear of the fairway, I suppose," replied Flemming. "We -can't stem this tide; that's a cert. She has an anchor on board, but -it's too heavy for me to drop overboard single-handed, or I'd have -done so long ago."</p> - -<p>Slowly the <i>Olivette</i> with her tow moved towards the right bank, -then, starboarding helm, she only just held her own against the swift -current.</p> - -<p>"Keep her like that!" shouted Flemming to the helmsman. "Now, Dick; -you can leave the motor for a brace of shakes. Come and bear a hand -with the mud-hook. Mind where you tread, old son; the barge is bunged -up with things to trip you up. I've had some."</p> - -<p>Even with their united efforts the two Sea Scouts were only just able -to topple the ponderous mass of iron over the bows. Then, having paid -out twenty fathoms of cable, the lads cast off both warps and jumped -on board their own craft.</p> - -<p>Roche immediately made his way to the engine-room. The clutch had not -slipped, and the engine was still running in neutral, but the sight -that met his eyes took him completely by surprise and filled him with -dismay. The heavy flywheel was throwing up showers of water, and the -engine-room looked as if one of the fountains of Trafalgar Square had -suddenly been transplanted into the confined space.</p> - -<p>"I say, you fellows!" he shouted. "One of you come down here as sharp -as you can. She's sprung a leak."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter15"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XV</h3> - -<h4 align="center">All Hands to the Pumps</h4> -<br> -<p>Leaving the Tenderfoot at the helm, Flemming leapt into the well and -thence into the engine-room.</p> - -<p>"It must have been that biff when the barge fouled us!" he exclaimed. -"Look! the floor-boards are awash!"</p> - -<p>Eric went to the semi-rotary bilge-pump and began working the lever -desperately. Meanwhile Rayburn had shouted for "Easy ahead."</p> - -<p>The moment Roche put the engine in gear the <i>Olivette</i> "squatted", as -she always did when under way; in other words, her bows rose and her -stern dipped correspondingly. The result was that a lot of water that -had found its way into the boat ran aft and the flywheel no longer -gave an aquatic display, but subsequent examination found that the -level of the bilge-water rose nearly six inches above the floor of -the after-cabin.</p> - -<p>Flemming kept on pumping for nearly twenty minutes, but the -semi-rotary failed to "suck air". It seemed positive that the pump -was unable to cope with the inflow of water.</p> - -<p>"Where are we now?" he asked breathlessly.</p> - -<p>Roche passed the question on to Phil Rayburn.</p> - -<p>"Nearly there," replied the Tenderfoot. "It's slow work against the -stream."</p> - -<p>"We'll have to beach her, I'm afraid," said Flemming.</p> - -<p>"No good doing that now," objected Roche; "she'd fill on the rising -tide. Besides, if there's much of a bore here, she'd be damaged still -more. You stand by here, old thing, and I'll give you a spell at the -pump."</p> - -<p>"We're nearly there," announced the Tenderfoot. "Who's going to pick -up the moorings?"</p> - -<p>Leaving Flemming at the reversing-lever, Roche "knocked off" pumping -and went on deck. Boat-hook in hand, he waited to make a grasp at the -mooring-buoy, to which was attached the water-logged planks and -timbers of what had been a smart, serviceable dinghy.</p> - -<p>"I bet that kid makes a bog of it," soliloquized Roche, who knew from -personal experience how easy it is to blunder in picking up moorings.</p> - -<p>But his fears were groundless. With a confidence inspired by previous -success, Phil brought the <i>Olivette</i> to a standstill within a couple -of feet of the mooring-buoy.</p> - -<p>"Got it!" yelled Dick as he fished the cork float on board and took a -turn round the bitts with the chain-bridle.</p> - -<p>"Finished with the engines," shouted the Tenderfoot.</p> - -<p>Flemming cut off the ignition. The motor clanked into a state of -somnolence; then, having turned off the feed to the carburetter, Eric -devoted his attention to the bilge-pump once more.</p> - -<p>Presently Roche came below.</p> - -<p>"There's not a sign of the others," he announced. "What on earth can -have happened to them, I wonder? It's nearly half-past one."</p> - -<p>He caught sight of Rayburn, who was stifling a yawn.</p> - -<p>"You did jolly well, Phil!" he exclaimed. "We would have been in a -pretty kettle of fish if you hadn't been here. But you're tired. How -about turning in?"</p> - -<p>"I'm not tired, really," protested the Tenderfoot. "I'll take a turn -at the pump if you like."</p> - -<p>"Right-o," agreed Dick. "We may have to have spells at it all night; -but I think I'll try to find out where it's coming in and have a go -at stopping it."</p> - -<p>Switching on his electric torch, Roche squeezed through the small -doorway between the engine-room and the forepeak. He could hear an -ominous trickle coming from the neighbourhood of the chain-locker.</p> - -<p>Investigations resulted in the discovery that the <i>Olivette's</i> bows -had been badly damaged in spite of the partial protection afforded by -the "pudding" fender. Several planks had been started on either side -of the stem, and although most of the damage was above water-line, -there was a considerable leak where a seam or two had burst.</p> - -<p>Procuring some grease and cotton-waste, Dick proceeded to caulk the -faulty seams, but his efforts in that direction were rewarded with -poor success. It was impracticable to use any degree of force, -because the fastenings of the planks were in such a weak state that -the planks themselves began to give; and without ramming the caulking -well home, the cotton-waste would not remain in position.</p> - -<p>"Better let well alone," decided Roche. "It's jolly tedious work -manning the pump, but we'll keep the old hooker afloat."</p> - -<p>Having reported the result of his investigations, Roche proposed that -each of the three Sea Scouts should take fifteen-minute tricks at the -pump.</p> - -<p>"That will give each of us half-an-hour spells," he added. "One or -both of the others can stop on deck to keep a look-out for the -liberty men."</p> - -<p>"P'r'aps they are not 'liberty men' any longer," remarked Flemming. -"It's jolly rummy that they haven't shown up before this. Right-o, -Dick; I'll take on with the pumping."</p> - -<p>Roche and the Tenderfoot went on deck. The tide was still ebbing. The -wind had dropped, and hardly a sound disturbed the stillness of the -night except the ripple of the water against the <i>Olivette's</i> bows, -and the monotonous chug-chug of the semi-rotary pump.</p> - -<p>A steamer's navigation lights appeared up-stream. She was heading -towards the anchored <i>Olivette</i>. Rayburn glanced at his companion.</p> - -<p>"It's all right," said Dick reassuringly. "She's coming round a bend; -that's why she appears end on. She'll starboard her helm in half a -tick."</p> - -<p>But the vessel held on until even Roche began to think that there -would be a collision. He glanced aloft to make sure that the -<i>Olivette's</i> riding-lamp was burning brightly.</p> - -<p>The steamer reversed engines, and lost way within twenty yards of the -<i>Olivette</i>. A hoarse voice hailed in an unintelligible patois. Dick -caught but two words, "<i>gabare</i>" and "<i>abandonnée</i>".</p> - -<p>"<i>A l'ancre.... A l'autre côté.... Sept kilomètres en bas</i>," -replied Roche, guessing that the strange craft was the tug they had -seen earlier in the night, and that, having missed one of her -charges, had returned in search of the derelict barge.</p> - -<p>To his no small satisfaction, Roche found that his halting reply was -understood, for, with a "<i>Merci beaucoup, m'sieu</i>", the skipper of -the tug rang for full speed ahead.</p> - -<p>Barely was the steamboat out of sight when the <i>Olivette</i> began to -rock violently. It was not the swell of the tug that had caused the -commotion; it was the turn of the tide and the tail-end of the bore -in a succession of waves of about four feet in height.</p> - -<p>The erratic rolling and pitching alarmed Flemming considerably, for -the water in the bilges gushed between the floor-boards and swirled -ankle-deep from side to side.</p> - -<p>"She's leaking fast," he shouted.</p> - -<p>Roche went below. Already the water was subsiding into the bilges, -but it was evident that, in spite of continuous work at the pump, the -leak was not being kept under.</p> - -<p>"It'll be as much as we can do to keep going till daylight," declared -Flemming as he "handed over" to his chum. "The best thing we can do -is to get a bucket going. I'll bale, and pass the bucket up to Phil -for him to sling overboard."</p> - -<p>"Good idea," agreed Roche, turning up his sleeves and grasping the -handle of the pump. "We'll keep her afloat, old thing, even if it -snows ink."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter16"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XVI</h3> - -<h4 align="center">The Adventures of the "Liberty Men"</h4> -<br> -<p>The "liberty men" had rather overdone things. Their ramble through -the Forest of Jumièges was too much of an undertaking for the short -space of time at their disposal.</p> - -<p>Twilight overtook them almost before they were aware of the fact, and -long before they were clear of the forest it was pitch dark.</p> - -<p>"If we keep on in a straight line," declared Mr. Armitage, "we'll -strike the river somewhere. Now, you woodcraftsmen, lead on, or we'll -get no supper to-night."</p> - -<p>It was easy to say "Keep in a straight line", but the accomplishment -was difficult. Not only was the ground thickly covered with trees—it -was hilly, and in places rugged. The recognized methods failed. The -Sea Scouts knew that the wind was an easterly one, but in the depth -of the forest there was no appreciable air-current. The foliage -overhead hid the stars, so another guide was denied the benighted -lads.</p> - -<p>"Moss and lichen always grow on the north side of a tree-trunk," -quoted Hepburn. "Where's your torch, Peter? Shine it this way."</p> - -<p>An examination not only of one, but of many tree-trunks, resulted in -the discovery that mosses and lichen were not in evidence. The third -clue had also let the Sea Scouts down.</p> - -<p>"Carry on, then," suggested Mr. Armitage, "until we find a path. It's -bound to lead somewhere."</p> - -<p>It took twenty minutes' steady progress through the undergrowth -before they found a path. It was narrow and apparently unfrequented. -Once a big animal—about the size of a bullock, declared -Warkworth—crashed through the brushwood about ten feet ahead of the -lads.</p> - -<p>"We must have tramped miles," declared Woodleigh. "I believe we're -going round in circles."</p> - -<p>"I fancy we're nearly out of the wood," said the Scoutmaster. "I can -feel a breeze. Yes, I thought so."</p> - -<p>The edge of the forest at last. It was now nearly eleven o'clock. Far -below could be discerned the sinuous course of the River Seine. -Nearer, and at a fair distance down the hill, lights gleamed from a -small village.</p> - -<p>"That must be Le Mesnil," decided Mr. Armitage, after he had -consulted a map by the aid of an electric torch. "It's all plain -sailing now. We'll follow the river bank. It's only six miles to -Duclair. Come on: Scouts' pace, forward."</p> - -<p>Encouraged by the Scoutmaster's example, the tired and hungry lads -bucked up considerably. Alternately walking and running fifty paces -they covered the intervening distance in an hour and twenty minutes, -arriving at the landing-place at a quarter past twelve. Old Boldrigg, -now sure of his bearings, followed at a leisurely pace.</p> - -<p>"<i>Olivette</i> ahoy!" shouted Peter.</p> - -<p>There was no reply save the mocking echoes of his voice from the -opposite bank. He hailed again, giving the Patrol cry.</p> - -<p>"The lazy blighters have turned in," he declared, and hailed for the -third time.</p> - -<p>"Where's her riding-lamp?" asked Alan. "I believe she's gone—broken -adrift, or something."</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage already had his doubts on the subject. Bringing out his -night-glasses, he focused them on the spot where the <i>Olivette</i> ought -to have been moored. With difficulty he located the vacant buoy, to -which was attached something low in the water and straining in the -strong tide-way.</p> - -<p>"The <i>Olivette</i> isn't there," he declared. "I don't think she's -broken adrift, or the mooring-buoy would have gone with her. I hope -Roche hasn't got into a panic about our late arrival and gone off in -search of us."</p> - -<p>"He couldn't expect to find us in the river, sir," remarked -Woodleigh.</p> - -<p>"S'pose not," admitted Mr. Armitage. "But to get down to rock-bottom -facts, the <i>Olivette's</i> not on the moorings and we're benighted."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps she was in a prohibited anchorage, sir," suggested Peter, -"and the River Police have shifted her."</p> - -<p>"No, I inquired if she would be all right there," replied the -Scoutmaster. "She can't be very far away. Roche would have dropped -the anchor when he found her adrift. Anyone too tired to join in the -search? How about you, Mr. Boldrigg?"</p> - -<p>"I am a bit, sir," admitted the old man, who had just rejoined the -others. "But it ain't no good hangin' on to the slack when there's a -hammock waiting for me on board. So the sooner we find the hooker the -better for everyone, says I."</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts retraced their way, keeping to the bank of the river. -There were a few craft under way, but in the darkness it was -impossible to distinguish what they were.</p> - -<p>It must have been soon after 2 a.m. that the search-party arrived at -the village of Jumièges. Here, fortunately a rowing boat containing -a belated fishing-party had just returned.</p> - -<p>In answer to Mr. Armitage's inquiry, the four people who had just -landed—they were Parisian art-students on holiday—all replied at -once.</p> - -<p>"Yes, monsieur, we did see a motor-boat. She passed close, very -close, to our little boat. She was towing a large lighter."</p> - -<p>The Scoutmaster felt disappointed.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid that is not the motor-boat we are looking for," he said. -"Did you happen to notice any of the crew?"</p> - -<p>"I did, monsieur," declared one of the men. "There was but one -visible. He wore a blue blouse and a white hat—so. Like these -messieurs here. The light shone from below upon him, understand; -therefore I could discern. She was going towards Duclair."</p> - -<p>"A white boat with a deck-house, sir," corroborated one of his -companions, tracing an outline with his finger. "Towards the front -one little mast but no funnel. Monsieur is benighted? Then perhaps he -would care to accompany us to our lodgings for refreshments."</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage demurred, but the students were pressing in their -invitation. Accordingly the whole party went into the village, and -the Sea Scouts found themselves in strange surroundings—a cabaret.</p> - -<p>The landlord rose to the occasion. The sight of a couple of grown -Englishmen and four English Sea Scouts provoked no comment. In five -minutes the hungry search-party were sitting down to hot coffee and -biscuits, a long roll, and plenty of fresh Normandy butter.</p> - -<p>"That is our affair, monsieur," protested one of the students when -Mr. Armitage offered to pay for the refreshment. "When I was a -<i>poilu</i> of the 141st Regiment we were once on the left of an English -battalion. We were hungry and they were well fed—merely a matter of -commissariat, monsieur—and when they found out we were famished, -half their rations were passed into our trench. Monsieur has served, -of course?"</p> - -<p>Greatly refreshed, the Sea Scouts bade their hospitable hosts -farewell, and set out to retrace their way back to Duclair.</p> - -<p>"Guess we know the way by this time," remarked Peter. "Three times in -one night is about the limit. Do we turn out at seven to-morrow—or -rather, to-day, sir?"</p> - -<p>"We're not on board yet, Peter," rejoined the Scoutmaster. "But I -think I'm safe in saying that we'll keep to our hammocks till noon."</p> - -<p>But Mr. Armitage's surmise was out, absolutely out. Grey dawn was -showing in the north-eastern sky when the footsore party arrived on -the quay at Duclair. There in the dim light was the <i>Olivette</i> riding -to the flood-tide. In the stillness of the early morning could be -heard the regular pulsations of the hand-pump, while at intervals one -of her crew—it was not light enough to distinguish who it was—was -toppling pailfuls of water over the side.</p> - -<p>"<i>Olivette</i>, ahoy!"</p> - -<p>This time the hail was answered promptly. Out of the deep, open well -clambered Roche and Flemming slowly and laboriously, for they were -pretty well done up with their night of strenuous toil.</p> - -<p>"They seem in no hurry to come for us," observed Warkworth, "after -we've trudged all the blessed night."</p> - -<p>"Ahoy, there!" shouted Roche. "Can you find someone to put you off? -We've no dinghy."</p> - -<p>"Then they have had a mishap," declared Warkworth. "I believe I can -see the dinghy astern. She's waterlogged."</p> - -<p>The difficulty that now arose was how to get on board. There were -dozens of small boats off Duclair, but no one was about.</p> - -<p>"We'll take French leave," decided Mr. Armitage. "Since we are in -France, I take it that in the circumstances it is permissible. Find a -boat with detachable bottom-boards. We can paddle her out all right, -and return her when the owner shows up."</p> - -<p>This suggestion was acted upon. The "liberty men" crowded into the -borrowed boat and made their way to the <i>Olivette</i> with but little -difficulty, for the flood-tide was easing off considerably.</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts looked grave when the nature of the damage was pointed -out to them. Would it be possible to continue their trip with a boat -in that condition?</p> - -<p>"But we've kept her afloat, sir," declared Flemming triumphantly, as -he displayed his blistered hands. "We've done enough pumping to be -excused duty for the rest of the voyage."</p> - -<p>Roche, from below, added:</p> - -<p>"We're keeping the leak under and no more, sir. If we knock off for -even a minute the water rises over the floor boards."</p> - -<p>"Then it's about time we came," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "We're nearly -on the top of high water. Directly it's slack tide, we'll cast off -and warp into that shipbuilder's yard at the head of the quay. Until -the <i>Olivette</i> is high and dry we cannot see the full extent of the -damage."</p> - -<p>An hour later the <i>Olivette</i> was safely placed upon the slipway. Two -very serious-looking Frenchmen conferred between themselves, shaking -their heads and gesticulating as they examined the damaged bows. The -stem-piece was fractured in two places, the cracks extending diagonal -fashion. Four of the planks above water-line and two below had been -"started", and from the bows to a distance of ten feet aft the -caulking had been forced from the seams. Had it not been for the big -"pudding" fender, the <i>Olivette</i> might have sunk within a few minutes -of the collision.</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage anxiously awaited their verdict, so did several of the -crew, but Roche, Flemming, and Rayburn were sleeping the sleep of -utter exhaustion.</p> - -<p>"It is a bad business," declared one of the Frenchmen. "We have not -the material for executing repairs here. It will be necessary to -proceed up to Rouen, where, at the <i>chantier</i> of Declos et Cie., the -work can be executed in a proper manner. Meanwhile we ourselves will -stop the leak temporarily, so that your little vessel will, with -safety, make the passage to Rouen."</p> - -<p>He was as good as his word. Procuring some white lead, canvas, and a -sheet of zinc, he contrived to patch up the gaping planks, so that -they no longer let in the water; for, when the <i>Olivette</i> was -launched again, it was as tight as a boat could be.</p> - -<p>When Mr. Armitage asked for the bill, the little Frenchman shrugged -his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"I am but a poor man, monsieur," said the latter, "and these are hard -times. Nevertheless, I, who have been a sailor, would not gain my -bread by overcharging foreign sailormen in difficulties. It is but a -small thing that we have done, monsieur, merely a matter of white -lead and canvas. I therefore charge you twenty francs."</p> - -<p>The Scoutmaster looked at him in astonishment. Allowing for the -present value of the franc, the cost was a little over ten shillings. -Mentally he contrasted the sum with the extortionate bills for -shipwright's work on the other side of the English Channel, and he no -longer wondered why the British merchant ships cross over to French -ports to be "reconditioned".</p> - -<p>He paid up willingly, adding five francs as a <i>pourboire</i>, and, with -the wreckage of the dinghy hoisted on deck, the <i>Olivette</i> resumed -her eventful pilgrimage.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter17"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XVII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Monsieur Raoul</h4> -<br> -<p>As it was only a distance of thirty-five kilometres, or, roughly, 23 -miles, Mr. Armitage decided to bring up on moorings off Duclair until -the tide changed. This would enable the crew to make up arrears of -sleep, or, at any rate, go a long way towards doing so, while, with -the favourable tide, the boat ought to arrive at Rouen early in the -afternoon.</p> - -<p>The Scoutmaster was dubious as to what would happen when the -<i>Olivette</i> did arrive there. It looked as if the cruise would have to -terminate abruptly, while to repair the damage would probably eat up -the whole of the Troop's finances.</p> - -<p>He said nothing of this to the lads under his care.</p> - -<p>He was content to let events shape their course, and not to meet -trouble half-way. The youngsters were enjoying themselves, and he -would not place their pleasures under a cloud by as much as hinting -that the cruise of the <i>Olivette</i> would be drastically curtailed.</p> - -<p>It was a picturesque stretch of the river that confronted the Sea -Scouts when the voyage was resumed. The Seine made a huge U-shaped -bend, almost encircling the Forest of Roumare on the port hand, and -skirting the Forests of Mauny and du Rouvray to starboard. On either -bank were numerous villages, while occasionally small islands were -passed.</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> was abreast of the Obelisk at Le Val de la Haye, when -her crew noticed a weird sort of craft approaching at tremendous -speed. At first the Sea Scouts could not make head or tail of it. -There was hardly anything to be seen but a triangular girder -appearing above the apex of a double crest of spray, but the noise -the quaint craft made was terrific.</p> - -<p>"It's driven by an aerial propeller," declared Peter. "I can see the -glint on the blades as they revolve."</p> - -<p>Approaching at a rate of about forty-five miles an hour, the vessel -passed the <i>Olivette</i> "like a streak of greased lightning". That was -Hepburn's definition.</p> - -<p>As she passed, the Sea Scouts saw that she was a hydro-glisseur, her -hull composed of three rectangular floats in line ahead and -supporting an aluminium cabin. Right aft was the motor with a triple -chain-driven air propeller. In the bows a tiny Tricolour stood out -stiffly in the breeze. Her crew consisted of two people—one, a -bareheaded mechanic, wearing a blue overall, the other, a youngish -man, the outstanding features of his costume being a velour Alpine -hat, with a tuft of feathers, and a pair of light-yellow kid gloves.</p> - -<p>Noticing the Red Ensign flying on board the <i>Olivette</i>, the Frenchman -took off his hat and made an elaborate bow. Not to be outdone in -politeness, the Scoutmaster gave the order, "Alert!" and while the -crew stood to attention he saluted the owner of the glisseur in scout -fashion.</p> - -<p>"We ought to have dipped our ensign, I suppose," remarked Stratton.</p> - -<p>"There wasn't time," rejoined Woodleigh. "He passed before you could -count five."</p> - -<p>"He's turning!" exclaimed Alan. "I say, what a heel! Oh, look! she's -over!"</p> - -<p>Hepburn's exclamation directed the attention of all hands aft. Even -Flemming, who was in the wheel-house, allowed the <i>Olivette</i> to swing -a couple of points out of her course as he looked astern.</p> - -<p>The air-propelled craft, extremely sensitive to her helm, had made -too sharp a turn, or perhaps the mechanic had not slowed down the -motor sufficiently. In any case she capsized. For a moment, quite -two-thirds of the under-surface of the floats was exposed. Then, with -a rending crash, the rapidly-revolving propeller blades hit the water -and were shattered into splinters. The next instant the violently -racing engine dipped beneath the surface. A cloud of steam, as the -water came into contact with the hot cylinders, momentarily hid the -scene of the disaster.</p> - -<p>Flemming acted promptly. Spinning the wheel hard over, and shouting -to his chum, Roche, to slow down, he brought the <i>Olivette's</i> bows on -to the spot where the glisseur had disappeared on an unpremeditated -submarine excursion.</p> - -<p>The owner of the vanished craft was with difficulty swimming towards -his mechanic, who, unable to keep afloat, had sunk for the second -time.</p> - -<p>The Frenchman was obviously handicapped, because he made no attempt -to use his left arm, but, arriving over the place where the -air-bubbles marked the presence of the unfortunate mechanic, he dived -to the latter's rescue.</p> - -<p>The pair reappeared together, the mechanic desperately grasping his -master round the neck. With a sudden wrench the latter shook himself -partly clear, then, with a short quick jab with his right fist, the -Frenchman hit the struggling man a stunning blow on the left temple, -grasped him by the collar of his overalls, and waited the arrival of -the <i>Olivette</i>.</p> - -<p>Quickly the pair were hauled on board. Three of the Sea Scouts -immediately set to work to resuscitate the half-drowned mechanic, -while the others, in their imperfect French, offered their services -to the owner of the lost craft.</p> - -<p>The Frenchman bowed. He had lost his hat.</p> - -<p>"<i>Permettez-moi, messieurs!</i>" he exclaimed, and gravely produced a -saturated visiting-card on which were the words "Raoul de la Voie, -Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur".</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage suggested to his involuntary guest that perhaps the crew -of the <i>Olivette</i> might conduct salvage operations. The boat had -stopped, with her engines running well throttled down, close to the -place where the hydro-glisseur had disappeared, a ready clue being -afforded by the oil rising in a steady, far-spreading stream to the -surface.</p> - -<p>Monsieur de la Voie listened with perfect gravity to the -Scoutmaster's halting attempt to put his thoughts into words in the -French language. Mr. Armitage "stuck" badly. His vocabulary was -usually good, but at the present time he had the greatest difficulty -in finding his words, and his dictionary was in one of his -portmanteaux in the after-cabin.</p> - -<p>"Excuse me," remarked the Frenchman, with an almost perfect English -accent, "but if you will kindly talk in English, no doubt I will be -able to follow you better."</p> - -<p>"Thanks awfully," replied Mr. Armitage, falling back upon his -mother-tongue. Then he added gravely, "I hope you are feeling quite -chirpy now."</p> - -<p>"Chirpy?" queried the Frenchman.</p> - -<p>"Chirpy—bucked," prompted the Scoutmaster.</p> - -<p>Monsieur de la Voie's face wore a puzzled expression. But he would -not admit defeat, for, producing a saturated pocket-dictionary, he -looked up the perplexing words.</p> - -<p>"Ah, yes," he continued, with a smile. "I'm feeling absolutely -top-hole, thank you, notwithstanding an unusual style of bathing in -the Seine. Salvage? Hardly necessary to trouble you, sir; you've done -quite enough for us as it is, but if you will buoy the spot, one of -my barges will conduct the operations. If you will be good enough to -give my mechanic and me a passage to Rouen?"</p> - -<p>Monsieur Raoul was little worse for his immersion, but the condition -of the luckless mechanic gave rise to grave misgivings. Not only had -he swallowed a liberal quantity of water: his knee had been hurt by -coming in contact with the girder supporting the aerial propeller, -while, to make matters worse, his master had been compelled to stun -him in order to free himself from his dangerous clutch.</p> - -<p>The owner of the hydro-glisseur was greatly interested in the Sea -Scouts and their craft. He plied the lads with innumerable questions, -and complimented them upon their sound knowledge of seamanship.</p> - -<p>Very little escaped the notice of the mercurial Frenchman, and when -he caught sight of the scars upon the <i>Olivette's</i> bows he asked how -the damage had been caused.</p> - -<p>"And this happened last night, then? It is just possible that I know -who is the owner of the barge that caused the mischief."</p> - -<p>"He is a careless blighter, sir, whoever he is, to let a barge break -adrift," declared Hepburn.</p> - -<p>"Yes," assented Monsieur de la Vole solemnly. "He is."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter18"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XVIII</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Shore Quarters</h4> -<br> -<p>In spite of the delay occasioned by the rescue of the crew of the -hydro-glisseur, the <i>Olivette's</i> run up to Rouen was accomplished by -four o'clock in the afternoon. The historic old town, viewed from the -river, interested the lads beyond measure, while the sight of the -transporter-bridge, a structure one hundred and seventy feet above -the water, and supporting a travelling car that served as a ferry, -appealed to their mechanical instincts.</p> - -<p>"Where do you propose going to for repairs?" asked Monsieur de la -Voie.</p> - -<p>"We were recommended to the Chantier Declos," replied Mr. Armitage.</p> - -<p>The Frenchman smiled. "You could not have been better recommended," -he remarked. "It happens that I keep my private boats in that yard. -There it is: on your left hand just beyond that crane."</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i> was safely berthed, and the French mechanic, who was -able to walk with assistance, was sent ashore. His condition excited -a fair amount of sympathy and curiosity on the part of the workmen; -but when Monsieur de la Voie jumped on to the quay his reception was -exuberant.</p> - -<p>"One would think they were all touched," remarked Roche.</p> - -<p>The workpeople were crowding round and literally mobbing de la Voie, -talking so quickly that the Sea Scouts were unable to understand a -single sentence.</p> - -<p>Presently the owner of the hydro-glisseur obtained a certain amount -of silence, and, beckoning to one of the men, led him aside. For some -minutes the pair conversed heatedly, Monsieur de la Voie smiting the -open palm of his left hand with his fist, while the other man -shrugged his shoulders and extended his hands. At length the latter, -evidently unable to hold his own, changed his tone completely. He -appeared to be pleading and expressing regrets. Monsieur de la Voie -dismissed him, and returned to the quayside, where the <i>Olivette</i> -lay.</p> - -<p>"I have found out for you who is the cause of your misfortune. That -man is the captain of the tug drawing the barges, and the rearmost -barge broke her tow-rope and ran into your yacht."</p> - -<p>"Then he is the careless blighter, monsieur," said Hepburn.</p> - -<p>Raoul de la Voie shook his head.</p> - -<p>"No, no," he remarked emphatically. "He asked for a new tow-rope two -weeks ago, and the owner neglected to supply him with one. So it is -the owner who is the careless blighter, <i>n'est-ce pas?</i>"</p> - -<p>"I should think so, monsieur," agreed Alan. "Do you know who he is?"</p> - -<p>De la Voie laughed.</p> - -<p>"<i>Mais oui</i>," he replied. "<i><span id="cor0003" class="corrected" title="[Original text: Cest moi]">C'est moi</span></i>—I am the careless blighter."</p> - -<p>Hepburn coloured up and said nothing. The Frenchman eyed him -curiously for some minutes, and then slapped the lad on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>"There is no harm done," he exclaimed. "It is a joke. Let me explain. -I am the actual owner of the Chantier Declos, and these are my -barges. Therefore I am responsible for the damage done to your -<i>Olivette</i>, and I must needs make reparation. I have sent for my -foreman to come and make a report, and put the work in hand at once."</p> - -<p>"Awfully sporting of you, monsieur," said Roche.</p> - -<p>"It is a duty," declared Monsieur de la Voie.</p> - -<p>Presently the foreman arrived, and at his suggestion the <i>Olivette</i> -was placed in a cradle and hauled up the slipway. Raoul de la Voie -received his subordinate's report and translated it for the benefit -of the crew.</p> - -<p>"Your yacht will require a new stem-piece, breast-hook, and seven new -planks forward," he announced. "There will also be several seams to -require caulking, and, of course, painting and varnishing. My foreman -says he hopes to complete the repairs in a week or ten days."</p> - -<p>The news was received with mixed feelings by the Sea Scouts. They -were delighted to know that the grim shadow of a very heavy bill had -vanished, since the genial Frenchman had willingly acknowledged his -liability. But a week or ten days! That meant a drastic curtailment -of the cruise. It would be impossible, in view of the delay, to carry -out the programme.</p> - -<p>"We'll have to cut out the Paris trip, lads," said Mr. Armitage.</p> - -<p>Poor old Tom Boldrigg looked very much down in the mouth. The -decision meant a lot to him. The opportunity of paying a visit to the -grave of his soldier son was now denied him.</p> - -<p>"Paris?" echoed Raoul. "Why not? Is it absolutely necessary that you -proceed by water?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if we went at all," replied Mr. Armitage. "By living on board -we could manage the visit without much expense. Living at an hotel in -Paris is beyond our means. However, we are more fortunate than I -expected. We might have had to return home with empty pockets."</p> - -<p>"But you cannot well live on board your yacht while the repairs are -in hand," said Monsieur de la Voie.</p> - -<p>"I suppose that's so," agreed Mr. Armitage. "With planks out, and wet -paint about, life on board wouldn't be exactly comfortable. Perhaps -we might hire a fairly large tent and camp out somewhere away from -the town?"</p> - -<p>"I think it could be arranged," replied Raoul. "Since I am greatly in -your debt for saving the life of my man Pierre, and for pulling me -out of the Seine, it would be a great pleasure to me if you would be -my guests. My home is at Tourville-la-Rivière, about ten kilometres -up the Seine. There I can provide a tent, and if the weather be -unpropitious there is plenty of room in the house."</p> - -<p>The Scoutmaster gratefully accepted the invitation on behalf of the -lads and himself.</p> - -<p>"And," continued his host, "there is no reason why you should not -visit Paris. Although I cannot well afford the time to go with you, I -can arrange for my car to take you to the city, and perhaps you might -like a tour of the battle-fields."</p> - -<p>"Which ones, please, sir?" asked Tom Boldrigg eagerly.</p> - -<p>"The Aisne and the Marne," replied Monsieur de la Voie. "Why do you -inquire so?"</p> - -<p>"Because, sir," replied the old seaman, "I lost a lad on the Marne."</p> - -<p>The demonstrative Frenchman grasped Tom's hand.</p> - -<p>"And I lost my only brother," he said. "We were on the right of a -British division. Their dash was magnificent. Yes, I remember the -crossing of the Marne. It was there that I gained this and lost -that."</p> - -<p>With a quick, almost apologetic gesture, he touched the ribbon of the -Legion d'Honneur and then his arm. For the first time the Sea Scouts -saw that he had an artificial hand.</p> - -<p>"So now," he continued briskly, "all is practically arranged. If you -will collect what baggage you require, my car will be here at six -o'clock. Meanwhile, excuse me; there are certain business matters to -which I have to attend."</p> - -<p>Punctually at the hour, Monsieur de la Voie arrived in a magnificent -touring-car. He had changed his saturated clothes, and was dressed in -a suit of British cut and material.</p> - -<p>Behind the car came a workmanlike equipage—a Daimler with a -commercial body. Into the latter the Sea Scouts piled their kitbags -and other gear, Roche and Rayburn being told off to act as -baggage-guards.</p> - -<p>"A low-down trick to do us out of a ride in a top-hole car," declared -Dick, laughing. It was an enjoyable journey, but the thing that -impressed the lads most was the fact that the traffic kept to the -right-hand side of the road. They had noticed this—the Continental -rule—before, but it was the first time that they had been in a -vehicle in France.</p> - -<p>"If I had to ride a push-bike out here," declared Warkworth, "I'd -barge into everything, 'cause I'd simply have to keep to the left. -And don't the motors look weird with the left-hand drive?"</p> - -<p>The journey was over only too soon, for in less than ten minutes from -the time the car left the shipyard, Monsieur Raoul pulled up outside -a large house standing in extensive grounds that sloped towards the -river.</p> - -<p>"There is your tent," he said, pointing to a fairly spacious marquee -pitched on high ground about two hundred yards from the house. "I -telephoned to my steward to have it pitched at once. But first let us -have dinner."</p> - -<p>Somewhat awed, the Sea Scouts filed into a big, gorgeously furnished -room, where they were introduced to Madame de la Voie and Madame -Ledoux, Raoul's <i>belle-mère</i>.</p> - -<p>Dignified-looking men-servants handed round the various courses, the -nature of most of the dishes being utterly strange to the Sea Scouts. -But even their unfounded misgivings failed to blunt their keen -appetites. Stolidly, and almost in silence, they applied themselves -to the food, while Mr. Armitage chatted to his host and hostess.</p> - -<p>When at length the Sea Scouts proceeded to their shore -sleeping-quarters, they found that there was a camp-bed provided for -each of the crew, and that their kit had been stacked ready for their -use.</p> - -<p>"We've fallen on our feet," declared Woodleigh, as he turned in.</p> - -<p>"You speak for yourself, young fellah-me-lad!" rejoined Roche. "It -isn't usual to fall on your feet when you sleep. This is the proper -way—on one's side."</p> - -<p>Deftly Dick dived between the sheets; the camp-bed tilted sideways, -and the next instant Roche was lying on the grassy floor of the tent.</p> - -<p>Shrieks of laughter arose from his companions, even Mr. Armitage -joining in the mirth at the expense of the discomfited exponent of -the art of "turning in". Without a word Roche picked up his blankets -and remade the bed, then, exercising great caution, he got in again.</p> - -<p>"Someone must have capsized me," he soliloquized. "If it weren't for -the fact that we're not in our own quarters, I'd get my own back."</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later most of the lads were asleep. Roche drowsily turned -over, when to his surprise the camp-bed again deposited its occupant -upon the ground.</p> - -<p>This time all lights were out, and no one saw Dick's unpremeditated -tumble. Mystified, he groped for his bedding and once more turned in.</p> - -<p>At seven the lads were aroused by the old sea-cry of, "Show a leg and -shine!" Already the sun was pouring down upon the dew-covered canvas. -In the woods near by the birds were singing blithely.</p> - -<p>"Been digging yourself in, Dick?" asked Hepburn.</p> - -<p>"No—why?" asked Roche.</p> - -<p>Alan pointed to Dick's bed. The wooden trestles had sunk a good foot -into the ground. The mystery of Dick's double eviction was solved. -The camp-bed had been placed immediately above a mole's tunnel, and, -as the earth gave way, the bed had tilted sufficiently to deposit its -occupant upon the ground.</p> - -<p>"I thought that you had had a hand in it," declared Roche. "But -come-back-all-I-said. Who's cook? Where's the galley?"</p> - -<p>No one knew. The mess-traps had been brought ashore, but apparently -their host had made no provision for cooking breakfast.</p> - -<p>"We're in France, remember," said Mr. Armitage, "and in France we -must to a certain extent do as France does. The first meal of the -day—<i>petit dejeuner</i> it's called—is a very light repast—usually -coffee, roll, and butter."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I say!" ejaculated the Tenderfoot ruefully. He had a typical -British appetite, and always went all-out for a good breakfast. "And -I'm so hungry."</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts washed and dressed with special care. Somehow they -felt that they must appear "extra smart" as the guests of Monsieur -Raoul. By eight o'clock the interior of the marquee was cleaned up -and the bedding aired and folded; but no signs of a galley-fire were -forthcoming. The lads were reconciling themselves to a cold meal of -bread and tinned beef when a man-servant appeared and announced:</p> - -<p>"Ze breakfast: he is served in ze house, messieurs."</p> - -<p>Monsieur de la Voie was not one who did things by halves, for when -the Sea Scouts trooped into the house they found their host awaiting -them and the table spread with an appetizing meal consisting of -coffee, new steaming rolls, fresh butter, eggs, and a large piece of -delicious ham.</p> - -<p>Bidden to "tuck in", the lads obeyed with the greatest zest, to the -undisguised astonishment of the servants, to whom the sight of half a -dozen healthy young Britons devouring large quantities of food so -early in the day was a decidedly novel one.</p> - -<p>"What is your programme for to-day?" inquired Monsieur Raoul. "As -matters stand, the position is this: you are my guests for ten days, -but I want you to have full liberty of action. You will, of course, -want to watch the progress of the repairs, and no doubt will want to -explore the surrounding country. I assure you it has its good points. -Then, again, there are the projected visits to Paris and to the -Marne. These will take at least three days. It is for you to say when -you will go."</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage warmly thanked his host.</p> - -<p>"The weather seems settled," he added; "perhaps it would be advisable -to take advantage of it while it is fine. So if your chauffeur could -run us into Paris——?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly," rejoined Monsieur de la Voie.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter19"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XIX</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Homeward Bound</h4> -<br> -<p>The crew of the <i>Olivette</i> had a splendid time in Paris, but, since -they met with no adventures and had no scouting, their visit can be -lightly passed over.</p> - -<p>They were two days in the French capital, and enjoyed every minute of -the time. Their programme was an ambitious one, carried out at high -pressure. So much so that the Sea Scouts were so excited and tired -upon their return to Tourville-la-Rivière that they were compelled -to "slack" for the whole of the following day.</p> - -<p>Then came the long-looked-for tour of the battle-fields.</p> - -<p>The day was warm and sultry, but the ride in the powerful car as it -rushed at high speed along the tree-bordered roads was simply -exhilarating.</p> - -<p>Old Tom Boldrigg, rigged out in his shore-going kit, was tightly -grasping the bundle done up in the blue handkerchief that he had -brought on board at Keyhaven. Except on the occasion when the kit was -transferred from the <i>Olivette</i> to Tourville-la-Rivière, no one had -set eyes on the bundle until now. It rather puzzled his companions, -and certainly aroused their curiosity; but Tom offered no solution to -the mystery, and the lads refrained from questioning him about it.</p> - -<p>At Senlis traces of the Hunnish invaders were apparent, although much -had been done by the industrious inhabitants to rebuild their -shattered dwellings and efface the devastating traces of war. From -that town right on to Château-Thierry the countryside was fast -recovering from the effects of four and a half years' desolation. -Those of the shell-torn trees which had not been uprooted were hiding -their scars under new foliage. <span id="cor0004" class="corrected" title="[Original text: The gaunt exexpanse]">The gaunt expanse</span> of crater-pitted -land was covered with ripening corn. Only in places was it possible -to follow the sinuous course of the trenches, while here and there a -system of dug-outs had been left practically intact as a reminder of -the period when that part of France was under the heel of the -Prussian invader.</p> - -<p>It was a soul-stirring episode for the Sea Scouts. They were shown -the spot where the British engineers built bridges, under a terrific -fire, to enable the remnants of the Old Contemptibles to cross the -Marne and deal von Kluck's army corps a staggering blow. The line of -advance of General Gallieni's army, rushed up from Paris in a motley -collection of taxi-cabs in the nick of time to stem the Prussian -advance upon the capital, was pointed out to them.</p> - -<p>Then to the huge cemetery, where thousands of British lads are laid -to rest, in French soil that is British by sentiment. Here the -<i>Olivette's</i> party was met by a courteous official, who, in answer to -old Boldrigg's inquiry, led the way to a remote portion of the vast -burial-ground.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps, Mr. Boldrigg," suggested the Scoutmaster, "you would like -us to leave you for a few minutes."</p> - -<p>"No, no, sir," replied the old man. "What I'm going to do isn't -anything to be ashamed of."</p> - -<p>He was visibly affected, although he tried to conceal his emotion. He -had completed a pilgrimage that had been the wish of his declining -years, and which might never have been accomplished but for the -assistance of the Sea Scouts.</p> - -<p>Standing bareheaded, the lads saw their old friend slowly untie the -blue handkerchief from the bundle. Then he produced a small plant, -its roots carefully protected with damp moss and straw.</p> - -<p>"Straight from the garden at home," he said. "An' my boy was that -fond of flowers."</p> - -<p>"It will be watered carefully," promised the cemetery official.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," replied old Boldrigg gratefully, and, his mission -accomplished, he turned slowly away.</p> - -<center>* * * * *</center> - -<p>On the ninth day of her compulsory detention at Rouen the <i>Olivette</i> -renewed her acquaintance with her natural element.</p> - -<p>The work of repair had been performed smartly and well, and the bows -were as sound as ever. She had been given a complete coat of paint -that glistened in the bright sunshine.</p> - -<p>"Now, lads," began Mr. Armitage, when the crew had re-embarked and -stowed away their gear, "we have to go into matters pretty closely. -By next Saturday Stratton will have to be home if he's to keep that -appointment with the Steamship Company on Monday week. We have five -clear days to spare. What is to be the programme?"</p> - -<p>"Take advantage of the weather while it is fine, sir, and return by -easy stages."</p> - -<p>"Quite a good idea," concurred Mr. Armitage. "It often happens that, -when a cruise has to be completed by a certain time, a homeward start -is deferred until the last possible moment. Then the weather may be -boisterous, and the crew are 'in the soup'. Either they have to -overstay their time, or else they've got to make a dash for it, at -great inconvenience and possible risk."</p> - -<p>"After all, sir," remarked Peter, "although we haven't carried out -our programme exactly as we planned, it has been a rattling good -holiday."</p> - -<p>"And it's not over yet," added Hepburn.</p> - -<p>At two in the afternoon the <i>Olivette</i> got under way. On the -coach-roof over the engine-room she carried a new "twelve-foot" -dinghy—a gift from Monsieur Raoul to replace the one they had lost -in collision with the barge.</p> - -<p>Their host came on board to wish them <i>bon voyage</i>, and, at the Sea -Scouts' invitation, he agreed to go as a passenger as far as -Caudebec.</p> - -<p>"I am hoping," he said, "to raise a troop of Sea Scouts at Rouen. The -only difficulty that presents itself is the time it occupies to carry -out the work properly. I quite understand that an inefficient troop, -run by a Scoutmaster who does not, or cannot, devote sufficient time, -is worse than useless. However, I am serious about it, and if the -scheme matures, then some day you might see a French yacht, manned by -French Sea Scouts, sailing into your Keyhaven."</p> - -<p>"If they do, sir," said Peter, "they'll be sure to meet with a hearty -welcome, although, I'm afraid, I won't be there to join in," he added -regretfully.</p> - -<p>With the strong current, the <i>Olivette</i> made a quick run down to -Caudebec, anchoring under the lee of the Dos d'Ane before sunset. It -was now close upon the neap tides, and the bore was not so much in -evidence.</p> - -<p>"We've been done out of a little excitement," was Hepburn's comment -after the <i>Olivette</i> had encountered the comparatively mild tidal -wave.</p> - -<p>"You speak for yourself, old thing," rejoined Roche. "I've still a -lump on my forehead where I bashed my head against the deck-beam as -the old boat stood on her head. In my opinion, bores are a nuisance, -whether they are of the human variety or otherwise."</p> - -<p>Monsieur Raoul de la Voie took his departure at Caudebec. He bade the -Sea Scouts farewell and <i>bon voyage</i>, and the lads heartily thanked -him for his kindness and hospitality.</p> - -<p>"He's a proper sport," commented Roche.</p> - -<p>"There was a time when I thought all Frenchmen wore stove-pipe hats, -pointed moustachios, and tufts of hair on their chins. Going abroad -widens one's outlook," he added sapiently.</p> - -<p>Two days were spent at Caudebec. There was much to be done to prepare -the <i>Olivette</i> for her homeward voyage. Her fuel-tanks had to be -replenished, her oil-supply renewed, provisions and fresh water to be -shipped on board, and various formalities to be carried out with the -port authorities at Havre.</p> - -<p>"We start to-morrow, lads," announced Mr. Armitage. "The fine weather -is holding, but there are indications of a break-up in the course of -the next forty-eight hours. We can't afford to be held up here."</p> - -<p>"At what hour, sir?" asked Peter.</p> - -<p>"Seven in the morning at high-water," replied the Scoutmaster. "With -luck, we ought to be inside the Wight before sunset."</p> - -<p>Promptly to the minute on the following morning the anchor was -weighed, and the motor began its rhythmic purr. To save time, the -Tancarville Canal route was to be cut out in favour of the passage of -the estuary of the Seine, and, in accordance with the port -regulations, a pilot had to be employed.</p> - -<p>The pilot came on board just before seven o'clock. He was a short, -bow-legged, elderly man, differing very little in appearance from the -seafaring fraternity on the other side of the Channel, except that -his knowledge of English was rather meagre.</p> - -<p>Peter Stratton was at the helm, the pilot standing beside him.</p> - -<p>All went well for the first ten minutes or so, then a brigantine in -tow of a tug appeared in sight round a bend abreast of the village of -Villequier.</p> - -<p>"<i>Tribord tout!</i>" ordered the pilot.</p> - -<p>Peter, considerably astonished to receive the order, for he was aware -that "tribord" was the equivalent for "starboard", promptly -starboarded his helm.</p> - -<p>The little Frenchman danced with excitement.</p> - -<p>"<i>Tribord tout!</i>" he reiterated.</p> - -<p>The Patrol Leader gave the boat still more starboard helm. At that -moment the tug blew a single blast with her steam whistle.</p> - -<p>The pilot, abandoning his post, ran on deck gesticulating frantically -at the tug. Peter, left to his own devices, and knowing that if he -attempted to port helm now there would almost inevitably be a -disastrous collision, kept her helm hard over until the <i>Olivette</i> -had starboarded sixteen points and her bows were pointing in exactly -the opposite direction to her former course.</p> - -<p>Then he ordered the motor to stop, and awaited the pilot's return.</p> - -<p>"P'raps he's got a pal on the tug and wants a yarn," he soliloquized. -"Wonder what he is doing now?"</p> - -<p>As a matter of fact the Frenchman, with tears in his eyes, was -complaining to Mr. Armitage of the wilful disobedience of the -youthful helmsman.</p> - -<p>"I tell him keep to dis side," he declared, "and he vit intent -deliberate 'e put ze ship across de bow of ze tug so. I protest, -Monsieur; I chuck in ze 'and so."</p> - -<p>The pilot folded his arms, stood with his feet well apart, and gazed -stolidly ahead. It was his pose of lofty detachment.</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage made his way to the wheelhouse, where Peter, unconscious -of the enormity of his offence, was carrying on quite unconcernedly. -Fortunately the <i>Olivette</i> was still a long way from the dangerous -sandbank-encumbered estuary, and the navigation presented no -difficulty.</p> - -<p>"What's the row you've had with the pilot, Peter?" inquired Mr. -Armitage.</p> - -<p>"Row, sir? I didn't have a row. He told me to starboard. I expected -him to tell me to port helm, but I carried out his orders. Then he -began roaring like a lunatic. If I had hesitated and ported helm, -there would have been a most awful smash."</p> - -<p>"There has been a mistake," admitted the Scoutmaster, "and I'm to -blame as much as anyone. I ought to have warned you '<i>tribord</i>' is -the French for 'starboard' and '<i>bâbord</i>' for port, but that's not -enough. When a Frenchman orders '<i>tribord</i>' he means that the boat's -bows are to go to starboard and not the helm. He ought to have made -allowances, for it's pretty certain that this is not the first -British vessel he's piloted. I'll get Hepburn to take the wheel for a -spell, and we'll explain to our worthy pilot."</p> - -<p>The Frenchman was easily mollified after explanations had been given. -With a bow he declared that "ze affaire" was over and forgotten, but -during the rest of the voyage down the estuary he took good care to -say, "Port ze helm dis vay," or, "Turn ze ship's 'ead to ze left."</p> - -<p>In four hours, keeping at full speed, and with a tide under her, the -<i>Olivette</i> was clear of the estuary and pitching to the short, sharp -seas off the Grand Rade of Havre. Here the pilot was dropped, a boat -from the pilot cutter coming alongside to take him off.</p> - -<p>"Do not make ze tarry, monsieur," he said to Mr. Armitage. "Ze -weather it looks not nice. By dark, it blow ver' 'ard."</p> - -<p>"Let's hope he's wrong for once," thought the Scoutmaster. "All the -same, the glass is falling, so the sooner we get into sheltered water -the better."</p> - -<p>He glanced to wind'ard. The sky was of a deep blue, without a cloud -being visible. The breeze blew strongly from the south'ard. It was a -favourable wind for Old England's shores.</p> - -<p>He waved his hand in acknowledgment of the pilot's warning.</p> - -<p>"Let her rip, Flemming," he ordered. "Full speed ahead."</p> - -<p>It was a far different passage from the <i>Olivette's</i> previous -crossing. Even when clear of the land, the waves were short and steep -as the weather-going tide met the breeze obliquely. In spite of the -extra ballast, the boat rolled and pitched until her foredeck was -swept by the white-crested waves, and water poured at intervals over -her quarter. But, protected by the high coaming surrounding the well, -the crew kept fairly comfortable. They had to wear oilskins to keep -themselves dry, for the spindrift was flying inboard. Every movable -article, both on deck and below, had to be lashed down, and it was -soon apparent that, until they were in smoother water, the Sea Scouts -would have to go without hot meals.</p> - -<p>About four o'clock the wind dropped considerably. The <i>Olivette</i> was -now out of sight of land, and, with the exception of an old -wind-jammer running full-and-by up-Channel, not another vessel was in -sight.</p> - -<p>"Make some tea while you have a chance, Woodleigh," suggested Mr. -Armitage. "This lull is only temporary, I fancy."</p> - -<p>To the west'ard inky-coloured clouds were appearing above the -horizon. The southerly breeze was on the point of veering to the -west'ard or sou'west'ard, and when it came it would, in all -probability, come with considerable force.</p> - -<p>"We may get in before it comes on hard," soliloquized the -Scoutmaster. "It's no joke being caught out; but we'll have to make -the best of it."</p> - -<p>After a hastily snatched meal, all the crew, except Roche and -Hepburn, turned in to get a few minutes' sleep, Mr. Armitage giving -strict injunctions to report to him the moment the wind piped up -again.</p> - -<p>"And none of your Brightlingsea stunts, Alan," he added, referring to -an occasion when Hepburn took the <i>Olivette</i> into port on his own -initiative. "That time you managed splendidly, but another attempt -mightn't end quite so well. If the breeze doesn't pipe up soon, turn -me out directly you sight land. You ought to see the high ground -behind Ventnor on your port bow."</p> - -<p>The "watch below" had quite two hours' rest before Alan noticed a -squall bearing down. At the same time he fancied that he saw land -ahead in the clearing of the mirk that preceded the rain.</p> - -<p>"All hands on deck," he shouted to his companions in the forepeak. -"One of you run aft and warn Mr. Armitage."</p> - -<p>The Scoutmaster did not wait to be called. Hearing the commotion -for'ard, he left his cabin and glanced to wind'ard.</p> - -<p>"We're in for it," he mused.</p> - -<p>Just then, Flemming, who was due to relieve Roche in the motor-room, -came up with the disconcerting news that there was a choke in the -carburetter, and could they stop the engine while he and Roche -remedied the defect?</p> - -<p>"Right-o," agreed Mr. Armitage. "Carry on and get it done as sharp as -you can. How long will it take, do you think?"</p> - -<p>"'Bout ten minutes, sir," replied the lad.</p> - -<p>Five minutes later the squall struck the <i>Olivette</i> heavily. Being -without way, and unable to answer to her helm, the staunch little -craft lay broadside on in the trough of the rapidly rising sea.</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<a name="chapter20"></a> -<h3 align="center">CHAPTER XX</h3> - -<h4 align="center">Home Waters Again</h4> -<br> -<p>The <i>Olivette</i>, although she had a light mast stepped in a tabernacle -for'ard, did not carry sail, relying solely upon her excellent -engine. That the motor had stopped was in no way due to the design. -The best engine on the market will "konk out", if foreign matter -finds its way into the fuel-tank and thence through the feed-pipe to -the carburetter.</p> - -<p>Bracing themselves with their backs up against the tool-locker and -their feet hard up against the engine-bearers, Roche and Flemming -toiled desperately to effect a clearance in record time. In their -haste they neglected ordinary precaution, and in a sudden lurch of -the vessel the jet of the carburetter rolled into the bilges.</p> - -<p>Mr. Armitage, going below to see how things were progressing, found -the two engineers had taken up several of the floor-boards and were -groping in a foot of oily bilge-water to recover the small but highly -necessary article.</p> - -<p>"Sorry, sir, but she lurched," said Eric apologetically. "We'll find -the jet in half a tick."</p> - -<p>A cascade of water pouring into the open well warned the Scoutmaster -that prompt measures must be taken quickly if the <i>Olivette</i> were to -escape being swamped as she lay broadside on.</p> - -<p>Assisted by Stratton, who volunteered for the hazardous task, Mr. -Armitage and the Patrol Leader crawled along the slippery, heaving -deck and laid out the sea-anchor.</p> - -<p>The <i>Olivette</i>, drifting rapidly to leeward, snubbed at the rope -attached to the canvas bag. There was a sharp twang. The rope, -apparently sound, had parted like packthread, and the sea-anchor was -irrecoverably lost.</p> - -<p>"We'll have to rig up another, Peter," shouted Mr. Armitage. "A stout -spar, a hammock, and a piece of ballast will do the trick. Be sharp. -She won't stand many of these breakers."</p> - -<p>A hissing, white-crested wave, pouring completely over the boat, -confirmed the Scoutmaster's words. Below, the Sea Scouts were plying -the semi-rotary pump, but their strenuous efforts failed to cope with -the steady inrush of water. Already there was a foot or more swirling -over the engine-room floor, to the detriment of the task of clearing -the choked carburetter.</p> - -<p>As he went below to look out the materials for the improvised -sea-anchor, Mr. Armitage was confronted by old Tom Boldrigg.</p> - -<p>"Try ile, sir," suggested the ex-sailor. "Ile's an excellent thing -for quietin' the waves. I'll see to that, sir, if you wish——"</p> - -<p>"Carry on, please," replied Mr. Armitage. "We're rigging up a -temporary sea-anchor."</p> - -<p>Without another word Boldrigg went about his task. His canvas kit-bag -served the purpose, and he sacrificed it to the common weal, although -it had been his companion for years of service afloat.</p> - -<p>Filling the water-tight bag with heavy lubricating oil, Tom secured -the mouth tightly and bent a stout line to it. Then with the -marlinespike of his knife he pricked half a dozen holes in the -canvas.</p> - -<p>"Belay, there, lads!" he shouted, handing the rope to some of the Sea -Scouts and heaving the bag over the side to windward.</p> - -<p>Although the bag offered very little resistance, the fact that the -<i>Olivette</i> was drifting rapidly to lee'ard enabled the canvas sack to -run out to the full extent of the rope. The oil leaking through the -small holes soon began to take effect. A triangular patch of -comparatively smooth oil-covered water, with its apex at the sack and -its base far to lee'ard of the boat, had the almost instantaneous -result of keeping down the crested waves. The <i>Olivette</i>, rolling -still, was no longer in peril, for not a cupful of spray came -inboard.</p> - -<p>"How long will that last?" inquired Mr. Armitage.</p> - -<p>"Best part of an hour, sir," replied the old man. "'Sides, we can -easily pull the sack aboard again and fill up with ile."</p> - -<p>But in less than twenty minutes the engine was running again with her -flywheel well clear of the bilge-water. The Sea Scouts at the pump -had seen to that.</p> - -<p>Slowly the <i>Olivette</i> was brought round head to wind. With strenuous -efforts the canvas bag was hauled inboard, and the order given for -full speed ahead.</p> - -<p>Buffeted by the waves, with spray flying in solid showers twenty feet -above the wheelhouse, the little ship resumed her dash for home.</p> - -<p>Another lift in the rain-laden mirk showed the Isle of Wight now two -points on the port bow. Mr. Armitage hailed the sight with -whole-hearted satisfaction. He was running for the eastern side of -the island in order to get under the lee of the land. Although it was -the longer course, it was far preferable to having the dangerous -stretch of coast between St. Catherine's and The Needles under his -lee.</p> - -<p>Nearer and nearer came Old England's shores. Every revolution of the -propeller was decreasing the distance between the <i>Olivette</i> and -sheltered waters.</p> - -<p>At eight o'clock in the evening, Mr. Armitage went into the -wheel-house, where Woodleigh and Warkworth were doing a double trick -at the helm, for it required more than one strong lad to master the -kicking wheel.</p> - -<p>"I'll take on for a spell," he said. The lads regarded their -Scoutmaster curiously. Knowing the previous arrangement that Mr. -Armitage was not to take any active part in the navigation of the -ship, his decision rather puzzled them.</p> - -<p>"We're quite all right, sir," protested Woodleigh.</p> - -<p>"I'm stiff with doing nothing," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "A tussle with -the wheel will do me good."</p> - -<p>The youthful quartermasters stood aside, and the Scoutmaster "took -on". He knew that, before the <i>Olivette</i> gained the sheltered waters -of Spithead, she would have to negotiate the shallow shoals of <span id="cor0005" class="corrected" title="[Original text: the astern end of]">the eastern end of</span> the Wight, where an error of judgment would result in -disaster. He knew the approaches to Spithead by heart. There was no -occasion for him to refer to a chart.</p> - -<p>An hour later the <i>Olivette</i> passed the huge concrete tower on the -Nab shoal. With a strong tide under her, she simply romped past the -Warner Lightship, and turned in the direction of the yellow-and-black -chequered Horse Sand Fort.</p> - -<p>"Up steaming-lights!" ordered the Scoutmaster as the sun sank, a pale -yellow orb in an indigo-coloured sky. "Cooks to the galley! We're in -sheltered water now."</p> - -<p>The masthead, port, and starboard lamps were lighted and displayed. -Down below, the Scouts not on duty were preparing for a belated meal. -Spithead and the Solent were familiar sights to them. In the -well-lighted cabin they sat, ate, and yarned, while Mr. Armitage and -Roche stuck to their respective tasks.</p> - -<p>Presently Peter came on deck.</p> - -<p>"I'll take on now, sir," he reported. "You must be hungry.... Why, -we're past Cowes—we're nearly home!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Mr. Armitage. "There's Hurst Light right ahead. Take -her, Peter. I'll follow your excellent advice and get something to -eat. There won't be enough water for us over the bar, so we'll have -to put into Lymington for the night. Besides, we have to obtain our -clearance from the Customs."</p> - -<p>Without incident the <i>Olivette</i> made Lymington River and brought up -on a vacant pair of moorings. Her crew slept like logs until they -were nearly thrown from their bunks by the wash of the steamship -plying between Lymington and Yarmouth.</p> - -<p>It was blowing very hard from the west'ard—half a gale, in fact. -Had the <i>Olivette</i> been caught out in mid-Channel she would have had -a perilous time. She had won through by a few hours.</p> - -<p>"We've had a jolly time," declared Hepburn, surveying the scene, "but -give me this side of the Channel any old day of the week. Hello, it's -close on eight! I'll have to hoist the ensign."</p> - -<p>Alan was making his way aft, when Peter stopped him.</p> - -<p>"Here, you blighter!" exclaimed the Patrol Leader. "What are you up -to?"</p> - -<p>Hepburn explained.</p> - -<p>"Not the ensign-staff this time," protested Peter.</p> - -<p>"Why not?" demanded the mystified Alan.</p> - -<p>"'Cause, you would-be smuggler," replied Stratton, "we've 'come -foreign'. Ensign at the masthead, please. That's the recognized -rule."</p> - -<p>The Sea Scouts had not finished breakfast when a boat came alongside -with the representative of His Majesty's Excise and Customs.</p> - -<p>The official smiled when he boarded the <i>Olivette</i>. He knew her and -her crew well, but duty is duty all the world over.</p> - -<p>"Anything to declare?" he inquired. "Tobacco, tea, spirits, eau de -Cologne, lace, and what not?"</p> - -<p>"I have spirits," announced the irrepressible Hepburn. "High -spirits—so I'm told."</p> - -<p>"They are not liable to duty," rejoined the Exciseman. "Well, I may -as well have a look round."</p> - -<p>He was a man who did his work thoroughly. The <i>Olivette</i> was searched -from stem to stern. Every locker was examined, the floor boards -lifted, and even the skirting tapped in case there might be -contraband hidden between the timbers.</p> - -<p>"Like a game of hunt the slipper," remarked Roche.</p> - -<p>"Aye," replied the man, "and it's my game to hunt slippery ones. I've -caught a few in my time, but they weren't Sea Scouts. I'll give you -your clearance papers, Mr. Armitage."</p> - -<p>The interrupted breakfast dispatched, and the plates and cups washed -up and stowed, the <i>Olivette</i> resumed her homeward run.</p> - -<p>"I don't know about Alan's high spirits," remarked Peter. "Mine are -rather low. It's my last run in the old <i>Olivette</i>, I'm afraid."</p> - -<p>"You never know your luck," said Roche. "And you're going abroad -again, you lucky blighter. I hope I'll make as good a Patrol Leader -as you, old man."</p> - -<p>"Without a doubt of it, you will," declared Peter earnestly. -"Starboard.... at that.... Stand by for'ard and pick up the buoy.... -I say, there's Bruin."</p> - -<p>Sure enough Peter's pet and the <i>Olivette's</i> mascot was sitting on -the edge of the quay.</p> - -<p>The moment the <i>Olivette</i> picked up her moorings, Bruin took to the -water and swam off. Willing hands hauled the dog on board, where he -inconsiderately showed his delight by shaking his shaggy coat and -liberally besprinkling the crew.</p> - -<p>"Just to remind us," observed Peter, wiping the moisture from his -face—"just to remind us that we are in home waters again."</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<center> -PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN -<br><i>By Blackie & Son, Limited, Glasgow</i> -</center> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> - -<div class="notebox fontsize80"> - Transcriber's Notes: -<br> -<div class="indent02"> -<br> This book contains a number of misprints. -<br> The following misprints have been corrected: -<br> -<br><a href="#cor0001">[exclamed Dick Roche] —> -<br><span class="indent10">[exclaimed Dick Roche]</span></a> -<br> -<br><a href="#cor0007">[the Sea Scouts' calcucations] —> -<br><span class="indent10">[the Sea Scouts' calculations]</span></a> -<br> -<br><a href="#cor0006">[Warborrow Bay] —> -<br><span class="indent10">[Worbarrow Bay]</span></a> -<br> -<br><a href="#cor0002">[a serious of semicircles] —> -<br><span class="indent10">[a series of semicircles]</span></a> -<br> -<br><a href="#cor0003">[<i>Cest moi</i>] —> -<br><span class="indent10">[<i>C'est moi</i>]</span></a> -<br> -<br><a href="#cor0004">[The gaunt exexpanse] —> -<br><span class="indent10">[The gaunt expanse]</span></a> -<br> -<br><a href="#cor0005">[the astern end of] —> -<br><span class="indent10">[the eastern end of]</span></a> -<br> -<br> Obvious punctuation/spelling errors were corrected without note. -<br> -<br> In chapter I there is a [Alan Hepworth] mentioned - (only once). This should probably be [Alan Hepburn], - but it has not been corrected. -<br> -<br> In chapter IV [Warborrow Bay] is mentioned (once) but the - probable correct notation, [Worbarrow Bay], isn't - mentioned anywhere in this book. The first notation - doesn't seem to exist, the latter does. This, and the fact - that Mr. Westerman mentions [Lulworth Cove] in connection - with it, which lies very close to [Worbarrow Bay], makes - it all the more likely that [Worbarrow Bay] is the correct - notation. -<br> -<br> Two illustrations were missing in the paper version - used for producing this digitised text. These were: - 'THE HIGH-PRESSURE JET CAUGHT THE TENDERFOOT FULL IN - THE FACE' and 'THE DERELICT'. They are marked with - "(missing from book)" in the Illustrations-list and - on the spot where the image should have been. -<br> -<br> A few cases of punctuation errors were corrected, but are - not mentioned here. -<br> -</div> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Sea Scouts Abroad, by Percy F. Westerman - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SEA SCOUTS ABROAD *** - -***** This file should be named 56325-h.htm or 56325-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/3/2/56325/ - -Produced by R.G.P.M. van Giesen - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Westerman - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Sea Scouts Abroad - Further Adventures of the 'Olivette' - -Author: Percy F. Westerman - -Illustrator: Charles Pears - -Release Date: January 7, 2018 [EBook #56325] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SEA SCOUTS ABROAD *** - - - - -Produced by R.G.P.M. van Giesen - - - - -[Illustration: cover (front)] - - -[Illustration: cover (spine)] - - - - -SEA SCOUTS ABROAD - - - - - BY - PERCY F. WESTERMAN - LIEUT. R.A.F. - - "No boy alive will be able to peruse Mr. Westerman's pages - without a quickening of his pulses."--Outlook. - - The Third Officer: A Present-day Pirate Story. - - Sea Scouts Abroad: Further Adventures of the _Olivette_. - - The Salving of the "Fusi Yama": A Post-War - Story of the Sea. - - Sea Scouts All: How the _Olivette_ was won. - - Winning his Wings: A Story of the R.A.F. - - The Thick of the Fray at Zeebrugge: April, 1918. - - With Beatty off Jutland: A Romance of the Great Sea - Fight. - - The Submarine Hunters: A Story of Naval Patrol Work. - - A Lively Bit of the Front: A Tale of the New Zealand - Rifles on the Western Front. - - A Sub and a Submarine: The Story of H.M. Submarine - R19 in the Great War. - - Under the White Ensign: A Naval Story of the Great - War. - - The Dispatch-Riders: The Adventures of Two British - - Motor-cyclists with the Belgian Forces. - - The Sea-girt Fortress: A Story of Heligoland. - - Rounding up the Raider: A Naval Story of the Great - War. - - The Fight for Constantinople: A Tale of the Gallipoli - Peninsula. - - Captured at Tripoli: A Tale of Adventure. - - The Quest of the "Golden Hope": A Seventeenth-century - Story of Adventure. - - A Lad of Grit: A Story of Restoration Times. - - - LONDON: BLACKIE & SON, LTD., 50 OLD BAILEY, E.C. - - - - -[Illustration: WITHOUT HESITATION WOODLEIGH LEAPED INTO THE SEA] - - - - -SEA SCOUTS ABROAD -Further Adventures of the "Olivette" - - - -BY -PERCY F. WESTERMAN - - - -_Illustrated by Charles Pears_ - - - -BLACKIE AND SON LIMITED -LONDON GLASGOW AND BOMBAY - - - - - Contents - - CHAP. - - I. AFLOAT ONCE MORE - II. STOLEN - III. A REAL GOOD TURN - IV. REPAYMENT - V. TRAPPED BY THE TIDE - VI. WHY THE WATER FAILED - VII. THE NEW HAND - VIII. THE STOWAWAY - IX. BROKEN DOWN IN MID-CHANNEL - X. ALAN SPEAKS FRENCH - XI. "WOUNDED" - XII. "IN THE DITCH" - XIII. THE BORE - XIV. THE DERELICT - XV. ALL HANDS TO THE PUMPS - XVI. THE ADVENTURES OF THE "LIBERTY MEN" - XVII. MONSIEUR RAOUL - XVIII. SHORE QUARTERS - XIX. HOMEWARD BOUND - XX. HOME WATERS AGAIN - - - - - Illustrations - - WITHOUT HESITATION WOODLEIGH LEAPED INTO THE SEA - _Frontispiece_ - - "SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE!" SHOUTED RIVETT - - THE HIGH-PRESSURE JET CAUGHT THE TENDERFOOT - FULL IN THE FACE (missing from book) - - THE DERELICT (missing from book) - - - - -SEA SCOUTS ABROAD - - - -CHAPTER I - -Afloat Once More - - -"To-morrow the tide serves," declared Patrol Leader Peter Stratton, -stepping back a few paces in order to admire the joint handiwork of -the 1st Milford Sea Scouts. "We'll launch her while the compo's wet. -That's the right thing, I believe." - -It was a blazing morning late in July. The Sea Scouts, with the best -part of seven weeks' holiday in front of them, were engaged in giving -their craft--the 54-foot motor-boat _Olivette_--a belated refit -before undertaking what Alan Hepworth described as "the stunt of -stunts". - -The _Olivette_ rested in her cradle with the stern a good five yards -from high-water mark on the gently shelving patch of gravel that -constitutes the Keyhaven repairing-slip. For just over a week all -hands--namely, Patrol Leader Peter Stratton, Scouts Dick Roche, Eric -Flemming, Will Woodleigh, Reggie Warkworth, Alan Hepburn, and -Tenderfoot Phil Rayburn--had been hard at work from early morn till -dewy eve making the staunch craft look presentable and, what was -more, seaworthy, for the undertaking they had in view. - -The Sea Scouts were doing the task of refitting entirely by -themselves. Mr. Armitage, their Scoutmaster, was away in Town on -business, and would not be back until the following Thursday, and it -was "up to" the lads to have the _Olivette_ afloat "all shipshape and -Bristol fashion" on his return. - -Roche, Flemming, and Woodleigh had taken down the powerful 50-60 -horse-power Kelvin engine, decarbonized the four cylinders, fitted -new piston rings, ground in the valves, and adjusted the tappets. At -the end of each day's work they were as black as tinkers and as jolly -as sand-boys. - -Hepburn and Rayburn had been told off to clean down and revarnish the -after-cabin and paint out the fo'c'sle; Stratton and Warkworth, with -the aid of caustic soda and scrapers, had removed all the old paint -from the _Olivette's_ sides, and were on the last stages of applying -the final coat of "battleship grey" paint. Incidentally they had -liberally besprinkled themselves and their overalls with paint and -varnish, while, owing to an incautious use of caustic soda, that -powerful chemical had indelibly stained their nails a dark brown, -which were not only disfigured but positively painful. - -But for the sake of the ship--their very own ship--such discomforts -counted for little: the _Olivette's_ refit was rapidly approaching -completion, and for the present nothing else mattered. - -In their task of getting the boat ready for sea the Scouts received -no human aid, but they were "assisted" by a big curly-haired dog, -with a white patch on his chest, who answered to the name of Bruin. - -Twelve months before, Bruin, then a mere pup, had been rescued by the -Sea Scouts of the _Olivette_ when he was in dire peril on the Buxey -Sands in the Thames estuary. He was now a powerful, wonderfully -good-tempered beast, standing nearly thirty inches high, and -combining the sagacity of a full-grown dog with the high spirits of a -puppy. Nominally Peter's dog, Bruin was the recognized mascot of the -_Olivette's_ crew. He had adopted them all. He obeyed them and no one -else. He was friendly with most human beings with whom he came in -contact, but he took it for granted that his destiny was indissolubly -associated with the blue-jerseyed, white-capped lads who formed the -1st Milford Sea Scouts. - -During the present operations Bruin's activities were mainly -concerned with trotting around with paint-brushes and tools. -Somewhere in the back of his doggie brain he had the idea that these -articles were a hindrance to his youthful masters, since they were so -busy working with them that they couldn't go to sea. Consequently, -Bruin did his best to help things on by running away with -paintbrushes and tools. Whenever anything was missing, Bruin was -dubbed the culprit. In nine cases out of ten the Sea Scouts were -right, and by dint of a little tracking they discovered the dog's -cache--a hole in a cabbage-patch in the coastguards' garden. - -"She looks A1," exclaimed Dick Roche, backing-up the Patrol Leader's -unspoken satisfaction. "You've put that top coat on splendidly, -Peter." - -"Not so dusty," admitted the Patrol Leader modestly. "The line's a -bit wonky under the starboard quarter. That was when Bruin started -jazzing on my back; but the compo will square that off all right. How -are you getting on?" - -"Finished," declared the motor expert. "The magneto's timed just a -trifle in advance. I fancy she'll do better like that." - -"If she does as well as she did before, I won't complain," rejoined -Peter. "Yes, I've made a good job of those top-sides--a thundering -good job. Now, lads, we'll leave her at that. The paint will be set -hard by to-morrow, if it doesn't rain." - -"I don't fancy it will," said Hepburn. "The glass is high and steady. -What's the next job, Peter?" - -"Final coat of varnish on the dinghy," announced the Patrol Leader. -"Then, the last thing to-night, we'll grease the ways. That will be -enough for one day's work, I fancy." - -"We'll miss you when you go, Peter, old thing," remarked Flemming. - -"Yes, I'm sorry I'm leaving you all," replied Stratton. "But a fellow -can't hang on here for ever. I mean to have a jolly time before I go, -though." - -At the end of August, Peter Stratton was entering the Merchant -Service as a cadet. It was mainly owing to his previous training as a -sea scout that the directors of one of the biggest steamship lines -had accepted Peter. - -With the prospect of losing their present Patrol Leader the Sea -Scouts had decided to have a glorious cruise before he severed his -connection with the _Olivette_. It was an elaborate scheme. They were -to "go foreign", taking the _Olivette_ across Channel to Havre and -then up the Seine to Rouen, and possibly Paris. - -Scoutmaster Armitage had readily fallen in with the idea. Not only -would the execution of it give his lads another opportunity of -seamanship in the Channel, it would afford them a chance of seeing a -country not their own--a country that, during the last few years, has -been closely united in aims and sympathies with her former enemy. - -The Sea Scouts had received several letters from their Scoutmaster -during his stay in town. In them he reported progress: how that he -had already obtained the necessary charts, and had applied for -passports and other forms that had to be produced before the crew of -the _Olivette_ landed on French soil. - -Already Hepburn, the Troop photographer, had been busy on this -account, taking individual photographs of each member of the -_Olivette's_ crew. True to their traditions, the Sea Scouts kept -smiling, and in the resultant prints the smiles appeared to be -grossly exaggerated. The "rogues' gallery", as Stratton termed it, -had been duly sent off to Mr. Armitage, to adorn the necessary -passports. - -The _Olivette_ being ready for launching, the Sea Scouts turned their -attention to the dinghy, until the little tender glistened with -varnish and the boat-house was festooned with her various fittings -all wet with "best copal ". - -"Bruin!" exclaimed Stratton, addressing the high-spirited animal. -"Get outside. You're shaking your hairs all over the varnish. And -please don't look so excited. You aren't coming this trip." - -"What?" exclaimed Warkworth in dismay. "Bruin not coming? Why not, -Peter? It wouldn't be the _Olivette_ without Bruin." - -"It'll have to be," retorted the Patrol Leader. "It's rough luck on -Bruin, I admit; but if we took him to France he'd have to undergo six -months' quarantine when we returned. It isn't worth it, old son, is -it?" - -The "old son" looked at his master and solemnly winked one eye. - -"I mean it, Bruin," continued Stratton. Bruin shut one eye again, and -went outside to think things over. - -Early next morning the Sea Scouts reassembled at Keyhaven. First -high-water--for there are double tides on this part of the coast--was -at 10.15, but all preparations had to be completed well before that -time. - -As the lads approached the _Olivette_ the Patrol Leader came to a -sudden stop. He wasn't smiling this time. In fact his jaw dropped -appreciably. The boat's side looked as if it had developed a marine -form of scarlet fever. It was simply peeling all over. The smooth -coat of grey, over the application of which Stratton had spent so -much time and labour, was little better than an expanse of blistering -and flaking paint. - -"What's happened, Peter?" asked Hepburn. "Has someone been fooling -about in the night?" - -"Goodness knows," replied the Patrol Leader. "Frost might account for -it but we don't get frosts in July. The paint hasn't taken. We'll -have to scrape it all off. And Mr. Armitage is due back to-morrow." - -While the Sea Scouts were still contemplating the unaccountable -misfortune, an old man approached. They knew him very well. His name -was Boldrigg, and he was a pensioned naval seaman, who, having served -as a coastguard, had settled down at Keyhaven. He was a widower, and -had lost both his sons in the War--one a seaman gunner, in the -Jutland Battle, and the other a corporal in a line regiment, -"somewhere in France". - -"Ahoy, there!" shouted the old man. "Tied up in knots about something -I'll warrant. What's adrift?" - -Peter pointed to the oyster-shell markings and blisters. - -"Fresh on yesterday, Mr. Boldrigg," he declared, "and look at it now. -Paint's rotten." - -The ex-coastguard walked to the side of the _Olivette_ and prodded -the sticky mess with a horny finger. - -"It's got to come off, anyway," he remarked apologetically, "so it -don't hurt to touch it. No, Master Stratton, 'tain't the paint that's -at fault. You've been a-usin' sooji mooji." - -"Yes," admitted the Patrol Leader, glancing at his discoloured -finger-nails. "Caustic soda. We had to; the old paint was on so -hard." - -"There you are; there you are!" exclaimed the old sailor, shaking his -head. "You puts on stuff to take paint off, an' expects new paint to -stick over the sooji mooji. 'Tis like destroying weeds with -weed-killer and expecting seed to grow on the same ground that's been -poisoned, so to speak." - -"Then how----" began Roche. - -"Half a shake, my lad," continued Boldrigg. "Live and learn. You want -to get the paint off. An old brush'll do that. Then wash your wood -down with vinegar and water to kill the caustic soda in it. When it's -dry, paint away, and you'll find that coat'll be all correct an' -above board." - -All hands set briskly to work. It was one thing trying to repair a -fault for which no reason was forthcoming; another to profit by -experience, with the knowledge that the mistake could be rectified. -By eleven in the morning the _Olivette_ was once more resplendent in -a glistening garb of grey. - -"We'll have to make one coat do," decided Stratton, "and whack on the -final one at the first favourable opportunity. Bruin! Come away from -that varnish. It's not treacle, old son." - -"When do we launch her?" inquired Woodleigh. - -"When the paint's dry," replied the Patrol Leader. "It ought to be -set by seven o'clock to-night. We might try launching her on the -evening tide. Are you all game?" - -A chorus of assent greeted Stratton's suggestion. - -"Right-o," continued Peter. "We've done all that is to be done for -the present." - -"The ballast?" queried Hepburn. - -"Is tarred and perfectly dry," replied the Patrol Leader. "But we can -stow that to-morrow. By the time we've launched the _Olivette_ we'll -have done quite enough. There are limits. Besides, we want daylight -for that job." - -At eight the same evening the Sea Scouts assembled once more. It was -now about half-flood and too early for the actual launching -operations, but the lads busied themselves by getting the dinghy out -of store, greasing the ways, and in a variety of odd but necessary -tasks. - -Night fell, but the moon, almost approaching its full, gave -sufficient light for the Sea Scouts to proceed with their work. - -"Tide's high enough now," declared Peter, grasping a sledge-hammer. -"Start knocking out those dog-spikes, lads. Stand clear of the ways -in case she starts off unexpectedly." - -"All clear this end!" announced Roche. - -"Same here," added Flemming. - -"Right-o," rejoined Peter. - -The last restraining bond was removed, but the _Olivette_ obstinately -refused to budge an inch. Levers were brought into action without -effect. In theory the fifty-four feet of hull ought to have glided -down the greased ways in style to the accompaniment of ringing cheers -from her crew. It was, therefore, a decided "damp squib" when she -chose to remain seemingly as immovable as the pyramids of Egypt. - -"Perhaps the ways have sunk," suggested Alan. - -"Tide's falling," announced Roche, wiping his heated brow. "It's -dropped a couple of inches." - -"We must get her off," declared Peter. He felt that it was a slur -upon his shipwright's knowledge. He had been responsible for the -construction of the ways and the hauling out of the boat. The latter -task had been performed without a hitch, and now, unaccountably, what -ought to have been a relatively easy task had proved a regular -teaser. - -"I vote we borrow Dr. Mallerby's motor-jack," suggested Flemming. -"That would start her on the downward path, I think." The suggestion -was adopted, and the Sea Scouts proceeded to the doctor's house, -which was situated at the remote end of Keyhaven village. - -"How many fellows do we want for the stunt?" demanded Stratton, -addressing his six companions. "Some of you ought to be standing by -the boat." - -"She won't move, worse luck," commented Roche. - -A knock at the door was promptly answered by the doctor in person. It -was now after eleven o'clock and the maids had gone to bed. - -"Hello!" was his greeting when he recognized the Sea Scouts. "What's -the game, eh? Are you going to do your good turn for to-morrow now, -and get ahead of the clock?" - -"We want you to do us a good turn, sir, if you please," said -Stratton. "Can you lend us your motor-jack?" - -"Certainly," replied Dr. Mallerby. "Where's the breakdown? Here's the -key of the garage, Stratton. Take the jack, and, when you return it, -lock up and put the key through the letter-box. Good-night!" - -"Why," exclaimed Roche, as the lads approached the slipway, "I do -believe she has moved." - -"Yes," added Rayburn, the Tenderfoot; "she's turned round." - -There was a laugh at this. The idea that the heavy boat could have -swung round seemed preposterous. But the Tenderfoot was right after -all. The _Olivette_ had unaccountably launched herself, and was now -riding to her bow-rope and the ebb tide. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -Stolen - - -"Well, I'm blest! How did that happen? Quick with the dinghy, lads. -No, Bruin, you stop there. It's much too late for little dogs to go -afloat." - -Four of the Sea Scouts manned the dinghy and pushed off to the -_Olivette_. The bow-rope was cast off from the shore and made fast -through the dinghy's stern ring-bolt to the transom. Then, with the -gentle tide, the lads towed the _Olivette_ to her moorings. - -"Not such a bad day's work after all," commented Stratton after they -had rowed back to the beach and taken the unnecessary jack back to -the garage. "Ten o'clock to-morrow will be early enough. It's no use -burning the candle at both ends." - -Bidding his companions good-night, Peter whistled to Bruin and walked -briskly home. His house lay half a mile inland from Milford-on-Sea, -and to reach it he had to cut across a field, rejoining a main road -within a few yards of the old church. - -It was now past midnight, but the crew of the _Olivette_ had told -their people that they would be late home, and, being used to sea and -ships, and knowing how dependent seafarers are upon the tide, the -lads' parents realized the necessity for late hours on this occasion. - -Peter had just cleared the stile when he noticed two men approaching. -The moon was behind a cloud, but there was sufficient light to enable -him to see that they were two strangers, and apparently fisherfolk. -They were wearing jerseys, grey trousers, and canvas shoes. Slung -over their shoulders were their pilot coats and sea boots, while one -man carried a large canvas sack and was grumbling about its weight. - -"Good night!" said the Patrol Leader, but the men passed him by in -silence. - -"Surly blighters," soliloquized Peter. "Wonder what they're doing -this time of night. Fishermen from 'up along' most likely, who've had -to wait for a fair tide back." - -A few minutes later Peter was sleeping the sleep of healthy -exhaustion, nor did he wake until eight o'clock next morning, when he -was roused by his father announcing that Tom Boldrigg was waiting to -speak to him. - -"It's about the _Olivette_, Peter," added Mr. Stratton. - -Hastily throwing on his clothes, the Patrol Leader went downstairs. - -"Good morning, Mr. Boldrigg," he said. - -"Good morning, Master Peter," rejoined the ex-coastguardsman, getting -to the point at once. "Do you know that craft of yours ain't on her -moorings?" - -"No!" replied the astonished Peter. "She was there all right last -night, and I made sure the bridle of the moorings was firmly secured -to the bitts." - -"Well, she ain't there now anyway," declared Boldrigg. "I was up and -about at seven, and I believe I seed her making up t'east'ard, but my -eyes ain't what they used to be, not by a long chalk. I went up to -the station to borrow a glass, but all the men are away on -manoeuvres. There's not a gobby in the place. So I came to see you, -an' I've passed the word on to Master Roche an' Master Flemming, and -told them to warn their opposite numbers." - -"Then she's been stolen?" - -The old man nodded. - -"Seems like it, Master Peter. 'Tain't the first time a craft's been -pinched. I calls to mind when I were stationed at Pitt's Deep, back -in '97. But I'll spin that yarn another time. What are you going to -do, Master Peter?" - -"I don't know yet," answered the Patrol Leader. He was thinking hard. -It seemed to him that the best step was to telephone to the various -coastguard stations in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Several of -the smaller and less important ones were temporarily closed down, but -there would almost certainly be men on duty in the large ones. - -"I'll run as hard as I can down to Keyhaven," he continued--"if you -wouldn't mind my hurrying on, Mr. Boldrigg," he added apologetically. - -Peter Stratton took to his heels, Bruin running with him, barking -excitedly as if in his doggy mind he realized that something of -extreme moment was troubling his young master. - -Arriving at Keyhaven, the Patrol Leader found that Roche, Flemming, -Woodleigh, and Warkworth were already there. - -"I've telephoned through to Lymington, Peter," reported Roche. "The -_Olivette_ can't be very far away. Her paraffin tank's empty, and -there's only enough petrol for an hour's run." - -"Then," added Peter, with fierce determination, "we'll go after her -in the dinghy." - -"Dinghy's gone too," declared Flemming. "Two men collared her. I -followed the track of her keel-band; two men with rubber boots, size -tens, with lozenge-pattern-stamped soles." - -Just then Alan and Rayburn joined the others, while down the road old -Boldrigg could be seen moving at a smart pace. - -"Mr. Boldrigg," hailed Peter, "may we borrow your boat?" - -"Sure, certain," shouted the old seaman. "Take her. What be you goin' -to do?" - -"Stand in pursuit," explained the Patrol Leader, when Boldrigg, -breathless with his exertions, gained the shore. "They've only enough -petrol for an hour's run. If they stop in mid-Solent, the west-going -tide will sweep them back, and we'll nab them." - -"Then I'll come along with you," declared Boldrigg. "There's an old -fowling-piece in the boat, and though it ain't a 12-pounder Q.F., -I'll guess 'twill make those blokes think twice if we gets within -range. All the gear's aboard, Master Peter. The lot of us'll manage -to launch her down the beach." - -The _Mudlark_ was a decrepit old tub. Tom Boldrigg, although he had -been pensioned for a good number of years, had not arrived at that -stage when "there shall be no more sea". The boat was a centre-board, -flat-floored craft about twenty feet in length, decked in for'ard and -with a "fish-tray" aft. She was a suitable craft for running over the -flats and working the small unbeaconed creeks on the Hampshire shore; -but only in fine weather was she fit for the strong tides of the -Solent. - -Willing hands hauled the _Mudlark_ down the beach. The mast was -stepped and the tan sprit-sail set. Into the boat crowded the six Sea -Scouts, with old Boldrigg at the helm. The Tenderfoot was left -behind. The fact that none of the crew had had breakfast passed -unnoticed in the excitement, but would be realized later, as would -also the mistake of omitting to provision and water the little craft. - -"We'll keep well over agen the flats," said Tom. "There'll be a mort -less o' tide. You say there ain't but an hour's supply of oil aboard? -Well, at seven or eight knots she won't be as far up along as Cowes, -and now she's got a foul tide. We'll sight her in a couple of hours, -Master Peter." - -Stratton and the other Sea Scouts were equally sanguine. From -experience they knew the helplessness of the _Olivette_ when deprived -of motor power. There were no sweeps on board, and she carried no -canvas. The only means of propulsion would be by towing her from the -dinghy, and it would take a terrific amount of energy in that -direction to move her through the water at a mile an hour. - -Inquiries of the skipper of an eight-ton ketch yacht, abreast of -Jack-in-the-Basket, resulted in the information that no motor craft -had put into Lymington River since five that morning, so one possible -hiding-place was eliminated. - -With the sail drawing steadily, the _Mudlark_ slipped rapidly over -the tide, keeping close to the fringe of mud-banks on the northern -shore of the Solent. Pitt's Deep, open to full view, was a blank. So -was the long expanse of shore between it and the entrance to Beaulieu -River. - -"She might have got in through Bull Run," suggested Hepburn. - -"Might," agreed Peter, "but it would take a fellow jolly well -acquainted with the place to get the _Olivette_ through. We'll try it -and see." - -Close hauled on the port tack, the _Mudlark_ skimmed through the -narrow channel that affords a short but intricate cut into one of the -most picturesque creeks on the south coast. As the boat passed one of -the numerous "hards", the crew noticed a coastguardsman running -towards them. - -"Up centre-board. Down helm." - -The boat's forefoot grounded on the shingle, Stratton and Roche -jumped ashore to meet the bluejacket. - -"You're looking for a motor-boat," announced the coastguard. "I had a -telephone message through half an hour ago. She hasn't put into this -river, and I've seen nothing answering to her description making to -the east'ard." - -Then, catching sight of old Boldrigg, he shouted: "Hello, chum. What -ship now? Bit of a change from the old _Polyandra_." - -Tom blinked his eyes as he studied the features of the coastguard. - -"Can't recall your tally, mate." he replied. - -"Not Tubby Young, boy 1st class aboard the old _Polyandra_ back in -'nought nine, an' you chief bos'un's mate?" - -"Sure I do," exclaimed Boldrigg. "But you've altered the cut of your -figurehead. How's things?" - -The old shipmates conversed for a few moments. Then the coastguard -suggested trying the creeks on the Isle of Wight shore. - -"I've had my glass on Thorness Bay and as far down as Hamstead," he -added. "There's no craft up again the beach. Like as not she's pushed -into Newtown." - -The Scouts now re-embarked. It occurred to them that not only was the -possibility of success diminishing but that they were hungry. - -"We'll carry on as far as Cowes, anyway," decided Peter. "We'll make -inquiries there, and buy some grub at the same time. All ready? Get -her head round, Alan." - -It was a long business stemming the now fierce tide. Half-way across -the Island shore they spoke a coaster anchored while waiting for a -fair tide. From her master they learnt that there had been someone on -deck since sunrise, and certainly no motor-boat answering to -_Olivette's_ description had passed between Egypt Point and Stone -Point. - -"No use carrying on." said the Patrol Leader. "We'll stand across to -the opposite shore and put into Newtown for grub. A pull on that -mainsheet, Dick. Sit more to windward, you fellows." - -Peter was now at the helm. Old Boldrigg, having handed over the -tiller, was sitting on the bottom-boards puffing contentedly at a -black clay pipe. - -"Look!" suddenly exclaimed Hepburn, pointing astern. "There she is." - -All hands looked in the direction indicated. - -"Yes," agreed Peter, after a lengthy survey. "It's the _Olivette_ -right enough, and under power, too." - -The motor-boat was about a mile and a half away, but by the "bone in -her teeth", as her bows cut through the choppy waves of the -weather-going tide, it was evident that she was moving at full speed. - -That rather upset the Sea Scouts' calculations. A man and six strong, -healthy boys, backing their arguments with a shot gun, could compel -the unlawful crew of the _Olivette_ to surrender if the boat were -motionless. It would be an entirely different proposition to hold her -up when she was forging ahead at eight knots. The _Olivette_ could -run down the _Mudlark_, or else turn away and leave her hopelessly -astern. - -Peter knitted his brows. All the scoutcraft and seamanship at his -command failed to suggest a satisfactory solution to the problem. As -a preliminary he told Roche to signal to her to stop. - -Even as he cudgelled his brains as to the next step, he was -interrupted by Dick Roche's voice exclaiming: - -"She's not the _Olivette_ after all. There's a number painted on her -bows." - -In a moment or so there was no doubt about it. The on-coming vessel -was identical in design, colour, and size with the _Olivette_, so -that the mistake was pardonable. There was a difference: on each bow -she bore the legend "R.A.F. No. 5", while her crew were rigged out in -the characteristic blue uniform of the Royal Air Force. - -The motor-boat headed towards the _Mudlark_, slowed down, and -reversed engines. - -"Pretty asses we look," soliloquized Peter, "getting those fellows to -stop. Jolly sporting of them, though." - -"What's amiss?" demanded the officer in command, as he scrambled out -of the cockpit. "Joy riding and feeling sorry you came?" - -"Not at all, sir," replied Peter, saluting. "We've lost a boat and -she's almost exactly the same as yours." - -"S'long as she isn't exactly the same I don't worry," replied the -flying officer. "Come alongside and tell me all about It." - -The Sea Scouts did so. - -"All right," continued the officer. "If we spot the _Olivette_ we -know what to do. There were about a dozen boats of this class built -during the war, and no doubt yours was one of them. We're off to -Studland Bay to pick up a derelict flying-boat and are taking her -back to Calshot. Throw us your painter. We'll tow you back to Hurst." - -"Cast us off opposite Newtown, sir, if you please," said the Patrol -Leader. "We want to see if our boat has put in there." - -It did not take No. 5 long to arrive at the black buoy marking the -entrance to the complicated, five-armed estuary known as Newtown -River. Here the _Mudlark_ was cast off; sail was hoisted and with a -beam wind the Sea Scouts were quickly within the entrance. - -Inquiries at the Coastguard Station were fruitless, so, having -practically cleared the little general shop of provisions, the lads -reembarked, and with the last of the west-going tide managed to -arrive at Keyhaven by six in the evening. - -"There's Mr. Armitage and Rayburn," exclaimed Warkworth. - -The Scoutmaster and the Tenderfoot were waiting at the edge of the -quay. Judging by the expression upon his face, Mr. Armitage showed no -concern over the obvious fact that the crew of the _Olivette_ had -returned without bringing with them the missing craft. - -"Good evening, boys!" he exclaimed when the _Mudlark_ came within -easy hailing distance. "Any clues?" - -"No, sir," replied the Patrol Leader despondently. - -In present circumstances Stratton felt it a matter of impossibility -conscientiously to carry out the Scout maxim, "Keep smiling". It -simply couldn't be done. Dead tired with their long exertions, and -dispirited at their utter failure to find a trace of the stolen -_Olivette_, the crew could not raise as much as a suspicion of a -smile. - -"Buck up, you fellows," exclaimed Mr. Armitage, holding aloft a -buff-coloured envelope. "I've just received a wire. The _Olivette_ is -safe and sound and in good hands!" - - - - -CHAPTER III - -A Real Good Turn - - -"It's been a perfectly topping day," declared Patrol Leader "Rusty" -Rivett, of the 5th Weymouth Troop. "The way you followed that trail, -Phillips, was awfully good!" - -The Troop members of the junior school of Weymouth College had had a -long day's scouting. The Midsummer Term exams were over, and, as two -clear days remained before that long-anticipated event "breaking up", -the Scouts had taken advantage of the time to put in a final tracking -practice. - -It was now about five in the afternoon. "Dentibus" Dence, "Boney" -Barnicott, "Mutt" Thurgood, John Phillips, "Cock Sparrow" Rogers, and -Ben Legge had rallied round their Patrol Leader, and were lying on -the grass at the edge of the cliffs between Redcliff Point and -Osmington Mills. - -Upon second thoughts, it was hardly correct to say they were lying on -the grass. The Scouts knew better than to rest their heated bodies on -the turf. Each lad had under him his now empty haversack, the -generous contents of which had found other homes since the Troop had -set out from Weymouth that morning. - -It was a glorious view that met their gaze. The blue waters of the -bay were ruffled by the faintest suspicion of an on-shore breeze. The -sky was cloudless, meeting the expanse of open sea in a blurred -undefined line, cut by the misty shape of the Shambles Lightship. On -their right they could see the crescent-shaped terrace comprising the -town of Melcombe Regis, and the entrance piers of Weymouth Harbour. -Beyond lay the spacious sheet of water, enclosed by Portland -Breakwater, and dotted with war-ships of all sizes, from gigantic -battleships to long, low-lying destroyers. Still farther beyond, the -gaunt outlines of Portland cut the skyline until they sloped -gradually to the famous Bill, off which the dreaded "race" was -swirling and roaring as if fretting for its prey. - -"I say," remarked Dentibus, pointing seaward, "what's that boat -doing? Looks as if there's something wrong." - -The others followed the direction of the extended forefinger. At -about a quarter of a mile from shore was a large, grey-painted -motor-boat being towed by two men in a dinghy. The men were straining -at the oars, but progress was slow. They were evidently not making -for Weymouth, but towards the beach immediately underneath that part -of the cliffs upon which the Scouts were lying. - -"Motor broken down," observed Rusty Riven, laconically. "Wouldn't -like their job, swotting in the sun." - -"Why do they want to land here?" asked Phillips. "There's no shelter -if it should come on to blow." - -"Ask me another," rejoined the Patrol Leader. "Perhaps they're fed up -and are going to walk into Weymouth and get another motor-boat to tow -them in." - -"Can you make out her name?" asked Ben Legge. - -"Hanged if I can," replied the Patrol Leader. "There is a name on the -bows, but she's too far off to see what it is. My word, she's bigger -than I thought!" - -For some moments the Scouts watched in silence the tedious progress -of the broken-down motor-boat. They could see the two rowers glancing -frequently over their shoulders, as if gauging the distance that -remained between them and the beach. - -Presently the rowers found themselves on the fringe of the light -ground-swell that was breaking upon the shore. Here they lay on their -oars until the towed craft ranged up alongside the dinghy. Then, -jumping on board the motor-boat, the pair proceeded to anchor. - -"Here, you fellows!" exclaimed Phillips. "She's the _Olivette_. I can -see the name distinctly now. Doesn't she belong to the Milford Sea -Scouts? We read her log last year." - -"Perhaps she isn't that _Olivette_," objected Thurgood. - -"She looks like the drawing in the log," persisted Phillips. - -"If she is," said the Patrol Leader, "there don't appear to be any -Sea Scouts on board. You've struck a false trail, Phillips." - -John wasn't at all sure that he had. Being of an observant nature, -and fairly smart at making feasible deductions, he wasn't going to -abandon his theory until he was firmly convinced that his reasoning -was at fault. - -He said nothing, but thought the more. Meanwhile, one of the men had -jumped into the dinghy and was holding her alongside. The other -fellow went below, presently to reappear with a canvas sack. This he -lowered into the stern-sheets of the dinghy, and casting off the -painter, rejoined his companion. - -After about twenty strokes the rower rested on his oars and said -something to his chum, who was sitting on the dinghy's transom with -his feet resting on the canvas sack. Apparently they did not like the -aspect of the surf, for the fellow aft pushed the sack under the -stroke thwart, and lowered himself on the stern bench. - -With that the rower gave another glance shoreward over his shoulder, -spat on his hands, and began pulling his hardest. - -The dinghy rode the breaking swell in capital style until her -forefoot touched the beach. Smartly the two men sprang out, knee deep -in water, but they were not quick enough. Before they could haul the -dinghy clear of the waves a sea poured over her quarter. - -"Scouts to the rescue!" shouted Rivett. - -There was no hanging back. Simultaneously the lads swung themselves -over the shelving cliff, dropping or sliding from ledge to ledge; -then, gaining the beach, they ran at top speed to the assistance of -the two strangers. - -The Scouts were hardly prepared for what happened next. The two men, -after gazing dumbfoundedly for a few seconds at the apparition of -seven active youngsters racing towards them, suddenly took to their -heels and fled. - -Checking his first impulse to follow in pursuit of the two men, Rusty -Rivett halted his charges. Though the running figures appealed to the -Scout's instincts much in the same way as a startled hare does to a -dog, there was, after all, no justification for the chase, since no -reason was apparent why the men should take to their heels. - -"Get the boat above high-water mark," ordered the Patrol Leader. "All -hands. Never mind getting your shoes wet." - -It was a strenuous task, for by this time the dinghy had filled with -water to the level of the transom. Watching their opportunity as the -waves receded, the lads tilted the boat until she was nearly empty, -and then, using the bottom boards to prevent the keel sinking in the -soft beach, they eventually hauled their prize clear of the surf. - -"What's in the sack, Rusty?" asked Thurgood. - -The Patrol Leader hesitated before satisfying his curiosity. It -seemed too much like meddling with someone's private property. - -"Pots and pans, I think," said Barnicott, stirring the bulging sack -with his foot. - -Rivett unlashed the mouth of the sack. - -"I say, you fellows," he exclaimed, "this is a rummy stunt. The bag's -chockfull of silver. No wonder those blighters made themselves -scarce; they're burglars." Here was a climax to a day's scouting, -despoiling robbers of their booty. Still, the situation required -careful handling. If the Scouts left the boat unattended, the thieves -might return. If they separated forces, one party standing by while -the others tracked the rogues, either part of the divided Troop would -be insufficient to cope with two powerful and desperate men. It -seemed remarkable that the two fellows should have landed with their -booty in broad daylight instead of waiting until darkness set in. - -"Any of you fellows know how to row?" he asked. - -"I do," replied Phillips. "My father has a boat, and in the 'hols' I -go fishing with him." - -"Good man!" exclaimed the Patrol Leader approvingly. "You and I are -going off to the motor-boat to take charge of her. Dentibus, old son, -imagine you're doing the mile in the College sports, and cut off as -hard as you can to Weymouth. Find our Scoutmaster, and tell him what -has occurred. Ask him to bring a motor-boat along to tow us into the -harbour. The others will double along to Osmington Mills and warn the -coastguard. Phillips and I will keep a sharp look-out for signals if -you have to semaphore to us. Give a hand with the dinghy first. The -silver? We'll take that on board." - -The little boat was successfully launched with no other casualty than -a couple of wet shirts. - -"Take care not to destroy the trail," cautioned Rusty from the -dinghy, addressing the party told off for the purpose of reporting -the incident to the coastguard. - -Without much difficulty Rivett and Phillips boarded the _Olivette_. -An examination of the boat resulted in the discovery, amongst other -things, of a bundle of charts on each of which appeared the words: -"1st Milford Sea Scouts". - -"You're right then, John," remarked - - -[Illustration: "SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE!" SHOUTED RIVETT] - - -Rusty. "This boat's been stolen. There's no doubt about that. It's up -to us to do the Milford chaps a good turn by taking care of the -_Olivette_ until they claim her." - -Before very long a semaphore message was received from Barnicott. - -"Coastguard has telephoned to Weymouth police," read the message. - -"There's a boat coming this way," announced Phillips. - -The Patrol Leader, who had been examining the motor, called back: - -"Where from? From Weymouth?" - -"No," replied the scout. "From Osmington. There are two -coastguardsmen in her." - -Rusty Rivett showed no enthusiasm over the intelligence. He wanted -the rescue of the _Olivette_ to be a Scout "stunt", and he rather -resented the coastguards butting in. That meant complications. - -"Cheerio, my hearty!" exclaimed one of the "Bobbies", as the -skiff-dinghy ranged alongside. "We'll relieve you. Jim, put these -Scouts ashore in our boat." - -Rusty got his back up. He belied his nickname, for there was precious -little oxydization of grey matter about him. - -"Thanks," he replied. "We're staying on board." - -"You'll be sea-sick for a dead cert," said the coastguard -insinuatingly. "There's a bit of a lop on. Best go ashore afore you -musters your bag." - -"I beg your pardon," rejoined Rusty politely, "I haven't a bag to -muster. There's a sack on board, but that's going to be handed over -to the Weymouth police." - -The man began to grin at the first part of the Patrol Leader's reply, -but towards the end he looked decidedly glum. Unless he could -persuade the Scouts to leave the vessel, he and his mate were "out of -it" as far as salvage was concerned. Rusty knew that. He was -determined to do the Milford Sea Scouts a good turn, which included a -saving of money that otherwise would have to be paid to the Receiver -of Wrecks. - -"You weren't born yesterday, I see," observed the coastguard -caustically. - -"No," replied the Patrol Leader sweetly. "In 1906. But that's neither -here nor there, is it?" - -"Are you staying on board all night?" inquired the man. "If so, like -as not this 'ere boat'll drag and come up on the beach. You'd -better----" - -"Stay where I am," interrupted Rivett. "For a little while: yes. As a -matter of fact we're expecting a motor-boat from Weymouth to tow her -in." - -The two coastguards, finding that the _Olivette_ was in no immediate -danger, thereupon rowed off. As they went, the Patrol Leader -overheard one remark: "There ain't no flies on that Scout, Bill. -Well, jolly good luck to him, says I." - -Rusty repented his action. The whole-hearted opinion of the -bluejacket showed that he was a good sort. - -"Ahoy, there!" shouted the Patrol Leader. "Come back, please." - -The men backed their oars and came alongside once more. - -"Thought better on it?" asked the one addressed as Bill. - -"Yes, and no," replied Rusty; "Look here: you think we're after -salvage?" - -"Sure," said the man. - -"We're not," declared the Patrol Leader. "This boat belongs to the -Milford Sea Scouts. She was stolen; we found her, and we mean to hand -her back. Scouts do not receive rewards for doing good turns, -especially to one another. And I quite see you wanted to stand in." - -"That's so, sir," agreed Bill respectfully. - -"Then take charge of the bag. It's full of silver stuff, probably -stolen from somewhere. If there's a reward offered for its recovery, -the money's yours." - -With many expressions of thanks the two coastguards rowed of with the -booty, and before their boat reached the beach of Osmington Mills, a -motor-boat was observed leaving Weymouth and heading for the -_Olivette_. - -It was the rescue party, consisting of the Scoutmaster of the 5th -Weymouth Troop, the skipper and owner of the motor-boat, Dentibus -Dent, and two other members of the Troop, who had not taken part in -the day's operations. - -"Well done, Rivett," exclaimed the Scoutmaster. "We'll take the -_Olivette_ in tow. Signal to the rest of the Troop to make their way -back to the college. Can you two fellows manage the anchor by -yourselves?" - -An hour later the _Olivette_ was safely moored close to the bridge in -Weymouth Harbour. The Scoutmaster and the Patrol Leader proceeded at -once to the Post Office, where they dispatched a telegram to the -Milford Sea Scouts: "Yacht _Olivette_ here in charge of 5th Weymouth -Troop. Undamaged. Come for her at any time." - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -Repayment - - -This was the reassuring message that Mr. Armitage read. It had a -great effect upon the hitherto tired, jaded, and dispirited Sea -Scouts. Smiles came back to their bronzed features, and the -disappointing cruise in the _Mudlark_ in search of the _Olivette_ was -almost forgotten. - -"The police have been active too," said Mr. Armitage. "There's been a -burglary at Hordle, and a quantity of valuable silver plate stolen. -The theory is that the burglars found their way to Keyhaven and -embarked on the _Olivette_ with the swag. There's a reward of fifty -pounds for the recovery of the missing property." - -"I met a couple of fellows about midnight, sir," reported Stratton. -"They were carrying a heavy sack, and didn't answer when I said -'Good-night!' Of course, the idea never entered my head that they -were going to steal the _Olivette_." - -"And they went westward," added Hepburn. "All the time we thought -they were making for Cowes or Southampton." - -"Perhaps they started in that direction purposely to deceive anyone -on the look-out on shore," suggested Mr. Armitage. "If the morning -were at all misty here (it was at Southampton when I came through by -train) they might easily slip over to the Isle of Wight shore and -through the Needles Channel." - -"What puzzles me," remarked Roche, "is how they got so far with no -paraffin and only a gallon or so of petrol on board." - -"That is an interesting point," agreed the Scoutmaster. "No doubt -we'll find out more about it later on. Now the best thing you can do -is to turn in and make up arrears of sleep, because to-morrow we -journey to Weymouth to bring the truant home." - -At seven the following morning the Sea Scouts assembled for their -long march to the railway station. Each lad carried a couple of -blankets, toilet requisites, and a well-filled haversack. Somewhere -in the vicinity, but making his presence as inconspicuous as -possible, was Bruin. The dog, with that unerring instinct which -animals possess, knew that something was on the cards, and he didn't -mean to be out of it if he could help it. - -Peter had left him at home in spite of the pleading look in the -animal's eyes, but had not been gone five minutes before the dog -succeeded in making his way upstairs and jumping through an open -window on to the veranda. The ensuing eight-feet drop was nothing to -him. He alighted on the ground, and was off like a young tornado, in -spite of the admonition of Peter's mother to "come back like a good -doggie". - -Having decided that the _Olivette's_ crew were about to travel -somewhere by train, Bruin took time by the forelock and preceded the -Sea Scouts to the station. Then, crouching behind a pile of luggage, -he awaited developments. - -Upon arriving at the station Mr. Armitage took the tickets. When the -train steamed in there was a rush for seats, the Scoutmaster, Roche, -Flemming, and Woodleigh finding room in one compartment, and the rest -of the crew in another, which happened to be immediately in front of -the guard's van. - -Bruin waited. He saw the carriage door being shut, but beyond -stiffening himself he made no attempt to quit his place of -concealment. - -The guard blew a whistle and waved a green flag. - -That was what the knowing dog was waiting for. With a flying leap -Bruin jumped through the open window of the compartment where Peter -was, landing on the knees of the astonished Patrol Leader. - -"It's too late to chuck me out now," said Bruin, in doggie language. -"But, after all, you don't mind, do you?" - -Peter patted the dog's head with one hand, while with the other he -felt for his purse, making a mental calculation of the fare for a dog -from Milton (the nearest railway station to Milford) to Weymouth. - -When at length the Sea Scouts detrained at their destination, they -quickly realized that they were not strangers in a strange land, for -they were met by a number of Scouts, whose shoulder badges announced -them as belonging to the 5th Weymouth Troop. - -"Awfully good of you to take charge of the _Olivette_," said Mr. -Armitage to the Weymouth Scoutmaster. - -"Not at all," protested the other. "All in a day's work, so to speak. -No; the thieves are not yet in custody, but the police have several -very good clues. The rascals apparently couldn't manage the motor, -or, rather, they ran short of fuel; because they hailed a motor-boat -off Christchurch Head and borrowed a couple of tins of petrol. They -left the compass--your compass--as a security for payment. The crew -of the boat supplying the petrol read of the robbery and the -disappearance of the _Olivette_ when they returned to Poole, and they -immediately reported the matter of the meeting at sea to the police." - -"That solves the mystery of how they carried on so far," said Roche. -"I know they had only enough petrol for about an hour's run. But our -compass?" - -"You'll get that back all right," declared the Weymouth Scoutmaster. -"It will probably cost you the price of two tins of petrol, but it -will be worth it. They left you your magneto, remember." - -Scouts and Sea Scouts wended their way to the long narrow harbour. -There, moored alongside a steam yacht, lay the _Olivette_, looking, -outwardly at least, none the worse for her unauthorized jaunt. - -"I've left the dinghy at the steps of the bridge," said Patrol Leader -Rusty Rivett. "Sparrow Rogers is in charge of her. You are not -starting away at once, I hope." - -"'Fraid so," replied Patrol Leader Peter Stratton. "As soon as we -take in enough paraffin for the run home. You see, we've started our -hols, and we are planning a voyage across Channel. We may even get to -Paris." - -"How pricelessly topping!" ejaculated Rusty enviously. "It makes me -wish I were a Sea Scout, although we Scouts don't have half a bad -time. Sorry you can't stay, though we should have liked to show you -round. But you must come to Weymouth again, and then we can give you -a good time." - -Peter went up to Mr. Armitage and saluted. - -"Couldn't we invite the 5th Weymouth Troop for a trip, sir?" he -asked. "We could land them at Lulworth on the way home." - -"Certainly," was the reply. "That is, of course, if they don't mind -padding the hoof from Lulworth." - -The Scouts were quite enthusiastic over the proposal, while the -Scoutmaster seemed quite keen to prolong his acquaintance with Mr. -Armitage, for they had discovered that they had another thing in -common besides Scoutcraft--both had held commissions during the war, -one in the R.N.V.R., the other in the army. - -The Weymouth Scouts hurried off to provide themselves with food: -Roche and Flemming departed to interview a garage proprietor with a -view to obtaining petrol and paraffin, while the rest of the Sea -Scouts proceeded on board the _Olivette_ to see if anything besides -the compass were missing, and to clear up and snug down before their -guests came off. - -Just before twelve o'clock the _Olivette_ started with her double -complement on board. It was not an ideal time for a quick passage, as -the tide was setting to the west'ard. Fortunately the motor started -up easily, in spite of the fact that the two rascals who had stolen -the boat had been too lavish in the use of lubricating oil. - -"That's better than giving her too little," declared Roche the -optimist. "She's running like a clock." - -The day was clear and bright, with a calm sea and a hot sun shining -in an unclouded sky. What little wind there was blew off the land. -Provided the range of visibility held, the absence of a compass -mattered but little. - -The _Olivette_ kept close inshore, so that the guests could point out -the interesting features of the Dorset coast, which they knew -intimately; but presently some of the Weymouth lads looked rather -puzzled. - -They were too polite to express their perplexity at the manoeuvres of -Hepburn, who was at the helm of the _Olivette_. - -Alan, constantly referring to the chart, was feeling none too certain -of his position. He kept looking shorewards, trying to determine the -various prominent objects. - -Presently Phillips, who had been sitting on the coach-roof, descended -into the well, made his way past the motor, and climbed upon the -raised bench in the wheel-house. - -"I say," he remarked, "are you taking us straight to Keyhaven?" - -"Dash it all, no," replied Hepburn. "What put that idea into your -head? We are going to land you at Lulworth." - -"Really," rejoined John. "Do you know you are past Lulworth already?" - -On deck the two Scoutmasters were enjoying the joke, although it was -rather a set-back to Mr. Armitage, who had been dilating upon the -youthful helmsman's skill in coastal navigation. - -To them came Stratton. - -"One of the Weymouth fellows says we have overrun Lulworth, sir," he -reported. - -"'Fraid you have," agreed Mr. Armitage. "It's over there." - -He pointed over the port quarter to what appeared to be a small rift -in the cliffs. - -"That's Lulworth, Peter," he added. - -"Why, sir," exclaimed the astonished Patrol Leader, "it's so small we -couldn't possibly take the _Olivette_ in there." - -"You are not the first to make that remark," observed the Weymouth -Scoutmaster. "Many yachtsmen have mistaken Mupe Bay and Worbarrow Bay -for Lulworth Cove. The coastguard look-out hut on the western cliff -is the best mark to distinguish it." - -Meanwhile Alan had put the helm hard-a-starboard, "meeting" it when -the boat's head pointed towards the entrance. - -As the distance decreased, the real magnitude of the entrance became -apparent. In reality, instead of being only twenty yards in width, as -Peter had imagined, it was more than four times that distance. On -either hand the cliffs rose sheer, with a heavy ground-swell lashing -the base of the rocks. - -"Keep a bit more over to the eastern side," cautioned Mr. Armitage. -"Right--at that. There's plenty of water." - -"Hadn't we better clear away the anchor, sir?" asked Stratton. - -"Not yet," was the reply. "There'll be heaps of time when we're -inside the cove. Anchor work on the foredeck with this swell on is a -bit too risky, especially when it's not really necessary." - -The entrance was farther away than the crew imagined, and when at -length the _Olivette_ glided into the landlocked cove, they were too -busy getting ready to anchor fully to appreciate their surroundings. - -"Easy.... Stop.... Touch astern!" ordered Stratton. Then, "Let go!" - -The anchor plunged to the bottom of the cove, and when the disturbed -sand settled, the lads could distinctly see the "hook" embedded in -the ground two fathoms beneath the keel. - -"I say," remarked Flemming. "We're too close inshore, aren't we?" - -He pointed to a pebbly beach at the base of a frowning cliff. The -rounded stones appeared to be less than fifty yards away, but -presently a man walking along the shore banished the deception, for -the "pebbles" were really large boulders, and the size could not be -estimated with any degree of accuracy unless by comparison with the -height of a known object. - -"It's a place for surprises," observed the Weymouth Scoutmaster. "The -stupendous cliffs destroy one's sense of proportion. As a matter of -fact we are quite a hundred and fifty yards from the beach. Are you -coming ashore?" - -"We can spare two hours for exploration," replied Mr. Armitage. "By -that time we'll pick up a fair tide round St. Alban's Head. I'm -thinking of putting into Poole to-night in order to recover our -compass." - -Three times the dinghy ferried parties of Scouts to the beach, until -the _Olivette_, deserted, lay rolling heavily in the sheltered basin. - -"How would you like to tumble from the top of that cliff to the -bottom, Rayburn?" asked Patrol Leader Rusty Rivett, addressing the -Sea Scout Tenderfoot. - -"Wouldn't like it at all," replied Rayburn, throwing back his head -and looking upwards. "Why do you ask?" - -"'Cause it's been done," replied Rivett. "A girl fell over the cliff, -a height of between three hundred and four hundred feet, and landed -alive at that spot where you see a notice board. The notice tells you -all about it." - -"Stratton's brother jumped out of a balloon over a thousand feet up," -declared the Tenderfoot, not to be beaten in the anecdote line. "He -fell five hundred feet before the parachute opened, didn't he Peter?" - -The lads roamed over the downs surrounding the cove, and inspected -the remarkable Stair Hole, where the strata shows curious "faults", -the lines resembling a series of semicircles. They climbed to the -look-out hut, whence by the aid of the coastguard's telescope they -could see a wide expanse of cliff, terminating at the frowning -headland of St. Albans; while from the elevated post the cove looked -little bigger than a bath-tub, and the _Olivette_ like a toy boat -floating on it. - -"Time for us to part company," announced Mr. Armitage. "You've had -more than two hours." - -Reluctantly the Scouts and Sea Scouts bade each other farewell. The -former expressed themselves as being more than repaid for their good -turn by the trip in the _Olivette_. - -"And mind you come to Weymouth again when you have the chance," said -Phillips. "Right-o," replied Peter. "But I hope we don't have to come -for the same purpose. We had a rotten time until we knew the -_Olivette_ was safe." - -The Sea Scouts re-embarked in the dinghy. Bruin preferred to swim off -to the boat, but before he was hauled on board he felt very sorry for -himself. - -The _Olivette_ was still rolling heavily in the long gentle swell. It -was quite a different motion from that in a seaway--a long swing-like -movement that would quickly put the most experienced seafarer on his -mettle. - -Watching their opportunity as the _Olivette_ rolled towards them, the -Sea Scouts gained the deck. Roche made the painter fast, while Peter -and Eric Flemming lay at full length on the waterways in order to -haul Bruin on board. - -It was a ticklish task, for the dog realized the danger of being -crushed by the boat's bilge keel as she rolled. Twice the Patrol -Leader made a grab at the animal's collar as the gunwale dropped to -within a few inches of the water. - -At the third attempt his fingers closed round the scruff of Bruin's -neck. - -"Got him!" he shouted. "Bear a hand, Eric." - -Flemming leaned outboard to assist his chum. As he did so the -_Olivette_ began to roll in the opposite direction. Peter, still -hanging on to his pet with one hand, grasped Eric's wrist with the -other. Bruin's weight when clear of the water considerably exceeded -Stratton's expectations, with the result that the Patrol Leader lost -his balance and toppled overboard, bringing Flemming with him. - -A roar of laughter from the rest of the crew greeted the reappearance -of the two lads. Both were good swimmers, and as they came to the -surface well clear of the _Olivette's_ hull, they were in no danger. -Even Peter and Eric grinned when they shook the water from their hair -and eyes, while Bruin, delighted beyond measure at the idea that his -master and Flemming were sharing his bath, began tugging at -Stratton's sleeve. - -At length Roche jumped into the dinghy and hauled Peter over the -transom. Then the Patrol Leader hiked his pet over the stern and -assisted Flemming into the dinghy, while Roche scrambled into the -bows in a vain attempt to escape a shower-bath as the dog vigorously -shook himself. - -A few minutes later the _Olivette's_ motor was running. The anchor -was weighed and secured, then with three ringing cheers for the 5th -Weymouth Troop, who still lingered on the beach, the Sea Scouts -resumed their homeward voyage. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -Trapped by the Tide - - -It was one of those ideal days for cruising under power. The sea was -smooth, visibility good, with the sun shining brightly overhead. The -rugged coast, never more than a mile away on the port hand, presented -an ever changing panoramic view of the picturesque Dorset coast. - -With Woodleigh at the helm and Roche giving an occasional look at the -smoothly-running motor, the rest of the crew knew that they had -nothing to worry about. Slipping off their jerseys, they lay upon the -deck, basking in the glorious sunshine, too happy and contented even -to indulge in conversation beyond a few words of appreciative -admiration or the superb view. - -"Port helm a couple of points, Woodleigh," ordered the Patrol Leader, -after consulting the chart. "We'll have to give Kimmeridge Ledges a -wide berth." - -Mr. Armitage, hearing the caution, nodded his head approvingly. -Stratton had acted upon his own initiative in spite of being a -stranger to this part of the coast. The Scoutmaster had placed the -responsibility upon the lad's shoulders, and Peter had shown that the -trust had not been accepted lightly. - -"Isn't that where the _Treveal_ was wrecked two winters ago, sir?" -asked Flemming. - -"Yes," replied Mr. Armitage, pointing shorewards. "About there. Every -vestige of the vessel has disappeared by this time. It's a bad piece -of coast, with parallel reefs extending seawards. A vessel doesn't -stand a dog's chance if she gets held up on those ledges." - -"Why don't they have a lighthouse?" asked Hepburn. "One on St. -Alban's Head would warn seamen." - -"I don't know," replied Mr. Armitage. "If there had been one where -you suggest, Alan, it would have saved a good many precious lives. -You see, Anvil Point Lighthouse, which is hidden by St. Alban's Head, -is useless to a ship that is driven too close inshore. Now then, you -fellows, unless you want a ducking, you'd better come aft. We're -nearing the Race." - -Less than half a mile ahead the otherwise smooth sea was agitated -with a patch of white-crested breakers extending seawards for more -than a couple of miles. Even at that distance the waves looked -decidedly dangerous. - -"We've got to go through that, sir?" asked Warkworth. "Isn't there -any way to avoid it?" - -"By keeping a tremendous way out," replied the Scoutmaster. "It's -fairly rough, but I've known it decidedly worse. Woodleigh." - -"Sir?" - -"Steer straight for the headland now. There's plenty of water. We -shall probably miss a lot of the race by keeping close to the -cliff--twenty yards will be near enough." - -"What causes a race, sir?" asked the Tenderfoot. - -"The tide surging over a submerged ledge," replied Mr. Armitage. -"It's deep water on both sides of the headland and only a few fathoms -over the rocks extending seawards from it. Now, you fellows, all -hands into the well; we don't want anyone slung overboard into the -ditch." - -"The dinghy, sir?" inquired Flemming. - -"She won't hurt. Her painter's sound," replied the Scoutmaster. -"There's enough scope to prevent her overrunning us and smashing her -bows under our counter." - -In another minute the _Olivette_ was within the influence of the -race. At first she began to yaw in spite of the helmsman's efforts to -keep her on her course. It seemed as if a giant hand was gripping the -boat's keel and playfully shaking the hull. - -Then, almost without warning, a sea poured over the starboard -quarter. Much of the water was checked by the coaming, but a -considerable quantity found its way below, liberally besprinkling the -crew. Almost immediately after, another cataract poured in over the -port quarter. For a moment it felt as if the _Olivette_ were dropping -vertically, then another sea, slapping viciously against her -starboard bow, threw her head off a good four points. - -The helmsman ported helm to meet the deflection, but for some seconds -the vessel refused to answer. Almost the whole of the rudder was out -of water, while the propeller was racing madly in the air. - -The passage through the race was of short duration, but it was fairly -strenuous while it lasted. Then, as suddenly as she had entered the -turmoil, the _Olivette_ glided into practically calm water. - -"Ugh!" ejaculated Flemming, shaking the water from his clothes. "I -don't like races; give me a straightforward heavy sea any old day. I -expected the old boat to break her back." - -"It is a disconcerting motion, I admit," said Mr. Armitage. "The -waves are so hollow that the boat was not evenly supported. But it -would take more than that to break her back, Eric." - -Dancing Ledge and Anvil Point were quickly passed. The crew were -deeply interested in the famous Tilly Whim Caves, where for centuries -smugglers and wreckers were in almost indisputable possession. Then -the lads had a clear view of the granite "globe", although they were -a bit disappointed at its size. - -"It's not much bigger than a football," declared Woodleigh. - -"Isn't it?" remarked Mr. Armitage drily. "You wouldn't care to have -to kick it, Will. You've lost your sense of proportion. The magnitude -of the cliffs deceives you. See a buoy ahead?" - -"On our starboard bow, sir." - -"Then keep it well to port. That marks the tail of Peveril Ledge. -You'll see Swanage opening out in a minute or so." - -A few miles farther on and the granite cliffs gave place to frowning -walls of glistening white chalk, terminating in the well-known -pinnacle of Old Harry. - -"We're getting into familiar waters now," said the Scoutmaster. "We -were close--rather too close--to that point when we rescued the S.S. -_Pent-y-coote_." - -"But we never saw the land," added Flemming. - -"No; but we might have hit it," remarked Mr. Armitage gravely. -"Providence was kind to us that day. Hello, Peter what is interesting -you--the Parson's Barn?" - -The Patrol Leader was gazing landwards towards a large cave close to -Old Harry. - -"There are some people waving to us, sir," he replied. - -"Eh?" exclaimed Mr. Armitage sharply; then raising his binoculars he -brought them to bear upon the spot indicated by the Patrol Leader. -"Friends of yours, Peter?" inquired Flemming facetiously. The -Scoutmaster returned his binoculars to their case. - -"Stand in a bit," he ordered. "There's plenty of water. Slow her -down, Roche, and stand by. Unless I'm greatly mistaken, those people -are cut off by the tide." - -The _Olivette_ approached at half speed to within a cable's length of -the shore. Mr Armitage was correct in his surmise, for, standing on a -narrow strip of beach were two men and two girls. The men were -barefooted, as if they had vainly attempted to wade past the foot of -the cliffs. Already the tide was rising rapidly, and in less than an -hour their refuge would be invaded by the sea. - -"Away dinghy's crew!" exclaimed the Scoutmaster. "Be careful how you -land. There's a ground swell running." - -The _Olivette_ lost way. The dinghy was hauled alongside, and into -her jumped Stratton and Flemming, each manning an oar. - -Proceeding cautiously, they allowed the dinghy's forefoot to ground -lightly on the pebbly beach. Flemming, with an oar, kept the stern -end on to the waves, while the Patrol Leader held on to the bows. - -"Think we'll manage the lot, Peter?" asked Flemming in a low voice. -"Four of them?" - -"I think so," replied the Patrol Leader. - -"Now, please," he added, raising his voice. "As sharp as you can. -We're bumping a bit." - -It was a tricky operation, embarking the rescued persons, for none of -them seemed at home in a small boat. - -"Sit down, please," ordered Stratton firmly. "You'll be quite all -right if you keep still. Ready, Eric? Right-o, push off." - -By the united efforts of the two Sea Scouts the dinghy was backed -clear of the beach. Then, when clear of the swell, the boat was -turned until her bow pointed seaward. - -"Give way together!" exclaimed Peter. - -Awkwardly the four trippers climbed out of the dinghy upon the -_Olivette's_ deck, whence they were assisted into the well. - -"Rather an experience, isn't it?" remarked Mr. Armitage. -"Experience?" echoed one of the men bitterly. "It was a disgraceful -bit of work. A boatman told us we could walk right round the point. -We could--but we couldn't get back. He never said a word about the -tide rising." - -"And you never thought to ask," mused the Scoutmaster. "There's not -much harm done," he added aloud. "We'll land you in half an hour. Are -you staying at Swanage?" - -"No, at Bournemouth," replied one of the girls, who, now that the -danger was over, showed more spirit than either of her male -companions. - -"So much the better, then," observed Mr. Armitage. "We can land you -without going out of our course." - -"We are awfully grateful," said the girl. - -"And we are glad to be able to do you a good turn," rejoined Mr. -Armitage. "That's where Sea Scouts come in handy." - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -Why the Water Failed - - -"Are we staying here long, sir?" asked Hepburn. - -"That depends upon how soon we recover our compass," replied the -Scoutmaster. "Why did you ask?" - -"Because I'd like to take these films ashore and get them developed, -sir," explained Alan. - -Mr. Armitage looked rather surprised. - -"I thought you did your own developing and printing," he remarked. - -"Usually, sir," replied the lad, "but I've taken something that might -be a bit exciting, and I'm in a hurry to see the result." - -The _Olivette_ was lying off Poole, in an anchorage locally known as -"off Stakes". - -It was well above the approach-channel to the quays, and -consequently, out of the way of traffic, except for a few yachts and -fishing-boats and an occasional barge engaged in carrying clay. - -"Right-o," agreed Mr. Armitage. "I'm going ashore now to make -inquiries. Anyone else for the beach?" - -At length the dinghy pushed off, Hepburn and Warkworth rowing, and -the Scoutmaster in the stern-sheets. The rest of the crew elected to -remain on board, especially after seeing a man in a neighbouring -yacht hook a couple of flounders in quick succession. They, too, -meant to try their luck with hook and line. - -"How about bait?" inquired Flemming. "There's a youngster digging for -ragworms on the mud-flats. We'll hail him and get him to sell us -some." - -The boy quickly responded to the hail, and plodding along on -mud-pattens to the water's edge, jumped into a flat-bottomed punt and -rowed off to the _Olivette_. - -A bargain was soon struck, and for the sum of sixpence Flemming -obtained a rusty tin containing between thirty and forty slimy, -writhing worms. The hooks were baited and the lines paid out. -Patiently the "band of hope" waited, but save for the quivering of -the lines in the tideway, the ground tackle was quite idle. - -"Slow work this," observed Roche, giving envious glances at the -fellow on the neighbouring yacht, who was hauling in prizes with -unfailing regularity. "How is it that that merchant has all the fun, -and we don't get so much as a bite?" - -The sun set in a blood-red sky, betokening a continuance of fine -weather. As the orb of day disappeared behind the distant hills the -young flood set in. - -Then did the Sea Scouts' luck change. "Dabs", plaice, and flounders -were hauled on board in quick succession, until a pailful of fish -represented the combined efforts of four lads in under half an hour. - -Suddenly Flemming gave a shout of astonishment as his line was almost -jerked out of his hand. - -"I've hooked a whopper!" he exclaimed. "Doesn't the thing tug?" - -"Play with him, then," suggested Peter. "He'll break your line if you -don't." - -"He's almost broken my fingers," rejoined the excited sportsman. -"That's the whole of my line, too." - -"Haul in gently," cautioned the Patrol Leader. "For goodness sake -don't lose the fish." - -Inch by inch, foot by foot, the thin line came inboard, until a -furious swirl announced that the "catch" was not far from the -surface. - -The rest of the Sea Scouts left their lines and crowded round the -wildly excited Flemming. - -"It's a twenty-pounder, Eric," declared Woodleigh. "You're in luck." - -"Twenty-pounder!" ejaculated the wellnigh breathless Flemming -scornfully. "Feels like a ton.... Hello! What is it?" - -"An eel--conger, most likely," declared Stratton, as a hideous head -appeared. "Stand by with your knife, Woodleigh, and nick the brute -behind the neck when Flemming gets it on board." - -Resisting to the last, the salt-water reptile was hauled up the side -and thrown on deck. At the second attempt Woodleigh succeeded in -hacking the eel just behind its head. - -"That's settled it!" he declared. "What an ugly brute. Now, if old -Boldrigg were here, he'd have the eel skinned in a brace of shakes, -and would wrap the skin round his ankle." - -"What for?" asked Rayburn. - -"He says an eel's skin is a certain cure for his rheumatism," replied -Woodleigh. - -"Old sailor's superstition, more'n likely. When----" - -"Coil down and stand by, lads," ordered the Patrol Leader. "Here's -Mr. Armitage coming off in the dinghy." - -"Well, lads, I see you've had some luck," was the Scoutmaster's -greeting as he boarded the _Olivette_, nearly slipping on a flat-fish -as he did so. - -"Yes, sir," replied Peter; "more than a pailful of them. The one that -nearly threw you must have wriggled on to the deck." - -"What do you think of this eel, sir?" asked Flemming. - -"It's certainly of a decent size," said Mr. Armitage, turning the eel -over with his foot. "Ready for supper? I am." - -"Roche is cook, sir," announced the Patrol Leader. "He's in the -galley now cleaning fish, I think." - -"They're cleaned already and in the frying-pan," shouted the cook, -who had overheard the dialogue between Mr. Armitage and Stratton. -"Get the gear out on the table, Alan, and everything will be ready in -a quarter of an hour." - -By the time the anchor-lamp was lighted and hoisted, and everything -on deck made snug for the night, supper was announced. - -"How about the eel?" asked Flemming. "Where is it? Has anyone taken -it below?" - -No one had seen it during the last ten minutes. A search on the -foredeck produced no satisfactory result. - -"P'r'aps the thing wasn't dead after all," suggested Warkworth. - -"It was as dead as a door nail," declared Flemming, somewhat -disappointed at the loss of his trophy. "Did any careless blighter -kick it overboard, I wonder?" - -"I don't see that it matters very much," said Peter. "None of us like -stewed eels, but of course we might have given it away to someone." - -The Sea Scouts trooped below to the after cabin, where the supper -things were already laid. - -Roche thrust his head through the open doorway. - -"We're short of water," he declared. "It took quite a time to fill -the kettle." - -"What?" exclaimed Stratton. "Why, we only filled the tank the day -before we launched the boat. Are you sure it's empty?" - -"Look for yourself, my festive," suggested Flemming. - -Peter went for'ard. Under the wheel-house was a tap communicating -with the fresh-water tank under the foredeck. Upon turning the tap -the Patrol Leader had to come to the conclusion that the cook's -report was correct. There was only a slight trickle of water. - -"Evidently our friends the thieves were a bit heavy on the fresh -water," remarked Mr. Armitage. "Wonder what they used such a quantity -for? Fortunately there's enough to make the cocoa with. To-morrow -we'll run alongside the quay and fill up by means of a hose." - -The night passed without incident, although Bruin persisted in -barking at the few belated craft that were making for their moorings. -The Sea Scouts were getting used to this sort of thing, for whenever -the _Olivette_ was in a strange harbour, the dog seemed to have a -fixed idea that no other boat ought to be in the vicinity; and when, -as often happened, there was another dog to be seen, Bruin simply -bristled with indignation and barked the more. "Water rats," as the -longshore thieving fraternity are called, wouldn't have much chance -surreptitiously to acquire the _Olivette's_ gear when Bruin was on -board. - - -[Illustration: THE HIGH-PRESSURE JET CAUGHT THE TENDERFOOT FULL IN -THE FACE (missing from book)] - - -Next morning Hepburn, who was "cook of the day", could only obtain -enough fresh water for half a cup of tea per head, and then only by -waiting patiently at the full-open tap while the water trickled -slowly. - -So directly the dry meal was over the crew set to work to take the -_Olivette_ into the harbour. Here they found no vacant berth -alongside the quay, but under the harbourmaster's directions they -brought up against a three-masted schooner flying the Italian ensign. - -"The _Giuseppe Emilio_," said Roche, reading the name on her stern. -"She's a whacking big craft. Wonder what she's for?" - -"Loading clay," replied Mr. Armitage. "There's a great quantity of -clay shipped away from Poole. Stand by: here comes the hose." - -As a matter of fact there were two hoses coupled together, leading -from the hydrant on the quay across the _Giuseppe Emilio's_ deck to -the _Olivette_. - -"How many gallons do you want, sir?" shouted the harbourmaster's -assistant. - -"Two hundred, please," replied the Scoutmaster; "we're all ready." - -Roche had opened the deck-plate, and had inserted the nozzle of the -hose into the three-inch pipe leading to the tank. There was a -preliminary gurgle, and then like a young torrent the water poured -into the tank. - -"This is some stunt," declared Roche. "Better than pouring it in -bucket by bucket as we usually do." - -Before anyone could offer any remark, the tank overflowed. Roche, -attempting to point the hose overboard, slipped on the streaming -deck. Still grasping the nozzle, he sprawled at full length, while a -high-pressure jet caught the Tenderfoot full in the face, hurling him -backwards into Flemming's arms, and simply soaked every Scout in the -well. - -Before anyone could go to Roche's assistance, gallons of water had -flowed into the boat. The Italian seamen, who were leaning over the -bulwarks, screamed with amusement, until Woodleigh, grasping the -nozzle, directed the jet upwards into their faces. Then their -laughter gave place to furious gesticulations. - -"Turn off!" shouted Stratton to the invisible attendant at the -hydrant. - -There was no response. It was not until the Patrol Leader hoisted -himself on to the _Giuseppe Emilio's_ chain-plates and crossed her -deck and sprang ashore that the flow of water ceased. - -"You said two hundred gallons," said the man, pointing to the meter -attached to the hydrant, "and you've had less than eighty." - -"And at least half of that wasted," added Stratton. "Something's -wrong somewhere." - -There was. Subsequent examination of the tank, which was possible by -removing a watertight cover-plate, resulted in the discovery of -Flemming's eel with its head wedged firmly in the outlet pipe. -Although its head had been half severed, the eel had contrived to -insert his tail under the deck-plate, and had prised open the metal -cover sufficiently to enable it to wriggle down the feed-pipe into -the tank. Then in a futile attempt to escape, the eel had jammed its -head into the outlet, thus preventing the water to flow. - -"There's some satisfaction in finding out why the water failed," -remarked Mr. Armitage as he retired to his cabin to change his -saturated garments. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -The New Hand - - -"And how did your photographs turn out, Alan?" asked Mr. Armitage, -when he reappeared on deck, none the worse for his involuntary shower -bath. - -"I haven't any prints yet, sir," replied Hepburn. "The man at the -photographer's shop said he could only develop the films in the time. -Here they are, sir." - -The Scoutmaster took the proferred envelope, and from it extracted -six films. - -"Ah, that's good!" he exclaimed. "The 5th Weymouth Scouts on board -the _Olivette_. Bruin begging--that's capital. Lulworth Cove--rather -a large subject for so small a film, Alan. No. 4: Old Harry viewed -from seaward. You'll have a good light-and-shade effect there when -the film's printed. Hello! What in the name of creation is this--and -this?" - -Mr. Armitage held up the fifth and sixth films, first longway and -then upright. Alan watched the Scoutmaster's puzzled expression with -amusement, but offered no explanation of what the negatives were -supposed to be. - -"I can't make either of them out," he declared. "It might represent a -view of St. Alban's Race taken from the masthead, but I know that you -didn't go aloft, Alan. Perhaps some of the other fellows would like -to have a shot at solving the mystery." - -The two films were passed round, after the general caution being -given to avoid touching or scratching the gelatine face. - -"Looks like a complicated contour map," hazarded Flemming, "or fancy -furrows on a hill-side. Is it?" - -Alan smiled and shook his head. - -"Give it up, then," said Flemming resignedly. - -"Finger-prints," explained Hepburn. "Greasy finger-prints on the -induction pipe of the engine. I spotted them directly we came on -board, so I used the double extension of my camera and took a couple -of time exposures. The finger-prints are almost certainly those of -one of the thieves." - -"Unless some of the Weymouth fellows touched the pipe," objected -Roche. - -"I don't think so," replied Hepburn. "For one thing they were made by -rather a big man, for the actual marks were an inch and one-eighth -wide." - -"If your surmise is a correct one, Alan," said Mr. Armitage, "those -negatives ought to be most useful to the police." - -"That's what I thought, sir," replied the young amateur detective. - -"Then you had better come ashore with me and see the superintendent," -suggested the Scoutmaster. "It is the duty of every citizen to assist -the police; but I hope by so doing we don't have to put off our trip -across Channel." - -"Might we have to do that, sir?" asked Roche in awestruck tones. - -"More than likely," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "Especially if the thieves -are arrested. The police will certainly call us, or some of us, as -witnesses. Now, then I'm going ashore to interview the harbourmaster -and find out the owner of the motor-yacht who supplied the thieves -with petrol in exchange for our compass. One hand will have to remain -on board. The others can have leave till eleven o'clock." - -Mr. Armitage's task was accomplished quicker than he had anticipated. -Inquiries resulted in the information that the holder of the -_Olivette's_ compass was a well-known yachtsman, who, upon hearing -the circumstances under which he had befriended the two thieves, -handed back the gear without hesitation. At the police-station the -Scoutmaster had to sign a statement, and when he produced the -negatives of the finger-prints, the station-sergeant positively -beamed with satisfaction. - -"These ought to work the trick, sir," he remarked. "Scotland Yard -will no doubt be able to identify the criminals. It's my belief that -they are not fishermen but cracksmen well known to the Yard. You'll -hear from us before very long, sir, I don't doubt." - -Mr. Armitage made no audible comment. Personally he was not at all -anxious to have to spoil his lads' holiday by attending police courts -and the assizes. Mentally he decided to hurry up matters as far as -the Paris trip was concerned, since there were witnesses sufficient -to prove the culprits' guilt without the Sea Scouts being called upon -to give evidence. - -At noon the _Olivette_ cast off and proceeded on the last stage of -her homeward voyage. It was now blowing steadily from the -sou'-west'ard, and with a fair tide outside the harbour the run -seemed likely to be quickly performed. - -With the last of the ebb the _Olivette_ made short work of the -distance between Poole Quay and the Bar Buoy; then starboarding helm, -shaped a course to pass a mile to the south'ard of Christchurch -Ledge. - -Exactly two hours after leaving Poole, the staunch little craft -arrived at her moorings in Keyhaven Lake. - -"Now, lads," said Mr. Armitage, "the sooner we make a proper start -the better. It will take us the rest of to-day and the whole of -to-morrow to get ready for our cross-Channel trip. You know your -respective duties, so 'get on with it', as the Service saying goes. -By the by, Hepburn, you're steward. There's one thing I want to -remind you about. Don't take too many boxes of matches, or we may -have trouble with the _douaniers_ on the other side. Matches are -taxable articles in France." - -During the afternoon Mr. Armitage cycled over to Lymington to obtain -the necessary clearance papers from the Customs, and to collect a -bundle of charts and sailing directions for the French coast lent him -by a yachting acquaintance. - -In their Scoutmaster's absence the Sea Scouts toiled hard, for there -was a lot to be done before the interrupted refit of the _Olivette_ -was accomplished. Fresh water, fortunately, they had in plenty, but -the paraffin- and oil-tanks required replenishing, and there was a -considerable amount of spare gear to be brought down from the store. - -That night Stratton, Roche, and Bruin were to sleep on board. In view -of previous events the Patrol Leader decided to take no risks of -another postponement. - -After supper Peter and Roche took Bruin ashore for a run, and on the -quay they encountered old Boldrigg. - -"We're off to France the day after tomorrow, Mr. Boldrigg," announced -Stratton, after he had related the circumstances under which the -_Olivette_ had been taken to Weymouth and back again. "We're hoping -to go right up to Paris, and perhaps we may get a chance of seeing -some of the battlefields." - -"Don't I wish I were a-comin' with ye, Master Peter," said the old -man wistfully. "My boy, Jim--him as was a corporal--lies out yonder. -I'd like to see his grave, but travellin' costs a sight o' money, an' -I'm no hand at speaking the Frenchies' lingo. I'd be all adrift if I -found myself over t'other side, I'm thinkin'." - -"Haven't you been to France, Mr. Boldrigg?" asked Roche. - -"Ay, sure," was the reply. "When I was in the old _Aldebran_ on the -Mediterranean Station back in the 'nineties I was ashore at Toulon. -Things were a bit different to what they are now. We'd just had a bit -of a tiff with Johnny Crapaud, an' he was still feeling a bit sore -over it. We of the lower deck kept ourselves to ourselves, in a -manner o' speaking, and didn't have no truck with the French -bluejackets. That was long afore the 'Intent Cordyal', or whatever -they calls it, came along. Are you taking Bruin with you?" - -Peter shook his head. - -"We can't, unfortunately. We'll miss him, but it cannot be helped. -Well, we must be getting on board, Mr. Boldrigg, so we'll wish you -'Good night'." - -Early next morning the task of provisioning and preparing the -_Olivette_ for her voyage was resumed, and so quickly did the work -progress that by noon everything was in readiness. - -Suddenly Mr. Armitage, who had been consulting charts, navigation -books, and tide tables, made an unexpected declaration. - -"The wind's light and the glass steady," he observed. "I think it's a -pity not to take advantage of the favourable weather conditions; so -it would be advisable to make a start this evening. To my mind it is -better to arrive off a strange coast soon after daybreak than just -before sunset. It gives one a better chance of getting into harbour, -especially as the mornings at this time of the year are generally -calm. The wind, if you notice, usually pipes up about noon." - -This announcement was greeted with cheers. - -"And so," continued the Scoutmaster, "you had all better cut off to -your respective homes and tell your parents of the alteration of -plans. Don't forget to leave Bruin behind, Peter." - -"Ay, ay, sir," replied the Patrol Leader. Then, after a pause, he -added, "There's one other matter I'd like to mention, sir, and we all -hope you'll have no objection. I've been talking about it to the -other fellows, and they are all keen about it." - -"Fire away, then," said Mr. Armitage encouragingly. - -"It's about old Boldrigg, sir," explained Stratton. "You know he's -got a son buried out in France. He'd be awfully grateful if we'd give -him a passage across and back." - -"That will be a very practical good turn," agreed Mr. Armitage. -"Right-o; call at his cottage on your way up, and tell him to be -ready and on the quay at 4 p.m. He'll have to bring his own bedding -and messtraps, but we've plenty of grub, tell him." - -Joyfully the Sea Scouts rowed ashore, with Bruin between the -Scoutmaster and the Patrol Leader in the stern-sheets. - -Bruin was the only member of the party who displayed no enthusiasm. -He seemed to know that, as far as he was concerned, there was -"nothin' doin'"; but a close observer would have noticed a wrinkling -of the hairy brows, and a pensive look in the animal's eyes, as he -pondered the possibility of getting himself included in the ship's -complement for the forthcoming trip. - -Having told Mr. Boldrigg the joyful news that he could accompany the -Sea Scouts across Channel, the lads dispersed to their several homes. - -Profiting by previous experience, Peter did not lock his pet in his -bedroom. Bruin was placed in a large shed that served as a workshop -at the end of the garden, Mr. Stratton promising not to let the -animal out until an hour after the _Olivette_ had slipped her -moorings. - -"That's right, old boy," said Peter, patting his pet's head. "Stop -there a bit, and be a good little dog." - -Bruin looked up at his master's face and gave a piteous howl. - -"Yes, I know," continued Peter. "It's rough luck, old boy, very. You -know I'd like to take you, but it's impossible." - -Well to time, the crew of the _Olivette_ assembled on the shore. With -them was old Tom Boldrigg, clad in canvas trousers and jumper, and a -blue pilot-coat over his arm. - -His luggage consisted of a rolled hammock and blankets, a canvas bag -containing his shore-going kit, and a bundle done up in a blue -handkerchief. - -"You managed to get here, then, Boldrigg," was Mr. Armitage's -greeting. - -"Ay, ay, sir," was the cheery reply. "I fetched up along all right -with my kit. It's mighty good of you, sir, to put up with the likes -o' me." - -"Not at all," protested the Scoutmaster. "You've the lads to thank. -And we'll make good use of you, never fear." - -"Glad of that, sir," rejoined the old sailor. "It shows you don't -think I'm a worn-out old shell-back, like some of 'em does -hereabouts." - -The dinghy had to make two trips before the crew of the _Olivette_ -and their belongings were placed on board. Then, while Roche and -Flemming were "starting up" the motor, the others hoisted out the -dinghy, and lashed her, keel uppermost, on the raised coach-roof over -the engine. - -"Now," announced Mr. Armitage, "we'll work in watches in the -cross-Channel run. Peter, pick three of the hands and carry on till -ten o'clock. I'll give you the course, but you must act entirely on -your own account. I'll relieve you at ten, and carry on till -daybreak." - -"Very good, sir," replied Peter. - -"Take her out by the Needles Channel," continued the Scoutmaster, -"and shape a course to pass about a couple of miles south of St. -Catherine's. You'll take your departure from that point, steering a -compass course of S. 26° W. That's making allowance for deviation. -Have you got that?" - -"Yes, sir, S. 26° W. from St Catherine's," repeated the Patrol -Leader. - -"Good; now carry on, please. I'm off duty until ten o'clock." - -Feeling vastly proud in the realization of his responsibility, -Stratton proceeded to carry out instructions. He chose Roche, -Woodleigh, and Rayburn to be in his watch, the Tenderfoot being -included so that he would escape the night-watch from 10 p.m. till -dawn. - -"All ready, Roche?" inquired Peter, giving the wheel a preliminary -turn. "Let go, for'ard." - -Phil Rayburn, in spite of being termed a Tenderfoot, was no -greenhorn. He knew his part of the task of casting loose the -moorings. - -"All gone, sir," he shouted, as the buoy splashed into the water. - -"Touch astern!" - -The _Olivette_ glided more than her own length astern, until from the -wheelhouse Peter could see the buoy bobbing in the water. - -"Easy ahead!" - -The boat quickly responded to the action of the propeller. A turn of -the wheel gave her sufficient helm to avoid the buoy. Stratton was -too good a helmsman to delay the start by getting his propeller mixed -up with the mooring rope and chain. - -"Full ahead!" shouted the Patrol Leader, in order to make himself -heard above the noise of the engine. Then, with a grunt of -satisfaction, Peter realized that the big adventure had actually -started. - -The _Olivette_ was on her way across to La Belle France. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -The Stowaway - - -Although all on board were by this time well acquainted with the Isle -of Wight coast, none of the "watch below" had any inclination to -"turn in". The fact that they were actually on a voyage of a -different nature from any they had previously undertaken was -sufficient to keep all hands on deck. - -Mr. Armitage offered no protest. He knew from experience that it was -next to impossible to get the thoroughly excited youngsters to rest -and sleep. With old Boldrigg it was another matter. He had -volunteered to share Mr. Armitage's "trick", and he was too much of -an old salt to stay on deck when there was an opportunity of a -"caulk" below. - -Before the _Olivette_ was abreast of Hurst High Light, Tom Boldrigg -had descended to the fo'c'sle, where he immediately "got busy" by -slinging his hammock. Just as he was about to turn in, a faint -scuffling attracted his attention. - -"Rats aboard this hooker," he soliloquized. "I'd best trice up my -boots and gear clear of the deck or the blighters'll be nibbling 'em -come morning." - -With this resolve, Tom Boldrigg began to collect his "duds", when he -heard a decided sneeze. - -"Stowaway, eh?" he exclaimed. "Now, then, my hearty, whoever you be, -out you come!" - -Boldrigg waited for about half a minute, then, having decided that -the stowaway was hiding in the tapering part of the fo'c'sle abaft -the chain-locker, began to investigate in that direction. - -Expecting to find a human being, he was considerably surprised when a -moist tongue licked his hand. - -"Why, it's a dog!" he exclaimed. "It's Bruin." - -Realizing that the need for his concealment was over, Bruin emerged -from his retreat, wagging his stumpy tail, but, contrary to custom, -the animal made no attempt to bark. - -"'Ere's a proper lash-up," soliloquized the old man. "That dog can't -come along with us. That's a dead cert. But what's to be done with -him? I'd best inform Master Stratton." - -Peter's amazement at the news was too great for words. He could give -no satisfactory explanation as to how his pet had escaped from the -shed, evaded the crew, and succeeded in getting on board the -_Olivette_ unperceived. Obviously Bruin could not have leapt from the -water on to the boat's deck. - -"He must have pulled himself up by the cable," suggested Roche. -"Plucky little beggar. Let's take him along. No one will be any the -wiser. We can smuggle him ashore." - -It was a tempting suggestion. As Roche had said, it would be a -comparatively easy matter to land Bruin in the almost unfrequented -Keyhaven on their return, but---- - -"Can't be done," decided Peter. "For one thing, it's against the -regulations; for another, it wouldn't be fair to other dog-owners. -Suppose Bruin did get in contact with a French dog infected with -rabies? We'll have to put back and land him." - -"It's bad luck to put back, sir," declared Tom Boldrigg. "Ask any -sailorman and he'll tell you. Times I've been on board a ship that's -put back for something or other, and, sure as fate, there's been a -run of bad luck." - -It was certainly a bit of a dilemma. The Sea Scouts were reluctant to -turn back now that they had started fairly upon the voyage; but, on -the other hand, they knew that it was impossible to proceed with -Bruin on board. - -"I'll report to Mr. Armitage," declared the Patrol Leader. - -But Bruin had already done so. Scratching with his fore paws, he -succeeded in pushing open the door of the after cabin, where Mr. -Armitage had retired to consult his charts and nautical books. - -"What does this mean, Peter?" in a tone of marked disapproval. -"Smuggling your dog on board at this time is a very serious matter." - -"But I didn't smuggle him, sir," protested Stratton. "He found his -way on board. None of us knew until Mr. Boldrigg found him in the -forepeak." - -"You locked him up at home?" - -"Yes, sir. I cannot understand how he got loose. I suppose we must -turn back." - -Mr. Armitage climbed the iron ladder out of the cockpit and glanced -shorewards. Hurst Castle and the Hampshire shore were now a couple of -miles astern. Broad on the port beam lay Totland Bay and the cliffs -of the western end of the Isle of Wight. Ahead, and slightly on the -port bow, were the Needles. - -"No," he replied after a brief survey. "Unless I'm much mistaken we -won't have to retrace our course. Do you see that craft coming out of -Alum Bay, Peter? I rather fancy she belongs to the Totland Sea -Scouts." - -The Patrol Leader focused his binoculars upon the little craft--an -ex-service whaler with a dipping foresail and gaff mainsail. "Yes, -sir," he agreed. "There's Mr. Mostyn, their Scoutmaster, in the -stern-sheets." - -"That's good enough, then," continued Mr. Armitage. "Run alongside -and get them to take Bruin ashore. If they've no particular object in -view, they will, I feel sure, land him on Milford beach for us." - -The _Olivette's_ course was altered in order to intercept the whaler. -When within a couple of hundred yards of the Totland Sea Scouts, -Hepburn, holding a pair of hand-flags, stood erect upon the -coach-roof. - -It was not long before the Totland lads acknowledged the preparatory -sign, and Alan proceeded to spell out a message, asking them if they -would do a real good turn. - -The whaler's canvas was lowered and the boat lost way, waiting for -the _Olivette_ to range up alongside. - -Briefly Mr. Armitage explained the nature of his request. - -"Certainly," replied Mr. Mostyn. "We're just out for a practice spin, -and we may as well run across to Milford as anywhere. Your dog will -find his way home from there, I hope? So you're off across Channel? -My word, Armitage, your lads are lucky fellows." - -Bruin was obviously most reluctant to part company with the -_Olivette_. Peter had to speak sternly to his pet, and even then the -animal refused to enter the whaler. - -There was no help for it. Knowing that Bruin would attempt to jump -overboard from the whaler and swim after the _Olivette_, Stratton and -Flemming lashed the dog's paws together and tied a bandage over his -eyes. Then, in this helpless condition Bruin was passed over the side -and placed in the stern-sheets of the Totland Sea Scouts' boat. - -"Good-bye and good luck!" shouted Scoutmaster Mostyn, as the two -craft drew off from one another. "We'll take care of your mascot, and -see him safely ashore at Milford." - -Amidst an exchange of farewells the whaler rehoisted her canvas, and, -close hauled on the port tack, headed for the Hampshire shore, while -the _Olivette_, increasing speed to eight knots, resumed her -interrupted voyage. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -Broken Down in Mid-Channel - - -Peter Stratton carried out his instructions to the letter. Upon -rounding the Needles he steered in the direction of St. Catherine's, -keeping a mile and a half from shore, in order to give a wide berth -to the dangerous Atherfield Ledges, ridges of sharp rock that have -sealed the fate of many a gallant ship and her crew. It was slow work -plugging against a strong west-going tide, but, as Mr. Armitage had -remarked, it was better to have a foul tide to begin with and a fair -one when the _Olivette_ approached the French coast, than the -reverse. - -At seven o'clock the _Olivette_ was in a position to "make her -departure", and accordingly she was set on the given course for her -eighty odd miles' run across the Channel. - -"We're a long time losing sight of land," observed Woodleigh, when an -hour later the chalk cliffs of St. Catherine's were still visible in -the slanting rays of the sun. - -"It's the height that tells," rejoined Peter. "We're a good ten miles -off. We're running at eight knots only." - -"Why only eight?" asked Rayburn. - -"Because, if we cracked on at full speed we'd stand to pile ourselves -upon the rocks on t' other side in the darkness," replied the Patrol -Leader. - -Stratton was kept fairly busy. The _Olivette_ was now in the steamer -track, where vessels proceeding up and down Channel make it a -practice of keeping within certain limits of St. Catherine's. There -were ships of all sizes and descriptions. A P. & O. liner, homeward -bound, was passing a Bullard mail-boat on the way to the Cape and -East Africa. Ambling along at a very modest speed were colliers, -"tankers", and tramps, while a full-rigged Dutchman, carrying every -stitch of canvas, formed a striking contrast to the mechanically -propelled craft. - -A little later a couple of destroyers, in line ahead, came pelting -down Channel. Although they passed not less than a quarter of a mile -from the _Olivette_, their "wash" broke furiously over the boat's -bows, sending spray high above the wheelhouse. - -Then, as the _Olivette_ drew away from the "lane", the stream of -shipping ceased, and as sunset approached she was alone on a waste of -placid water. - -At ten the relief watch was called. Mr. Armitage came on deck wearing -his pilot coat. He made no attempt to check the course or to offer -any suggestions. He was placing his crew entirely on their mettle, -but from what he saw he had no cause to criticize. - -Stratton, having "handed over" to Warkworth, went below, where -Hepburn had a hot supper ready for those of the crew who had come off -duty. - -"Where's Roche?" he inquired, seeing that the rest of the -watch--Woodleigh and Rayburn--were already "tucking in" with avidity. - -"Yarning with Flemming about something," replied Woodleigh. "I fancy -there's trouble in the engine-room." - -Presently Roche appeared. - -"Lend me your torch, Peter, old son," he said. - -"Aren't you grubbing?" asked the Patrol Leader. - -Roche shook his head. - -"I'm seeing this thing through first," he replied. "She's not been -running well this last hour or two. Too rich a mixture, I think. -Flemming and I are going to take the jet out, but before we start I -want to see how much oil there is in the main tank." - -Peter handed Roche his torch. - -"We'll keep your grub hot," he added as the engineer hurried out of -the cabin. - -In less than a minute Roche returned. - -"We're in a bad way," he announced. "She's been mopping up the juice -like anything. The paraffin tank's nearly empty." - -"Why, how's that?" asked Stratton. - -"Punctured float, I'm afraid," replied Roche. "We'll have to stop the -motor for half an hour or so." - -"Right-o," assented the Patrol Leader, pushing away his cup, saucer, -and plate. "I'll come and bear a hand. Have you reported to Mr. -Armitage?" - -The Scoutmaster received the news without expressing any suggestion. - -"Carry on," he remarked. - -The Sea Scouts accordingly "carried on". They had but one red lamp on -board in addition to the port light. Two red masthead lights were -required to indicate that the _Olivette_ was not under command. It -was the Tenderfoot who solved the problem by suggesting that the -white masthead light should be covered with the fold of the Red -Ensign. - -The "not under command" lights were hoisted, and the port and -starboard ones extinguished. The ignition to the motor was switched -off, and Stratton, Roche, and Flemming proceeded to take down the -carburetter, while Woodleigh held the electric torch to enable them -to see what they were doing. - -They worked methodically, placing a piece of canvas under the -carburetter to catch any nut that might be accidentally dropped, -while all the loose parts were carefully placed in a small tin box. - -The float was deftly removed. - -"It feels suspiciously heavy," declared Flemming. "Yes, it's chock -full of paraffin or petrol." - -"Take it into the after-cabin," said Peter. "We'll solder it there. -It will be a jolly sight safer away from the engine-room. Get the -Tinol box out, Dick." - -The first part of the operation was the boiling of the float. The hot -water would not only cause the confined air to escape and indicate -the position of the leak, it would also expel the petrol. - -The task was proceeding most satisfactorily when the _Olivette_ -suddenly began to roll in the swell of a distant steamer. Before the -Sea Scouts could prevent it, the stove capsized, throwing the -saucepan and its contents upon the floor. Instantly the -petrol--fortunately only a few teaspoonfuls--burst into flames. - -Flemming made a dash for the Pyrene extinguisher, but before he -returned, Roche and the Patrol Leader had quenched the flames by -smothering them with a blanket. But the worst was to come, for, when -Peter picked up the still hot brass cylinder, the solder had melted -and the float was irreparably damaged. - -Without the float the motor couldn't function. There the Scouts were, -almost in mid-Channel, in a boat that was now at the mercy of wind -and tide. - -"There's one blessing," remarked Roche. "We've got the fire out." - -"At the expense of a jolly good blanket," added Flemming. - -"Better a burnt blanket than a burnt boat," rejoined Roche. "What's -to be done now?" - -"Never say die," quoted Stratton. "Find a chunk of cork, someone. -There's plenty on board. We'll make a cork float." - -"No good without shellac," objected Roche. "It will go to pieces in -the petrol." - -"Let it, then," said Peter with a laugh. "The pieces can't come out -of the old metal float. I'll pack it full of cork and tap over the -ends. We'll have the old hooker making way in another twenty -minutes." - -The suggestion was quickly acted upon. By the aid of a light hammer -Stratton succeeded in refixing the unsoldered end of the float, -having previously filled it with cork. Although not so buoyant as an -air-filled float, the substitute served its purpose, the only -drawback being a rather heavy consumption of fuel; but directly the -carburetter was replaced, the motor restarted without hesitation. - -"Phew!" ejaculated Stratton, wiping his heated brow. "Do you know -what the time is? A quarter past twelve. I'm turning in." - -Before so doing, the Patrol Leader went on deck to have a look round. -The night was dark, the sea calm. Almost dead ahead a white glare -appeared above the horizon every five seconds. It was from the -lighthouse of Cape de la Hogue. - -Right astern a powerful beam seemed to travel across the sky, with -the same speed and regularity as the light ahead. It was St. -Catherine's, making a gesture of farewell from the shores of England, -now nearly forty miles astern. - -Aloft, the _Olivette's_ two red lights had been replaced by her -ordinary white masthead light; her port and starboard lamps were once -more burning brightly. Inside the wheel-house, the faint glare from -the binnacle shone upon Warkworth's solemn features as the lad kept -the boat on her course. - -Right in the eyes of the ship stood the motionless figure of Tom -Boldrigg. No doubt his thoughts were going back to those far-off -times when he performed a similar duty as look-out man upon one of -His Majesty's ships, or perhaps he was thinking of the still-distant -land where his soldier son slept his long rest. - -Right aft, with his feet placed firmly apart and his hands clasped -behind his back, stood the Scoutmaster. No doubt he, too, was -thinking of how he stood thus under the shadow of the White Ensign, -and was recalling vivid yet pleasant pictures of those strenuous days -of the Great War. - -Seeing Stratton appear on deck, Mr. Armitage walked towards him. - -"All correct, sir," reported the Patrol Leader. - -"That's good," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "When the motor gave out, I -guessed you fellows would be equal to the task of getting it going -again. And I was not mistaken." - - - - -CHAPTER X - -Alan Speaks French - - -Sunrise--a grey sky and a high dawn; long drab-coloured rollers -driven on by the steady westerly wind; away to the south'ard a line -of dark-grey cliffs, hardly distinguishable from the sombre hues of -sea and sky. This was the first impression of the French coast upon -the minds of the Sea Scouts of the _Olivette_. - -Here and there the coastwise lights were vainly endeavouring to hold -their own against the steadily increasing dawn. The powerful beams -from the lighthouses of Cape de la Hogue and Cape Levi had already -been extinguished, but from the Digue and the high ground above the -town of Cherbourg there were still faint pinpricks of luminosity. - -Away to the east'ard a couple of tramps were ploughing against the -strong ebb, making apparently for Havre. Between the _Olivette_ and -the shore were about twenty fishing-boats, their dark-tanned sails -close-hauled to the breeze as they raced homewards with the fruits of -their night's toil. - -"We haven't made a bad passage, sir," remarked Stratton as he came on -deck. - -"We're not there yet, Peter," replied Mr. Armitage. "We've hit a -pretty hot ebb tide, and it's sweeping us to the west'ard. I'm afraid -we won't do much till the young flood sets in." - -"How fast is the tide running, sir?" asked the Patrol Leader. - -"A good six knots, I imagine," was the reply. "Six knots broad on our -port beam, and we're doing about eight. We'll be in luck if we're -inside the breakwater by six o'clock. It's now eight minutes to -four." - -"Hello, Mr. Boldrigg!" exclaimed Peter, as the old seaman stumped -aft, swinging his arms. "You've had a long trick." - -"Yes," agreed Tom. "A middlin' long trick; but it's only making up -for lost time, so to speak." - -"There's hot cocoa below," announced the Patrol Leader. - -"He insisted upon being look-out man," remarked Mr. Armitage after -Boldrigg had disappeared below. "I offered to send for'ard a relief, -but he wouldn't let me. He's been up in the bows ever since ten -o'clock. He's certainly earned his passage. Sleep well, Peter?" - -"Toppingly, sir," replied the lad. It was his first night on board -while the boat was under way, and in spite of the motion and the -rumble and vibration of the propeller, he had slumbered soundly and -well. - -"Good!" rejoined the Scoutmaster. "Then I think I'll turn in for an -hour or so. You'll find a chart of Cherbourg in the wheel-house. -Provided you make due allowance for the set of the tide, there is -nothing of a difficult nature to contend against. You can just -distinguish the central breakwater--the Digue. The eastern entrance -is the one for us." - -Mr. Armitage went below, while Stratton entered the wheel-house and -"took over" from Flemming. - -The next hour passed slowly. Although the young helmsman kept the -_Olivette_ well against the tide, her progress seemed painfully slow. -It was not until the tide slackened and changed that the boat made -any appreciable headway. - -"Call Mr. Armitage," said Stratton as the _Olivette_ rounded the Fort -de l'Est--the easternmost point of the Digue--and the whole of the -vast enclosed Cherbourg Harbour came into view. - -The Scoutmaster was quickly on deck. "We're in, then?" he remarked. -"Fine breakwater that. Have you any idea of what it cost?" - -"No, sir," replied Peter. - -"Roughly, £220 a linear foot," declared Mr. Armitage. "It took more -than seventy years to build, and is 4060 yards in length, or two and -a half times the length of Plymouth Breakwater. Now, Roche, slow down -to five knots, and stand by the reversing-lever." - -"Do we anchor, sir?" asked Peter. - -"No," was the reply. "We'll go into the Avant Port and afterwards -into the Bassin à Flot--that's a sort of dock with gates to prevent -the water running out. Get the hands ready with the warps and -fenders." - -Very gently the _Olivette_ brought up alongside the weed-covered -walls of the quay. As the tide had only just begun to rise, the -masonry towered nearly thirty feet above her deck. Willing hands -ashore helped to secure the little English craft, from the stern of -which the Red Ensign drooped in the calm, sheltered basin. - -Although it was yet early, the Sea Scouts had to receive a visitor. A -short thick-set bearded Frenchman, with a sheaf of papers under his -arm, ponderously descended the vertical ladder and scrambled upon the -_Olivette's_ deck. - -"Your papairs, ef you please," he demanded. "From England, eh? you is -capitaine, monsieur? Have you anyt'ing to declare?" - -"_Quelques boîtes d'allumettes, un peu de sel, pas de vin, pas de -whisky, pas de tabac,_" replied Mr. Armitage. - -The _douanier's_ face had grown graver and graver as the recital -proceeded. This craft was different from those with which he usually -had to deal. English yachts generally had spirits and beer on board, -and as a result he had obtained a glass of whisky and a generous -_pourboire_. This time he had struck a "dry" ship. - -"I must ze search make," he declared. - -"Certainly, Monsieur Jules," rejoined the Scoutmaster in French. "It -will not be the first time you have explored my lockers." - -The custom house official started and looked intently into Mr. -Armitage's face. Then with an exclamation of surprise he flung his -arms round the Scoutmaster's neck, and to the amusement of the crew, -kissed him on both cheeks. - -"_Ma foi,_" he exclaimed, "_c' est le capitaine de vaisseau_ -Armitage. I am charmed to see you again, monsieur, but I failed to -recognize you. No, the search is unnecessaire. I vill sign your -papairs _tout de suite_." - -He went with the Scoutmaster into the after cabin. - -"Queer bird that," remarked Hepburn. "Fancy one man kissing another." - -"Custom of the country, I suppose," rejoined Roche. "Wonder how he -knew Mr. Armitage?" - -The question was answered after the douanier had taken his departure. - -"I met Jules when I was in R.N.V.R.," explained Mr. Armitage. "Our -M.L.'s frequently put into Cherbourg, and as we generally had plenty -of provisions on board and people ashore here were on very short -allowances, we were made most welcome. Now, lads, we have to wait -until nine o'clock before the dock gates open, so suppose we pipe all -hands to breakfast." - -"Fine idea, sir," replied Hepburn, who was always a good trencherman. - -"It is," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "So you can nip ashore, Alan, and get -some bread. The bakers open early here. Take this money. I took the -precaution of getting Jules to change some for me." - -He handed Hepburn a roll of papers, which at first sight looked like -a bundle of Treasury notes. Actually these were franc notes, each of -the value of about fivepence or sixpence. - -Thrusting the money into his pocket, Alan swarmed up the ladder -against the quay. At the top he paused and looked down upon his -chums. - -"I'm the first of you fellows to set foot on French soil at all -events," he remarked proudly. - -Then making his way between a crowd of interested waterside loafers, -Hepburn set off on his quest. - -It did not take him long to find a baker's shop. - -He kept his eyes open for the word "_boulangerie_", and his sense of -smell on the alert for the appetizing odour of new bread. - -Alan was rather proud of his French. He had gained two prizes at -school for his knowledge of that language, but when he found himself -confronted by a portly pleasant-faced woman he was literally -tongue-tied. - -"Let me see," he soliloquized desperately; "what was that wheeze old -Patinot taught us: If you eat new bread you'll have an 'ache'. Yes, -that's it; ache is the French for bread--_Deux aches, s'il vous -plaît, madame._" - -Madame looked decidedly puzzled and shook her head. - -"Oh, dash it all!" ejaculated the Sea Scout. "It wasn't ache; it was -pain--same thing, only different: _Deux pains, s'il vous plaît._" - -This time Madame was pleased to understand, and Alan was the -recipient of a couple of loaves of about four inches in diameter and -nearly a yard in length. - -Triumphantly Hepburn carried his purchases back to the quay, and -threw them into the outstretched arms of Warkworth. - -"Since you've made such a success of your expedition, Alan," said Mr. -Armitage, "I wish you'd take these letters to the postoffice. -Remember to put a five centimes stamp on each. By the time you return -breakfast will be ready." - -Alan took the envelopes, reascended the ladder, and crossed the -pavé-covered quay. After wandering for some distance without finding -the post-office, it occurred to him to inquire the way. - -A magnificently uniformed gendarme was walking down the street. Alan -went up to him and saluted Scout fashion, and the gendarme replied -with an elaborate military salute. - -"_Au poste, monsieur!_" exclaimed Hepburn, sure of his ground this -time. - -"_Mais oui certainement,_" was the reply. "_Par ici, monsieur._" - -The gendarme escorted Alan, and a steadily increasing crowd of idlers -and children followed the pair. Hepburn felt rather elated. It was -his Sea Scout's rig, he decided, that was such an attraction. - -Throwing his shoulders back and holding his head high, he walked -proudly by the side of his uniformed guide. - -But he felt far from elated when the gendarme led him through a -doorway into a low-ceilinged room where half a dozen armed men were -standing. The door closed behind him, a gendarme planted his back -against it, and half a dozen pairs of eyes were fixed upon the now -astonished lad. - -One thing was certain. Instead of being taken to the post-office, he -had been shown into the police-station. It was an easy matter to -enter, but would it be so easy to get out? - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -"Wounded" - - -"Alan's not hurrying himself," remarked Roche, when the appetizing -breakfast was half consumed. - -"He certainly ought to have been back by this time," agreed Mr. -Armitage. "Perhaps he is entering into conversation with some French -Scouts." - -"That reminds me," said Flemming, who also prided himself upon a -knowledge of the French language. "I was wondering what to say as an -exclamation when we are talking to these Scouts. For instance, what -is the usual translation of 'Well, I'm jiggered'?" - -"I've rarely heard you say that, Flemming," observed Peter. "You -generally exclaim, 'Well, I'm blest', I notice." - -"That's easily translated, then," rejoined Flemming. "It's merely: -_Je suis blessé._" - -Apparently Eric's rendering of the phrase satisfied his companions. -Mr. Armitage smiled to himself, but said nothing. He was rather -curious to know what would happen when Flemming expressed himself -thus. - -"I'll let it go at that," concluded Flemming. "Now, what about Alan, -you fellows? Hadn't we better send out a search-party?" - -Stratton and Roche volunteered to accompany Eric, and receiving the -Scoutmaster's permission, they went ashore. - -Inquiries of people on the quay soon put the searchers on the track. -The young English Sea Scout had been a fairly conspicuous feature on -the French landscape. After proceeding down three or four streets, -Flemming received the startling information that the lost youth had -been seen taken into the police-station under the care of a gendarme. - -"What's he been doing, I wonder?" asked Roche. "Butting up against -some rotten red-tape regulation, I expect. Hadn't we better inform -Mr. Armitage?" - -"Let's make certain that Alan's under arrest first," suggested the -Patrol Leader, and, led by a gamin, the Sea Scouts proceeded to the -police-station. - -At the door they nearly collided with the lost youth. Hepburn, -looking rather red in the face, showed no enthusiasm at seeing his -chums. - -"I made a mistake," he admitted. "I mistook the police-station for -the post-office, and it took me some time to explain." - -Flemming roared with merriment. - -"You're a bright one!" he exclaimed. "I know what you did: you asked -for '_le poste_' instead of '_la poste_'. The first means a -police-station, the second a post-office. That's one up against you, -my festive." - -The letters having been stamped and posted, the four Sea Scouts -returned to the _Olivette_, where Hepburn made a belated breakfast to -the accompaniment of a running fire of chaff from his chums. - -"You wait," declared Alan, imperturbably; "I'll score off you fellows -yet." - -The breakfast things having been washed up and stowed away, the Sea -Scouts set to work to scrub decks and make the _Olivette_ look a -credit to them. By the time this task was accomplished the gates of -the Bassin-à -Flot were opened. In four hours the _Olivette_ had been -lifted vertically through a height of eighteen feet by the rising -tide. - -"You see now why I want to try and bring the boat into the -floating-dock," observed Mr. Armitage. "If we remained in the tidal -harbour we would have to be continually altering the scope of the -warps as the level of the water changed. Here we are relieved of that -trouble and responsibility, and there is no necessity to have to -ascend and descend the long ladder to get ashore or on board at low -water." - -The _Olivette_ safely moored, the Sea Scouts prepared for a ramble -ashore, to see the sights of the town. Flemming was not one of the -party, having been told off to act as ship-keeper; while old Tom -Boldrigg was making up for his prolonged trick as look-out man by -sleeping soundly on one of the locker seats in the well. - -While his comrades were seeing the sights, Eric Flemming had by no -means a dull time. It quickly dawned upon him that the many -advantages of the Bassin-à -Flot were outdone by the obvious -disadvantages of the place. The hot sun pouring down upon the -enclosed space of water was too strong to be pleasant, especially -when the heat caused the garbage floating upon the surface to emit -most unpleasant odours. - -It was Flemming's first experience of a "wet" dock, and before very -long he sincerely hoped it might prove his last. - -After a while Eric went below to escape the glare. He had not been in -the cabin more than five minutes before a dull thud sounded on the -deck over his head. Then came another thud, followed by others in -quick succession, until Flemming realized that the _Olivette_ was -being bombarded. - -Putting on his cap, the lad gained the well. Almost as soon as he -stepped outside the cabin door a missile hit him on the head. -Fortunately the thick sailor's cap with its white cap-cover mitigated -the blow, but even then it was sufficient to make the lad wince. - -He quickly took in the situation. Ten or twelve ragged gamins were -gathered on the edge of the quay, engaged in the pleasant and -congenial task of hurling stones and cabbage-stalks upon the -_Olivette's_ deck and raised cabin-top. - -"_Alles-vous-en!_" shouted Flemming. The boys retreated a few steps, -but seeing that the Sea Scout made no attempt to follow up his -advantage, they held their ground, jeering and redoubling their fire. - -Eric hardly knew what course to pursue. It was not good form to start -scrapping on foreign soil. A jolly sound hiding, he reflected, would -do the gamins a world of good, but there were the after results to be -taken into consideration. If each of the aggressors went away and -returned with two or three pals, the _Olivette_ would hardly be -tenable under a terrific fusillade of stones and garbage. On the -other hand, he could not allow the boat to be made into a sort of -maritime Aunt Sally for the edification of a crowd of juvenile -ruffians. - -He might have parleyed with them, or bribed them to go away quietly, -but this method did not appeal to his British spirit. He was alone. -Old Boldrigg was sleeping profoundly, quite oblivious to the tocsin -sounding over his head. - -Springing ashore, Flemming rushed at his tormentors. They turned and -fled incontinently, although several of them were bigger than Eric. -He chased them for about fifty yards along the quay, and then -returned to the _Olivette_. - -But the retreat was only temporary. The moment Flemming regained the -deck the gamins returned, the number considerably augmented, while a -crowd of men engaged in unloading a schooner ceased their work to -watch and enjoy the scene. - -Flemming waited until the first missile of the renewed attack hurtled -through the air, then he charged his assailants. Again the latter -took to their heels, but Eric meant to see the business through this -time. - -Overtaking and ignoring the smaller and weaker of the boys, he held -on until he collared a tall, hulking fellow, who was one of the -ringleaders. Applying a very effective arm-lock, Flemming made his -captive accompany him to the _Olivette_. - -"Now I've found a hostage," thought Eric, as he deftly drew the lad's -arms behind him and round the mast and lashed the wrists together. -"They won't dare to hurl things on board now." - -But he was mistaken. The gamins found increased delight in pelting -their former leader. Perhaps they had a grudge against him. There he -stood, yelling and bawling threats against his fellows until Flemming -felt obliged to release him. - -"'Spose I must grin and bear it until the others return," he -soliloquized, as the boys renewed the bombardment. - -Suddenly the gamins, uttering shouts of warning, took to their heels. - -Looking to see what had caused the flight, Flemming saw a troop of -French Scouts doubling along the quay. There were two patrols--about -fourteen Scouts in all--but before them, the gamins, numbering -between forty and fifty, simply melted away. - -The Patrol Leader saluted Flemming courteously, and the Sea Scout -smartly returned the salute. Then in a curious mixture of French and -English and a broken attempt at both, the Scouts and the Sea Scout -engaged in a "palaver". - -It was rather a one-sided affair. A dozen French Scouts were talking -and asking questions simultaneously, while the English Sea Scout -hardly knew which remark to reply to. - -"I have been to l'Angleterre," declared one of the Scouts. "Ze last -summaire I vas at Sout'ampton at ze rally." - -"I was there, too," replied Flemming; then using his Gallicized -version of his favourite ejaculation, he added, "_Je suis blessé._" - -The effect was startling and electrical. There was a brief pause -following Eric's words. A dozen Scouts invaded the _Olivette_. -Grasped by several pairs of hands, the astonished Flemming, too taken -aback to offer any resistance, was gently deposited upon the deck. A -confused babel greeted his ears, one of the most frequently used -words being "_blessé_". Several of the French Scouts produced a -packet of bandages and a first-aid outfit, while there were shouts -raised for "_le médecin_". - -"What's the game," thought the bewildered Flemming. "Are they giving -a first-aid demonstration and using me as a subject, just to show how -they go about it?" - -Someone placed a pile of rolled coats under his head. His shoes and -stockings were deftly removed. His jersey was peeled off, although it -looked at one time as if the French Scouts meditated cutting it away. -They felt his heart and his pulse, and tried to examine his tongue. - -In the midst of the demonstration, the timely arrival of Mr. Armitage -and the rest of the Sea Scouts saved Flemming from further unrequired -attention. Quickly the well-meaning and excitable French lads were -induced to desist, and Eric was allowed to regain his feet. - -"What have you been doing, Flemming?" asked his Scoutmaster. "Have -you hurt yourself?" - -"No, sir," replied Eric. - -"Then why are these Scouts on board with their first-aid bandages?" - -"I don't know, sir; I'm blessed if I do!" declared Flemming. "I was -just talking to them, and----" - -"I suppose you said, 'Well, I'm blessed' in French," added Mr. -Armitage with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. - -"I certainly remember saying '_Je suis blessé_'," admitted Flemming, -who was beginning to feel a bit dubious as to whether what he had -said was what he meant to say. - -"That did it," continued Mr. Armitage. "I knew it would happen before -very long. '_Je suis blessé_' is not 'I'm blessed' but 'I am -wounded'. Hurry up and go below and get dressed properly." - -The discomfited Flemming beat a hasty retreat amidst the laughter of -his companions. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -"In the Ditch" - - -The French Scouts remained on board for another half-hour. They -inspected and were duly impressed by the _Olivette_ and her -equipment; they exchanged confidences with their brother Sea Scouts, -to whom difference of nationality counted for little as far as the -Universal Brotherhood of Scouts went. Before they took their -departure, the French boy's invited the _Olivette's_ crew to a picnic -at Equeurdreville--a seaside hamlet a few miles to the west of -Cherbourg--on the following morning. - -"I do not think we shall be able to accept," said Peter. "We are -sailing for Havre early to-morrow, if all's well." - -One of the French Patrol Leaders shrugged his shoulders and threw out -the palms of his hands in a characteristic Gallic attitude. - -"I do not think you vill sail," he remarked. - -"Why not?" asked Stratton. - -The lad pointed in the direction of Fort l'Onglet, above which a -cone, point uppermost, had been hoisted to the yard-arm of a mast. - -"_Regardez bien!_" he exclaimed. - -Mr. Armitage, following the direction of the French Patrol Leader's -outstretched finger, noted the signal. It meant that bad weather--a -gale from the nor'ard--was approaching. If any confirmation were -necessary the barometer proved it. The glass had fallen four-tenths -in less than a couple of hours. - -"There's one thing," observed Stratton, after the visitors had taken -their departure. "It's one of those short, sharp summer gales: - - 'Long foretold, long last, - Short warning, soon past'. - -It's a good thing we're in a secure harbour." - -Flemming made a wry face. - -"It's too much of a good thing," he protested. "I've never, never -been in a basin before, and this one's quite enough. Doesn't it -whiff?" - -"It does," admitted Peter. "Now you come to mention it, there is an -odour of sorts." - -"And those little bounders the French ragamuffins," continued Eric. -"The stuff lying on the decks is only a small part of what they -threw. I cleared up three times before the Cherbourg Scouts came upon -the scene and chased them off. Hello, what's this coming?" - -The lock gates were open and a large tramp steamer was being warped -into the Bassin-à -Flot. From where the _Olivette_ lay, the steamer's -stern was masked by the rise of her deckhouse and bridge, but the -ensign was just visible--a dirty, wind-frayed, coal-grimed piece of -red bunting with a Union Jack in the upper quarter next the staff. - -That nondescript piece of bunting meant something real to the British -Sea Scouts. Even though they had not long left their native shores -they were already fully aware that they were strangers in a foreign -land, but here was a bit of England--technically British soil -although afloat--and the sight of it was cheering. - -The harbourmaster, purple with incoherent shouting, hurried along the -quay-side, waving his arms and pointing frenziedly at the on-coming -tramp. - -"What does he want?" exclaimed Hepburn. - -"I rather fancy he wants us to shift," remarked Peter. - -The Patrol Leader's surmise was confirmed by a voice hailing from the -tramp's bridge. - -"Ahoy, there!" shouted a short, thick-set, jovial-looking officer -clad in a salt-stained serge uniform. "Can you drop astern a couple -of lengths?" - -"Ay, ay," replied Peter, and in a very short time the _Olivette's_ -warps were cast off and the boat tracked aft along the quay. - -When the _Acacis_--for that was the tramp's name--was safely berthed, -the officer who had hailed the _Olivette_ came aft. - -"Thanks!" he exclaimed. "You Sea Scouts know your job, I can see." - -"Thank you," replied Peter. "May we come aboard you and have a look -round?" - -"Right-o," was the reply. - -The skipper of the _Acacis_--bound from Cardiff to Cherbourg and Le -Havre--made the Sea Scouts right welcome. It was, for the majority of -them, the first opportunity they had had of "looking over" a big -vessel. - -"Yes, it'll blow before night," the skipper observed in answer to -Peter's question. "We struck it pretty bad off the Longships, and -right across the Channel there was a tidy roll on. That generally -means a bit of a blow. You'll be here for the best part of a week, -I'll allow." - -The Sea Scouts showed no enthusiasm over this piece of information. -Flemming was positively downhearted. - -"Look here," suggested the _Acacis_' Old Man, when he learnt of the -unwelcome attentions of the Cherbourg gamins, "why not lie alongside -of us? You'll get a tidy bit of coal-dust, but that's a jolly sight -better than cabbage-stalks and dead cats dumped on your deck." - -The offer was gladly accepted. The _Olivette's_ bow-warp was passed -on board the tramp and the boat hauled alongside the _Acacis_' -starboard side. Sheltered by the latter vessel's towering hull, the -_Olivette_ was no longer a target for the ragamuffins of the port. - -As the skipper had predicted, it blew hard at sunset, the gale -continuing all the following day, accompanied by heavy showers. But -the _Olivette_ was in snug shelter, the basin being completely -landlocked, while the rain did not prevent the Sea Scouts enjoying -the hospitality of their French friends. - -At length the storm moderated, and on the fourth day the sea had -subsided sufficiently to enable the _Olivette_ to resume her voyage. -The _Acacis_, having discharged a portion of her cargo, was also due -to leave Cherbourg for Le Havre. Directly the gates of the -Bassin-à -Flot were opened, the _Olivette_ motored through into the -Avant-Port. Here she tied up, for it was inadvisable to make a start -for the east'ard before half-ebb. By so doing the _Olivette_ would -"carry her tide" for eight or nine hours, and as the tides run -strongly off the French coast, the question of "working them" was an -important one. - -Mr. Armitage had to obtain clearance papers and lay in sundry stores, -so that the time was not wasted, and when the _Olivette_ headed -seaward, the _Acacis_ was steaming through the East Channel. - -"We've about one knot advantage in speed," remarked the Scoutmaster, -"but we'll slow down a bit and let her pilot us. It's rather a -dangerous bit of coast between here and Cape Levi. Look at that -broken water. Anyone would think that there was a gale raging off -that point, but it's merely a tidal race." - -Dead in the wake of the tramp, and about a cable's length astern, the -_Olivette_ kept. At intervals members of the _Acacis_' crew -semaphored jocular messages to the Sea Scouts, to which the latter -replied with the greatest zest. - -About five miles beyond Cape Barfleur the _Olivette_ overtook a -French fishing smack. One of the crew of the latter, noticing that -the Sea Scouts were semaphoring, attempted to send them a message. - -"Dashed if I can make out what that fellow is saying," exclaimed -Hepburn with a puzzled look. "Can you, Reggie?" - -Warkworth shook his head. He was reckoned to be a good signaller, but -the Frenchman's semaphoring was beyond him. - -"I'm not surprised," said Peter. "The French system is different from -ours. Don't you remember when we were at Dover----" - -The Patrol Leader's reminiscence was interrupted by a warning shout -from old Tom Boldrigg, who was in his favourite post as look-out man. -Simultaneously the _Acacis_ put her helm over to starboard, while a -white object was hurled from her port quarter. - -"Man overboard," shouted Boldrigg. "A hand from the tramp's in the -ditch." - -Mr. Armitage opened the window of the wheel-house and warned Roche to -stand by with his reversing-lever. - -"There he is!" exclaimed Peter. "A point on our port bow." - -"Easy ahead!" ordered the Scoutmaster, then "Stop!" - -The _Olivette_ was now within fifty yards of the man, who was -swimming towards the buoy. It was evident that he was not a good -swimmer. He was splashing violently, and making very little headway -in proportion to the energy he displayed, and already his strength -was diminishing. It was a question whether he might succeed in -gaining the buoy before he became exhausted. - -Flemming, Woodleigh, and Warkworth ran for'ard, the former with a -boat-hook and the others with life-lines. Eric shouted encouragement -to the swimmer, and for the first time the man seemed conscious of -the approach of the _Olivette_. - -"He's almost done for!" exclaimed Woodleigh. - -The time taken by the _Olivette_ to approach the man seemed -interminable, but as there was a considerable "lop" on, Mr. Armitage -dare not risk holding on at any speed for fear of running down the -swimmer. The Scoutmaster was manoeuvring to bring the boat to a -standstill dead in the eye of the wind and close to the man. Once the -_Olivette_ got broadside on to the wind she would be swept far to -leeward of the swimmer, and lose valuable time before she could again -get within close distance. - -Flemming held the boat-hook stave towards the man, but the latter had -not the strength to grasp the ash pole. Before the Sea Scout could -reverse the boat-hook and catch the swimmer with the metal hook, the -man was beyond reach. - -Warkworth hurled a line, but the rope being new, the coils failed to -free themselves, and the bight fell short. - -Without hesitation, Woodleigh leapt into the sea, taking one end of -the line with him. - -Half a dozen strokes brought him to the man, who was actually on the -point of sinking. The fact that his chums were holding on to the end -of the rope gave Woodleigh confidence. Regardless of the risk of -being clutched by a drowning man, Will allowed himself to be caught -in a desperate grip. Down he went, rescuer and rescued in a mutual -embrace; then the line tautened, and in another fifteen seconds -willing hands grasped the plucky Scout and his now almost senseless -burden and hauled them into safety. - -Woodleigh, none the worse for his immersion, beyond the fact that he -had swallowed a good half-pint of salt water, went below to change -his clothes. Flemming, Hepburn, and Warkworth attended to the rescued -man, who was now quite insensible. - -Meanwhile, the _Acacis_ had starboarded helm and reversed her -engines. Her skipper had seen that the _Olivette_ was proceeding to -the rescue, and, having witnessed the successful issue of the -attempt, had given orders for a boat to be lowered to bring the man -back. - -"Semaphore the _Acacis_, Alan," ordered the Scoutmaster. "Tell them -to carry on, and we'll hand over the man at Havre. He's not in a fit -state to be moved at present." - -The tramp acknowledged the signal, and replied that the arrangement -would be most satisfactory; then both vessels, having resumed their -former course, headed for the still distant port of Le Havre. - -"You managed that awfully well, sir," exclaimed Peter. - -"Did I?" rejoined Mr. Armitage. "As a matter of fact it was quite an -easy matter, because we were in the wake of the tramp. Supposing one -of us had fallen overboard, what would you have done?" - -"Thrown over a life-belt, sir," replied the Patrol Leader. - -"And what then?" - -"Gone astern," was the reply. - -Mr. Armitage shook his head. - -"Never in a light-draughted, single-screwed boat," he declared. -"She'd never answer to her helm while going astern, and if the wind -were abeam, she'd be blown to lee'ard of the man in the water. Now -remember, if there's time, put the boat's helm over so that the -boat's stern flies away from the person overboard. That is to avoid -hitting him with the propeller, since men who have fallen overboard -almost invariably try to swim towards the boat. Then, keeping 'easy -ahead', make a complete circle and come up bows on to the man, -keeping just enough way for the boat to answer her helm, and still -get there quicker and with far more chance of success than by any -other way." - -"I'll remember that, sir," said Peter. "But I hope I'll never have to -try it." - -"And I, too," added Mr. Armitage fervently. "But one never knows." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -The Bore - - -The _Olivette_ saved her tide into the outer basin of Le Havre. She -was just in time to enter the lock gates of the Bassin de l'Eure -before they were closed on the falling tide. Meanwhile, the _Acacis_ -had berthed in the Bassin Vauban. - -"More floating docks!" exclaimed Flemming ruefully, as he surveyed -the stagnant water. "How long do we stop here, sir, please?" - -"Only until we've handed back the man belonging to the _Acacis_, and -shown our papers to the authorities," replied Mr. Armitage. "We are -going to bring up in the Tancarville Canal to-night." - -"Canal, sir?" echoed Roche. "I thought we were going up the River -Seine." - -"So we are, Dick," replied the Scoutmaster. "This canal, however, -saves us a dangerous bit of navigation. The estuary of the Seine is -full of shifting sandbanks, and if we did happen to get aground, the -_Olivette_ would stand a great risk of becoming a total loss. There -have been numerous instances of quite large vessels grounding in the -estuary and heeling over and filling. You see the bore complicates -matters." - -"The bore, sir?" exclaimed Flemming. - -"Yes, you'll make its acquaintance before very long," replied Mr. -Armitage. "We'll get the tail end of it several times before we reach -Rouen." - -Just then the skipper of the _Acacis_ arrived with a couple of -"hands" to take the absent member of the crew back to the ship. - -"Who was the Sea Scout who took to the ditch?" inquired the Old Man, -after he had expressed his warmest thanks for the rescue and care of -the man who had fallen overboard. "Wasn't much, eh? I don't know -about that. I call it pretty plucky. I mean to report the -circumstance to the Royal Humane Society when I get back--which may -be in a couple of months or more. On this job one never knows when -the trip's going to end." - -The next caller was a Port official. To him Mr. Armitage handed a -document, signed by the French Minister responsible for the -splendidly organized inland waterways of the Republic. The paper was -a permit for the _Olivette_ to make use of the Tancarville Canal, and -it was expressly stated that the passage through the locks was free. - -"This is one of the things they do better in France," observed Mr. -Armitage. "Not only do they provide a safe means of avoiding the -dangerous estuary, but they grant us a free passage. If the canals of -England were half as well looked after as they are on this side of -the Channel----" - -By six o'clock in the afternoon the _Olivette_ had traversed four and -a half kilometres of the canal, and had tied up for the night close -to a "cut" leading to the town of Harfleur. - -"We must see the sights of Harfleur," declared Mr. Armitage. "It is -only a little town, but it's full of interest. You remember, perhaps, -how it was besieged and captured by Henry V before he won the Battle -of Agincourt." - -Accordingly the dinghy was launched and manned. It was the first time -the little craft had been used since the _Olivette_ left Keyhaven, -and even then, it was not absolutely necessary. The Sea Scouts could -have landed and walked along the canal bank. - -It was dark by the time they returned. Tom Boldrigg had lighted the -cabin lamps, and had prepared supper. Eagerly, the hungry lads sat -down to enjoy what promised to be an appetizing repast, but their -anticipated pleasure failed in its realization. - -The _Olivette_ was invaded. Thousands of little green flies swarmed -everywhere. The lamp glasses were thick with them; so much so, that -in spite of frequent cleaning, the light was almost entirely obscured -by the writhing insects. These covered the table, settled on the food -and in the hot cocoa. In the circumstances, making a meal was out of -the question. - -"It's the light that does it," declared Boldrigg. "Put out the light -an' the midges'll sheer off." - -This suggestion was acted upon. In addition, the _Olivette's_ riding -lamp was hoisted to attract the flies. The result justified the -experiment. As if by magic, the insects disappeared, leaving hundreds -of small corpses in the cabin. Hungry, the crew had to make a sorry -meal in the darkness, munching hard biscuits and trusting to luck -that they were not swallowing dead flies; and in darkness, too, they -sought their bunks. - -At six the following morning, the "hands" were roused in true -nautical style. It was a glorious morning, and the waters of the -canal looked temptingly clean and fresh. Soon all the crew were -swimming about, and so thoroughly did they enjoy it, that Mr. -Armitage had difficulty in getting them to come out of the water. - -Before breakfast could be served, Roche and Flemming had to walk into -Harfleur to obtain fresh provisions, for everything of an edible -nature on board had been spoiled by the flies. - -While the two Sea Scouts were away on their errand the rest cleaned -ship thoroughly, all hands hoping that a repetition of the visitation -would not occur on the following night. - -In about an hour Roche and Flemming returned, having had a successful -marketing, in spite of the language difficulty. Their French was -unintelligible to the Harfleur shopkeepers, and the _patois_ of the -latter equally so to the Sea Scouts, but by means of disjointed words -and dumb show, Flemming and Roche had bought a goodly supply of -necessaries. - -"Another eleven miles before we're through the canal, lads," -announced Mr. Armitage as the _Olivette_ prepared to get under way. -"You'll have to cut out a couple of cylinders, Roche, as we did in -the Thames. Five miles an hour is the speed limit here." - -It was not a case of plain seamanship. The traffic on the canal was -heavy, comprising small steamships and barges. Most of the latter -were motor-propelled, but several were towed by steam-tugs, often -three abreast in a string. More than once the _Olivette's_ stout -rubbing-strake saved her from serious damage as the tail end of a -line of barges took a sheer and swung nearly across the wide canal. - -Kilometre after kilometre was passed, but the long, perfectly -straight canal seemed to have no ending, until early in the afternoon -the _Olivette_ entered the Tancarville Lock, through which she had to -pass to gain the River Seine. - -"We've a hot tide against us, sir," remarked Peter when the boat was -breasting the swift current of the river. "Oughtn't we to bring up -until the flood sets in?" - -"No," replied Mr. Armitage. "We must push on and try and reach -Quillebeuf before then." - -Stratton looked puzzled. Knowing the Scoutmaster's usual keenness in -"working the tides", it seemed strange that he should show anxiety to -proceed against a strong current; while, by waiting a few hours, the -_Olivette_ could easily make up for lost time by taking advantage of -the flood tide. - -"We have the bore to take into consideration," was Mr. Armitage's -enigmatical answer. "Let her all out, Flemming, and keep within easy -distance of the reversing-lever; it may be wanted in a hurry." - -It took nearly an hour to cover the five and a half miles to -Quillebeuf, but the Sea Scouts rather enjoyed the unusual scenery; -Those not on duty were basking on deck until Mr. Armitage told them -to go below. - -As the lads scrambled down the iron ladder into the well, they heard -a faint distant rumble. - -"Thunder, by Jove!" exclaimed Warkworth. - -In a few minutes the roar increased. It certainly was not thunder. -The Sea Scouts looked at each other inquiringly. - -They observed, also, that there was great activity on board the small -boats at Quillebeuf. Men were busy casting off moorings and rowing -the little craft into the centre of the stream. - -Suddenly round a bend in the river, down-stream, a huge wall of water -was seen approaching at a furious rate and breaking heavily against -both banks. To the lads this moving mass appeared to be quite twenty -feet high, but in reality it was about one third that height. - -It was the bore, or "La Barre"--a tidal wave caused by the flood tide -forcing its way into the funnel-shaped estuary and overwhelming the -ebb. - -"Hang on to something, all hands!" shouted Mr. Armitage. -"Hard-a-starboard, Peter." - -Round swung the _Olivette_ until her bows pointed down-stream. - -"Easy ahead!" was the next order. - -Straight for the centre of the bow-shaped wall of water the staunch -little craft headed. Into it she plunged, thrusting her bluff snout -deep into the wave. A foaming torrent swept the foredeck, and, -breaking against the wheel-house, flew high in the air in a cloud of -spray. - -For a few seconds it seemed as if the _Olivette_ were standing on her -heel. Her momentum was temporarily stopped. Somewhere below, the -sound audible above the roar of the bore, came the crash of broken -glass. Then with a dizzy, disconcerting movement the boat slid down -the reverse side of the liquid wall into the agitated water beyond. - -"There's another one, sir!" exclaimed Peter as soon as the moisture -on the wheel-house windows cleared sufficiently to enable him to see -ahead. - -Three more times in quick succession the _Olivette_ charged moving -walls of roaring surf-crested water; then she found herself in a -turmoil of dangerous waves, steep, irregular, and silent as they -surged onwards in the wake of the bore. In a few moments the -agitation died away; the _Olivette_ ported helm, and, with a six-knot -tide to aid her on her way, progressed rapidly up-stream. - -"Jolly exciting, eh, what?" exclaimed Peter. "Does that happen twice -every day, sir? If so, what do we do when there's a bore at night?" - -"We'll certainly have a repetition of it," replied Mr. Armitage, "but -I hope we'll be in fairly sheltered water to-night. We've struck it -at rather an awkward time, as we're right on the top of the spring -tides. At neaps the bore is hardly noticeable." - -Before the tide changed again the _Olivette_ had passed Caudebec and -followed the wide and sharp curve that the Seine makes round the -forest of Jumièges, and brought up off the little town of Duclair. - -"We won't feel much of the bore here," said Mr. Armitage, when the -_Olivette_ had picked up a set of moorings lent by a courteous -Frenchman. "It will be safe to leave the boat; so who's for the -shore? A jolly good walk will do us good. Are you coming with us, -Tom?" - -Old Boldrigg expressed his readiness to go. Hitherto he had spent -most of his time on board while the _Olivette_ was in port. - -"And what did you think of the bore, Mr. Boldrigg?" asked Peter, -while the old seaman was changing into "shore rig". - -"Not much, by a long chalk, Master Peter," was the reply. "When I saw -that there a-bearing down on us, I wished I was properly -afloat--plenty of sea-room, you'll understand. Rivers is all very -well, but give me the deep sea--it's safer." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -The Derelict - - -It was six o'clock when the "liberty men" landed on the quay at -Duclair. Roche, Flemming, and Tenderfoot Rayburn, who had volunteered -to remain on board as watch-keepers, went off with the others in -order to bring back the dinghy. - -"We'll be back at sunset, or soon after," said Mr. Armitage when the -party had been safely landed. - -"Aye, aye, sir," replied Roche. "We'll keep a look-out for you." - -Returning on board, Roche made the dinghy fast, and hung a canvas -bucket over the stern to prevent the little craft from bumping -against the _Olivette's_ counter, as the wind was against the tide. - -"Now we're all snug, Phil," exclaimed Roche. "I'm going on deck to -write letters." - -"So am I," added the Tenderfoot. - -"Then we can post them when we go ashore for the other fellows," said -Roche. - -Having attended to their home epistles, the two Sea Scouts read books -until it was nearly sunset. - -"Lay the table in the after-cabin, Phil," said his companion "I'll -start up the stove. We'll have a jolly good feed ready for them when -they return. They'll be here in twenty minutes or half an hour." - -An hour passed, and no sign of the returning "liberty men". Roche -took the hard-boiling kettle off the stove, lit the cabin lamp, and -went on deck. - -It was now quite dark, except for a few lights from the houses ashore -and the distant gleam of the Fanal St. Paul against the sombre -outlines of the Forêt du Trait. - -The Tenderfoot, on his own initiative, had trimmed, lighted, and -hoisted the riding-light. - -"That's the sort!" exclaimed Roche approvingly. "You're getting quite -a smart sailorman. How's the tide? Why, it's ebbing and we've swung -down-stream." - -"What's happened to the others, I wonder?" asked Rayburn, whose -notions of a foreign country included danger for man and beast. - -"Lost their way, perhaps," replied Roche. "'Twouldn't be the first -time a Scout has done that, by any means. We'll hear them hail us -very soon." - -"P'r'aps Hepburn's been run in again," suggested Flemming, "and the -others are trying to bail him out." - -He looked meditatively over the side, and added: - -"My word, isn't the tide running hard; I wouldn't like to have to go -overboard on a dark night like this." - -The ebb was now running at a good four knots, the water gurgling past -the sides of the _Olivette_ as she rode to her tautened -mooring-bridle. - -A tug, towing a train of barges, was laboriously creeping up-stream -in an endeavour to make Rouen before morning. Farther down, the -triple lights of a large steamer under way could be discerned -rounding the bend abreast of Le Marais. Presently the red and green -lights were extinguished. She had anchored for the night, preferring -to negotiate the intricate channel by daylight. - -"I'll get the dinghy alongside ready to go ashore," said Flemming. -"She'll lie there quietly now we're head to wind." - -"Don't forget to haul in the bucket," Roche reminded him, "or when we -begin to row we'll be wondering what's wrong with the dinghy." - -Eric brought the dinghy alongside on the starboard quarter and -clambered on board. - -"She'll do," he reported. "She's as quiet as a lamb. Wonder what -those fellows are doing ashore? It's nearly midnight. You'd better -turn in, Rayburn." - -The Tenderfoot was about to go below, when he startled the others by -exclaiming: - -"What's that coming towards us?" - -It was a heavily laden barge, drifting broadside on to the wind and -tide. Already it was close upon the bows of the _Olivette_, its long, -low-lying outlines grotesquely magnified in the darkness. - -"She'll hit us!" shouted Roche. "Stand by and fend her off. Phil, put -the helm hard over, and see if we can sheer clear of her." - -Flemming and Roche ran for'ard, each with a boat-hook. They might as -well have tried to stop an armoured car with a broomstick. Rayburn -promptly put the helm hard over, but the scope of chain to which the -_Olivette_ was riding was not sufficient to enable her to sheer out -of the course of the derelict barge. - -The next moment the impact came. It was a severe shock, although the -_Olivette_ gave to the momentum of the barge. Round swung the latter -under the irresistible strength of the tide, although her side was -still grinding against the _Olivette's_ stem. - -"Look to the dinghy!" shouted Roche, still pushing with the boat-hook -with all his strength. - -Flemming realized the danger. Dropping his boat-hook, he raced aft, -dropped into the dinghy, and began to cast off the painter. - - -[Illustration: THE DERELICT (missing from book)] - - -The rope--a new one--had swollen with the night dew. Before Eric -could untie the stubborn clove-hitch, the barge, still swinging -round, crashed heavily against the frail dinghy. - -Nipped between the sides of the two larger craft, the dinghy was -literally split asunder. Flemming barely contrived to jump upon the -deck of the low-lying barge. A second or so later and he would have -shared the fate of the dinghy. - -Baffled by the darkness and by the fact that he was on a strange -craft, Flemming attempted to run for'ard and regain the _Olivette_. -Stumbling over a ring-bolt, he fell awkwardly upon the barge's -waterways, and by the time he recovered himself the two craft had -drifted apart. - -He was marooned upon a derelict at the mercy of the swiftly running -Seine. - -It was a time of agonizing suspense for Dick Roche. He knew that his -chum had gone to save the dinghy; he had heard the rending crash as -the frail craft was nipped between the sides of the _Olivette_ and -the barge. - -A prey to the liveliest apprehension, Dick ran aft, encountering the -Tenderfoot, who, having placed the helm amidships, had hurried from -the wheel-house. - -"Where's Eric?" shouted Roche. "He was in the dinghy." - -"On board the barge," replied Phil; "I saw him jump for it." - -Roche ran aft and shouted. By this time the derelict had drifted so -far that she was a mere shadow in the darkness. - -"Ahoy!" came a faint shout, barely audible against the down-wind. - -Dick hailed again, but Flemming's reply could not be heard. - -"We'll have to get him off the barge somehow, Phil," declared Roche. -"We can't wait for the others, and I don't know how they'll get on -board. Now, look here: do you think you can manage the helm if I -start up the motor?" - -"I'll do my best," replied the Tenderfoot resolutely. - -"You can't do more," rejoined Roche encouragingly. "So let's get to -work and get about it." - -The first task was to bring the painter of the crashed and -water-logged dinghy for'ard and make it fast to the mooring-buoy. -Then Roche and the Tenderfoot fixed the sidelights and got the engine -going--the last was a fairly easy task, since the cylinders were -still warm. - -"Now," exclaimed Roche breathlessly, "go for'ard and cast off. By the -time you're back at the wheel we'll have drifted astern and clear of -the buoy. You're skipper now, Phil. Keep your head, and shout your -orders clearly, and you'll do all right." - -Making his way for'ard, the Tenderfoot managed to unfasten the heavy -mooring-chain. The buoy disappeared overboard with a mighty splash, -and the _Olivette_, with her engine running free, dropped astern, her -head paying off to leeward as she did so. - -Back to the wheel-house the Tenderfoot hurried. It was not exactly a -novel sensation to steer, but it was to realize that he was now -solely responsible for the direction and safety of the boat. - -"Ahead!" shouted Phil in a shrill voice. - -The _Olivette_ quivered as Roche put in the clutch. Then, gathering -way, she headed down-stream. - -Roche kept her at "Easy ahead". With both hands resting on the top of -the reversing-lever, he fixed his eyes upon the youthful helmsman. It -was a daring experiment, but circumstances justified the risk. -Flemming was in great danger, and that was sufficient reason. - -Meanwhile the Tenderfoot had opened the for'ard windows of the -wheel-house and was peering through the darkness. Nearly all the -shore lights were now extinguished, but there were the lighthouses -with their red and white lamps--those showing red being on the left, -and the white on the right bank. - -It took a great amount of careful handling to avoid the numerous -boats anchored off Duclair. Beyond was the steamer that had brought -up earlier in the evening. - -The _Olivette_ swept past within fifty yards of her. Not a soul was -visible on deck, so it was safe to assume that the derelict barge had -drifted past her without colliding with that vessel--otherwise there -would have been great commotion on board. - -Rayburn was beginning to think that in the darkness he had overtaken -the barge without sighting her, when he heard a faint shout, just -audible above the noise of the motor. There was no mistaking that -shout: it was one of the Patrol cries of the Milford Sea Scouts. - -A hundred yards or so on the _Olivette's_ port bow was the barge, -drifting broadside on to the current. Not so very far down-stream -were three masthead lights, denoting that vessels were at anchor. -Unless the derelict were promptly secured and towed out of the -fairway there seemed no way of preventing the barge from crashing -disastrously across the hawse of at least one of the three vessels. - -"Stop!" ordered Phil, putting the helm over gently. "Touch astern." - -In spite of his efforts the _Olivette_ bumped heavily against the -side of the barge. In a trice Hemming jumped and gained the -_Olivette's_ deck but not to stay. He too realized the danger of the -heavily laden barge drifting upon the anchored ships. Picking up the -bow-warp and taking a turn round the bitts, he jumped upon the deck -of the barge and made the end of the warp secure to a bollard. - -"Come on, you fellows," he shouted. "Bear a hand." - -"Can't," replied Rayburn. "There are only two of us on board. Roche -is at the motor and I at the wheel." - -Making his way aft, Flemming took another warp on board, so that the -_Olivette_ was secured alongside the derelict. - -"All fast!" he shouted as he regained the _Olivette_. - -"Easy ahead!" ordered Phil. The initial excitement over, he was now -as cool as the proverbial cucumber. - -Very gently Roche let the clutch in, throttling well down so that the -strain on the two hawsers would be taken up gradually and evenly. A -sudden jerk might result in both ropes carrying away, in which case -the barge would be foul of the anchored vessels before she could be -again secured. - -By this time the look-out on board the nearmost of the stationary -craft realized that something was amiss. He began hailing in French, -keeping up a torrent of exclamations until the _Olivette_ and her tow -were clear. - -"What are we going to do with her?" asked Roche. - -"Tow her clear of the fairway, I suppose," replied Flemming. "We -can't stem this tide; that's a cert. She has an anchor on board, but -it's too heavy for me to drop overboard single-handed, or I'd have -done so long ago." - -Slowly the _Olivette_ with her tow moved towards the right bank, -then, starboarding helm, she only just held her own against the swift -current. - -"Keep her like that!" shouted Flemming to the helmsman. "Now, Dick; -you can leave the motor for a brace of shakes. Come and bear a hand -with the mud-hook. Mind where you tread, old son; the barge is bunged -up with things to trip you up. I've had some." - -Even with their united efforts the two Sea Scouts were only just able -to topple the ponderous mass of iron over the bows. Then, having paid -out twenty fathoms of cable, the lads cast off both warps and jumped -on board their own craft. - -Roche immediately made his way to the engine-room. The clutch had not -slipped, and the engine was still running in neutral, but the sight -that met his eyes took him completely by surprise and filled him with -dismay. The heavy flywheel was throwing up showers of water, and the -engine-room looked as if one of the fountains of Trafalgar Square had -suddenly been transplanted into the confined space. - -"I say, you fellows!" he shouted. "One of you come down here as sharp -as you can. She's sprung a leak." - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -All Hands to the Pumps - - -Leaving the Tenderfoot at the helm, Flemming leapt into the well and -thence into the engine-room. - -"It must have been that biff when the barge fouled us!" he exclaimed. -"Look! the floor-boards are awash!" - -Eric went to the semi-rotary bilge-pump and began working the lever -desperately. Meanwhile Rayburn had shouted for "Easy ahead." - -The moment Roche put the engine in gear the _Olivette_ "squatted", as -she always did when under way; in other words, her bows rose and her -stern dipped correspondingly. The result was that a lot of water that -had found its way into the boat ran aft and the flywheel no longer -gave an aquatic display, but subsequent examination found that the -level of the bilge-water rose nearly six inches above the floor of -the after-cabin. - -Flemming kept on pumping for nearly twenty minutes, but the -semi-rotary failed to "suck air". It seemed positive that the pump -was unable to cope with the inflow of water. - -"Where are we now?" he asked breathlessly. - -Roche passed the question on to Phil Rayburn. - -"Nearly there," replied the Tenderfoot. "It's slow work against the -stream." - -"We'll have to beach her, I'm afraid," said Flemming. - -"No good doing that now," objected Roche; "she'd fill on the rising -tide. Besides, if there's much of a bore here, she'd be damaged still -more. You stand by here, old thing, and I'll give you a spell at the -pump." - -"We're nearly there," announced the Tenderfoot. "Who's going to pick -up the moorings?" - -Leaving Flemming at the reversing-lever, Roche "knocked off" pumping -and went on deck. Boat-hook in hand, he waited to make a grasp at the -mooring-buoy, to which was attached the water-logged planks and -timbers of what had been a smart, serviceable dinghy. - -"I bet that kid makes a bog of it," soliloquized Roche, who knew from -personal experience how easy it is to blunder in picking up moorings. - -But his fears were groundless. With a confidence inspired by previous -success, Phil brought the _Olivette_ to a standstill within a couple -of feet of the mooring-buoy. - -"Got it!" yelled Dick as he fished the cork float on board and took a -turn round the bitts with the chain-bridle. - -"Finished with the engines," shouted the Tenderfoot. - -Flemming cut off the ignition. The motor clanked into a state of -somnolence; then, having turned off the feed to the carburetter, Eric -devoted his attention to the bilge-pump once more. - -Presently Roche came below. - -"There's not a sign of the others," he announced. "What on earth can -have happened to them, I wonder? It's nearly half-past one." - -He caught sight of Rayburn, who was stifling a yawn. - -"You did jolly well, Phil!" he exclaimed. "We would have been in a -pretty kettle of fish if you hadn't been here. But you're tired. How -about turning in?" - -"I'm not tired, really," protested the Tenderfoot. "I'll take a turn -at the pump if you like." - -"Right-o," agreed Dick. "We may have to have spells at it all night; -but I think I'll try to find out where it's coming in and have a go -at stopping it." - -Switching on his electric torch, Roche squeezed through the small -doorway between the engine-room and the forepeak. He could hear an -ominous trickle coming from the neighbourhood of the chain-locker. - -Investigations resulted in the discovery that the _Olivette's_ bows -had been badly damaged in spite of the partial protection afforded by -the "pudding" fender. Several planks had been started on either side -of the stem, and although most of the damage was above water-line, -there was a considerable leak where a seam or two had burst. - -Procuring some grease and cotton-waste, Dick proceeded to caulk the -faulty seams, but his efforts in that direction were rewarded with -poor success. It was impracticable to use any degree of force, -because the fastenings of the planks were in such a weak state that -the planks themselves began to give; and without ramming the caulking -well home, the cotton-waste would not remain in position. - -"Better let well alone," decided Roche. "It's jolly tedious work -manning the pump, but we'll keep the old hooker afloat." - -Having reported the result of his investigations, Roche proposed that -each of the three Sea Scouts should take fifteen-minute tricks at the -pump. - -"That will give each of us half-an-hour spells," he added. "One or -both of the others can stop on deck to keep a look-out for the -liberty men." - -"P'r'aps they are not 'liberty men' any longer," remarked Flemming. -"It's jolly rummy that they haven't shown up before this. Right-o, -Dick; I'll take on with the pumping." - -Roche and the Tenderfoot went on deck. The tide was still ebbing. The -wind had dropped, and hardly a sound disturbed the stillness of the -night except the ripple of the water against the _Olivette's_ bows, -and the monotonous chug-chug of the semi-rotary pump. - -A steamer's navigation lights appeared up-stream. She was heading -towards the anchored _Olivette_. Rayburn glanced at his companion. - -"It's all right," said Dick reassuringly. "She's coming round a bend; -that's why she appears end on. She'll starboard her helm in half a -tick." - -But the vessel held on until even Roche began to think that there -would be a collision. He glanced aloft to make sure that the -_Olivette's_ riding-lamp was burning brightly. - -The steamer reversed engines, and lost way within twenty yards of the -_Olivette_. A hoarse voice hailed in an unintelligible patois. Dick -caught but two words, "_gabare_" and "_abandonnée_". - -"_A l'ancre.... A l'autre côté.... Sept kilomètres en bas_," -replied Roche, guessing that the strange craft was the tug they had -seen earlier in the night, and that, having missed one of her -charges, had returned in search of the derelict barge. - -To his no small satisfaction, Roche found that his halting reply was -understood, for, with a "_Merci beaucoup, m'sieu_", the skipper of -the tug rang for full speed ahead. - -Barely was the steamboat out of sight when the _Olivette_ began to -rock violently. It was not the swell of the tug that had caused the -commotion; it was the turn of the tide and the tail-end of the bore -in a succession of waves of about four feet in height. - -The erratic rolling and pitching alarmed Flemming considerably, for -the water in the bilges gushed between the floor-boards and swirled -ankle-deep from side to side. - -"She's leaking fast," he shouted. - -Roche went below. Already the water was subsiding into the bilges, -but it was evident that, in spite of continuous work at the pump, the -leak was not being kept under. - -"It'll be as much as we can do to keep going till daylight," declared -Flemming as he "handed over" to his chum. "The best thing we can do -is to get a bucket going. I'll bale, and pass the bucket up to Phil -for him to sling overboard." - -"Good idea," agreed Roche, turning up his sleeves and grasping the -handle of the pump. "We'll keep her afloat, old thing, even if it -snows ink." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -The Adventures of the "Liberty Men" - - -The "liberty men" had rather overdone things. Their ramble through -the Forest of Jumièges was too much of an undertaking for the short -space of time at their disposal. - -Twilight overtook them almost before they were aware of the fact, and -long before they were clear of the forest it was pitch dark. - -"If we keep on in a straight line," declared Mr. Armitage, "we'll -strike the river somewhere. Now, you woodcraftsmen, lead on, or we'll -get no supper to-night." - -It was easy to say "Keep in a straight line", but the accomplishment -was difficult. Not only was the ground thickly covered with trees--it -was hilly, and in places rugged. The recognized methods failed. The -Sea Scouts knew that the wind was an easterly one, but in the depth -of the forest there was no appreciable air-current. The foliage -overhead hid the stars, so another guide was denied the benighted -lads. - -"Moss and lichen always grow on the north side of a tree-trunk," -quoted Hepburn. "Where's your torch, Peter? Shine it this way." - -An examination not only of one, but of many tree-trunks, resulted in -the discovery that mosses and lichen were not in evidence. The third -clue had also let the Sea Scouts down. - -"Carry on, then," suggested Mr. Armitage, "until we find a path. It's -bound to lead somewhere." - -It took twenty minutes' steady progress through the undergrowth -before they found a path. It was narrow and apparently unfrequented. -Once a big animal--about the size of a bullock, declared -Warkworth--crashed through the brushwood about ten feet ahead of the -lads. - -"We must have tramped miles," declared Woodleigh. "I believe we're -going round in circles." - -"I fancy we're nearly out of the wood," said the Scoutmaster. "I can -feel a breeze. Yes, I thought so." - -The edge of the forest at last. It was now nearly eleven o'clock. Far -below could be discerned the sinuous course of the River Seine. -Nearer, and at a fair distance down the hill, lights gleamed from a -small village. - -"That must be Le Mesnil," decided Mr. Armitage, after he had -consulted a map by the aid of an electric torch. "It's all plain -sailing now. We'll follow the river bank. It's only six miles to -Duclair. Come on: Scouts' pace, forward." - -Encouraged by the Scoutmaster's example, the tired and hungry lads -bucked up considerably. Alternately walking and running fifty paces -they covered the intervening distance in an hour and twenty minutes, -arriving at the landing-place at a quarter past twelve. Old Boldrigg, -now sure of his bearings, followed at a leisurely pace. - -"_Olivette_ ahoy!" shouted Peter. - -There was no reply save the mocking echoes of his voice from the -opposite bank. He hailed again, giving the Patrol cry. - -"The lazy blighters have turned in," he declared, and hailed for the -third time. - -"Where's her riding-lamp?" asked Alan. "I believe she's gone--broken -adrift, or something." - -Mr. Armitage already had his doubts on the subject. Bringing out his -night-glasses, he focused them on the spot where the _Olivette_ ought -to have been moored. With difficulty he located the vacant buoy, to -which was attached something low in the water and straining in the -strong tide-way. - -"The _Olivette_ isn't there," he declared. "I don't think she's -broken adrift, or the mooring-buoy would have gone with her. I hope -Roche hasn't got into a panic about our late arrival and gone off in -search of us." - -"He couldn't expect to find us in the river, sir," remarked -Woodleigh. - -"S'pose not," admitted Mr. Armitage. "But to get down to rock-bottom -facts, the _Olivette's_ not on the moorings and we're benighted." - -"Perhaps she was in a prohibited anchorage, sir," suggested Peter, -"and the River Police have shifted her." - -"No, I inquired if she would be all right there," replied the -Scoutmaster. "She can't be very far away. Roche would have dropped -the anchor when he found her adrift. Anyone too tired to join in the -search? How about you, Mr. Boldrigg?" - -"I am a bit, sir," admitted the old man, who had just rejoined the -others. "But it ain't no good hangin' on to the slack when there's a -hammock waiting for me on board. So the sooner we find the hooker the -better for everyone, says I." - -The Sea Scouts retraced their way, keeping to the bank of the river. -There were a few craft under way, but in the darkness it was -impossible to distinguish what they were. - -It must have been soon after 2 a.m. that the search-party arrived at -the village of Jumièges. Here, fortunately a rowing boat containing -a belated fishing-party had just returned. - -In answer to Mr. Armitage's inquiry, the four people who had just -landed--they were Parisian art-students on holiday--all replied at -once. - -"Yes, monsieur, we did see a motor-boat. She passed close, very -close, to our little boat. She was towing a large lighter." - -The Scoutmaster felt disappointed. - -"I am afraid that is not the motor-boat we are looking for," he said. -"Did you happen to notice any of the crew?" - -"I did, monsieur," declared one of the men. "There was but one -visible. He wore a blue blouse and a white hat--so. Like these -messieurs here. The light shone from below upon him, understand; -therefore I could discern. She was going towards Duclair." - -"A white boat with a deck-house, sir," corroborated one of his -companions, tracing an outline with his finger. "Towards the front -one little mast but no funnel. Monsieur is benighted? Then perhaps he -would care to accompany us to our lodgings for refreshments." - -Mr. Armitage demurred, but the students were pressing in their -invitation. Accordingly the whole party went into the village, and -the Sea Scouts found themselves in strange surroundings--a cabaret. - -The landlord rose to the occasion. The sight of a couple of grown -Englishmen and four English Sea Scouts provoked no comment. In five -minutes the hungry search-party were sitting down to hot coffee and -biscuits, a long roll, and plenty of fresh Normandy butter. - -"That is our affair, monsieur," protested one of the students when -Mr. Armitage offered to pay for the refreshment. "When I was a -_poilu_ of the 141st Regiment we were once on the left of an English -battalion. We were hungry and they were well fed--merely a matter of -commissariat, monsieur--and when they found out we were famished, -half their rations were passed into our trench. Monsieur has served, -of course?" - -Greatly refreshed, the Sea Scouts bade their hospitable hosts -farewell, and set out to retrace their way back to Duclair. - -"Guess we know the way by this time," remarked Peter. "Three times in -one night is about the limit. Do we turn out at seven to-morrow--or -rather, to-day, sir?" - -"We're not on board yet, Peter," rejoined the Scoutmaster. "But I -think I'm safe in saying that we'll keep to our hammocks till noon." - -But Mr. Armitage's surmise was out, absolutely out. Grey dawn was -showing in the north-eastern sky when the footsore party arrived on -the quay at Duclair. There in the dim light was the _Olivette_ riding -to the flood-tide. In the stillness of the early morning could be -heard the regular pulsations of the hand-pump, while at intervals one -of her crew--it was not light enough to distinguish who it was--was -toppling pailfuls of water over the side. - -"_Olivette_, ahoy!" - -This time the hail was answered promptly. Out of the deep, open well -clambered Roche and Flemming slowly and laboriously, for they were -pretty well done up with their night of strenuous toil. - -"They seem in no hurry to come for us," observed Warkworth, "after -we've trudged all the blessed night." - -"Ahoy, there!" shouted Roche. "Can you find someone to put you off? -We've no dinghy." - -"Then they have had a mishap," declared Warkworth. "I believe I can -see the dinghy astern. She's waterlogged." - -The difficulty that now arose was how to get on board. There were -dozens of small boats off Duclair, but no one was about. - -"We'll take French leave," decided Mr. Armitage. "Since we are in -France, I take it that in the circumstances it is permissible. Find a -boat with detachable bottom-boards. We can paddle her out all right, -and return her when the owner shows up." - -This suggestion was acted upon. The "liberty men" crowded into the -borrowed boat and made their way to the _Olivette_ with but little -difficulty, for the flood-tide was easing off considerably. - -The Sea Scouts looked grave when the nature of the damage was pointed -out to them. Would it be possible to continue their trip with a boat -in that condition? - -"But we've kept her afloat, sir," declared Flemming triumphantly, as -he displayed his blistered hands. "We've done enough pumping to be -excused duty for the rest of the voyage." - -Roche, from below, added: - -"We're keeping the leak under and no more, sir. If we knock off for -even a minute the water rises over the floor boards." - -"Then it's about time we came," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "We're nearly -on the top of high water. Directly it's slack tide, we'll cast off -and warp into that shipbuilder's yard at the head of the quay. Until -the _Olivette_ is high and dry we cannot see the full extent of the -damage." - -An hour later the _Olivette_ was safely placed upon the slipway. Two -very serious-looking Frenchmen conferred between themselves, shaking -their heads and gesticulating as they examined the damaged bows. The -stem-piece was fractured in two places, the cracks extending diagonal -fashion. Four of the planks above water-line and two below had been -"started", and from the bows to a distance of ten feet aft the -caulking had been forced from the seams. Had it not been for the big -"pudding" fender, the _Olivette_ might have sunk within a few minutes -of the collision. - -Mr. Armitage anxiously awaited their verdict, so did several of the -crew, but Roche, Flemming, and Rayburn were sleeping the sleep of -utter exhaustion. - -"It is a bad business," declared one of the Frenchmen. "We have not -the material for executing repairs here. It will be necessary to -proceed up to Rouen, where, at the _chantier_ of Declos et Cie., the -work can be executed in a proper manner. Meanwhile we ourselves will -stop the leak temporarily, so that your little vessel will, with -safety, make the passage to Rouen." - -He was as good as his word. Procuring some white lead, canvas, and a -sheet of zinc, he contrived to patch up the gaping planks, so that -they no longer let in the water; for, when the _Olivette_ was -launched again, it was as tight as a boat could be. - -When Mr. Armitage asked for the bill, the little Frenchman shrugged -his shoulders. - -"I am but a poor man, monsieur," said the latter, "and these are hard -times. Nevertheless, I, who have been a sailor, would not gain my -bread by overcharging foreign sailormen in difficulties. It is but a -small thing that we have done, monsieur, merely a matter of white -lead and canvas. I therefore charge you twenty francs." - -The Scoutmaster looked at him in astonishment. Allowing for the -present value of the franc, the cost was a little over ten shillings. -Mentally he contrasted the sum with the extortionate bills for -shipwright's work on the other side of the English Channel, and he no -longer wondered why the British merchant ships cross over to French -ports to be "reconditioned". - -He paid up willingly, adding five francs as a _pourboire_, and, with -the wreckage of the dinghy hoisted on deck, the _Olivette_ resumed -her eventful pilgrimage. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -Monsieur Raoul - - -As it was only a distance of thirty-five kilometres, or, roughly, 23 -miles, Mr. Armitage decided to bring up on moorings off Duclair until -the tide changed. This would enable the crew to make up arrears of -sleep, or, at any rate, go a long way towards doing so, while, with -the favourable tide, the boat ought to arrive at Rouen early in the -afternoon. - -The Scoutmaster was dubious as to what would happen when the -_Olivette_ did arrive there. It looked as if the cruise would have to -terminate abruptly, while to repair the damage would probably eat up -the whole of the Troop's finances. - -He said nothing of this to the lads under his care. - -He was content to let events shape their course, and not to meet -trouble half-way. The youngsters were enjoying themselves, and he -would not place their pleasures under a cloud by as much as hinting -that the cruise of the _Olivette_ would be drastically curtailed. - -It was a picturesque stretch of the river that confronted the Sea -Scouts when the voyage was resumed. The Seine made a huge U-shaped -bend, almost encircling the Forest of Roumare on the port hand, and -skirting the Forests of Mauny and du Rouvray to starboard. On either -bank were numerous villages, while occasionally small islands were -passed. - -The _Olivette_ was abreast of the Obelisk at Le Val de la Haye, when -her crew noticed a weird sort of craft approaching at tremendous -speed. At first the Sea Scouts could not make head or tail of it. -There was hardly anything to be seen but a triangular girder -appearing above the apex of a double crest of spray, but the noise -the quaint craft made was terrific. - -"It's driven by an aerial propeller," declared Peter. "I can see the -glint on the blades as they revolve." - -Approaching at a rate of about forty-five miles an hour, the vessel -passed the _Olivette_ "like a streak of greased lightning". That was -Hepburn's definition. - -As she passed, the Sea Scouts saw that she was a hydro-glisseur, her -hull composed of three rectangular floats in line ahead and -supporting an aluminium cabin. Right aft was the motor with a triple -chain-driven air propeller. In the bows a tiny Tricolour stood out -stiffly in the breeze. Her crew consisted of two people--one, a -bareheaded mechanic, wearing a blue overall, the other, a youngish -man, the outstanding features of his costume being a velour Alpine -hat, with a tuft of feathers, and a pair of light-yellow kid gloves. - -Noticing the Red Ensign flying on board the _Olivette_, the Frenchman -took off his hat and made an elaborate bow. Not to be outdone in -politeness, the Scoutmaster gave the order, "Alert!" and while the -crew stood to attention he saluted the owner of the glisseur in scout -fashion. - -"We ought to have dipped our ensign, I suppose," remarked Stratton. - -"There wasn't time," rejoined Woodleigh. "He passed before you could -count five." - -"He's turning!" exclaimed Alan. "I say, what a heel! Oh, look! she's -over!" - -Hepburn's exclamation directed the attention of all hands aft. Even -Flemming, who was in the wheel-house, allowed the _Olivette_ to swing -a couple of points out of her course as he looked astern. - -The air-propelled craft, extremely sensitive to her helm, had made -too sharp a turn, or perhaps the mechanic had not slowed down the -motor sufficiently. In any case she capsized. For a moment, quite -two-thirds of the under-surface of the floats was exposed. Then, with -a rending crash, the rapidly-revolving propeller blades hit the water -and were shattered into splinters. The next instant the violently -racing engine dipped beneath the surface. A cloud of steam, as the -water came into contact with the hot cylinders, momentarily hid the -scene of the disaster. - -Flemming acted promptly. Spinning the wheel hard over, and shouting -to his chum, Roche, to slow down, he brought the _Olivette's_ bows on -to the spot where the glisseur had disappeared on an unpremeditated -submarine excursion. - -The owner of the vanished craft was with difficulty swimming towards -his mechanic, who, unable to keep afloat, had sunk for the second -time. - -The Frenchman was obviously handicapped, because he made no attempt -to use his left arm, but, arriving over the place where the -air-bubbles marked the presence of the unfortunate mechanic, he dived -to the latter's rescue. - -The pair reappeared together, the mechanic desperately grasping his -master round the neck. With a sudden wrench the latter shook himself -partly clear, then, with a short quick jab with his right fist, the -Frenchman hit the struggling man a stunning blow on the left temple, -grasped him by the collar of his overalls, and waited the arrival of -the _Olivette_. - -Quickly the pair were hauled on board. Three of the Sea Scouts -immediately set to work to resuscitate the half-drowned mechanic, -while the others, in their imperfect French, offered their services -to the owner of the lost craft. - -The Frenchman bowed. He had lost his hat. - -"_Permettez-moi, messieurs!_" he exclaimed, and gravely produced a -saturated visiting-card on which were the words "Raoul de la Voie, -Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur". - -Mr. Armitage suggested to his involuntary guest that perhaps the crew -of the _Olivette_ might conduct salvage operations. The boat had -stopped, with her engines running well throttled down, close to the -place where the hydro-glisseur had disappeared, a ready clue being -afforded by the oil rising in a steady, far-spreading stream to the -surface. - -Monsieur de la Voie listened with perfect gravity to the -Scoutmaster's halting attempt to put his thoughts into words in the -French language. Mr. Armitage "stuck" badly. His vocabulary was -usually good, but at the present time he had the greatest difficulty -in finding his words, and his dictionary was in one of his -portmanteaux in the after-cabin. - -"Excuse me," remarked the Frenchman, with an almost perfect English -accent, "but if you will kindly talk in English, no doubt I will be -able to follow you better." - -"Thanks awfully," replied Mr. Armitage, falling back upon his -mother-tongue. Then he added gravely, "I hope you are feeling quite -chirpy now." - -"Chirpy?" queried the Frenchman. - -"Chirpy--bucked," prompted the Scoutmaster. - -Monsieur de la Voie's face wore a puzzled expression. But he would -not admit defeat, for, producing a saturated pocket-dictionary, he -looked up the perplexing words. - -"Ah, yes," he continued, with a smile. "I'm feeling absolutely -top-hole, thank you, notwithstanding an unusual style of bathing in -the Seine. Salvage? Hardly necessary to trouble you, sir; you've done -quite enough for us as it is, but if you will buoy the spot, one of -my barges will conduct the operations. If you will be good enough to -give my mechanic and me a passage to Rouen?" - -Monsieur Raoul was little worse for his immersion, but the condition -of the luckless mechanic gave rise to grave misgivings. Not only had -he swallowed a liberal quantity of water: his knee had been hurt by -coming in contact with the girder supporting the aerial propeller, -while, to make matters worse, his master had been compelled to stun -him in order to free himself from his dangerous clutch. - -The owner of the hydro-glisseur was greatly interested in the Sea -Scouts and their craft. He plied the lads with innumerable questions, -and complimented them upon their sound knowledge of seamanship. - -Very little escaped the notice of the mercurial Frenchman, and when -he caught sight of the scars upon the _Olivette's_ bows he asked how -the damage had been caused. - -"And this happened last night, then? It is just possible that I know -who is the owner of the barge that caused the mischief." - -"He is a careless blighter, sir, whoever he is, to let a barge break -adrift," declared Hepburn. - -"Yes," assented Monsieur de la Vole solemnly. "He is." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -Shore Quarters - - -In spite of the delay occasioned by the rescue of the crew of the -hydro-glisseur, the _Olivette's_ run up to Rouen was accomplished by -four o'clock in the afternoon. The historic old town, viewed from the -river, interested the lads beyond measure, while the sight of the -transporter-bridge, a structure one hundred and seventy feet above -the water, and supporting a travelling car that served as a ferry, -appealed to their mechanical instincts. - -"Where do you propose going to for repairs?" asked Monsieur de la -Voie. - -"We were recommended to the Chantier Declos," replied Mr. Armitage. - -The Frenchman smiled. "You could not have been better recommended," -he remarked. "It happens that I keep my private boats in that yard. -There it is: on your left hand just beyond that crane." - -The _Olivette_ was safely berthed, and the French mechanic, who was -able to walk with assistance, was sent ashore. His condition excited -a fair amount of sympathy and curiosity on the part of the workmen; -but when Monsieur de la Voie jumped on to the quay his reception was -exuberant. - -"One would think they were all touched," remarked Roche. - -The workpeople were crowding round and literally mobbing de la Voie, -talking so quickly that the Sea Scouts were unable to understand a -single sentence. - -Presently the owner of the hydro-glisseur obtained a certain amount -of silence, and, beckoning to one of the men, led him aside. For some -minutes the pair conversed heatedly, Monsieur de la Voie smiting the -open palm of his left hand with his fist, while the other man -shrugged his shoulders and extended his hands. At length the latter, -evidently unable to hold his own, changed his tone completely. He -appeared to be pleading and expressing regrets. Monsieur de la Voie -dismissed him, and returned to the quayside, where the _Olivette_ -lay. - -"I have found out for you who is the cause of your misfortune. That -man is the captain of the tug drawing the barges, and the rearmost -barge broke her tow-rope and ran into your yacht." - -"Then he is the careless blighter, monsieur," said Hepburn. - -Raoul de la Voie shook his head. - -"No, no," he remarked emphatically. "He asked for a new tow-rope two -weeks ago, and the owner neglected to supply him with one. So it is -the owner who is the careless blighter, _n'est-ce pas?_" - -"I should think so, monsieur," agreed Alan. "Do you know who he is?" - -De la Voie laughed. - -"_Mais oui_," he replied. "_C'est moi_--I am the careless blighter." - -Hepburn coloured up and said nothing. The Frenchman eyed him -curiously for some minutes, and then slapped the lad on the shoulder. - -"There is no harm done," he exclaimed. "It is a joke. Let me explain. -I am the actual owner of the Chantier Declos, and these are my -barges. Therefore I am responsible for the damage done to your -_Olivette_, and I must needs make reparation. I have sent for my -foreman to come and make a report, and put the work in hand at once." - -"Awfully sporting of you, monsieur," said Roche. - -"It is a duty," declared Monsieur de la Voie. - -Presently the foreman arrived, and at his suggestion the _Olivette_ -was placed in a cradle and hauled up the slipway. Raoul de la Voie -received his subordinate's report and translated it for the benefit -of the crew. - -"Your yacht will require a new stem-piece, breast-hook, and seven new -planks forward," he announced. "There will also be several seams to -require caulking, and, of course, painting and varnishing. My foreman -says he hopes to complete the repairs in a week or ten days." - -The news was received with mixed feelings by the Sea Scouts. They -were delighted to know that the grim shadow of a very heavy bill had -vanished, since the genial Frenchman had willingly acknowledged his -liability. But a week or ten days! That meant a drastic curtailment -of the cruise. It would be impossible, in view of the delay, to carry -out the programme. - -"We'll have to cut out the Paris trip, lads," said Mr. Armitage. - -Poor old Tom Boldrigg looked very much down in the mouth. The -decision meant a lot to him. The opportunity of paying a visit to the -grave of his soldier son was now denied him. - -"Paris?" echoed Raoul. "Why not? Is it absolutely necessary that you -proceed by water?" - -"Yes, if we went at all," replied Mr. Armitage. "By living on board -we could manage the visit without much expense. Living at an hotel in -Paris is beyond our means. However, we are more fortunate than I -expected. We might have had to return home with empty pockets." - -"But you cannot well live on board your yacht while the repairs are -in hand," said Monsieur de la Voie. - -"I suppose that's so," agreed Mr. Armitage. "With planks out, and wet -paint about, life on board wouldn't be exactly comfortable. Perhaps -we might hire a fairly large tent and camp out somewhere away from -the town?" - -"I think it could be arranged," replied Raoul. "Since I am greatly in -your debt for saving the life of my man Pierre, and for pulling me -out of the Seine, it would be a great pleasure to me if you would be -my guests. My home is at Tourville-la-Rivière, about ten kilometres -up the Seine. There I can provide a tent, and if the weather be -unpropitious there is plenty of room in the house." - -The Scoutmaster gratefully accepted the invitation on behalf of the -lads and himself. - -"And," continued his host, "there is no reason why you should not -visit Paris. Although I cannot well afford the time to go with you, I -can arrange for my car to take you to the city, and perhaps you might -like a tour of the battle-fields." - -"Which ones, please, sir?" asked Tom Boldrigg eagerly. - -"The Aisne and the Marne," replied Monsieur de la Voie. "Why do you -inquire so?" - -"Because, sir," replied the old seaman, "I lost a lad on the Marne." - -The demonstrative Frenchman grasped Tom's hand. - -"And I lost my only brother," he said. "We were on the right of a -British division. Their dash was magnificent. Yes, I remember the -crossing of the Marne. It was there that I gained this and lost -that." - -With a quick, almost apologetic gesture, he touched the ribbon of the -Legion d'Honneur and then his arm. For the first time the Sea Scouts -saw that he had an artificial hand. - -"So now," he continued briskly, "all is practically arranged. If you -will collect what baggage you require, my car will be here at six -o'clock. Meanwhile, excuse me; there are certain business matters to -which I have to attend." - -Punctually at the hour, Monsieur de la Voie arrived in a magnificent -touring-car. He had changed his saturated clothes, and was dressed in -a suit of British cut and material. - -Behind the car came a workmanlike equipage--a Daimler with a -commercial body. Into the latter the Sea Scouts piled their kitbags -and other gear, Roche and Rayburn being told off to act as -baggage-guards. - -"A low-down trick to do us out of a ride in a top-hole car," declared -Dick, laughing. It was an enjoyable journey, but the thing that -impressed the lads most was the fact that the traffic kept to the -right-hand side of the road. They had noticed this--the Continental -rule--before, but it was the first time that they had been in a -vehicle in France. - -"If I had to ride a push-bike out here," declared Warkworth, "I'd -barge into everything, 'cause I'd simply have to keep to the left. -And don't the motors look weird with the left-hand drive?" - -The journey was over only too soon, for in less than ten minutes from -the time the car left the shipyard, Monsieur Raoul pulled up outside -a large house standing in extensive grounds that sloped towards the -river. - -"There is your tent," he said, pointing to a fairly spacious marquee -pitched on high ground about two hundred yards from the house. "I -telephoned to my steward to have it pitched at once. But first let us -have dinner." - -Somewhat awed, the Sea Scouts filed into a big, gorgeously furnished -room, where they were introduced to Madame de la Voie and Madame -Ledoux, Raoul's _belle-mère_. - -Dignified-looking men-servants handed round the various courses, the -nature of most of the dishes being utterly strange to the Sea Scouts. -But even their unfounded misgivings failed to blunt their keen -appetites. Stolidly, and almost in silence, they applied themselves -to the food, while Mr. Armitage chatted to his host and hostess. - -When at length the Sea Scouts proceeded to their shore -sleeping-quarters, they found that there was a camp-bed provided for -each of the crew, and that their kit had been stacked ready for their -use. - -"We've fallen on our feet," declared Woodleigh, as he turned in. - -"You speak for yourself, young fellah-me-lad!" rejoined Roche. "It -isn't usual to fall on your feet when you sleep. This is the proper -way--on one's side." - -Deftly Dick dived between the sheets; the camp-bed tilted sideways, -and the next instant Roche was lying on the grassy floor of the tent. - -Shrieks of laughter arose from his companions, even Mr. Armitage -joining in the mirth at the expense of the discomfited exponent of -the art of "turning in". Without a word Roche picked up his blankets -and remade the bed, then, exercising great caution, he got in again. - -"Someone must have capsized me," he soliloquized. "If it weren't for -the fact that we're not in our own quarters, I'd get my own back." - -Ten minutes later most of the lads were asleep. Roche drowsily turned -over, when to his surprise the camp-bed again deposited its occupant -upon the ground. - -This time all lights were out, and no one saw Dick's unpremeditated -tumble. Mystified, he groped for his bedding and once more turned in. - -At seven the lads were aroused by the old sea-cry of, "Show a leg and -shine!" Already the sun was pouring down upon the dew-covered canvas. -In the woods near by the birds were singing blithely. - -"Been digging yourself in, Dick?" asked Hepburn. - -"No--why?" asked Roche. - -Alan pointed to Dick's bed. The wooden trestles had sunk a good foot -into the ground. The mystery of Dick's double eviction was solved. -The camp-bed had been placed immediately above a mole's tunnel, and, -as the earth gave way, the bed had tilted sufficiently to deposit its -occupant upon the ground. - -"I thought that you had had a hand in it," declared Roche. "But -come-back-all-I-said. Who's cook? Where's the galley?" - -No one knew. The mess-traps had been brought ashore, but apparently -their host had made no provision for cooking breakfast. - -"We're in France, remember," said Mr. Armitage, "and in France we -must to a certain extent do as France does. The first meal of the -day--_petit dejeuner_ it's called--is a very light repast--usually -coffee, roll, and butter." - -"Oh, I say!" ejaculated the Tenderfoot ruefully. He had a typical -British appetite, and always went all-out for a good breakfast. "And -I'm so hungry." - -The Sea Scouts washed and dressed with special care. Somehow they -felt that they must appear "extra smart" as the guests of Monsieur -Raoul. By eight o'clock the interior of the marquee was cleaned up -and the bedding aired and folded; but no signs of a galley-fire were -forthcoming. The lads were reconciling themselves to a cold meal of -bread and tinned beef when a man-servant appeared and announced: - -"Ze breakfast: he is served in ze house, messieurs." - -Monsieur de la Voie was not one who did things by halves, for when -the Sea Scouts trooped into the house they found their host awaiting -them and the table spread with an appetizing meal consisting of -coffee, new steaming rolls, fresh butter, eggs, and a large piece of -delicious ham. - -Bidden to "tuck in", the lads obeyed with the greatest zest, to the -undisguised astonishment of the servants, to whom the sight of half a -dozen healthy young Britons devouring large quantities of food so -early in the day was a decidedly novel one. - -"What is your programme for to-day?" inquired Monsieur Raoul. "As -matters stand, the position is this: you are my guests for ten days, -but I want you to have full liberty of action. You will, of course, -want to watch the progress of the repairs, and no doubt will want to -explore the surrounding country. I assure you it has its good points. -Then, again, there are the projected visits to Paris and to the -Marne. These will take at least three days. It is for you to say when -you will go." - -Mr. Armitage warmly thanked his host. - -"The weather seems settled," he added; "perhaps it would be advisable -to take advantage of it while it is fine. So if your chauffeur could -run us into Paris----?" - -"Certainly," rejoined Monsieur de la Voie. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -Homeward Bound - - -The crew of the _Olivette_ had a splendid time in Paris, but, since -they met with no adventures and had no scouting, their visit can be -lightly passed over. - -They were two days in the French capital, and enjoyed every minute of -the time. Their programme was an ambitious one, carried out at high -pressure. So much so that the Sea Scouts were so excited and tired -upon their return to Tourville-la-Rivière that they were compelled -to "slack" for the whole of the following day. - -Then came the long-looked-for tour of the battle-fields. - -The day was warm and sultry, but the ride in the powerful car as it -rushed at high speed along the tree-bordered roads was simply -exhilarating. - -Old Tom Boldrigg, rigged out in his shore-going kit, was tightly -grasping the bundle done up in the blue handkerchief that he had -brought on board at Keyhaven. Except on the occasion when the kit was -transferred from the _Olivette_ to Tourville-la-Rivière, no one had -set eyes on the bundle until now. It rather puzzled his companions, -and certainly aroused their curiosity; but Tom offered no solution to -the mystery, and the lads refrained from questioning him about it. - -At Senlis traces of the Hunnish invaders were apparent, although much -had been done by the industrious inhabitants to rebuild their -shattered dwellings and efface the devastating traces of war. From -that town right on to Château-Thierry the countryside was fast -recovering from the effects of four and a half years' desolation. -Those of the shell-torn trees which had not been uprooted were hiding -their scars under new foliage. The gaunt expanse of crater-pitted -land was covered with ripening corn. Only in places was it possible -to follow the sinuous course of the trenches, while here and there a -system of dug-outs had been left practically intact as a reminder of -the period when that part of France was under the heel of the -Prussian invader. - -It was a soul-stirring episode for the Sea Scouts. They were shown -the spot where the British engineers built bridges, under a terrific -fire, to enable the remnants of the Old Contemptibles to cross the -Marne and deal von Kluck's army corps a staggering blow. The line of -advance of General Gallieni's army, rushed up from Paris in a motley -collection of taxi-cabs in the nick of time to stem the Prussian -advance upon the capital, was pointed out to them. - -Then to the huge cemetery, where thousands of British lads are laid -to rest, in French soil that is British by sentiment. Here the -_Olivette's_ party was met by a courteous official, who, in answer to -old Boldrigg's inquiry, led the way to a remote portion of the vast -burial-ground. - -"Perhaps, Mr. Boldrigg," suggested the Scoutmaster, "you would like -us to leave you for a few minutes." - -"No, no, sir," replied the old man. "What I'm going to do isn't -anything to be ashamed of." - -He was visibly affected, although he tried to conceal his emotion. He -had completed a pilgrimage that had been the wish of his declining -years, and which might never have been accomplished but for the -assistance of the Sea Scouts. - -Standing bareheaded, the lads saw their old friend slowly untie the -blue handkerchief from the bundle. Then he produced a small plant, -its roots carefully protected with damp moss and straw. - -"Straight from the garden at home," he said. "An' my boy was that -fond of flowers." - -"It will be watered carefully," promised the cemetery official. - -"Thank you, sir," replied old Boldrigg gratefully, and, his mission -accomplished, he turned slowly away. - - * * * * * - -On the ninth day of her compulsory detention at Rouen the _Olivette_ -renewed her acquaintance with her natural element. - -The work of repair had been performed smartly and well, and the bows -were as sound as ever. She had been given a complete coat of paint -that glistened in the bright sunshine. - -"Now, lads," began Mr. Armitage, when the crew had re-embarked and -stowed away their gear, "we have to go into matters pretty closely. -By next Saturday Stratton will have to be home if he's to keep that -appointment with the Steamship Company on Monday week. We have five -clear days to spare. What is to be the programme?" - -"Take advantage of the weather while it is fine, sir, and return by -easy stages." - -"Quite a good idea," concurred Mr. Armitage. "It often happens that, -when a cruise has to be completed by a certain time, a homeward start -is deferred until the last possible moment. Then the weather may be -boisterous, and the crew are 'in the soup'. Either they have to -overstay their time, or else they've got to make a dash for it, at -great inconvenience and possible risk." - -"After all, sir," remarked Peter, "although we haven't carried out -our programme exactly as we planned, it has been a rattling good -holiday." - -"And it's not over yet," added Hepburn. - -At two in the afternoon the _Olivette_ got under way. On the -coach-roof over the engine-room she carried a new "twelve-foot" -dinghy--a gift from Monsieur Raoul to replace the one they had lost -in collision with the barge. - -Their host came on board to wish them _bon voyage_, and, at the Sea -Scouts' invitation, he agreed to go as a passenger as far as -Caudebec. - -"I am hoping," he said, "to raise a troop of Sea Scouts at Rouen. The -only difficulty that presents itself is the time it occupies to carry -out the work properly. I quite understand that an inefficient troop, -run by a Scoutmaster who does not, or cannot, devote sufficient time, -is worse than useless. However, I am serious about it, and if the -scheme matures, then some day you might see a French yacht, manned by -French Sea Scouts, sailing into your Keyhaven." - -"If they do, sir," said Peter, "they'll be sure to meet with a hearty -welcome, although, I'm afraid, I won't be there to join in," he added -regretfully. - -With the strong current, the _Olivette_ made a quick run down to -Caudebec, anchoring under the lee of the Dos d'Ane before sunset. It -was now close upon the neap tides, and the bore was not so much in -evidence. - -"We've been done out of a little excitement," was Hepburn's comment -after the _Olivette_ had encountered the comparatively mild tidal -wave. - -"You speak for yourself, old thing," rejoined Roche. "I've still a -lump on my forehead where I bashed my head against the deck-beam as -the old boat stood on her head. In my opinion, bores are a nuisance, -whether they are of the human variety or otherwise." - -Monsieur Raoul de la Voie took his departure at Caudebec. He bade the -Sea Scouts farewell and _bon voyage_, and the lads heartily thanked -him for his kindness and hospitality. - -"He's a proper sport," commented Roche. - -"There was a time when I thought all Frenchmen wore stove-pipe hats, -pointed moustachios, and tufts of hair on their chins. Going abroad -widens one's outlook," he added sapiently. - -Two days were spent at Caudebec. There was much to be done to prepare -the _Olivette_ for her homeward voyage. Her fuel-tanks had to be -replenished, her oil-supply renewed, provisions and fresh water to be -shipped on board, and various formalities to be carried out with the -port authorities at Havre. - -"We start to-morrow, lads," announced Mr. Armitage. "The fine weather -is holding, but there are indications of a break-up in the course of -the next forty-eight hours. We can't afford to be held up here." - -"At what hour, sir?" asked Peter. - -"Seven in the morning at high-water," replied the Scoutmaster. "With -luck, we ought to be inside the Wight before sunset." - -Promptly to the minute on the following morning the anchor was -weighed, and the motor began its rhythmic purr. To save time, the -Tancarville Canal route was to be cut out in favour of the passage of -the estuary of the Seine, and, in accordance with the port -regulations, a pilot had to be employed. - -The pilot came on board just before seven o'clock. He was a short, -bow-legged, elderly man, differing very little in appearance from the -seafaring fraternity on the other side of the Channel, except that -his knowledge of English was rather meagre. - -Peter Stratton was at the helm, the pilot standing beside him. - -All went well for the first ten minutes or so, then a brigantine in -tow of a tug appeared in sight round a bend abreast of the village of -Villequier. - -"_Tribord tout!_" ordered the pilot. - -Peter, considerably astonished to receive the order, for he was aware -that "tribord" was the equivalent for "starboard", promptly -starboarded his helm. - -The little Frenchman danced with excitement. - -"_Tribord tout!_" he reiterated. - -The Patrol Leader gave the boat still more starboard helm. At that -moment the tug blew a single blast with her steam whistle. - -The pilot, abandoning his post, ran on deck gesticulating frantically -at the tug. Peter, left to his own devices, and knowing that if he -attempted to port helm now there would almost inevitably be a -disastrous collision, kept her helm hard over until the _Olivette_ -had starboarded sixteen points and her bows were pointing in exactly -the opposite direction to her former course. - -Then he ordered the motor to stop, and awaited the pilot's return. - -"P'raps he's got a pal on the tug and wants a yarn," he soliloquized. -"Wonder what he is doing now?" - -As a matter of fact the Frenchman, with tears in his eyes, was -complaining to Mr. Armitage of the wilful disobedience of the -youthful helmsman. - -"I tell him keep to dis side," he declared, "and he vit intent -deliberate 'e put ze ship across de bow of ze tug so. I protest, -Monsieur; I chuck in ze 'and so." - -The pilot folded his arms, stood with his feet well apart, and gazed -stolidly ahead. It was his pose of lofty detachment. - -Mr. Armitage made his way to the wheelhouse, where Peter, unconscious -of the enormity of his offence, was carrying on quite unconcernedly. -Fortunately the _Olivette_ was still a long way from the dangerous -sandbank-encumbered estuary, and the navigation presented no -difficulty. - -"What's the row you've had with the pilot, Peter?" inquired Mr. -Armitage. - -"Row, sir? I didn't have a row. He told me to starboard. I expected -him to tell me to port helm, but I carried out his orders. Then he -began roaring like a lunatic. If I had hesitated and ported helm, -there would have been a most awful smash." - -"There has been a mistake," admitted the Scoutmaster, "and I'm to -blame as much as anyone. I ought to have warned you '_tribord_' is -the French for 'starboard' and '_bâbord_' for port, but that's not -enough. When a Frenchman orders '_tribord_' he means that the boat's -bows are to go to starboard and not the helm. He ought to have made -allowances, for it's pretty certain that this is not the first -British vessel he's piloted. I'll get Hepburn to take the wheel for a -spell, and we'll explain to our worthy pilot." - -The Frenchman was easily mollified after explanations had been given. -With a bow he declared that "ze affaire" was over and forgotten, but -during the rest of the voyage down the estuary he took good care to -say, "Port ze helm dis vay," or, "Turn ze ship's 'ead to ze left." - -In four hours, keeping at full speed, and with a tide under her, the -_Olivette_ was clear of the estuary and pitching to the short, sharp -seas off the Grand Rade of Havre. Here the pilot was dropped, a boat -from the pilot cutter coming alongside to take him off. - -"Do not make ze tarry, monsieur," he said to Mr. Armitage. "Ze -weather it looks not nice. By dark, it blow ver' 'ard." - -"Let's hope he's wrong for once," thought the Scoutmaster. "All the -same, the glass is falling, so the sooner we get into sheltered water -the better." - -He glanced to wind'ard. The sky was of a deep blue, without a cloud -being visible. The breeze blew strongly from the south'ard. It was a -favourable wind for Old England's shores. - -He waved his hand in acknowledgment of the pilot's warning. - -"Let her rip, Flemming," he ordered. "Full speed ahead." - -It was a far different passage from the _Olivette's_ previous -crossing. Even when clear of the land, the waves were short and steep -as the weather-going tide met the breeze obliquely. In spite of the -extra ballast, the boat rolled and pitched until her foredeck was -swept by the white-crested waves, and water poured at intervals over -her quarter. But, protected by the high coaming surrounding the well, -the crew kept fairly comfortable. They had to wear oilskins to keep -themselves dry, for the spindrift was flying inboard. Every movable -article, both on deck and below, had to be lashed down, and it was -soon apparent that, until they were in smoother water, the Sea Scouts -would have to go without hot meals. - -About four o'clock the wind dropped considerably. The _Olivette_ was -now out of sight of land, and, with the exception of an old -wind-jammer running full-and-by up-Channel, not another vessel was in -sight. - -"Make some tea while you have a chance, Woodleigh," suggested Mr. -Armitage. "This lull is only temporary, I fancy." - -To the west'ard inky-coloured clouds were appearing above the -horizon. The southerly breeze was on the point of veering to the -west'ard or sou'west'ard, and when it came it would, in all -probability, come with considerable force. - -"We may get in before it comes on hard," soliloquized the -Scoutmaster. "It's no joke being caught out; but we'll have to make -the best of it." - -After a hastily snatched meal, all the crew, except Roche and -Hepburn, turned in to get a few minutes' sleep, Mr. Armitage giving -strict injunctions to report to him the moment the wind piped up -again. - -"And none of your Brightlingsea stunts, Alan," he added, referring to -an occasion when Hepburn took the _Olivette_ into port on his own -initiative. "That time you managed splendidly, but another attempt -mightn't end quite so well. If the breeze doesn't pipe up soon, turn -me out directly you sight land. You ought to see the high ground -behind Ventnor on your port bow." - -The "watch below" had quite two hours' rest before Alan noticed a -squall bearing down. At the same time he fancied that he saw land -ahead in the clearing of the mirk that preceded the rain. - -"All hands on deck," he shouted to his companions in the forepeak. -"One of you run aft and warn Mr. Armitage." - -The Scoutmaster did not wait to be called. Hearing the commotion -for'ard, he left his cabin and glanced to wind'ard. - -"We're in for it," he mused. - -Just then, Flemming, who was due to relieve Roche in the motor-room, -came up with the disconcerting news that there was a choke in the -carburetter, and could they stop the engine while he and Roche -remedied the defect? - -"Right-o," agreed Mr. Armitage. "Carry on and get it done as sharp as -you can. How long will it take, do you think?" - -"'Bout ten minutes, sir," replied the lad. - -Five minutes later the squall struck the _Olivette_ heavily. Being -without way, and unable to answer to her helm, the staunch little -craft lay broadside on in the trough of the rapidly rising sea. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -Home Waters Again - - -The _Olivette_, although she had a light mast stepped in a tabernacle -for'ard, did not carry sail, relying solely upon her excellent -engine. That the motor had stopped was in no way due to the design. -The best engine on the market will "konk out", if foreign matter -finds its way into the fuel-tank and thence through the feed-pipe to -the carburetter. - -Bracing themselves with their backs up against the tool-locker and -their feet hard up against the engine-bearers, Roche and Flemming -toiled desperately to effect a clearance in record time. In their -haste they neglected ordinary precaution, and in a sudden lurch of -the vessel the jet of the carburetter rolled into the bilges. - -Mr. Armitage, going below to see how things were progressing, found -the two engineers had taken up several of the floor-boards and were -groping in a foot of oily bilge-water to recover the small but highly -necessary article. - -"Sorry, sir, but she lurched," said Eric apologetically. "We'll find -the jet in half a tick." - -A cascade of water pouring into the open well warned the Scoutmaster -that prompt measures must be taken quickly if the _Olivette_ were to -escape being swamped as she lay broadside on. - -Assisted by Stratton, who volunteered for the hazardous task, Mr. -Armitage and the Patrol Leader crawled along the slippery, heaving -deck and laid out the sea-anchor. - -The _Olivette_, drifting rapidly to leeward, snubbed at the rope -attached to the canvas bag. There was a sharp twang. The rope, -apparently sound, had parted like packthread, and the sea-anchor was -irrecoverably lost. - -"We'll have to rig up another, Peter," shouted Mr. Armitage. "A stout -spar, a hammock, and a piece of ballast will do the trick. Be sharp. -She won't stand many of these breakers." - -A hissing, white-crested wave, pouring completely over the boat, -confirmed the Scoutmaster's words. Below, the Sea Scouts were plying -the semi-rotary pump, but their strenuous efforts failed to cope with -the steady inrush of water. Already there was a foot or more swirling -over the engine-room floor, to the detriment of the task of clearing -the choked carburetter. - -As he went below to look out the materials for the improvised -sea-anchor, Mr. Armitage was confronted by old Tom Boldrigg. - -"Try ile, sir," suggested the ex-sailor. "Ile's an excellent thing -for quietin' the waves. I'll see to that, sir, if you wish----" - -"Carry on, please," replied Mr. Armitage. "We're rigging up a -temporary sea-anchor." - -Without another word Boldrigg went about his task. His canvas kit-bag -served the purpose, and he sacrificed it to the common weal, although -it had been his companion for years of service afloat. - -Filling the water-tight bag with heavy lubricating oil, Tom secured -the mouth tightly and bent a stout line to it. Then with the -marlinespike of his knife he pricked half a dozen holes in the -canvas. - -"Belay, there, lads!" he shouted, handing the rope to some of the Sea -Scouts and heaving the bag over the side to windward. - -Although the bag offered very little resistance, the fact that the -_Olivette_ was drifting rapidly to lee'ard enabled the canvas sack to -run out to the full extent of the rope. The oil leaking through the -small holes soon began to take effect. A triangular patch of -comparatively smooth oil-covered water, with its apex at the sack and -its base far to lee'ard of the boat, had the almost instantaneous -result of keeping down the crested waves. The _Olivette_, rolling -still, was no longer in peril, for not a cupful of spray came -inboard. - -"How long will that last?" inquired Mr. Armitage. - -"Best part of an hour, sir," replied the old man. "'Sides, we can -easily pull the sack aboard again and fill up with ile." - -But in less than twenty minutes the engine was running again with her -flywheel well clear of the bilge-water. The Sea Scouts at the pump -had seen to that. - -Slowly the _Olivette_ was brought round head to wind. With strenuous -efforts the canvas bag was hauled inboard, and the order given for -full speed ahead. - -Buffeted by the waves, with spray flying in solid showers twenty feet -above the wheelhouse, the little ship resumed her dash for home. - -Another lift in the rain-laden mirk showed the Isle of Wight now two -points on the port bow. Mr. Armitage hailed the sight with -whole-hearted satisfaction. He was running for the eastern side of -the island in order to get under the lee of the land. Although it was -the longer course, it was far preferable to having the dangerous -stretch of coast between St. Catherine's and The Needles under his -lee. - -Nearer and nearer came Old England's shores. Every revolution of the -propeller was decreasing the distance between the _Olivette_ and -sheltered waters. - -At eight o'clock in the evening, Mr. Armitage went into the -wheel-house, where Woodleigh and Warkworth were doing a double trick -at the helm, for it required more than one strong lad to master the -kicking wheel. - -"I'll take on for a spell," he said. The lads regarded their -Scoutmaster curiously. Knowing the previous arrangement that Mr. -Armitage was not to take any active part in the navigation of the -ship, his decision rather puzzled them. - -"We're quite all right, sir," protested Woodleigh. - -"I'm stiff with doing nothing," rejoined Mr. Armitage. "A tussle with -the wheel will do me good." - -The youthful quartermasters stood aside, and the Scoutmaster "took -on". He knew that, before the _Olivette_ gained the sheltered waters -of Spithead, she would have to negotiate the shallow shoals of the -eastern end of the Wight, where an error of judgment would result in -disaster. He knew the approaches to Spithead by heart. There was no -occasion for him to refer to a chart. - -An hour later the _Olivette_ passed the huge concrete tower on the -Nab shoal. With a strong tide under her, she simply romped past the -Warner Lightship, and turned in the direction of the yellow-and-black -chequered Horse Sand Fort. - -"Up steaming-lights!" ordered the Scoutmaster as the sun sank, a pale -yellow orb in an indigo-coloured sky. "Cooks to the galley! We're in -sheltered water now." - -The masthead, port, and starboard lamps were lighted and displayed. -Down below, the Scouts not on duty were preparing for a belated meal. -Spithead and the Solent were familiar sights to them. In the -well-lighted cabin they sat, ate, and yarned, while Mr. Armitage and -Roche stuck to their respective tasks. - -Presently Peter came on deck. - -"I'll take on now, sir," he reported. "You must be hungry.... Why, -we're past Cowes--we're nearly home!" - -"Yes," replied Mr. Armitage. "There's Hurst Light right ahead. Take -her, Peter. I'll follow your excellent advice and get something to -eat. There won't be enough water for us over the bar, so we'll have -to put into Lymington for the night. Besides, we have to obtain our -clearance from the Customs." - -Without incident the _Olivette_ made Lymington River and brought up -on a vacant pair of moorings. Her crew slept like logs until they -were nearly thrown from their bunks by the wash of the steamship -plying between Lymington and Yarmouth. - -It was blowing very hard from the west'ard--half a gale, in fact. -Had the _Olivette_ been caught out in mid-Channel she would have had -a perilous time. She had won through by a few hours. - -"We've had a jolly time," declared Hepburn, surveying the scene, "but -give me this side of the Channel any old day of the week. Hello, it's -close on eight! I'll have to hoist the ensign." - -Alan was making his way aft, when Peter stopped him. - -"Here, you blighter!" exclaimed the Patrol Leader. "What are you up -to?" - -Hepburn explained. - -"Not the ensign-staff this time," protested Peter. - -"Why not?" demanded the mystified Alan. - -"'Cause, you would-be smuggler," replied Stratton, "we've 'come -foreign'. Ensign at the masthead, please. That's the recognized -rule." - -The Sea Scouts had not finished breakfast when a boat came alongside -with the representative of His Majesty's Excise and Customs. - -The official smiled when he boarded the _Olivette_. He knew her and -her crew well, but duty is duty all the world over. - -"Anything to declare?" he inquired. "Tobacco, tea, spirits, eau de -Cologne, lace, and what not?" - -"I have spirits," announced the irrepressible Hepburn. "High -spirits--so I'm told." - -"They are not liable to duty," rejoined the Exciseman. "Well, I may -as well have a look round." - -He was a man who did his work thoroughly. The _Olivette_ was searched -from stem to stern. Every locker was examined, the floor boards -lifted, and even the skirting tapped in case there might be -contraband hidden between the timbers. - -"Like a game of hunt the slipper," remarked Roche. - -"Aye," replied the man, "and it's my game to hunt slippery ones. I've -caught a few in my time, but they weren't Sea Scouts. I'll give you -your clearance papers, Mr. Armitage." - -The interrupted breakfast dispatched, and the plates and cups washed -up and stowed, the _Olivette_ resumed her homeward run. - -"I don't know about Alan's high spirits," remarked Peter. "Mine are -rather low. It's my last run in the old _Olivette_, I'm afraid." - -"You never know your luck," said Roche. "And you're going abroad -again, you lucky blighter. I hope I'll make as good a Patrol Leader -as you, old man." - -"Without a doubt of it, you will," declared Peter earnestly. -"Starboard.... at that.... Stand by for'ard and pick up the buoy.... -I say, there's Bruin." - -Sure enough Peter's pet and the _Olivette's_ mascot was sitting on -the edge of the quay. - -The moment the _Olivette_ picked up her moorings, Bruin took to the -water and swam off. Willing hands hauled the dog on board, where he -inconsiderately showed his delight by shaking his shaggy coat and -liberally besprinkling the crew. - -"Just to remind us," observed Peter, wiping the moisture from his -face--"just to remind us that we are in home waters again." - - - -PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN -_By Blackie & Son, Limited, Glasgow_ - - - - - [Transcriber's Notes: - - This book contains a number of misprints. - The following misprints have been corrected: - - [exclamed Dick Roche] -> - [exclaimed Dick Roche] - - [the Sea Scouts' calcucations] -> - [the Sea Scouts' calculations] - - [Warborrow Bay] -> - [Worbarrow Bay] - - [a serious of semicircles] -> - [a series of semicircles] - - [Cest moi] -> - [C'est moi] - - [The gaunt exexpanse] -> - [The gaunt expanse] - - [the astern end of] -> - [the eastern end of] - - In chapter I there is a [Alan Hepworth] mentioned - (only once). This should probably be [Alan Hepburn], - but it has not been corrected. - - In chapter IV [Warborrow Bay] is mentioned (once) but the - probable correct notation, [Worbarrow Bay], isn't - mentioned anywhere in this book. The first notation - doesn't seem to exist, the latter does. This, and the fact - that Mr. Westerman mentions [Lulworth Cove] in connection - with it, which lies very close to [Worbarrow Bay], makes - it all the more likely that [Worbarrow Bay] is the correct - notation. - - Two illustrations were missing in the paper version - used for the production of this digitised text. These were: - 'THE HIGH-PRESSURE JET CAUGHT THE TENDERFOOT FULL IN - THE FACE' and 'THE DERELICT'. They are marked with - "(missing from book)" in the Illustrations-list and - on the spot where the image should have been. - - A few cases of punctuation errors were corrected, but are - not mentioned here. - ] - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Sea Scouts Abroad, by Percy F. 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