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.