"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?"