"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.