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.