Sea Scouts Abroad: Further Adventures of the "Olivette"

by Percy F. Westerman

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.