"Rot!" interrupted Mr. Murgatroyd. "It's a quid pro quo arrangement. I save both money and worry by it. Say the word, and she's ready for you when you've handed over the Rosalie."
"Well, boys," said the Scoutmaster, "shall we accept Mr. Murgatroyd's offer, and signify our appreciation in the usual manner?"
The Rosalie's cabin resounded to three lusty cheers. Mr. Murgatroyd, beaming with delight, protested unavailingly against the display of boyish exuberance.
"That's settled, then," he said. "In future the Olivette is the Milford Sea Scouts' craft."
Towards evening the rain ceased and the wind decreased considerably, flying off the land. With a rising barometer in conjunction with a rising thermometer, there were indications that the weather was improving, and that the Rosalie's enforced detention at Littlehampton was merely a matter of a few more hours.
"Jolly good thing we are weatherbound," declared Flemming. "We've struck good luck here. Fancy having the use of the Olivette. Sounds too good to be true. Pinch me, Peter, to see if I'm awake. O—oh! Not so hard, you silly owl!"
CHAPTER XIX
The Patrol-leader Scores
Sunday dawned fair and bright, with a steady off-shore wind. Three days remained before the time stipulated for the handing over of the Rosalie at Poole expired, and, given reasonable weather, there was no reason why the contract should not be carried out.