"Nasty one that, sir," remarked Peter, with a laugh.
The Sea Scouts were now approaching familiar water. Slightly on the port bow could be discerned the lofty downs of the Isle of Wight, while right ahead the three chequered circular forts of Spithead reared themselves out of the sea like inverted buckets.
"We'll carry our tide right through to Keyhaven," observed Mr. Armitage. "It may mean a slight delay before we can get in. To-morrow will be an easy run to Poole."
Not since leaving the Downs did the Rosalie pass so many craft as she did in Spithead and the Solent. In addition to war-ships, tramps, and coasters, there were yachts by the score, from single-handed sloops to large schooners, and motor-launches dashing about in all directions, a fair percentage steered by men whose knowledge of the Rule of the Road was, to say the least, elementary.
Cowes, with its crowded Roads, was passed and left astern, and presently a tall, chimney-like shaft became visible right ahead.
"There's Hurst!" exclaimed Stratton. "I can see the lighthouse. No need to write home to-night."
Approaching the narrow entrance to Keyhaven with caution, the Rosalie crossed the bar with less than nine inches of water under keel. The Olivette, drawing a foot and a half less, had no difficulty in following, and by four o'clock in the afternoon both craft were moored in the sheltered creek, and the Sea Scouts were within a mile or so of their homes.
"We'll have tea and then general leave for all hands," said Mr. Armitage. "You fellows can sleep ashore if you want to, provided you are on board by nine to-morrow."
He glanced in the direction of the Olivette, which was swinging to the young flood at a distance of fifty yards from the Rosalie.
"By Jove!" he exclaimed, and pointed. Stratton, following the direction of the Scoutmaster's outstretched hand, also uttered an ejaculation, for swimming strongly for the Rosalie was Bruin. The Olivette's crew, down below smartening themselves up, were ignorant that the pup had leaped overboard. Bruin, seized by a sudden inspiration after the manner of members of the canine world, had quietly taken to the water in order to rejoin the yacht.