Neither Hepburn, Roche, nor Warkworth could say definitely. Mr. Murgatroyd, when appealed to, replied that he had a hazy idea that he'd noticed Bruin on deck while they were mooring.
"It's no use stopping here and hanging on to the slack," declared Stratton severely. "If the dog's lost, arguing about it won't find him. We'll get back to the Rosalie."
Alan Hepburn looked at the Patrol-leader in astonishment. He could not understand why Peter had taken the news so cold-bloodedly, not even attempting to join in the search.
Rather dejectedly the three Sea Scouts forming the temporary crew of the Olivette boarded the Rosalie.
"Tea's ready," announced Mr. Armitage briskly. "All hands below."
The two Scoutmasters, Mr. Murgatroyd, and the Sea Scouts, with the exception of Peter, seated themselves at the table. The Patrol-leader waited until Mr. Armitage had passed the tea-cups round, and then gravely set a dish with a metal cover in front of Hepburn.
"Make yourself useful, Alan," he said. "Serve that out."
Obediently the unsuspecting lad removed the cover. On the dish was a golliwog made of rope-yarn and canvas, with a red bunting tongue and buttons for its eyes.
"What's the joke?" asked the now astonished Alan.
"You sent me a signal, I think," replied Peter calmly. "It concerned Bruin and a golliwog. Bruin has chosen us, so the golliwog goes to you. Here, Bruin, good lad."