The pup appeared from the recesses of a locker. Everyone roared at Alan's expression of amazement, while Hepburn, only too glad to find that Bruin was no longer missing, joined in the laughter.
"You're one up this time, Peter," he said. "Never mind; it was jolly well worth it."
CHAPTER XX
Salvage
Punctual to a minute, the "liberty men" reassembled on the tumble-down wharf at Keyhaven on the following morning, to embark upon the last stage of their voyage. They felt like weather-beaten salts, and doubtless had regaled their parents and friends with stories of their adventures.
Already arrangements had been made for Mr. Murgatroyd's comfort during the absence of the future crew of the Olivette. Two Sea Scouts, who had been prevented from joining the rest of the troop, volunteered to remain on board Mr. Murgatroyd's craft, using the cutter as a makeshift for a dinghy. They were on duty when the Rosalie, under power, glided past the Olivette on her way to Poole, and cheers were exchanged between the crews of the two boats.
"Not much chance of using canvas today," observed Mr. Armitage, as the Rosalie entered the strong tidal race between Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight. "It blew fairly stiff last night, but now it looks like falling away to a flat calm."
"Hullo! what's that?" asked Mr. Jackson, as a booming sound trailing away to a mournful wail was heard in the distance.
"Fog siren," replied the Scoutmaster. "From the Needles Lighthouse. We ought to see the Needles distinctly from here, but we can't. That means local fog."