Sea Scouts All: How the "Olivette" was won

by Percy F. Westerman

"Where's your dope can?" he asked.

"Here, sir," replied Woodleigh, handing him a metal tin with a spout. "We've primed all the cylinders half a dozen times at least."

Mr. Armitage poured a few drops of petrol into the palm of his hand.

"That's the trouble," he declared. "Bad petrol; little better than paraffin. Besides there's water in it. The stuff won't evaporate."

He went ashore to see the owner of the yard, to return presently with a can of petrol.

"Try that, Roche," he said. "That ought to do the trick. I'll bear a hand."

With the united efforts of Mr. Armitage and the three Sea Scouts the motor fired. Flemming looked with glee at his companions.

"She's buzzing!" he shouted to make himself heard above the roar of the engine. "What shall we be able to knock out of her, sir? Eighteen knots?"

The Scoutmaster shook his head.

"She's good for nine, I believe," he replied, "but if we were to do that there'd be trouble with the Conservancy Authorities. She's warm enough now, Roche; change over to paraffin."